Easy Enchilada Cups

by

Introduction

Easy Enchilada Cups are a fun and bite-sized twist on classic enchiladas, perfect for serving as appetizers or a quick, casual meal. Small tortilla cups are baked in a muffin tin, creating a crispy base that holds a delicious combination of seasoned ground beef or chicken, enchilada sauce, cheese, and other traditional toppings. Once baked, the cups are typically garnished with fresh cilantro, sour cream, or avocado for a burst of flavor and color.

I first made Easy Enchilada Cups when I wanted to make a fun, hands-on meal for a casual gathering, and they turned out to be a big hit. The crispy tortilla cups are the perfect vessel for all the classic enchilada flavors, and they’re easy to pick up and eat with your hands. What I love most about this recipe is how customizable it is—you can swap in different proteins, add beans or vegetables, or even change up the cheese for a unique twist. Whether for game day, a family dinner, or a quick snack, these enchilada cups are sure to please!

Perfect for:

  • Game day snacks
  • Family dinners
  • Potlucks and parties
  • Tex-Mex lovers
  • Quick and easy meals

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Here are 10 reasons why Easy Enchilada Cups will become your go-to Tex-Mex treat:

  • Bite-Sized Convenience: Perfectly portioned for easy snacking or serving at gatherings.
  • Crispy Tortilla Base: Baked to perfection for a crunchy contrast to the hearty filling.
  • Savory Filling: Packed with bold flavors from seasoned meat, beans, and enchilada sauce.
  • Melty Cheese Topping: Each cup is crowned with gooey, golden melted cheese.
  • Customizable Fillings: Easily swap ingredients to suit your taste or dietary preferences.
  • Quick to Prepare: Ready in under 30 minutes, making it perfect for busy weeknights.
  • Great for Leftovers: Use up leftover meats, veggies, or beans in the filling.
  • Kid-Friendly: A fun and tasty way to introduce kids to Tex-Mex flavors.
  • Perfect Party Appetizer: A crowd-pleaser that’s easy to serve and share.
  • Freezer-Friendly: Make ahead and freeze for a quick snack or meal anytime.

Preparation and Cooking Time

  • Total Time: 25 minutes
  • Preparation Time: 10 minutes
  • Cooking Time: 15 minutes
  • Servings: 12 cups
  • Calories per serving: Approximately 150-180 calories
  • Key Nutrients: Protein: 8g, Carbs: 15g, Fat: 7g

Ingredients

For the Tortilla Cups:

  • 6 small flour tortillas (cut into quarters)
  • Non-stick cooking spray

The Filling:

  • 1 cup cooked and shredded chicken (or beef, pork, or beans for a vegetarian option)
  • 1 cup enchilada sauce (red or green)
  • ½ cup black beans (optional)
  • 1 teaspoon taco seasoning

For the Toppings:

  • 1 cup shredded cheese (cheddar, Monterey Jack, or a Tex-Mex blend)
  • Fresh cilantro (chopped)
  • Diced tomatoes
  • Sliced jalapeños (optional)
  • Sour cream (for serving)

Ingredient Highlights

  • Flour Tortillas: Crisp up beautifully in the oven for a sturdy base.
  • Enchilada Sauce: Brings a zesty, smoky flavor to the filling.
  • Shredded Chicken: Adds protein and absorbs the enchilada sauce perfectly.
  • Fresh Cilantro: Enhances the dish with a burst of freshness.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Prepare the Tortilla Cups:

  1. Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
  2. Form Cups: Lightly spray a muffin tin with non-stick cooking spray. Press one tortilla quarter into each cup, forming a bowl shape.

Make the Filling:

  1. Combine Ingredients: In a mixing bowl, combine the shredded chicken, enchilada sauce, black beans, and taco seasoning. Stir until evenly coated.

Assemble and Bake:

  1. Fill Cups: Spoon the filling into each tortilla cup, filling them generously.
  2. Add Cheese: Sprinkle shredded cheese over the top of each filled cup.
  3. Bake: Place the muffin tin in the oven and bake for 12-15 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly, and the tortilla edges are golden brown.

Serve:

  1. Garnish and Enjoy: Remove from the oven, let cool slightly, and garnish with chopped cilantro, diced tomatoes, and jalapeños. Serve with sour cream on the side.

How to Serve

Here are 10 serving suggestions for Easy Enchilada Cups:

  • With a Side of Guacamole: Pair with creamy guacamole for a classic Tex-Mex combo.
  • Alongside a Salad: Serve with a crisp green salad for a balanced meal.
  • With Salsa: Offer a variety of salsas for dipping or topping.
  • For Brunch: Include in a brunch spread with eggs and hash browns.
  • In a Lunchbox: Pack for a flavorful, kid-approved school or work lunch.
  • With Rice and Beans: Serve as part of a larger Tex-Mex feast.
  • At Potlucks: Easily transportable and always a hit at gatherings.
  • As a Game Day Snack: Perfect finger food for watching sports.
  • Taco Night Alternative: Mix up taco night with these easy-to-serve cups.
  • With a Margarita: Pair with a classic margarita for a festive meal.

