Hello, food enthusiasts! ???? Are you craving a dish that’s both delicious and easy to make? Look no further! These Savory Beef Enchilada Cups are a fun twist on traditional enchiladas, served in a crispy tortilla base. Perfect for a family dinner or a casual get-together, these enchilada cups will be a hit with everyone at the table. Plus, they’re customizable with your favorite toppings, so you can make them exactly how you like. Let’s dive into this mouthwatering recipe that combines the rich flavors of enchiladas with the convenience of a handheld cup!
Introduction
Savory Beef Enchilada Cups offer a delightful combination of flavors and textures that make them an irresistible choice for any meal. Originating from the classic enchilada, a staple in Mexican cuisine, this recipe puts a unique spin on the traditional dish by turning it into a fun, bite-sized portion. Whether you’re hosting a party, planning a family dinner, or just looking for a new recipe to try, these enchilada cups are sure to impress.
Imagine the taste of tender, seasoned beef mixed with enchilada sauce, black beans, corn, and jalapeños, all nestled in a crispy tortilla cup and topped with melted cheese. This dish is not only flavorful but also incredibly easy to make. With just a few steps, you can bring the vibrant tastes of Mexico to your kitchen in a creative and fun way. Plus, they’re perfect for portion control and make for an appealing presentation!
Ingredients
To prepare this comforting Savory Beef Enchilada Cups recipe, you’ll need:
- 10 small flour tortillas
- 1 pound ground beef, 80-85% lean
- 10 ounces red enchilada sauce
- 2 tablespoons taco seasoning
- 14 ounces canned black beans, rinsed and drained
- 1/2 cup canned whole kernel corn
- 1/4 cup chopped pickled jalapenos
- 1 1/2 cups shredded Mexican blend cheese
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro, optional
- 1 chopped green onion, optional
- 1/4 cup chopped tomato, optional
- 1/4 cup sour cream, optional
- 1 small avocado, cubed, optional
Optional Substitutions:
- For a spicier kick, use hot taco seasoning or add extra jalapeños.
- Substitute ground turkey or chicken for a lighter option.
- Use gluten-free tortillas to make this recipe gluten-free.
How to Make Savory Beef Enchilada Cups
Follow these steps to create your own delicious Savory Beef Enchilada Cups:
- Preheat the Oven: Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). This will ensure that the tortilla cups bake evenly and turn out perfectly crispy.
- Prepare the Tortilla Cups: Spray a muffin tin with cooking spray. Gently press a tortilla into each cavity of the muffin tin to form a bowl shape. To help the tortillas maintain their shape while baking, place a tin foil ball in the center of each cup.
- Bake the Tortillas: Bake the tortilla cups in the preheated oven for about 15 minutes, or until they are golden and crispy. Once baked, remove the muffin tin from the oven and discard the tin foil balls. Set the pan aside.
- Cook the Beef: In a large skillet over medium-high heat, add the ground beef. Cook and crumble the beef until it is almost fully cooked, with only a little pink remaining, about 8-10 minutes. Drain any excess fat from the skillet.
- Add Flavor: Pour the enchilada sauce and taco seasoning into the skillet with the beef. Stir the mixture until everything is well combined.
- Mix in the Veggies: Add the rinsed black beans, corn, and chopped jalapeños to the beef mixture. Stir everything together until evenly distributed.
- Fill the Tortilla Cups: Spoon the beef mixture into each baked tortilla cup until they are nearly full. Make sure each cup gets a generous amount of filling.
- Top with Cheese: Sprinkle the shredded Mexican blend cheese on top of each filled tortilla cup.
- Bake Again: Place the muffin tin back in the oven and bake for another 10 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Garnish and Serve: Once the enchilada cups are done, remove them from the oven. Top each cup with optional toppings like fresh cilantro, green onions, chopped tomatoes, sour cream, and avocado cubes. Serve immediately and enjoy!
