Loaded Nacho Cups

I still remember the first time I served these Loaded Nacho Cups at a game night with friends and the way everyone’s eyes lit up was unforgettable and it felt like I had just brought a tray of mini edible party favors straight from the oven and each one bursting with flavor and color. I’ve always loved nachos and turning them into little bite-sized cups felt like the perfect way to make them easier to enjoy and even more fun to serve!

Since then and every time I make these and they become the center of attention and with crispy shells and seasoned beef and a colorful array of toppings and these cups are not only incredibly tasty but they’re also so customizable. Whether it’s for a casual dinner or a festive party and these Loaded Nacho Cups always steal the show.

Ingredients

• Here’s what I use for this recipe. You can always make substitutions if you prefer!
• Ground beef – The heart of the filling and rich and savory with a little taco seasoning punch!
• Taco seasoning – Brings warmth and bold flavor to the beef mixture.
• Mini tortilla rounds or wonton wrappers – These form the crunchy edible cup base.
• Shredded cheddar cheese – Melts beautifully on top and adds gooey goodness.
• Sour cream – Creamy and cooling and perfect for balancing spice.
• Diced tomatoes – Add a pop of freshness and juicy texture.
• Jalapeño slices – For those who love a little heat!
• Guacamole – Adds richness and a buttery texture to balance the crunch.
• Fresh cilantro – A bright and herbaceous finish to each cup.

Tools You’ll Need

• Muffin tin – This is essential for shaping and baking the cups.
• Skillet – To cook and season the ground beef mixture.
• Mixing spoon or spatula – Helps stir the beef and seasoning evenly.
• Cheese grater – If using a block of cheese and grating it fresh enhances the flavor.
• Small spoon – Perfect for scooping toppings neatly into each cup.
• Knife and cutting board – To chop tomatoes and jalapeños for garnish.

Instructions

Step 1:

I start by preheating my oven to 375°F to get it nice and toasty for the tortilla cups.

Step 2:

While that heats up and I brown the ground beef in a skillet over medium heat. I break it up with a spoon until it’s fully cooked.

Step 3:

Once the beef is cooked through and I stir in the taco seasoning with a splash of water and letting it simmer for a few minutes until thickened.

Step 4:

I take my muffin tin and press one tortilla round or wonton wrapper into each cup and making sure it molds to the shape to form a shell.

Step 5:

Next and I spoon some of the seasoned beef into each tortilla cup and then sprinkle a generous amount of shredded cheese on top.

Step 6:

I bake the cups for 10 to 12 minutes or until the edges are golden and crispy and the cheese is perfectly melted.

Step 7:

After removing them from the oven and I let them cool for a couple minutes before topping each one with a little sour cream and diced tomatoes and guacamole and jalapeños and a sprinkle of cilantro.

Tips

If you want to make these vegetarian and I recommend using black beans or a plant-based crumble in place of the beef. I’ve also tried this with a mix of cheeses like pepper jack or Monterey Jack for extra zest. If you’re prepping for a party and you can pre-bake the cups and fill them just before serving to keep them crisp!

Ways to Serve

These Loaded Nacho Cups are perfect as appetizers for game nights and potlucks and or even as a main dish paired with a fresh salad. I also love setting up a “nacho cup bar” where guests can add their favorite toppings to customize their own!

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make Loaded Nacho Cups ahead of time?

Yes and I recommend baking the shells and storing them in an airtight container and then reheating and topping just before serving.

How do I keep the Loaded Nacho Cups from getting soggy?

Make sure the beef mixture isn’t too watery and only add wet toppings like sour cream or guac right before serving.

Can I use chicken or turkey instead of beef in Loaded Nacho Cups?

Absolutely and ground chicken or turkey works great with the same seasoning blend.

See You in the Kitchen

I hope you try these Loaded Nacho Cups and love them as much as we do! They’re such a fun and tasty twist on classic nachos and perfect for sharing with people you care about. Let me know how yours turn out and don’t forget to pin or save the recipe if you enjoy it!

Happy Cooking!

Print