Gluten-Free Beef Chili Cups With Avocado Aioli

6 Reviews
Published Feb 6, 2022 ∙ Kristina Stosek

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These Gluten-Free Beef Chili Cups with Avocado Aioli are with from mini gluten-free tortillas baked in a muffin pan for the perfect crunch. Each cup is filled with a rich, beefy chili and tender black beans, resulting in a hearty and irresistibly delicious texture. Topped with creamy avocado aioli, the smoothness and tanginess add a delightful Mexican twist. Ideal for entertaining, these beef chili cups are perfect as finger food or tasty appetizers..

beef chili cups with toppings

Delicious and Versatile Gluten-Free Beef Chili Cups

Chili is a classic favorite for gatherings, so why not transform it into gluten-free appetizers served on napkins or small plates, complete with all your favorite toppings? You can make them into a light yet hearty lunch by pairing the beefy cups with a fresh salad.

Entertaining a Crowd

When feeding a crowd, simplicity is key, and that’s where gluten-free beef chili cups shine. To make things easier, I prepare the chili a day in advance. Plus, chili always tastes better the next day, as it thickens and develops richer flavors.

Just before serving, I reheat the chili until it’s piping hot. Meanwhile, I whip up the avocado aioli topping to complete the dish.

avocado aioli in a bowl

Fresh and Flavorful Avocado Aioli Topping

To create a healthy topping, mash a ripe avocado and mix it with sour cream, lime juice, fresh garlic, and a pinch of salt. It’s simple, fresh-tasting, and absolutely delicious!

tortillas formed into cups in a muffin pan

The Crispy Tortilla Cups

Prepare the tortillas by microwaving them for about 15 seconds to soften them, making them easier to work with. Brush one side with garlic olive oil, then press them into a muffin pan to form small cups. These gluten-free cups are the perfect base for beef chili.

Quick and Easy Preparation

Just before baking the cups, spoon some chili into each one. Bake for about five minutes, and you’ll have a delicious treat ready to serve. The only thing left is the fresh toppings.The total hands-on time on the day of serving is only about 10 minutes—finger food doesn’t get much easier than this! 

bite taken out of a beef chili cup

Beef Chili Cups: Serving Suggestions

This is your chance to get creative! You can serve these hearty chili cups simply or elevate them with delicious toppings. I find the chili itself is so flavorful that it doesn’t require much, but I know many people enjoy various toppings.

Once the chili cups are ready, arrange them on a cutting board or a large serving tray alongside small bowls filled with your favorite toppings. This way, everyone can customize their cups to their liking!

Tasty Toppings for Beef Chili Cups

Here are some tasty toppings that pair perfectly with beef chili cups: shredded cheese, chopped red onions, sliced jalapeños, fresh cilantro, diced tomatoes, and lime wedges. These options add flavor and freshness, allowing everyone to customize their chili in a crispy gluten-free tortilla cup.

Delicious Fillings for Gluten-Free Tortilla Cups

Start with your favorite chili! Some great options include, Cincinnati Black Bean Chili, or my personal favorite, fill the cups with Spinach Ricotta Dip, or  fresh salsa. Alternatively, you can fill the cups with Spicy Dominican Beef Stew. The possibilities for these gluten-free tortilla cups are endless!

A quick tip: when using these tortilla cups for chili or stew, be sure to make the sauce thicker to prevent sogginess. And don’t forget plenty of napkins or small plates! I promise these hearty gluten-free beef chili cups with avocado aioli will be a hit every time!

Gluten-Free Beef Chili Cups With Avocado Aioli

6 reviews
Published Feb 6, 2022 · Kristina Stosek
Prep Time:
20 min
Cooking Time:
40 min
Serves:
16

Ingredients

CHILI
1 Tbsp. Extra virgin olive oil
 1 medium yellow onion, diced
 1 lb. extra lean ground beef
4 garlic cloves, chopped (or 2 tsp. GF garlic powder)
 2 1/2 Tbsp. GF chili powder
 2 Tbsp. GF ground cumin
2 Tbsp. Sweetener (coconut sugar, maple syrup or honey) 
1/4 cup pure tomato paste
 1 1/2 teaspoons salt or to taste
 1/2 tsp. GF ground black pepper
 GF ground cayenne pepper to taste (optional)
1 cup water
 1 (15 oz.) can crushed tomatoes
 1 (15 oz.) can black beans, drained and rinsed
TORTILLA CUPS 
16 gluten-free 4-inch tortillas
1 Tbsp. Extra virgin olive oil
1 minced garlic clove
AVOCADO AIOLI
2 ripe avocados
1/4 cup sour cream
2 tsp. Fresh lime juice
2 minced garlic cloves
Sea salt to taste
Optional toppings; chopped red onion, cilantro, shredded cheese, chopped tomatoes, thinly sliced jalapenos

Instructions

  1. CHILI
  2. Heat olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the onion and cook until translucent, about 3 minutes. Stirring as needed 
  3.  Add the ground beef and break it apart with a wooden spoon. Cook for about 7 minutes, until the meat is browned
  4.  Add the garlic, chili powder, cumin, sweetener, tomato paste, salt, pepper, and cayenne if using. Stir until well combined. 
  5.  Stir in water, crushed tomatoes, and drained beans
  6. Bring to a boil, then reduce to simmer and cook uncovered for 20-25 minutes, stirring occasionally. The chili should be thick. 
  7. Rest for 15 minutes before filling the cups. Or chill overnight and reheat just before serving. 
  8. TORTILLA CUPS
  9. Preheat oven to 425 F
  10. Before you start using the tortillas, they need to be softened. To do this is simple. Heat the tortillas in the microwave for about 15 seconds
  11. Next, mix olive oil with minced garlic and brush one side of the tortilla with the oil. Shape the tortillas into cups in a muffin pan with the olive oil side facing down. Spoon about 2 tablespoons of hot chili into the cups, and bake for about 5 minutes. The tortilla edges should be golden-brown colour. 
  12. AVOCADO AIOLI
  13. Mash the avocados and mix with sour cream, lime juice, garlic, and season with salt. Top each chili cup with about 1 - 2 teaspoons of avocado aioli and add-ons of choice.
  14. Tip: you can prepare the chili a day in advance. Just before serving, heat the chili. The tortilla cups should be baked just before serving

Nutrition Info

  • Nutritional Value Per Serving | Calories: 150 | Total Fat: 7g | Sodium: 400mg | Total Carbohydrates: 15g | Dietary Fiber: 3g | Sugars: 2g | Protein: 10g | Note: These values are estimates and can vary based on specific ingredients and brands used.

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