Helpful Tips
- Crispier Tortillas: For extra crispy tortilla cups, brush each tortilla lightly with oil before baking.
- Make-Ahead Option: You can prepare the beef filling ahead of time and refrigerate it until you’re ready to assemble the cups. This is a great time-saver for busy evenings.
- Adjusting Spice Level: Control the heat by adjusting the amount of jalapeños or using a milder enchilada sauce.
Cooking Tips
Enhance your Savory Beef Enchilada Cups with these additional tips:
- Use a Food Processor: To save time, use a food processor to chop the vegetables quickly and evenly.
- Cheese Alternatives: If you’re looking to reduce calories or fat, consider using a reduced-fat cheese or even a plant-based cheese alternative. These options melt well and still provide that cheesy goodness.
- Heating Leftovers: Reheat leftover enchilada cups in the oven to retain their crispiness. Microwaving them may result in soggy tortillas.
Serving Suggestions
These Savory Beef Enchilada Cups pair wonderfully with a variety of side dishes and beverages:
- Side Dishes: Serve with a fresh green salad, Mexican rice, or refried beans for a complete meal.
- Beverages: A cold glass of iced tea, a refreshing margarita, or a Mexican beer like Corona would complement the flavors perfectly.
- Presentation: Arrange the enchilada cups on a platter with a sprinkle of fresh cilantro and lime wedges on the side for an inviting presentation.
Nutritional Information
Each serving of these Savory Beef Enchilada Cups is packed with protein and essential nutrients. Below is the detailed nutritional breakdown:
Nutritional Information (per serving)
- Calories: 320 kcal
- Carbohydrates: 25g
- Protein: 20g
- Fat: 17g
- Saturated Fat: 7g
- Polyunsaturated Fat: 2g
- Monounsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Cholesterol: 55mg
- Sodium: 710mg
- Potassium: 480mg
- Fiber: 5g
- Sugar: 3g
- Vitamin A: 20% DV
- Vitamin C: 8% DV
- Calcium: 15% DV
- Iron: 15% DV
These enchilada cups are a great source of protein, which is essential for muscle repair and growth. The beans add fiber, aiding digestion, while the cheese provides calcium for strong bones. Enjoy a balanced meal that satisfies both taste and nutritional needs.
Storage and Leftovers
Refrigerate: Store leftover Savory Beef Enchilada Cups in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To keep them as fresh as possible, avoid adding toppings like sour cream or avocado until just before serving.
Reheat: Reheat the cups in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10 minutes, or until warmed through. This method will help retain the crispy texture of the tortillas. Avoid microwaving if possible, as it may result in soggier tortillas.
Creative Leftover Ideas:
- Enchilada Casserole: Break up the leftover cups and layer them in a baking dish with additional enchilada sauce and cheese. Bake until bubbly for a quick and easy casserole.
- Tortilla Soup: Chop up the leftover enchilada cups and add them to a pot of broth with diced tomatoes and onions for a hearty tortilla soup.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Can I make these enchilada cups vegetarian? Absolutely! Substitute the ground beef with a plant-based meat alternative, or simply use extra black beans and corn. You can also add sautéed vegetables like bell peppers and onions for more flavor.
What can I use instead of flour tortillas? Corn tortillas work well as a gluten-free alternative. They may be smaller, so adjust the filling amounts accordingly. Alternatively, you can use whole wheat tortillas for a healthier twist.
How can I prevent the tortilla cups from becoming soggy? Ensure that the beef filling is well-drained before adding it to the tortilla cups. Also, bake the cups until they’re very crispy to create a barrier that will help keep the filling from making the tortillas soggy.
Can I freeze these enchilada cups? Yes, you can freeze the assembled but unbaked enchilada cups. Once frozen, transfer them to a freezer-safe container or bag. When ready to eat, bake them from frozen at 350°F (175°C) for 20-25 minutes, or until heated through and crispy.
