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.
The first time I tried making Cheesy Gordita Crunch Tacos at home, my whole family was amazed at how close they tasted to the beloved restaurant version. Everyone enjoyed adding their favorite toppings and digging in together, making it a fun mealtime tradition.
Ingredients
- Ground beef: 1/2 lb (225 g), cooked and seasoned
- 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
- Flour tortillas: 4 small (soft taco size)
- Cheddar cheese: 1 cup (100 g), shredded
- Crunchy taco shells: 4
- Iceberg lettuce: 1 cup (60 g), shredded
- Monterey Jack cheese or extra cheddar: 1/2 cup (50 g), shredded
- Ranch dressing or spicy chipotle mayo: 1/4 cup (60 ml)
- Tomato (optional): 1 small, diced
Instructions
- Brown the Beef:
- In a skillet over medium heat, cook ground beef and onion until fully browned, about 5 minutes. Drain excess fat if needed.
- Season the Beef:
- Add garlic, taco seasoning, salt, pepper, and water. Simmer for 2–3 minutes until beef is well seasoned and moist. Remove from heat.
- Prepare Cheesy Flatbreads:
- Heat a nonstick pan over medium. Place 1 flour tortilla in the pan, sprinkle with 1/4 cup cheddar cheese, and cover until cheese melts (1–2 minutes).
- Assemble Taco Shells:
- Immediately press a crunchy taco shell onto the melted cheese so it adheres. Remove from pan. Repeat with remaining tortillas, cheese, and shells.
- Fill Tacos:
- Fill each taco shell with seasoned beef.
- Add Toppings:
- Top with lettuce, Monterey Jack or extra cheddar, ranch dressing or chipotle mayo, and diced tomato if desired.
- Serve:
- Serve warm and enjoy!
Save Sitting together and building these tacos as a family brings everyone to the kitchen, and even the pickiest eaters get excited to layer up their own dinner.
Required Tools
Large skillet, nonstick frying pan, spatula, knife and cutting board
Allergen Information
This recipe contains wheat tortillas, milk-based cheeses, ranch or mayo with eggs, and possible soy from shells or dressing.
Nutritional Information (per taco)
Calories: 350, Total Fat: 20 g, Carbohydrates: 28 g, Protein: 16 g
Save Enjoy your homemade Cheesy Gordita Crunch Tacos hot and fresh for maximum flavor. They're sure to be a crowd-pleaser at any meal!
Recipe Questions & Answers
- → What type of cheese is used in the flatbreads?
Shredded cheddar cheese is melted onto the flour tortillas to create a warm, gooey layer that adheres to the taco shells.
- → Can I substitute the ground beef with another protein?
Yes, ground turkey or plant-based crumbles work well as alternatives for a different twist.
- → How do I get the cheese to stick to the crunchy shells?
After melting cheese on the tortilla, pressing the crunchy taco shell onto the cheese allows it to adhere as it cools slightly.
- → What sauces complement the flavors best?
Ranch dressing or spicy chipotle mayo add creamy, tangy notes that enhance the seasoned beef and cheese layers.
- → Are there any allergen concerns to consider?
This dish contains wheat, milk, eggs, and possibly soy, so check ingredient labels carefully if allergies are a concern.