Irresistible Enchilada Cups – A Crunchy Delight!

Recipe By:
Ruth
Updated:

When you think of comfort food, what comes to mind? Imagine sinking your teeth into a warm, cheesy Enchilada Cup, where every bite bursts with flavor and crunch. The delightful aroma wafting through your kitchen will have everyone flocking like moths to a flame. It’s hard to resist these little edible treasures that pack a punch of Mexican goodness in every crunchy shell.

I still remember the first time I made Enchilada Cups for my friends’ taco night. Their faces lit up like fireworks as they devoured each one, and I knew I had struck culinary gold. These cups are perfect for game nights, casual gatherings, or simply when you want to treat yourself to something deliciously satisfying. For more inspiration, check out this dinner recipes recipe.

Why You'll Love This Recipe

  • These Enchilada Cups are easy to prepare and sure to impress your guests
  • Their flavor profile combines savory spices with creamy cheese for an explosion of taste
  • Visually appealing with their vibrant colors, they are a feast for the eyes as well as the palate
  • Plus, they are versatile enough to adapt based on your favorite ingredients or dietary preferences

My family couldn’t stop raving about these cups during our last gathering; the plate was empty before dessert even arrived.

Essential Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:

  • Mini Tortillas: Choose soft corn or flour tortillas that can easily hold fillings without breaking apart.

  • Ground Beef or Turkey: Opt for lean meat for a healthier option while still packing in protein.

  • Enchilada Sauce: Use store-bought or homemade sauce; both work wonders in elevating flavor.

  • Shredded Cheese: A blend of cheddar and Monterey Jack melts beautifully for that gooey finish.

  • Black Beans: Rinse canned black beans thoroughly; they add texture and protein without overpowering.

  • Chopped Onions: Sauté onions until translucent for a sweet base that enhances overall flavor.

  • Chopped Bell Peppers: Brighten up the dish with colorful bell peppers; they add crunch and sweetness.

  • Spices (Cumin & Chili Powder): Sprinkle these spices generously to infuse warmth and depth into your cups.

  • Cilantro (for garnish): Fresh cilantro adds a burst of color and freshness; don’t skip it!

The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.

Recipe preparation for Enchilada Cups

How to Make Enchilada Cups

Start by prepping your oven and baking sheet: Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a muffin tin with nonstick spray to ensure an easy release later.

Sauté the Aromatics: Heat a skillet over medium heat and add chopped onions and bell peppers. Cook until they soften and release their sweet aroma, roughly 5 minutes.

Add the Meat: Stir in ground beef or turkey into the skillet. Cook until browned, ensuring no pink remains, about 7-10 minutes. Feel free to break it up with a spatula for even cooking.

Mix in Flavor: Pour in enchilada sauce along with black beans, cumin, and chili powder. Let it simmer for about 3-4 minutes until everything is well combined and heated through.

Create Your Cups: Take mini tortillas and fit them gently into each muffin tin cup. Spoon generous amounts of the meat mixture into each tortilla shell.

Add Cheese: Top each filled tortilla with shredded cheese; be generous here! The cheesier, the better! Bake in the oven for about 15-20 minutes or until cheese is bubbly and golden brown.

Let’s face it: these Enchilada Cups will have you dreaming about them long after they’re gone! Each cup offers layers of flavor that will satisfy even the pickiest eaters among us while making you look like a culinary genius. Enjoy!

You Must Know

  • Enchilada Cups are not just delicious; they are the life of any party
  • Their crispy edges and gooey cheese will have everyone begging for seconds
  • Plus, they are super easy to customize with your favorite fillings or toppings, making them a crowd-pleaser!

Perfecting the Cooking Process

Start by preheating your oven to 350°F. Brown your meat first, then assemble and bake your cups for perfect crispiness.

Add Your Touch

Feel free to swap the protein with beans for a vegetarian option or add spices like cumin for an extra kick.

Storing & Reheating

Store leftover Enchilada Cups in an airtight container in the fridge. Reheat in the oven at 350°F until warm for optimal texture.

Chef's Helpful Tips

  • To ensure perfect Enchilada Cups, avoid overfilling them; less is more when it comes to ingredients!
  • Use fresh tortillas for a crispier texture, and experiment with different cheeses to find your favorite flavor combination

Cooking these Enchilada Cups reminds me of family gatherings where laughter and good food come together. They always steal the show!

FAQ

What can I use instead of tortillas for Enchilada Cups?

Try using phyllo dough or wonton wrappers for a different texture and flavor.

Can I make Enchilada Cups ahead of time?

Yes, prepare everything in advance and just bake them right before serving!

How do I prevent soggy cups?

Make sure to bake them until golden brown, which helps keep them crispy longer.

Print

Enchilada Cups

Indulge in the ultimate comfort food with these crispy and cheesy Enchilada Cups. Bursting with flavor, they feature savory ground meat, zesty enchilada sauce, and a melty cheese topping—all encased in a delightful mini tortilla shell. Perfect for parties, game nights, or a cozy evening at home, these cups are sure to impress your guests and satisfy your cravings!

  • Author: Jennifer
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 20 minutes
  • Total Time: 35 minutes
  • Yield: Makes approximately 12 servings 1x
  • Category: Appetizer
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: Mexican

Ingredients

Scale
  • 12 mini tortillas (corn or flour)
  • 1 lb lean ground beef or turkey
  • 1 cup enchilada sauce (store-bought or homemade)
  • 2 cups shredded cheese (cheddar and Monterey Jack blend)
  • 1 can (15 oz) black beans, rinsed
  • 1 medium onion, chopped
  • 1 bell pepper, chopped
  • 2 tsp cumin
  • 2 tsp chili powder
  • Fresh cilantro (for garnish)

Instructions

  1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and grease a muffin tin with nonstick spray.
  2. In a skillet over medium heat, sauté the chopped onions and bell peppers until softened (about 5 minutes).
  3. Add the ground beef or turkey; cook until browned and no pink remains (7-10 minutes).
  4. Stir in the enchilada sauce, black beans, cumin, and chili powder; simmer for 3-4 minutes.
  5. Fit mini tortillas into each muffin tin cup, spoon the meat mixture into each shell, and top generously with shredded cheese.
  6. Bake for 15-20 minutes until cheese is bubbly and golden brown.

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 cup (70g)
  • Calories: 150
  • Sugar: 2g
  • Sodium: 350mg
  • Fat: 8g
  • Saturated Fat: 3g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 4g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Carbohydrates: 12g
  • Fiber: 3g
  • Protein: 9g
  • Cholesterol: 40mg

Keywords: - For a vegetarian option, substitute the meat with an additional can of black beans or lentils. - Customize fillings by adding corn or jalapeños for extra flavor. - Ensure not to overfill the cups for optimal crispiness.

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