Beef Enchilada Cups are a delightful twist on a classic Mexican dish that brings a burst of flavor and fun to any meal. Imagine tender, seasoned beef enveloped in a crispy tortilla cup, topped with zesty enchilada sauce and melted cheesewhat’s not to love? This recipe not only satisfies your taste buds but also offers a convenient way to serve a crowd, making it perfect for parties or family gatherings.
Historically, enchiladas have roots in Mexican cuisine that date back to the Aztecs, who would wrap tortillas around various fillings. Today, Beef Enchilada Cups pay homage to this tradition while adding a modern flair that everyone can enjoy. People adore this dish for its incredible taste and texture; the combination of savory beef, creamy cheese, and the crunch of the tortilla creates a mouthwatering experience. Plus, they are easy to prepare, making them a go-to option for busy weeknights or festive occasions. Join me as we dive into this delicious recipe that is sure to become a favorite in your household!
Ingredients:
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 small onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 can (15 oz) black beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 can (10 oz) diced tomatoes with green chilies
- 1 tablespoon chili powder
- 1 teaspoon cumin
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 package (10 oz) wonton wrappers
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 cup shredded Monterey Jack cheese
- 1/2 cup sour cream (for serving)
- 1/4 cup fresh cilantro, chopped (for garnish)
- 1 avocado, diced (for garnish)
Preparing the Beef Filling
- In a large skillet over medium heat, add the ground beef. Cook until browned, breaking it apart with a spatula as it cooks, about 5-7 minutes.
- Once the beef is browned, drain any excess fat from the skillet. This step is crucial to avoid greasy enchilada cups.
- Add the diced onion to the skillet and sauté for about 3-4 minutes until the onion becomes translucent.
- Stir in the minced garlic and cook for an additional 1-2 minutes until fragrant.
- Next, add the black beans, diced tomatoes with green chilies, chili powder, cumin, paprika, salt, and pepper. Mix everything well to combine.
- Reduce the heat to low and let the mixture simmer for about 5-10 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.
Preparing the Wonton Cups
- While the beef filling is simmering, preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Take a muffin tin and lightly grease it with cooking spray or olive oil to prevent sticking.
- Carefully take a wonton wrapper and press it into each muffin cup, forming a little cup shape. Make sure the edges of the wrapper are slightly above the rim of the cup.
- Repeat this process until all the muffin cups are filled with wonton wrappers. You should have about 12 cups, depending on the size of your muffin tin.
- Once all the cups are formed, bake the wonton wrappers in the preheated oven for about 5-7 minutes, or until they are lightly golden and crispy. Keep an eye on them to avoid burning.
Assembling the Enchilada Cups
- After the wonton cups have baked, remove them from the oven and let them cool for a minute or two.
- Using a spoon, fill each wonton cup with the beef filling, being careful not to overfill them. You want to ensure that the filling stays inside the cup.
- Once all the cups are filled, sprinkle a generous amount of shredded cheddar and Monterey Jack cheese on top of each cup. The cheese will melt beautifully and add a delicious gooey texture.
- Return the filled cups to the oven and bake for an additional 10-12 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
Serving the Beef Enchilada Cups
- Once the cheese is melted, remove the muffin tin from the oven and let the enchilada cups cool for a few minutes.
- Carefully use a fork or small spatula to lift the cups out of the muffin tin. They should come out easily if you greased the tin well.
- Place the enchilada cups on a serving platter. You can garnish them with diced avocado, a dollop of sour cream, and a sprinkle of fresh cilantro for a pop of color and flavor.
- Serve warm and enjoy these delicious beef enchilada cups with your family and friends!
Tips for Success
- Feel free to customize the filling! You can add corn, bell peppers, or even swap the beef for shredded chicken or turkey.
Conclusion:
In summary, these Beef Enchilada Cups are an absolute must-try for anyone looking to elevate their weeknight dinners or impress guests at a gathering. The combination of savory beef, zesty enchilada sauce, and gooey cheese all nestled in a crispy tortilla cup creates a delightful explosion of flavors that is sure to please even the pickiest eaters. Plus, they are incredibly versatile! You can easily swap out the beef for shredded chicken or even a plant-based protein for a vegetarian option. For serving suggestions, consider pairing these delicious cups with a side of fresh guacamole, a crisp salad, or some homemade salsa to add an extra layer of flavor. You can also top them with your favorite garnishes like sour cream, jalapeños, or fresh cilantro to customize each bite to your liking. I encourage you to give this recipe a try and experience the joy of creating these Beef Enchilada Cups in your own kitchen. Once you do, I would love to hear about your experience! Share your thoughts, any variations you tried, or even a photo of your delicious creation. Lets spread the love for these tasty treats together! PrintBeef Enchilada Cups: Delicious and Easy Recipe for a Perfect Snack
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 12 cups 1x
Description
These Beef Enchilada Cups are a delightful twist on classic enchiladas, featuring a savory ground beef filling in crispy wonton wrappers. Topped with melted cheese and garnished with fresh avocado and cilantro, they are perfect for appetizers or party snacks!
Ingredients
Scale- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 small onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 can (15 oz) black beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 can (10 oz) diced tomatoes with green chilies
- 1 tablespoon chili powder
- 1 teaspoon cumin
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 package (10 oz) wonton wrappers
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 cup shredded Monterey Jack cheese
- 1/2 cup sour cream (for serving)
- 1/4 cup fresh cilantro, chopped (for garnish)
- 1 avocado, diced (for garnish)
Instructions
- In a large skillet over medium heat, add the ground beef. Cook until browned, breaking it apart with a spatula as it cooks, about 5-7 minutes.
- Once the beef is browned, drain any excess fat from the skillet.
- Add the diced onion to the skillet and sauté for about 3-4 minutes until the onion becomes translucent.
- Stir in the minced garlic and cook for an additional 1-2 minutes until fragrant.
- Next, add the black beans, diced tomatoes with green chilies, chili powder, cumin, paprika, salt, and pepper. Mix everything well to combine.
- Reduce the heat to low and let the mixture simmer for about 5-10 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.
- While the beef filling is simmering, preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Take a muffin tin and lightly grease it with cooking spray or olive oil.
- Carefully take a wonton wrapper and press it into each muffin cup, forming a little cup shape.
- Repeat this process until all the muffin cups are filled with wonton wrappers (about 12 cups).
- Bake the wonton wrappers in the preheated oven for about 5-7 minutes, or until they are lightly golden and crispy.
- After the wonton cups have baked, remove them from the oven and let them cool for a minute.
- Fill each wonton cup with the beef filling, being careful not to overfill them.
- Sprinkle a generous amount of shredded cheddar and Monterey Jack cheese on top of each cup.
- Return the filled cups to the oven and bake for an additional 10-12 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Once the cheese is melted, remove the muffin tin from the oven and let the enchilada cups cool for a few minutes.
- Carefully lift the cups out of the muffin tin.
- Place the enchilada cups on a serving platter and garnish with diced avocado, a dollop of sour cream, and a sprinkle of fresh cilantro.
- Serve warm and enjoy!
Notes
- Feel free to customize the filling! You can add corn, bell peppers, or even swap the beef for shredded chicken or turkey.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
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