Crunchy Nacho Cups are bite-sized delights that pack a tasty punch! Made with crispy tortilla chips and filled with cheese, beans, and your favorite toppings, they are super fun to eat.
These little cups are perfect for parties or movie nights. I love adding some spicy salsa on top—I mean, who doesn’t love a bit of zing with their snack? 🎉
Making these is a breeze! You just layer your ingredients, bake until golden, and enjoy. Trust me, they disappear fast, so consider making a double batch! 😉
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Tortilla Chips: Small or medium tortilla chips are great for forming cups. You can also use small tortilla rounds. They’ll provide a sturdy base, but you could swap them with pita chips or baked wonton wrappers if needed.
Ground Meat: Ground beef gives a nice flavor, but ground turkey or chicken can be leaner alternatives. If you’re vegetarian or vegan, try black beans or lentils for a protein-packed filling!
Onion and Garlic: A small onion adds depth to the flavor. You might substitute with shallots for a milder taste or use onion powder in a pinch. Garlic powder can work if fresh garlic isn’t available.
Cheese: Cheddar or Mexican blend cheese melts perfectly. If you want something different, consider pepper jack for a spicy twist. Dairy-free cheese is great for a vegan option!
Beans: Refried or black beans add creaminess. You can skip them if you prefer a meatier cup or use mashed avocado for a different texture without losing the richness.
How Do I Form the Perfect Nacho Cups?
Forming the cups may seem tricky, but with a little technique, you’ll get it right! Here’s how:
- Use a mini muffin tin for best results. It creates the perfect shape for each cup.
- Gently press 3-4 tortilla chips into each cup, overlapping slightly, to create a strong base.
- Make sure the chips reach up the sides of the cups for a sturdy structure that holds the filling.
Once shaped, you’ll find that baking them makes them even crispier. Enjoy crafting these delicious bites!
Crunchy Nacho Cups
Ingredients You’ll Need:
Base Ingredients:
- 1 bag of small or medium tortilla chips (or use small tortilla rounds)
- 1 lb (450g) ground beef (or ground turkey)
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 packet taco seasoning mix (about 1 oz) or homemade taco seasoning
- 3/4 cup water
Filling and Toppings:
- 1 cup shredded cheddar or Mexican blend cheese
- 1/2 cup refried beans or black beans, optional
- 1/2 cup diced tomatoes (fresh or canned)
- 1/4 cup chopped cilantro
- 1/4 cup sour cream or Greek yogurt
- Optional toppings: sliced jalapeños, sliced black olives, guacamole, salsa
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 15 minutes of prep time and around 10-12 minutes to bake. Overall, you’re looking at roughly 30 minutes from start to finish, making these snack cups quick and easy to whip up for gatherings or family fun!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat the Oven:
Begin by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). This way, it’s hot and ready to give your nacho cups a crispy finish!
2. Cook the Meat Mixture:
In a skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef (or turkey) with the chopped onion and minced garlic until the meat is browned and the onion is soft, about 5-7 minutes. Don’t forget to drain any excess fat for a cleaner flavor!
3. Add Seasoning:
Mix in the taco seasoning and water. Let it simmer for a few minutes until the sauce thickens and perfectly coats the meat. Once it’s done, remove it from heat.
4. Prepare the Beans:
If you’re adding refried or black beans, warm them slightly in a microwave or on the stovetop. You can mix them into the seasoned meat or keep them separate for those who might not want beans.
5. Form the Tortilla Cups:
Grab a mini muffin tin (or a standard muffin tin) and gently press 3-4 tortilla chips into each cup to form a “cup” shape. Make sure the chips overlap a bit to create a sturdy shell.
6. Layer the Ingredients:
Spoon a small amount of beans into the bottom of each tortilla cup if using. Then, add a generous spoonful of the seasoned meat mixture followed by a sprinkle of shredded cheese on top of the meat.
7. Bake the Cups:
Place the muffin tin in your preheated oven and bake for about 8-10 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and the tortilla cups are golden and crispy. The smell will be amazing!
8. Cool and Top:
After baking, remove the pan from the oven and let the nacho cups cool for a few minutes. Then, top each cup with a dollop of sour cream, diced tomatoes, and chopped cilantro. Feel free to get creative with additional toppings like jalapeños, olives, guacamole, or salsa!
9. Serve and Enjoy:
Your crunchy nacho cups are ready to be served! Enjoy them warm as a delicious appetizer or snack, and watch them disappear in no time!
These crunchy nacho cups are sure to be a hit at your next gathering, making them perfect for parties or fun family movie nights!
Can I Use Tortilla Chips That Are Not Small or Medium?
Absolutely! If you don’t have small or medium chips on hand, you can use larger tortilla chips. Simply break them into pieces and use them to form cups or layer them atop the filled cups for added crunch!
How Can I Make This Recipe Vegetarian?
To make these nacho cups vegetarian, simply substitute the ground beef with cooked lentils, black beans, or even a meat substitute like Beyond Meat. The beans will add richness and protein while keeping the flavors delicious!
What’s the Best Way to Store Leftover Nacho Cups?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. To reheat, place them in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 5-8 minutes until warmed through. This will help maintain their crunchiness!
Can I Prepare the Ingredients Ahead of Time?
Definitely! You can prepare the meat mixture and chop all the vegetables in advance. Just store everything in separate containers in the fridge. When you’re ready to serve, assemble the nacho cups and bake them fresh!