These crunchy nacho cups are a fun twist on traditional nachos! They are made with crispy tortilla cups filled with tasty toppings like cheese, beans, and your favorite veggies.
Perfect for parties or movie nights, everyone can grab their own little cup! I love how easy they are to make, and I always add extra cheese—because, why not? 🧀
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Corn Tortilla Chips: You want small pieces that can hold the filling. If you can’t find them, use wonton wrappers. Just bake them in a muffin tin to form cups. They won’t taste the same but still delicious!
Ground Beef: For a lighter option, try ground turkey or chicken. You could even use black beans or lentils for a vegetarian twist. Add extra spices to enhance the flavor!
Taco Seasoning: You can make your own with chili powder, cumin, garlic powder, and paprika if you don’t have a packet. It’s easy and lets you control the spice level. I prefer homemade for richer flavor.
Cheddar Cheese: While sharp cheddar works great, feel free to experiment with Monterey Jack or pepper jack for a kick. They melt beautifully and enhance the flavor!
How Do You Make Sure Your Tortilla Cups Stay Crunchy?
To achieve crunchy tortilla cups, make sure to bake them properly. Here’s how to do it:
- Use a mini muffin tin to shape your tortilla pieces. This helps them hold their shape.
- Don’t skip the baking! Baking at 375°F for 8-10 minutes makes them crispy. Watch closely so they don’t burn.
- Let them cool slightly before filling. This ensures they stay crunchy even when topped with moist ingredients.
With these steps, your nacho cups will be crispy and ready to impress. Enjoy with friends and family!
Crunchy Nacho Cups
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Cups:
- 12 small corn tortilla chips or taco shell pieces
For the Filling:
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 packet taco seasoning mix (about 1 oz)
- 1/4 cup water
- 1 can (15 oz) black beans, drained and rinsed
For the Toppings:
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese, divided
- 1 cup diced tomatoes (fresh or canned, drained)
- 1/4 cup diced red onion
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro
- 1/4 cup sliced jalapeños (optional)
- Sour cream, for serving
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 15 minutes of preparation time and an additional 15 minutes of bake time. In about 30 minutes, you’ll have delicious crunchy nacho cups ready to enjoy!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat the Oven:
Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). Getting it warm will help bake your tortilla cups perfectly crispy!
2. Shape the Tortilla Cups:
Take your small corn tortilla chips or taco shell pieces and press them into the cups of a mini muffin tin. This forms cute little cups that you will fill later.
3. Bake the Tortilla Cups:
Pop the muffin tin in the oven and bake the tortilla cups for about 8-10 minutes. Watch for them to become golden and crispy. Once done, take them out and set them aside. Be careful; they’ll be hot!
4. Cook the Ground Beef:
In a large skillet, heat up some oil over medium heat and add in the ground beef. Cook it until it’s browned, breaking it apart with a spatula as it cooks. This might take about 5-7 minutes.
5. Season the Beef:
After browning the beef, drain any extra fat from the skillet. Then, add the taco seasoning mixture and the water. Stir well to combine everything, and let it simmer for about 5 minutes until the mixture thickens.
6. Add Black Beans:
Mix in the drained black beans and let everything heat through for a couple of minutes. This adds extra flavor and texture to your filling!
7. Fill the Cups:
Carefully spoon the beef and bean mixture into each baked tortilla cup, filling them generously. Don’t be shy; pack them in!
8. Top with Goodies:
Now it’s time for the toppings! Add a small spoonful of diced tomatoes on top of each cup, followed by some diced red onion, cilantro, and sliced jalapeños (if you like a bit of heat). Lastly, sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese over the tops.
9. Bake Again:
Return the filled cups to the oven and bake for an additional 5 minutes. Keep an eye on them until the cheese is melted and bubbly—it will smell amazing!
10. Serve and Enjoy:
Take the nacho cups out of the oven and let them cool slightly. Serve them warm with sour cream on the side for dipping. Enjoy your crispy, delicious nacho cups!
Dig in and have fun with this tasty treat! 🎉
Can I Use Tortilla Chips Instead of Taco Shell Pieces?
Absolutely! If you have tortilla chips on hand, they work great. Just make sure to arrange them carefully in the mini muffin tin to form cup shapes. You might want to use smaller chips to ensure they fit well!
How Do I Make These Nacho Cups Vegetarian?
For a vegetarian version, simply replace the ground beef with black beans, lentils, or sautéed vegetables like bell peppers and mushrooms. Add extra spices for flavor and keep everything else the same.
Can I Make the Filling in Advance?
Yes, you can cook the beef and bean filling ahead of time! Store it in the fridge for up to 3 days. When you’re ready to assemble, simply reheat it before filling the tortilla cups and baking!
How Should I Store Leftover Nacho Cups?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. To reheat, place them in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10 minutes to crisp them up again. Enjoy your leftovers!
