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.
I remember making these tacos for my family and everyone loved the cheesy crispiness paired with the seasoned beef filling.
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 This recipe always brings my family together around the table for a fun, delicious meal.
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.
Nutritional Information
Calories: 390, Total Fat: 22 g, Carbohydrates: 29 g, Protein: 18 g (per serving)
Save Enjoy your cheesy gordita crunch tacos fresh for the best texture and flavor.
Recipe Guide
- → How do I get the cheese to melt properly in the flatbread?
Cook the tortilla with shredded cheddar on low-medium heat, covering it so the cheese melts evenly without burning the tortilla.
- → Can I prepare the seasoned beef ahead of time?
Yes, you can cook and refrigerate the beef up to a day in advance and reheat it gently before assembling.
- → What can I use as an alternative to ground beef?
Seasoned black beans or plant-based crumbles provide a flavorful meat substitute for a vegetarian option.
- → How do I keep the taco shells crunchy after assembly?
Wrap the cheesy tortilla immediately around the crunchy shell while warm to create a barrier that helps maintain crispness longer.
- → What sauces complement these tacos best?
Creamy chipotle, spicy ranch, or a mix of ranch with hot sauce all enhance the bold flavors and add a nice tangy finish.