Crunchy Nacho Cups are a fun and tasty snack! With crispy tortilla cups filled with cheese, beans, and your favorite toppings, these little bites pack a big flavor.
They’re perfect for parties, movie nights, or just a yummy treat! I love loading mine with guacamole and salsa—who doesn’t love a little extra on their nachos? 😄
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Wonton Wrappers: These create the crunchy cups. If you can’t find them, small tortilla wraps work great too! You can also use mini phyllo dough cups as a fun alternative.
Ground Beef or Turkey: I prefer ground turkey for a healthier option. However, you can use plant-based ground meat or even beans for a vegetarian version.
Taco Seasoning: Store-bought taco seasoning is super convenient. If you want to make it homemade, combine chili powder, cumin, garlic powder, and paprika for a tasty mix.
Cheddar Cheese: While I love using sharp cheddar for its flavor, feel free to try pepper jack for some heat or a blend of Mexican cheeses for variety!
How Do I Achieve Perfectly Crispy Wonton Cups?
The key to crunchy wonton cups is baking them just right. Follow these steps for the best results:
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) to ensure even baking.
- Lightly grease the muffin tin with oil or cooking spray. This helps them release easily once cooked.
- Press the wonton wrappers firmly into the muffin cups, making sure they form a nice shape.
- Bake for about 6-8 minutes until crisp and golden. Keep an eye on them to avoid burning!
Crunchy Nacho Cups
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Cups:
- 12 small wonton wrappers or small tortilla wraps
- 1 tablespoon olive oil or cooking spray
For the Filling:
- 1/2 pound ground beef or turkey
- 1/2 cup black beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 packet (1 oz) taco seasoning mix
- 1/4 cup water
For Toppings:
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese (divided)
- 1/2 cup diced tomatoes
- 1/4 cup chopped green onions or scallions
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro
- Sour cream, for topping (optional)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delightful recipe takes about 30 minutes total: 10 minutes of prep time and 20 minutes of cooking. It’s quick enough for a weeknight snack and fun enough for parties!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preparing the Oven and Muffin Tin:
Begin by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). While it’s warming up, lightly grease a 12-cup muffin tin with olive oil or cooking spray to ensure your cups don’t stick.
2. Shaping the Cups:
Take each wonton wrapper and press it firmly into each muffin cup. You want to create a little cup that will hold your delicious filling. This step is key for getting those perfectly shaped nacho cups!
3. Baking the Wonton Cups:
Pop the muffin tin into the oven and bake the wonton cups for about 6-8 minutes, or until they get nice and crispy and turn golden brown. Once done, take them out and let them cool a bit while you prepare the filling.
4. Cooking the Meat:
In a skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef or turkey. Use a spatula to break it up while it cooks until it’s browned and fully cooked, which should take about 5-7 minutes.
5. Adding Flavor:
If there’s extra fat in the skillet, drain it out. Then, add the taco seasoning and water to your skillet. Stir everything together and let it simmer for 2-3 minutes until the mixture thickens up nicely.
6. Mixing in the Beans:
Remove the skillet from heat and gently fold in the black beans. This adds a great texture and flavor to your filling!
7. Filling the Cups:
Now, it’s time to spoon a small amount of the meat and bean mixture into each crispy wonton cup. Fill them generously but don’t overfill to avoid spillage!
8. Adding Cheese:
Sprinkle a good amount of shredded cheddar cheese on top of each filled cup. More cheese equals more deliciousness!
9. Melting the Cheese:
Return the filled muffin tin to the oven and bake for an additional 5 minutes, or until the cheese melts beautifully. Your kitchen will smell amazing!
10. Garnishing the Cups:
Once out of the oven, sprinkle diced tomatoes, green onions, and fresh cilantro over the top of each cup. This not only makes them pretty but adds wonderful flavors!
11. Serve and Enjoy:
If you like, top each nacho cup with a small dollop of sour cream. Now they’re ready to serve! Enjoy them warm as an appetizer or snack!
These Crunchy Nacho Cups are a crowd-pleaser, and believe me, they won’t last long on the table! Enjoy the fun flavors and the crunch!
Can I Use Different Types of Meat in This Recipe?
Absolutely! You can substitute the ground beef or turkey with plant-based meat alternatives for a vegetarian or vegan option. Additionally, shredded rotisserie chicken works great if you want to save time!
How Do I Store Leftover Nacho Cups?
If you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. To reheat, place them in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until warmed through, so they retain their crunch!
Can I Make These Cups in Advance?
Yes! You can prepare the wonton cups and the filling ahead of time. Just store each separately and assemble right before you bake them, so they stay fresh and crispy!
What Other Toppings Can I Use?
Feel free to get creative! You can add jalapeños for spice, diced avocado for creaminess, or even olives for an extra flavor twist. The options are endless!