Save A budget-friendly twist on the fast-food favorite, these tacos feature a soft cheesy flatbread wrapped around a crunchy taco shell filled with seasoned beef, lettuce, and zesty sauce.
This recipe quickly became a family favorite for Taco Tuesdays and is perfect for a tasty dinner that everyone enjoys.
Ingredients
- Meat: 1/2 lb (225 g) ground beef, 1/2 tsp salt, 1/2 tsp ground cumin, 1/2 tsp smoked paprika, 1/2 tsp chili powder, 1/4 tsp garlic powder, 1/4 tsp onion powder
- Flatbread & Shells: 4 small flour tortillas (soft taco size), 4 crunchy taco shells
- Cheese: 1 1/2 cups (150 g) shredded cheddar cheese
- Toppings: 1 cup shredded iceberg lettuce, 1/2 cup diced tomatoes (optional), 1/4 cup Taco Bell-style creamy chipotle or spicy ranch sauce (or substitute with store-bought ranch mixed with a dash of hot sauce)
Instructions
- Step 1:
- In a skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef, breaking it up with a spatula. Add salt, cumin, smoked paprika, chili powder, garlic powder, and onion powder. Cook for 6 8 minutes until browned. Drain excess fat if needed.
- Step 2:
- Heat a large nonstick skillet over low medium heat. Place a flour tortilla in the skillet, sprinkle 1/4 cup of shredded cheddar on one half, then top with another 1/4 cup on the other half. Cover and cook for 1 2 minutes, until the cheese is melted and the tortilla is warm.
- Step 3:
- Immediately wrap each cheesy tortilla around a crunchy taco shell, pressing gently to adhere. Repeat for all tortillas and shells.
- Step 4:
- Fill each taco shell with a portion of seasoned beef.
- Step 5:
- Top with shredded lettuce, diced tomatoes (if using), and a drizzle of creamy chipotle or spicy ranch sauce.
- Step 6:
- Serve immediately while shells are crunchy and cheese is melty.
Save These tacos always bring the family together, sparking fun conversations while sharing a delicious and crunchy meal.
Notes
For a vegetarian version, substitute ground beef with seasoned black beans or plant-based crumbles. Add sliced jalapeños, chopped onions, or avocado for extra flavor. Pair with a light Mexican lager or limeade.
Required Tools
Large skillet, Nonstick skillet or griddle, Spatula, Measuring spoons
Allergen Information
Contains dairy (cheese sauce), gluten (flour tortillas taco shells). Check sauce and seasoning labels for gluten soy or egg if allergies are a concern.
Save Enjoy these Cheesy Gordita Crunch Tacos fresh for the best texture and flavor every time.
Cooking Questions & Answers
- → Can I replace ground beef with a vegetarian option?
Yes, substitute seasoned black beans or plant-based crumbles for a meat-free version while keeping the same spices.
- → How do I keep the flatbread soft while wrapping the crunchy shell?
Warm the flour tortillas with cheese in a skillet to melt the cheese and soften the flatbread before wrapping to ensure pliability.
- → What spices give the beef its smoky flavor?
A blend of cumin, smoked paprika, chili powder, garlic, and onion powders creates a rich, smoky seasoning for the beef.
- → Can I make these tacos ahead of time?
For best texture, assemble and serve immediately, as the shell may lose crunchiness if left too long wrapped in flatbread.
- → What sauces work best with this dish?
Creamy chipotle or spicy ranch sauces complement the savory and fresh ingredients, adding a pleasant kick and creaminess.