Crunchy Nacho Cups are fun little bites filled with cheesy goodness! They’re made with crispy tortilla cups filled with beans, cheese, and your favorite toppings.
These nacho cups are perfect for parties or movie nights! I love to load mine with extra jalapeños—because why not kick it up a notch? 🎉
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Corn Tortillas: Small corn tortillas are perfect for making cups. If you can’t find them, flour tortillas can work, but they won’t be as crispy. I also like to use small taco shells sometimes for extra crunch!
Ground Beef: You can substitute ground turkey or even a plant-based meat for a lighter option. I prefer using beef for its classic flavor, but don’t hesitate to experiment with what you enjoy best!
Taco Seasoning: If you don’t have a seasoning packet, you can easily make your own with chili powder, cumin, garlic powder, and onion powder. I like to add a pinch of cayenne for a little kick!
Cheese: Cheddar and Monterey Jack are great combos, but feel free to use queso fresco or pepper jack for more flavor. I sometimes mix in a little cream cheese for creaminess, too!
Tomatoes: Fresh diced tomatoes add brightness, but you can also use salsa or pico de gallo. I enjoy using cherry tomatoes for their sweetness!
How Can I Perfectly Shape My Tortilla Cups?
Shaping tortilla cups can be a bit tricky, but here’s how you can get them just right:
- Use a muffin tin to create the cup shape. Press the tortilla gently into each muffin mold to avoid tearing.
- For added stability, brush or spray both sides of the tortilla with oil before baking. This helps them crisp up and hold their shape!
- Don’t forget to bake them until golden brown. This will ensure they stay crunchy after filling!
With a little care in shaping and baking, your nacho cups will turn out deliciously crunchy!
How to Make Crunchy Nacho Cups
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Cups:
- 12 small corn tortillas (about 6-inch)
- Cooking spray or oil for brushing tortillas
For the Filling:
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 packet taco seasoning mix (or homemade seasoning)
- 1/2 cup water
For the Toppings:
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese (or Mexican blend)
- 1 cup shredded Monterey Jack cheese (optional for extra cheesiness)
- 1/2 cup diced tomatoes
- 1/2 cup sour cream
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro
- Salt to taste
- Optional toppings: diced jalapeños, sliced black olives, diced onions, guacamole
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe should take about 30-35 minutes total: around 15 minutes for prep and 15-20 minutes for baking and cooking. You’ll mix the ingredients and bake your cups while the filling cooks up—it’s quick and easy!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat the Oven:
Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). While it’s heating up, you can prepare the tortillas!
2. Prepare the Tortilla Cups:
Lightly spray or brush both sides of the corn tortillas with cooking oil for extra crunch. Cut each tortilla into quarters or sixths, depending on how big you want your cups to be. Press each piece gently into the cups of a muffin tin to shape them into cups.
3. Bake the Tortilla Cups:
Place the muffin tin in the oven and bake for about 8-10 minutes, or until the cups are golden brown and crispy. Keep an eye on them, and once done, remove them from the oven and let them cool slightly.
4. Cook the Beef Filling:
While the tortilla cups are baking, heat a skillet over medium heat. Add the ground beef, breaking it up as it cooks. Cook until the beef is fully browned. Don’t forget to drain any excess fat to keep it nice and lean.
5. Season the Beef:
After draining, stir in the taco seasoning and water. Let everything simmer for about 5 minutes until the mixture thickens and coats the beef nicely. Taste and add salt if you like!
6. Fill the Tortilla Cups:
Grab the baked tortilla cups and spoon the seasoned beef evenly into each cup, making sure you don’t overfill them.
7. Add Cheese:
Sprinkle a generous amount of shredded cheddar and Monterey Jack cheese over the beef in each cup. Yum!
8. Bake Again:
Put the filled cups back into the oven and bake for another 5-7 minutes until the cheese is melted and bubbling.
9. Top with Sour Cream:
Once baked, take the nacho cups out of the oven and add a lovely dollop of sour cream on top of each cup to make them even tastier.
10. Garnish and Serve:
Finish with diced tomatoes and chopped cilantro for a fresh touch. If you want more flavor, add optional toppings like jalapeños, black olives, onions, or guacamole. Serve immediately and enjoy your crunchy, cheesy nacho cups!
These Crunchy Nacho Cups are fantastic for gatherings or as a fun snack for yourself. They pack a fiesta of flavors in every bite! 🎉
Can I Use Store-Bought Tortilla Chips Instead of Tortillas?
Yes, you can! If you’re in a hurry, use store-bought tortilla chips and simply layer the beef and toppings over them. Just keep in mind that the texture will be different, as they won’t have the same crispy, cup-like shape.
Can I Make These Nacho Cups Vegetarian?
Absolutely! Substitute the ground beef with cooked black beans, lentils, or even a meat substitute like crumbled tofu or tempeh. Just add some taco seasoning to keep the flavors intact!
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 10-15 minutes, or until they’re warmed through and crispy again.
Can I Prepare These Ahead of Time?
Definitely! You can make the tortilla cups and beef filling ahead of time. Assemble the nacho cups just before baking for the freshest taste!
