Crunchy nacho cups are a fun and tasty snack! Think of crispy tortilla cups filled with cheese, beans, and tasty toppings just waiting for you to dive in!
These little bites are perfect for parties or movie nights. I love how easy it is to customize them with my favorite toppings—everyone can enjoy their own tasty creation!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Tortilla Chips: Use scoop-shaped chips for easy filling! If you can’t find them, any sturdy tortilla chips work well. Consider making your own from corn tortillas – cut them into triangles, toss in oil, and bake until crispy!
Ground Beef: While I like ground beef for its rich flavor, ground turkey or chicken is a healthier alternative. You can also use crumbled tofu or tempeh for a vegetarian option.
Taco Seasoning: Store-bought mixes are convenient, but homemade seasoning can be adjusted to your taste. Combine chili powder, cumin, garlic powder, and onion powder for a simple mix!
Cheddar Cheese: I love sharp cheddar for its strong flavor. If you’re looking for alternatives, try Monterey Jack or pepper jack for a spicy kick. Dairy-free cheese works well too!
Sour Cream: Greek yogurt is a great substitute for sour cream, adding creaminess and protein. You can also use avocado cream blended with a little lime juice for a unique twist!
How Do You Create the Perfect Tortilla Cups?
Making the perfect tortilla cups is key to this recipe! Start by gently crushing the chips without breaking them into crumbs. This way, they’ll hold their shape when baked.
- Use a standard muffin tin for shaping cups. Lightly coat it with cooking spray to prevent sticking.
- Press the chips into the muffin holes, ensuring they form a solid base and sides. Don’t worry if they aren’t perfect – they’ll hold together when baked!
- Fill them with your seasoned meat and beans, but don’t overstuff; you want room for toppings!
Following these steps will give you perfectly crunchy and delicious nacho cups every time!
Crunchy Nacho Cups
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Cups:
- 1 bag (9 oz) tortilla chips (preferably scoops or broken large ones)
For the Filling:
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 packet taco seasoning mix (or homemade)
- 1 cup black beans, drained and rinsed
For Toppings:
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/2 cup diced tomatoes
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro or parsley
- 1/2 cup sour cream
- Optional: jalapeños, diced onions, sliced olives, or avocado for topping
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 15 minutes to prepare and about 10 minutes to bake. In total, you’ll need around 25 minutes to whip up these crunchy nacho cups!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat the Oven:
Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C) so it’s nice and hot for your nacho cups!
2. Cook the Ground Beef:
In a skillet over medium heat, add the ground beef and cook until it’s fully browned. Use a spoon to break it up as it cooks. Once it’s browned, drain any excess fat from the skillet.
3. Season the Beef:
Add the taco seasoning mix and 1/4 cup of water to the cooked beef. Stir it all together and let it simmer for about 5 minutes until thickened. Once thickened, remove from heat.
4. Prepare the Tortilla Cups:
Take your tortilla chips and gently crush them if needed, so they can fit into the cups of a standard muffin tin. You want to create a little crispy cup without holes. Carefully place a few chips in each muffin cup to form a sturdy base and sides.
5. Fill the Cups:
Now it’s time to spoon some of the seasoned beef into each cup. Don’t overfill! Next, add a few black beans on top of the beef.
6. Add Cheese:
Sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese evenly over the meat and bean mixture. Yum!
7. Bake:
Place the muffin tin in the preheated oven and bake for about 8-10 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and the tortilla cups are crispy.
8. Cool and Top:
Once they’re done baking, carefully remove them from the oven and let them cool slightly. Then, top each cup with a dollop of sour cream, some diced tomatoes, and a sprinkle of fresh cilantro or parsley. You can also add any of the optional toppings you like!
9. Serve and Enjoy:
Serve your crunchy nacho cups warm. They’re perfect for sharing with friends or enjoying as a tasty snack!
This recipe yields about 12 crispy, flavorful nacho cups that you and your guests will love! Enjoy every bite!
Can I Use Different Types of Meat in This Recipe?
Absolutely! Ground turkey, chicken, or even shredded pulled pork are great alternatives. For a vegetarian version, consider using crumbled tofu, tempeh, or cooked lentils instead of meat!
How Can I Make These Nacho Cups Spicy?
If you like it spicy, add diced jalapeños or diced green chilies to the beef mixture. You can also use spicy taco seasoning or top the nacho cups with sliced fresh jalapeños or a dash of hot sauce before serving!
Can I Prepare These Ahead of Time?
Yes! You can prepare the beef filling and assemble the cups in advance. Just store them in the fridge for up to a day. When you’re ready to serve, bake them for about 10-12 minutes until heated through and crispy!
What’s the Best Way to Store Leftovers?
Store any leftover nacho cups in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. To reheat, place them in a 350°F (175°C) oven for about 10 minutes to crisp them up again.
