Save to Pinterest 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 its satisfying combination of textures and flavors, perfect for weeknight dinners.
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 to Pinterest Making these tacos was a hit during family dinners, bringing everyone together around the table for a delicious and quick meal.
Notes
Add sliced jalapeños, chopped onions, or avocado for extra flavor and texture.
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 to Pinterest Enjoy your cheesy gordita crunch tacos fresh to experience the perfect blend of melty cheese and crunchy shell.
Common Questions
- → How can I achieve a crispy taco shell with melted cheese?
Prepare the cheesy flatbread by melting shredded cheddar within a warm tortilla, then wrap it carefully around a crunchy shell to keep the cheese soft and shell crisp.
- → What spices enhance the seasoned beef filling?
A blend of cumin, smoked paprika, chili powder, garlic, and onion powders creates a rich and smoky flavor profile for the ground beef.
- → Are there vegetarian options for the filling?
Plant-based crumbles or seasoned black beans can substitute the ground beef for a flavorful vegetarian alternative.
- → What toppings complement the crunchy and cheesy layers?
Shredded iceberg lettuce, diced tomatoes, and a drizzle of creamy chipotle or spicy ranch sauce build freshness and a spicy kick.
- → How to serve these for best texture?
Serve immediately after assembling to enjoy the contrast between melty cheese, crispy shells, and fresh toppings.
- → Can I add extra heat or flavor to the tacos?
Adding sliced jalapeños, chopped onions, or avocado boosts flavor and adds layers of freshness and spice.