These Easy Enchilada Cups are a quick and simple way to enjoy all the delicious flavors of enchiladas without the mess. With crispy flour tortilla cups filled with shredded chicken, black beans, corn, and green chiles, topped with melted cheese, this recipe is perfect for game day, parties, or a family dinner. It’s easy to customize with your favorite fillings and requires no utensils, making it a fun finger food option!

Full Recipe:

Ingredients

• 1 (10-count) package Old El Paso Small Flour Tortillas
• 1 (10-ounce) can Old El Paso Red Enchilada Sauce
• 1 (14-ounce) can black beans, rinsed and drained
• 1 (4-ounce) can Old El Paso chopped green chiles
• 2 cups shredded cooked chicken (or other desired filling)
• ½ cup whole-kernel corn
• 1 cup shredded Mexican-blend cheese
• ¼ cup chopped fresh cilantro
• ¼ cup thinly-sliced green onions

Directions

1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. Gently tuck each tortilla into the cups of a standard muffin pan, pleating the edges to fit snugly, ensuring there’s an opening in the middle for the filling.
3. Bake the tortilla cups for 10-12 minutes, or until they have slightly hardened. Remove and set aside.
4. In a large mixing bowl, combine the enchilada sauce, black beans, green chiles, chicken, and corn. Toss until evenly mixed.
5. Spoon the filling into each tortilla cup, filling almost to the top. Top each with a pinch of shredded cheese.
6. Return the pan to the oven and bake for an additional 15 minutes, until the cheese is melted and the filling is warmed through.
7. Remove from the oven and sprinkle with cilantro and green onions. Serve warm and enjoy!

Nutrients (Per Serving)

Calories: 270
Fat: 14g
Sodium: 580mg
Carbohydrates: 23g
Fiber: 4g
Sugar: 4g
Protein: 13g

Why Choose Enchilada Cups?

While traditional enchiladas can sometimes be a challenge to make, particularly when trying to avoid a messy casserole dish, enchilada cups offer a practical alternative. These individual servings make it easier to control portions, and they are far less likely to fall apart. The use of flour tortillas as the base of the cups ensures a crispy, golden texture, while the combination of flavorful fillings ensures that each bite is packed with delicious taste. The best part? These cups are incredibly versatile and can be customized to suit anyone’s tastes, from meat lovers to vegetarians.

The Perfect Finger Food for Any Occasion

Enchilada cups are perfect for any event where you want a fun, hands-on appetizer. Their individual size makes them the ideal finger food, meaning there’s no need for forks, knives, or plates. This makes them especially convenient for parties, picnics, and game day. You can even serve them as a quick weeknight dinner, providing an easy and fun meal that’s sure to please the whole family. Since they’re baked in a muffin pan, they’re perfectly portioned, which makes them easy to serve and enjoy.

The beauty of these enchilada cups is that they don’t require a lot of time or effort to prepare. In under an hour, you can have a tray full of delicious, cheesy, and satisfying mini enchiladas ready to serve. The simplicity of the recipe also means that it can be customized to your heart’s content—whether you prefer beef, chicken, or a vegetarian filling, you can adjust the recipe to suit your preferences.

The Perfect Combination of Flavors

At the heart of these enchilada cups is a combination of hearty fillings that come together to create a perfect bite every time. The shredded chicken adds protein and heartiness, while black beans provide fiber and a rich, earthy flavor. The corn adds a pop of sweetness that balances the spiciness of the green chiles, and the tangy red enchilada sauce brings everything together with a punch of flavor. Topped with a generous amount of melted Mexican-blend cheese, these enchilada cups are a flavorful treat that’s both savory and satisfying.

The addition of fresh cilantro and green onions as a topping after baking adds a burst of freshness and a bit of crunch that complements the richness of the cheese and filling. These simple garnishes elevate the dish, bringing a freshness that contrasts beautifully with the savory and spicy elements of the enchilada cups.

Endless Customization Options

One of the best things about these enchilada cups is the ability to customize them to suit your taste preferences. While the recipe calls for shredded chicken, you can easily swap it out for ground beef, turkey, or even vegetarian options like roasted vegetables or black beans. You can also adjust the spiciness of the dish by choosing a milder or hotter enchilada sauce or adding more or less of the green chiles. If you prefer a different cheese, feel free to swap the Mexican-blend cheese for cheddar, Monterey Jack, or any cheese you love.

For a lighter version, you can use whole wheat tortillas and substitute low-fat cheese and Greek yogurt for the sour cream. You can also use lean turkey or chicken breast instead of the usual shredded chicken to reduce the fat content. These enchilada cups are incredibly adaptable, making them a fantastic option for those with dietary restrictions or those looking to experiment with new flavors.

How to Serve Enchilada Cups

These enchilada cups are perfect for serving as an appetizer, snack, or main dish. If you’re serving them at a party or gathering, consider offering a variety of toppings like sour cream, guacamole, or salsa for guests to add to their cups. For a more substantial meal, pair them with a side salad or a batch of Mexican rice to round out the meal. You can even serve them with a refreshing margarita or a chilled beer for the ultimate fiesta experience.

Since these enchilada cups are bite-sized, they make great party food, and you can prepare them ahead of time. Simply assemble the cups, store them in the refrigerator, and bake them just before serving. They’re also excellent for meal prepping; just bake a large batch and store them in the fridge or freezer for easy lunches or dinners throughout the week. Reheat them in the oven for a few minutes to restore their crispy texture, and you’ll have a delicious meal in no time.

A Family-Friendly Dish

These easy enchilada cups are not only a hit with adults but are also perfect for kids. Their small size and fun shape make them appealing to little hands, and the mild flavor (which can be adjusted for spiciness) ensures they’re a crowd-pleaser for the whole family. These cups are a great way to introduce children to new flavors in a familiar, bite-sized format. Plus, they’re easy to eat, which can help avoid the mess that often comes with traditional enchiladas.

This recipe is also an excellent way to get the kids involved in the kitchen. Let them help stuff the tortilla cups with the filling, sprinkle the cheese, or even choose their own toppings. This makes cooking a fun and interactive family activity that results in a delicious meal everyone will enjoy.

Conclusion: A Delicious and Convenient Twist on Classic Enchiladas

In conclusion, these Easy Enchilada Cups are a fantastic twist on the traditional enchilada. They combine the beloved flavors of enchiladas with the convenience of a bite-sized, customizable dish that’s perfect for any occasion. Whether you’re looking for a quick dinner, a party appetizer, or a fun snack, these enchilada cups are sure to impress. With their crispy tortilla cups, savory chicken, black beans, corn, and melted cheese, these enchiladas are bursting with flavor and texture. They’re easy to make, incredibly versatile, and guaranteed to be a hit with everyone who tries them.

Whether you’re preparing them for a family meal or serving them at a gathering, these enchilada cups are sure to be a crowd favorite. Their convenience, adaptability, and delicious taste make them a must-try recipe that will quickly become a staple in your cooking repertoire.