Enchilada Cups are a flavor-packed, bite-sized fiesta that can turn any dull evening into a celebration. Picture crispy tortilla cups filled with savory goodness, melting cheese, and all the toppings your heart desires. It’s like a taco but in a cute little cup that practically begs you to take a bite.
Jump to:
- <strong>Essential Ingredients</strong>
- <strong>How to Make Enchilada Cups</strong>
- <strong>Perfecting the Cooking Process</strong>
- <strong>Add Your Touch</strong>
- <strong>Storing & Reheating</strong>
- <strong>FAQ</strong>
- How do I make enchilada cups healthier?
- Can I freeze enchilada cups?
- What dipping sauces pair well with enchilada cups?
- 📖 Recipe Card
These delightful morsels are perfect for parties, family gatherings, or just when you need an excuse to indulge in some cheesy goodness. Each bite bursts with flavor and texture, making it hard to stop at just one. Trust me; you’ll want to make these Enchilada Cups again and again.
Why You'll Love This Recipe
- These Enchilada Cups are easy to prepare and incredibly delicious
- Their vibrant colors and textures will impress your guests and family alike
- Perfect as appetizers or snacks, they’re versatile enough for any occasion
- Plus, you can customize the fillings based on your preferences or leftovers in the fridge
Every time I whip up these Enchilada Cups, my friends declare me a culinary genius (I know it’s not true, but I’ll take the compliments!). They never fail to impress and always leave everyone wanting more. For more inspiration, check out this more dinner recipes recipe.
Essential Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:
Flour Tortillas: Opt for smaller tortillas for easy handling and fun presentation.
Ground Beef or Turkey: Choose lean meat for a healthier version while still packing on flavor.
Enchilada Sauce: A good-quality sauce will add depth; homemade is great if you have time! For more inspiration, check out this great lunch options recipe.
Shredded Cheese: Use your favorite melting cheese—cheddar or Monterey Jack work wonders.
Sour Cream: Adds creaminess; don’t skimp on this tasty topping!
Green Onions: Chopped for garnish; they add a fresh crunch and color contrast.
Olives (optional): If you’re an olive enthusiast like me, they add a salty kick!
Cilantro (optional): Fresh cilantro brightens up the dish with its aromatic flavor.
The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.
How to Make Enchilada Cups
Preheat the Oven: Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). This ensures that the tortilla cups bake perfectly crisp without burning.
Prepare Your Tortilla Cups: Lightly spray muffin tins with nonstick spray. Gently press flour tortillas into each muffin cup, molding them into little bowls. Bake until they just start to get golden—about 10 minutes.
Cook Your Meat Filling: In a skillet over medium heat, brown your ground beef or turkey until fully cooked. Drain any excess fat and stir in half of the enchilada sauce for added moisture and flavor.
Add Cheese and More Sauce: Once mixed well, spoon the meat mixture into your baked tortilla cups. Drizzle some remaining enchilada sauce over each cup and top generously with shredded cheese.
Bake Until Melty Goodness Occurs!: Pop those beauties back in the oven for another 10-15 minutes until the cheese is bubbly and slightly golden—this is where magic happens!
Add Toppings and Serve Warm: Once out of the oven, let them cool slightly (if you can resist). Top each cup with sour cream, chopped green onions, olives, and cilantro if desired. Enjoy every satisfying bite!
These Enchilada Cups are not just visually appealing; they’re also packed with flavors that dance on your tongue! The crispy shells contrasted against warm fillings create a delightful eating experience that feels gourmet yet is incredibly easy to prepare.
You Must Know
- Enchilada cups are not just a snack; they’re a delightful explosion of flavors
- With crispy edges and a cheesy center, they appeal to all ages
- Plus, they’re perfect for parties or cozy family dinners, adding a touch of fun to any meal
Perfecting the Cooking Process
Start by preheating your oven to 375°F. While it warms up, prepare your filling and then assemble the enchilada cups in a muffin tin for even cooking.
Add Your Touch
Feel free to swap traditional cheese for pepper jack or add black beans for extra protein. You can also use corn tortillas instead of flour for a gluten-free option.
Storing & Reheating
Store leftover enchilada cups in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. Reheat in the oven at 350°F until warm and crisp again.
Chef's Helpful Tips
- For the best results, avoid overfilling your enchilada cups; too much filling can lead to messy overflow
- Use fresh ingredients and season them well to enhance flavor
- Let your enchilada cups cool slightly before serving for optimal crispiness
Cooking these enchilada cups always brings back memories of my friends devouring them at game night, leaving only crumbs behind and asking for more!
FAQ
How do I make enchilada cups healthier?
Opt for whole wheat tortillas and load them with veggies like spinach or bell peppers.
Can I freeze enchilada cups?
Yes! Freeze them before baking, then bake directly from the freezer when ready.
What dipping sauces pair well with enchilada cups?
Guacamole and sour cream complement these flavorful bites perfectly, adding creaminess to each bite.
Did You Enjoy Making This Recipe? Please rate this recipe with ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ or leave a comment.
📖 Recipe Card
Print
Enchilada Cups
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: Approximately 12 servings 1x
Description
Indulge in these irresistible Enchilada Cups, where crispy tortilla shells cradle a savory filling of seasoned meat, melted cheese, and your favorite toppings. Perfect for parties or family gatherings, each cup delivers a burst of flavor that leaves everyone craving more. Easy to customize with your preferred ingredients, these delicious morsels are sure to impress at any event.
Ingredients
- 8 small flour tortillas
- 1 pound lean ground beef or turkey
- 1 cup enchilada sauce
- 1 cup shredded cheddar or Monterey Jack cheese
- ½ cup sour cream
- 2 green onions, chopped
- ¼ cup sliced olives (optional)
- ¼ cup chopped cilantro (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Lightly spray a muffin tin with nonstick spray and press the flour tortillas into each cup.
- Bake for about 10 minutes until golden.
- In a skillet, brown the ground meat over medium heat; drain fat and mix in half the enchilada sauce.
- Spoon the meat mixture into the baked tortilla cups and drizzle with remaining sauce. Top with cheese.
- Return to the oven and bake for an additional 10-15 minutes until cheese is bubbly.
- Let cool slightly, then garnish with sour cream, green onions, olives, and cilantro before serving.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Mexican
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 210
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 360mg
- Fat: 12g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 18g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 9g
- Cholesterol: 40mg
