Crunchy nacho cups are tasty little treats that pack a punch! They’re made with crispy tortilla chips filled with cheese, beans, and all your favorite toppings!
These cups are perfect for parties or movie nights. I love how easy they are to make—just layer, bake, and enjoy. Plus, who can resist that cheese pull? 😋
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Tortillas: For the best cup shape, use small flour or corn tortillas. Can’t find them? Use larger ones, just cut them down or fold them. Alternatively, you can make cups with tortilla chips if you want a true crunch.
Ground Beef or Turkey: I usually go with ground beef for flavor, but ground turkey is a lighter option. For a veggie twist, try black beans or lentils instead. They can fill your cups tasty and healthy!
Taco Seasoning: A packet is super convenient, but you can make your own mix with chili powder, cumin, garlic powder, and paprika if you prefer. It’s fun to customize the spice level to your taste.
Cheese: Sharp cheddar and Monterey Jack work wonderfully together. If you want something different, try pepper jack for a kick, or any melty cheese you enjoy, like Gouda or even vegan cheese!
What’s the Best Way to Form Crispy Tortilla Cups?
Creating crispy tortilla cups is key to this dish! Use a muffin tin to shape and bake your tortillas. Here’s how:
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Cut each tortilla into 4 wedges and shape them in a muffin tin.
- Don’t forget to spray the tortillas with oil for that extra crunch, as this helps them crisp nicely without getting too hard!
- Bake until golden and crispy (about 8-10 minutes). Keep an eye on them to prevent burning!
With these tips and techniques, you’ll have perfect nacho cups ready in no time!
How to Make Crunchy Nacho Cups
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Cups:
- 12 small flour or corn tortillas
- Cooking oil spray (such as avocado or vegetable oil)
For the Filling:
- 1 lb ground beef or ground turkey
- 1 packet taco seasoning mix (about 1 oz)
For the Toppings:
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 cup shredded Monterey Jack cheese (or Mexican blend)
- 1 cup diced tomatoes (for topping)
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro (for garnish)
- 1/2 cup sour cream (optional, for serving)
- 1/2 cup diced green onions or sliced jalapeños (optional, for topping)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious Crunchy Nacho Cups recipe takes about 30 minutes in total. You’ll need about 10 minutes for prep and about 20 minutes for cooking. Quick, easy, and perfect for any gathering!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preparing the Oven and Muffin Tin:
Begin by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). While the oven heats, lightly spray a 12-cup muffin tin with cooking oil spray to ensure the tortilla cups don’t stick.
2. Shaping the Tortilla Cups:
Next, take each tortilla and cut it into 4 equal triangles. Then, gently press 4 tortilla triangles into each muffin cup to form a cup shape, making sure the points are sticking up. Lightly spray the tortilla cups again with cooking oil spray to help them crisp up while baking.
3. Baking the Tortilla Cups:
Place the muffin tin in the oven and bake the tortilla cups for about 8-10 minutes, or until they are golden and crispy. Once they’re ready, carefully remove them from the oven and set them aside to cool.
4. Cooking the Filling:
While the tortilla cups are baking, heat a skillet over medium heat. Add the ground beef (or turkey), and cook until it’s browned, breaking it apart as it cooks. Once browned, drain the excess grease and then stir in the taco seasoning according to the package instructions—usually adding some water and simmering until thickened. Once done, remove the skillet from heat.
5. Assembling the Nacho Cups:
Take the baked tortilla cups and spoon a small amount of the seasoned meat mixture into each cup, followed by a sprinkle of both cheddar and Monterey Jack cheese on top of the meat. Make sure to distribute the cheese evenly across all cups!
6. Melting the Cheese:
Put the filled cups back in the oven and bake for another 5 minutes, or until the cheese melts and bubbles—this is where the magic happens!
7. Adding the Toppings:
Once the cheese is melted, remove the nacho cups from the oven and allow them to cool slightly. Now, top each nacho cup with diced tomatoes, chopped cilantro, and optional green onions or jalapeños for a fresh kick!
8. Serving:
Serve your Crunchy Nacho Cups immediately with a side of sour cream, if desired. Enjoy the delicious bites with friends and family!
Happy snacking!
Can I Use Different Types of Meat?
Absolutely! While ground beef or turkey are popular choices, you can also use ground chicken, pork, or even a vegetarian option like black beans or lentils for a delicious twist.
How Do I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftover nacho cups in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, place them in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until warmed through, or use a microwave for a quicker option.
Can I Make the Cups Ahead of Time?
Yes, you can prepare the tortilla cups in advance! Bake and cool them, then store in an airtight container for up to 2 days before adding the filling and baking them again. Just reheat them slightly to ensure they’re crispy before filling.
What Can I Use Instead of Tortillas?
If you don’t have tortillas, you can use tortilla chips instead. Just create nacho stacks with the chips in a baking dish and layer the meat and cheese on top for a different presentation!