Save A crave-worthy, budget-friendly version of the famous fast-food favorite: crunchy seasoned beef tacos wrapped in warm, cheesy flatbreads, finished with lettuce, cheese, and zesty sauce.
Trying these Cheesy Gordita Crunch Tacos was a game changer for taco night. The homemade cheesy flatbreads add a fresh twist, and everyone loves customizing their own toppings.
Ingredients
- Ground beef: 1/2 lb (225 g), for filling the tacos
- Onion: 1/2 small, finely diced
- Garlic: 1 clove, minced
- Taco seasoning: 1 tablespoon, store-bought or homemade
- Salt: 1/4 teaspoon
- Black pepper: 1/4 teaspoon
- Water: 2 tablespoons, for simmering beef
- Flour tortillas: 4 small (soft taco size) for cheesy flatbread shells
- Cheddar cheese: 1 cup (100 g) shredded, melted onto flatbreads
- Crunchy taco shells: 4, layered with cheesy tortillas
- Iceberg lettuce: 1 cup (60 g) shredded, for topping
- Monterey Jack or extra cheddar cheese: 1/2 cup (50 g) shredded, for topping
- Ranch dressing or chipotle mayo: 1/4 cup (60 ml), for drizzling
- Tomato (optional): 1 small, diced for garnish
Instructions
- Cook beef mixture:
- In a skillet over medium heat, cook ground beef and onion until browned, about 5 minutes. Drain excess fat if needed.
- Season beef:
- Add garlic, taco seasoning, salt, pepper, and water. Simmer for 2 to 3 minutes until beef is seasoned and moist. Remove from heat.
- Make cheesy flatbreads:
- Heat a nonstick pan over medium. Place 1 flour tortilla in pan, sprinkle with 1/4 cup cheddar cheese, and cover until cheese melts (1 to 2 minutes).
- Adhere crunchy shells:
- Press a crunchy taco shell onto melted cheese so it sticks. Remove from pan and repeat for remaining tortillas, cheese, and shells.
- Assemble tacos:
- Fill each crunchy shell with beef mixture.
- Add toppings:
- Top with lettuce, Monterey Jack or extra cheddar, ranch dressing or chipotle mayo, and diced tomato if using.
- Serve:
- Serve warm and enjoy!
Save These tacos are a hit at family gatherings, especially when everyone builds their own. My kids love choosing their favorite toppings, and the warm cheesy flatbread always gets smiles at the table.
Required Tools
Large skillet, nonstick frying pan, spatula, knife and cutting board
Allergen Information
Contains wheat (tortillas), milk (cheese, ranch), eggs (mayonnaise in ranch), and possible soy (taco shells or ranch). Always check labels for hidden allergens.
Nutritional Information
Per taco: Calories 350, Total Fat 20 g, Carbohydrates 28 g, Protein 16 g.
Save Cheesy Gordita Crunch Tacos bring fun and flavor to any dinner table. Enjoy sharing them with friends for a true Tex-Mex experience!
Recipe Questions & Answers
- → How do I get the cheese to stick to the tacos?
Melt shredded cheddar on a warm tortilla, then press the crunchy shell onto it immediately so the cheese adheres as it cools slightly.
- → Can I use other meats or fillings?
Yes, ground turkey or plant-based crumbles work well as alternatives for the beef without sacrificing flavor.
- → What sauces pair well with these tacos?
Ranch dressing or a spicy chipotle mayo add creaminess and zest, but feel free to add hot sauce or jalapeños for extra heat.
- → How can I make the flatbreads more flavorful?
Using sharp cheddar cheese and heating the tortillas just enough to melt the cheese ensures a rich, savory layer inside the tacos.
- → What toppings complement these tacos best?
Shredded iceberg lettuce, diced tomatoes, and extra shredded cheese provide fresh crunch and creaminess to balance the seasoned beef.