Loaded Nacho Cups
Transform ordinary nachos into party-perfect portions with these crispy tortilla cups! Each bite delivers melted cheese, seasoned beef, and fresh toppings in an irresistible handheld format that’ll disappear faster than you can make them.
Crispy Cup Perfection
The secret to amazing nacho cups lies in achieving the perfect tortilla bowl shape. Press small flour tortillas into muffin tins and bake until golden and crispy. This creates sturdy edible bowls that won’t get soggy under all those delicious toppings. The edges get beautifully wavy and add incredible texture contrast to every bite.
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Layer Like a Pro
Start with a base of seasoned ground beef, then add your first cheese layer for maximum meltability. Follow with black beans, corn, and jalapeños before topping with more cheese. This layering technique ensures every component gets properly heated and the cheese acts as delicious glue holding everything together perfectly.
Fresh Finish Magic
Save the fresh ingredients for after baking to maintain their vibrant colors and crisp textures. Diced tomatoes, green onions, cilantro, and creamy avocado transform these warm cups into restaurant-quality appetizers. A dollop of sour cream and salsa on top makes each cup feel like a complete mini meal.
Chef’s Helpful Tips
- Flip the muffin tin upside down and drape oiled tortillas over the bottom of each cup for even more dramatic bowl shapes.
- Make tortilla cups up to 2 days ahead and store in airtight containers – they’ll stay perfectly crispy for assembly later.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use corn tortillas instead of flour?
Absolutely! Corn tortillas work great and add authentic Mexican flavor. They may be slightly more fragile, so handle gently when pressing into cups.
What’s the best way to reheat leftover nacho cups?
Place cups on a baking sheet and warm in a 350°F oven for 3-4 minutes. This keeps the tortillas crispy while heating the fillings through.
Can I make these vegetarian?
Yes! Replace the ground beef with seasoned black beans, refried beans, or crumbled firm tofu. Add extra vegetables like bell peppers and onions for more substance.
How do I prevent the tortilla cups from getting soggy?
Always let the cooked beef cool slightly before assembling, and save wet toppings like tomatoes and salsa for serving. The cheese layer acts as a moisture barrier too.
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Loaded Nacho Cups
Ingredients
Base
Protein
Cheese & Beans
Vegetables
Fresh Toppings
Condiments
Equipment Needed
- 12-cup muffin tin
- Large skillet
- Small mixing bowls
- Measuring cups and spoons
Instructions
- Prep tortillas: Preheat oven to 375°F. Lightly brush both sides of tortillas with vegetable oil.
- Form cups: Press each tortilla into a muffin cup, creating a bowl shape. Bake for 8-10 minutes until golden and crispy.
- Cook beef: Cook ground beef in large skillet over medium-high heat until browned. Drain fat and stir in taco seasoning and water.
- Season beef: Simmer beef mixture for 2-3 minutes until thickened. Remove from heat and let cool slightly.
- Add fillings: Divide seasoned beef among tortilla cups. Top each with black beans, corn, and diced jalapeños.
- Melt cheese: Sprinkle cheese generously over each cup. Bake for 5-7 minutes until cheese melts completely.
- Add fresh toppings: Remove from oven and top each cup with fresh tomatoes, green onions, cilantro, and diced avocado.
- Serve warm: Serve immediately with sour cream and salsa on the side for dipping.
Nutrition Facts
Per Serving (2 nacho cups)
