Pin It 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 love making these cheesy gordita crunch tacos for family dinners because everyone enjoys the mix of textures and flavors in every bite.
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&ndash8 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&ndash2 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.
Pin It This recipe always brings my family together, sharing laughs and stories over these flavorful tacos.
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
Pin It These tacos are a simple yet satisfying meal perfect for weeknights or casual gatherings.
Recipe FAQs
- → How do I make the flatbread cheesy and soft?
Sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese evenly over a flour tortilla and cook covered on low-medium heat until the cheese melts and the tortilla softens.
- → What spices are best for seasoning the beef?
A mix of chili powder, ground cumin, smoked paprika, garlic and onion powder creates a well-balanced, flavorful seasoning.
- → Can I substitute the beef with another filling?
Yes, seasoned black beans or plant-based crumbles work well as protein alternatives for a vegetarian version.
- → How do I keep the taco shell crunchy after adding the cheesy flatbread?
Wrap the warm, cheesy flatbread gently around the crunchy shell and fill immediately before serving to maintain crispness.
- → What toppings complement these tacos best?
Shredded iceberg lettuce, diced tomatoes, and a drizzle of creamy chipotle or spicy ranch sauce add freshness and zest.