Enchilada Cups

Homemade crispy tortilla cups are filled with a spicy ground beef filling for a fun twist on a traditional enchilada! Perfect for a main dish, perfect appetizer or game day hang outs. These filling Enchilada Cups are made in a muffin tin and have lots of options to change them up!

These fun Enchilada Cups are delicious and satisfying. They make a perfect individual serving too. Once you learn how to make the tortilla cups you can use them for your own version of classic tacos too! Made in regular-size muffin cups they are easy and fun.

The spicy filling is hearty and filling. They have just the right amount of melty cheese on top too. They are easy to make a big batch and an easy way to feed a crowd or for holiday parties.

We slimmed down the calories with lean meat and reduced fat cheese (and less of it) but these savory treats are perfect for a delicious Mexican dinner. Pair them with our cauliflower Spanish rice or other Mexican recipes for a lower calorie diet. A fun alternative to regular beef enchiladas.

Jump to:

• What makes this skinny?
• Recipe Ingredient Notes
• Topping ideas
• How to make easy Enchilada Cups
• Variations and Substitutions
• Expert tips
• Frequently Asked Questions
• How to store
• More recipes you'll love!
• Recipe

What makes this skinny?

• Instead of using high-fat meat we've used extra lean (96% lean 4% fat) ground beef. You can make them even skinnier using ground turkey or ground chicken.
• Using reduced fat Mexican cheese blend and less of it.
• Skipped the high-fat toppings to go for fresher, flavorful options and low calorie substitutes.
• Portion control. Unlike regular beef enchiladas or chicken enchiladas, these enchilada cups are clearly portioned for easier tracking.

Recipe Ingredient Notes

Small flour tortillas. Flour tortillas that are 5-6 inches in diameter are the right size for these taco cups. You can also cut down larger tortillas if needed. For instance there is only one size of gluten-free flour tortillas (Mission brand) and we trimmed them for perfect results.

Extra lean ground beef. We used 96% lean ground beef. You can take even more calories out by using ground turkey or ground chicken.

Taco seasoning. You'll use 2 tablespoons. You can use a store packet (you won't use all of it) or our homemade taco seasoning.

Enchilada sauce. We used 1 10-ounce can of red enchilada sauce. We suggest using mild sauce. Paired with the taco seasoning and pickled jalapeno peppers these little enchilada cups can get spicy!

Corn. A half cup of either fresh corn or frozen corn is used. If using frozen you don't need to thaw it first. Once it's added to the hot filling mixture it will thaw.

Pickled jalapeno peppers. These are available in jars in the international food section of the grocery store. They add a tangy spicy pop of flavor.

Reduced fat Mexican blend cheese. This pre-shredded cheese combo is available in the dairy section of the grocery store.

Topping ideas

What's fun about these enchilada cups is adding your favorite toppings. Here are some ideas for great flavor while keeping the calories lower:

• sliced green onions or diced red onion
• shredded iceberg lettuce
• chopped tomatoes
• diced green chilies
• a dollop of plain fat-free Greek yogurt (we love Chobani) or reduced fat sour cream
• fresh cilantro (chopped or torn)
• diced avocado or guacamole
• pico de gallo

How to make easy Enchilada Cups

STEP 1. Preparation

Heat oven to 350° f. Spray 12 cups of a standard-sized muffin pan with non-stick cooking spray.

STEP 2. Make the tortilla cups

Wrap the tortillas in a damp paper towel and microwave 10-15 seconds (this softens them).

Place the small tortillas in the muffin tins to form bowls. You can fill them with beans or tin foil balls to keep their shape while baking (photo 1) Be sure that the way they are folded keeps the middle open (so they can be filled).

Bake for 15 minutes or until crispy.

STEP 3. Make the filling

While the tortilla cups are cooking, cook the ground beef. Cook in a large skillet over medium heat, breaking apart the ground beef into small crumbles as it cooks. Cook until no pink color remains.

Add the taco seasoning and enchilada sauce and stir (photos 2-3). Add the black beans, corn kernels, and jalapenos (photo 4).

STEP 4. Fill and Bake

When the tortilla cups are done, spoon the beef mixture into the tortilla cups until nearly full (photo 5). Add a pinch of cheese on top of each tortilla cup (photo 6).

Bake for an additional 10-15 minutes. The cheese should be melted and the filling heated through (photo 7).

Remove and serve with your favorite toppings.

Variations and Substitutions

Use shredded chicken. You can substitute cooked shredded chicken (rotisserie chicken or other leftover chicken OR shred our Air Fryer Chicken Breast) if you love chicken enchiladas. Use 3 cups and make sure it's in small pieces (or chop it). Add it with the other ingredients since it will already be cooked.

Use our Instant Pot Mexican Chicken. If making this substitution you won't need as much taco seasoning (or any depending on the salsa you used to cook the chicken). Either remove the chicken with a slotted spoon or use the chicken AND the cooking sauce and don't use the can of enchilada sauce.

Expert tips

Warm the tortillas first. This helps make them pliable so they'll fit into the muffin cavities without tearing. This method is great any time you are serving flour tortillas or corn tortillas right out of the refrigerator too for any Mexican food recipes.

Gently press tortillas. Gently press them into the prepared muffin tins to avoid tearing them and to ensure a proper cup.

Frequently Asked Questions

How to store

Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. Reheat in the microwave.

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