Crunchy nacho cups are a fun and tasty snack! They’re made with crispy tortilla chips, filled with yummy cheese, and topped with your favorite toppings like salsa or guacamole. Perfect for sharing!
These little cups are a hit at parties. I love how everyone can make their own, adding just the right amount of toppings. Plus, they disappear fast—like magic! 🪄✨
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Tortillas: Flour or corn tortillas work wonderfully. If you can’t find small ones, you can cut larger tortillas into quarters. For a healthier option, try using whole wheat or gluten-free tortillas.
Ground Beef: Lean ground beef is great, but you can swap it for ground turkey, chicken, or even plant-based meat alternatives. This makes the dish lighter or vegetarian-friendly.
Taco Seasoning: If you don’t have taco seasoning, you can make your own using chili powder, cumin, garlic powder, and paprika. This way, you can control the spice level.
Cheese: Cheddar cheese is classic, but feel free to mix in Monterey Jack or pepper jack for some extra flavor. Vegan cheese is also a great substitute!
Sour Cream: Greek yogurt works well as a substitute for sour cream. It’s healthy and gives a nice tang. You can also use guacamole for a creamier topping.
How Do You Create the Perfect Tortilla Cup?
Making crisp tortilla cups is super easy and fun. Just remember to press the tortillas firmly into the muffin tin so they hold their shape. Here’s how to get it right:
- Cut each tortilla into quarters. This allows them to fit better in the muffin tin.
- Lightly grease the muffin tin to help with easy removal later. Use cooking spray or a brush of oil.
- Overlap the tortilla pieces to create sturdy walls. This method helps them bake evenly and hold the filling well.
- Bake until golden brown. Keep an eye on them to prevent burning. They should be crunchy but not too hard.
With these tips, your nacho cups will turn out perfectly crispy and delicious every time!
Crunchy Nacho Cups
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 12 small flour or corn tortillas (6-inch size)
- 1 lb (450 g) ground beef
- 1 packet taco seasoning mix (about 1 oz)
- 1/2 cup water
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese (or Mexican blend cheese)
- 1/2 cup diced tomatoes
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro
- 1/2 cup sour cream (for topping)
- Cooking spray or oil for greasing
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 15 minutes for preparation and 25 minutes for baking, so you’ll have delicious crunchy nacho cups ready in about 40 minutes total. Perfect for parties or a fun family snack!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat the Oven:
First, turn your oven on to 375°F (190°C) so it’s hot and ready. While the oven heats, lightly grease a 12-cup muffin tin with cooking spray or a little oil to prevent sticking.
2. Shape the Tortilla Cups:
Take each tortilla and cut it into quarters. Now, press 3 quarters into each muffin cup, overlapping them to make a cup shape. Make sure that the edges go up the sides to hold in all your delicious filling!
3. Bake the Tortilla Cups:
Place the muffin tin in the oven and bake for about 8-10 minutes. Keep an eye on them until they turn golden brown and nice and crunchy. When they’re done, carefully remove them from the oven and set aside to cool a bit.
4. Prepare the Beef Filling:
While the tortilla cups are baking, grab a skillet and heat it over medium heat. Add the ground beef and cook, breaking it up with a spatula, until it’s all browned and ready. Drain any excess fat from the pan.
5. Add Taco Seasoning:
Next, sprinkle in the taco seasoning and pour in the water. Stir everything together and let it simmer for about 5 minutes until the mixture thickens up nicely.
6. Fill the Tortilla Cups:
Now it’s time for the fun part! Spoon the delicious seasoned beef into each baked tortilla cup, filling them up nicely.
7. Top with Cheese:
Sprinkle a generous amount of shredded cheese over the beef in each cup. Cheese makes everything better, right?
8. Bake Again:
Pop the filled cups back into the oven for another 5-7 minutes until the cheese is melted and bubbly. Yum!
9. Final Touches:
Once done, take the muffin tin out of the oven and let them cool for just a couple of minutes. This makes it easier to handle.
10. Add Toppings:
Top each nacho cup with diced tomatoes and a dollop of sour cream. Sprinkle some fresh chopped cilantro on top for extra flavor!
11. Serve and Enjoy:
Now, it’s time to serve your crunchy nacho cups! Enjoy these tasty bites right away while they’re warm. They’re perfect for sharing at parties or enjoying during a fun movie night!
These nacho cups are not only delicious but also super easy to customize with your favorite toppings. Have fun with them!
Can I Use Tortilla Chips Instead of Tortillas?
Yes, you can use tortilla chips as a base instead of tortillas! However, keep in mind that tortilla chips won’t hold their shape like the cups. Consider using them in a baking dish rather than a muffin tin for a layered dip style.
How Can I Make These Nacho Cups Vegetarian?
To make these nacho cups vegetarian, simply replace the ground beef with a mix of black beans, refried beans, or sautéed vegetables like bell peppers and mushrooms. Add your favorite taco seasonings to keep the flavor profile intact!
What Other Toppings Can I Use?
Feel free to customize your toppings! You can add sliced jalapeños, avocado, black olives, or even different cheeses. Let your creativity flow!
Can I Prepare the Filling in Advance?
Absolutely! You can prepare the beef filling a day ahead and store it in the fridge. Just reheat it before filling the tortilla cups for a quick and easy assembly.