Additional Tips

  • Use Rotisserie Chicken: Save time by shredding a store-bought rotisserie chicken instead of cooking your own.
  • Layer the Cheese: Add a sprinkle of cheese between each layer for extra gooey goodness.
  • Customize Fillings: Switch it up with black beans, corn, or sautéed bell peppers for added texture and flavor.
  • Keep Tortillas Soft: Warm tortillas briefly in the microwave or skillet before pressing them into the muffin tins to prevent cracking.
  • Try Different Sauces: Experiment with green enchilada sauce or a smoky chipotle salsa for a unique twist.
  • Go Vegetarian: Replace the meat with a mixture of cooked quinoa, beans, and diced veggies for a vegetarian option.
  • Add Heat: Spice things up by mixing in diced jalapeños or a dash of hot sauce.
  • Top with Freshness: Garnish the cups with chopped cilantro, diced avocado, or a dollop of sour cream before serving.
  • Make Ahead: Assemble the cups ahead of time and bake just before serving for a stress-free meal.
  • Freeze for Later: These cups freeze well! Wrap them individually and reheat for a quick snack or meal.

Recipe Variations

  • Vegetarian Enchilada Cups: Use black beans, corn, and diced bell peppers instead of meat.
  • Breakfast Cups: Fill with scrambled eggs, beef sausage, and salsa for a Tex-Mex breakfast.
  • Seafood Twist: Use cooked shrimp or crab for a unique flavor.
  • Loaded Cups: Add extras like cooked rice, diced avocado, or pickled onions.
  • Vegan Option: Replace chicken with tofu and use vegan cheese.
  • BBQ Chicken Cups: Swap enchilada sauce for BBQ sauce for a smoky twist.
  • Chili Cheese Cups: Fill with your favorite chili and top with cheese.
  • Spicy Kick: Add diced green chilies or hot sauce for more heat.
  • Sweet and Spicy: Incorporate pineapple chunks with jalapeños for a flavor contrast.
  • Cheesy Overload: Use a blend of cheeses for extra gooey, melty goodness.

Special Equipment

  • Muffin Tin: Essential for forming and baking the tortilla cups.
  • Mixing Bowls: For combining filling ingredients.
  • Silicone Spatula: To scrape out every last bit of filling.
  • Pastry Brush: To lightly oil the tortillas if needed.
  • Tongs: For easy handling of hot tortilla cups.
  • Serving Platter: For an appealing presentation.

FAQ Section

  1. Can I use corn tortillas instead of flour?
    Yes, but they may be less flexible and more prone to breaking. Warm them slightly before shaping.
  2. How do I store leftovers?
    Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven for best results.
  3. Can I make these ahead of time?
    Yes, assemble the cups but don’t bake them. Cover and refrigerate until ready to bake.
  4. What can I substitute for enchilada sauce?
    Salsa, taco sauce, or even a tomato-based sauce with spices work well.
  5. Can I freeze enchilada cups?
    Yes, bake and cool completely before freezing in an airtight container for up to 2 months.
  6. How can I make this gluten-free?
    Use gluten-free tortillas and check that the enchilada sauce and taco seasoning are gluten-free.
  7. Can I air fry these?
    Yes, air fry at 375°F (190°C) for 8-10 minutes for a crispier texture.
  8. What other fillings can I use?
    Try ground beef, pulled pork, or even leftover roasted veggies.
  9. How do I keep the tortillas from breaking?
    Warm them slightly in the microwave or oven to make them pliable.
  10. What’s the best cheese for this recipe?
    A Tex-Mex blend or sharp cheddar provides the best flavor and melt.

Conclusion

Easy Enchilada Cups are a fun and bite-sized take on classic enchiladas, offering all the flavors you love in a convenient, crispy package. Each cup is made with a crispy tortilla shell filled with seasoned ground meat, beans, cheese, and enchilada sauce, then baked until golden and bubbly. These little enchilada cups are perfect for parties, game days, or as a quick weeknight meal that everyone can enjoy.

This recipe is incredibly versatile—you can swap out the protein for chicken, beef, or even a vegetarian option like black beans or roasted vegetables. You can also customize the toppings, adding sour cream, guacamole, or fresh cilantro for extra flavor and freshness. With their perfect balance of crunchy, savory, and cheesy goodness, these enchilada cups are sure to be a hit at your next gathering.

I can’t wait to see how your Easy Enchilada Cups turn out! Be sure to share your photos on Instagram and tag me—I’d love to see your tasty creations. Don’t forget to leave a comment and let me know how you made these cups your own!