Related Recipes
If you enjoyed these Savory Beef Enchilada Cups, you might also love these similar dishes:
Conclusion
Thank you for joining me in making these delicious Savory Beef Enchilada Cups! I hope this recipe brings joy and flavor to your table, just as it has to mine. Don’t hesitate to experiment with different toppings or fillings to make this dish truly your own. If you try this recipe, I’d love to hear how it turned out for you—feel free to leave a comment or share your variations!
Happy cooking! ????
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Savory Beef Enchilada Cups with a Crispy Tortilla Base
Description
Hello, food enthusiasts! ???? Are you craving a dish that’s both delicious and easy to make? Look no further! These Savory Beef Enchilada Cups are a fun twist on traditional enchiladas, served in a crispy tortilla base. Perfect for a family dinner or a casual get-together, these enchilada cups will be a hit with everyone at the table. Plus, they’re customizable with your favorite toppings, so you can make them exactly how you like. Let’s dive into this mouthwatering recipe that combines the rich flavors of enchiladas with the convenience of a handheld cup!
Ingredients
- 10 small flour tortillas
- 1 pound ground beef, 80-85% lean
- 10 ounces red enchilada sauce
- 2 tablespoons taco seasoning
- 14 ounces canned black beans, rinsed and drained
- 1/2 cup canned whole kernel corn
- 1/4 cup chopped pickled jalapenos
- 1 1/2 cups shredded Mexican blend cheese
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro, optional
- 1 chopped green onion, optional
- 1/4 cup chopped tomato, optional
- 1/4 cup sour cream, optional
- 1 small avocado, cubed, optional
Optional Substitutions:
- For a spicier kick, use hot taco seasoning or add extra jalapeños.
- Substitute ground turkey or chicken for a lighter option.
- Use gluten-free tortillas to make this recipe gluten-free.
Instructions
- Preheat the Oven: Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). This will ensure that the tortilla cups bake evenly and turn out perfectly crispy.
- Prepare the Tortilla Cups: Spray a muffin tin with cooking spray. Gently press a tortilla into each cavity of the muffin tin to form a bowl shape. To help the tortillas maintain their shape while baking, place a tin foil ball in the center of each cup.
- Bake the Tortillas: Bake the tortilla cups in the preheated oven for about 15 minutes, or until they are golden and crispy. Once baked, remove the muffin tin from the oven and discard the tin foil balls. Set the pan aside.
- Cook the Beef: In a large skillet over medium-high heat, add the ground beef. Cook and crumble the beef until it is almost fully cooked, with only a little pink remaining, about 8-10 minutes. Drain any excess fat from the skillet.
- Add Flavor: Pour the enchilada sauce and taco seasoning into the skillet with the beef. Stir the mixture until everything is well combined.
- Mix in the Veggies: Add the rinsed black beans, corn, and chopped jalapeños to the beef mixture. Stir everything together until evenly distributed.
- Fill the Tortilla Cups: Spoon the beef mixture into each baked tortilla cup until they are nearly full. Make sure each cup gets a generous amount of filling.
- Top with Cheese: Sprinkle the shredded Mexican blend cheese on top of each filled tortilla cup.
- Bake Again: Place the muffin tin back in the oven and bake for another 10 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Garnish and Serve: Once the enchilada cups are done, remove them from the oven. Top each cup with optional toppings like fresh cilantro, green onions, chopped tomatoes, sour cream, and avocado cubes. Serve immediately and enjoy!
Equipment
2Pcs Heart Shape Cake Pans, Aluminum Heart Cake Mold, Reusable 10 inch
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Kids Chill Leak-Proof Lunch Box – Included Reusable Ice Pack Keeps Food Cold
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- Crispier Tortillas: For extra crispy tortilla cups, brush each tortilla lightly with oil before baking.
- Make-Ahead Option: You can prepare the beef filling ahead of time and refrigerate it until you’re ready to assemble the cups. This is a great time-saver for busy evenings.
- Adjusting Spice Level: Control the heat by adjusting the amount of jalapeños or using a milder enchilada sauce.
