Pin It Crunchy taco shells wrapped in warm, cheesy flatbreads and filled with seasoned beef, crisp lettuce, tangy sauce, and cheese—a wallet-friendly homemade version of a fast food favorite.
I enjoy making these cheesy gordita crunch tacos because they bring the fast food favorite straight to my kitchen with fresh ingredients and less expense.
Ingredients
- Beef Filling: 1/2 lb (225 g) ground beef, 1/2 small onion finely diced, 1 clove garlic minced, 1 tbsp taco seasoning (store-bought or homemade), 1/4 cup (60 ml) water, salt and pepper to taste
- Cheesy Flatbreads: 4 small flour tortillas (6-inch/15 cm), 1 cup (115 g) shredded cheddar cheese
- Assembly: 4 crunchy taco shells, 1 cup (50 g) shredded iceberg lettuce, 1/2 cup (50 g) shredded Mexican blend or cheddar cheese, 1/4 cup (60 ml) ranch dressing or taco sauce
Instructions
- Prepare the beef filling:
- Heat a skillet over medium heat Add ground beef and cook until browned about 5 minutes Add diced onion and minced garlic Sauté for 2 minutes until softened Stir in taco seasoning and water simmering for 3–5 minutes until thickened Season with salt and pepper Remove from heat
- Make the cheesy flatbreads:
- Sprinkle 1/4 cup shredded cheddar over each flour tortilla Heat a non-stick skillet over medium-low Place a tortilla cheese-side up cover and cook for 1–2 minutes until cheese melts Remove and keep warm Repeat for each tortilla
- Assemble the Gordita Crunch tacos:
- Gently press a cheesy tortilla around each crunchy taco shell The melted cheese will help it stick Fill each shell with an equal portion of the beef mixture Top with shredded lettuce additional cheese and a drizzle of ranch dressing or taco sauce
- Serve:
- Serve immediately for maximum crunch
Pin It This recipe always brings joy at family dinners especially when everyone assembles their own tacos just the way they like.
Notes
For a vegetarian version substitute cooked lentils or plant-based ground for beef Add chopped tomatoes jalapeños or hot sauce for extra flavor Pair with a light Mexican lager or a lime soda
Required Tools
Skillet Non-stick frying pan Spatula Knife and cutting board
Allergen Information
Contains Wheat (flour tortillas) Milk (cheese ranch dressing) May contain Soy (taco shells seasoning) Egg (ranch dressing) Double-check labels for hidden allergens
Pin It Enjoy these tacos fresh to keep the shell crunchy and cheese melted just right.
Recipe FAQs
- → Can I make the flatbreads ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the cheesy flatbreads in advance and keep them warm or reheat them briefly before assembly to retain the melted cheese texture.
- → What can I substitute for ground beef?
Cooked lentils or plant-based ground alternatives work well to replace beef, maintaining similar texture and flavor profiles.
- → How do I keep the flatbreads from tearing when wrapping?
Gently press the warm tortillas around the crunchy shells as the melted cheese acts like a glue, helping them hold without tearing.
- → Can I customize the toppings?
Absolutely! Adding chopped tomatoes, jalapeños, or different sauces can enhance flavor and add freshness or heat according to taste.
- → What cooking tools are essential for this dish?
A skillet or non-stick pan and a spatula are key for cooking the beef and melting the cheese on the tortillas efficiently.
- → How to keep the assembled tacos crunchy?
Serve the assembled tacos immediately to preserve the crispness of the taco shells and the melty texture of the cheesy flatbreads.