Save to Pinterest 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 have enjoyed making these Cheesy Gordita Crunch Tacos for family dinners because they perfectly combine texture and flavor in a fun homemade way.
Ingredients
- For the 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
- For the Cheesy Flatbreads: 4 small flour tortillas (6-inch/15 cm), 1 cup (115 g) shredded cheddar cheese
- For 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 immediately for maximum crunch.
Save to Pinterest This recipe brings the family together with everyone enjoying crafting their own tasty tacos on busy weeknights.
Notes
Pair with a light Mexican lager or a lime soda for the perfect meal accompaniment.
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.
Save to Pinterest Serve immediately to enjoy the optimal crunch and gooey cheese combination.
Recipe Questions & Answers
- → How do I get the flatbreads cheesy and soft?
Sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese over each tortilla, then heat on a skillet covered for 1-2 minutes until the cheese melts and the flatbread softens.
- → Can I make this dish vegetarian?
Yes, substitute the ground beef with cooked lentils or a plant-based ground alternative to keep the same hearty texture.
- → What is a good sauce option to add inside?
A drizzle of ranch dressing or taco sauce adds a creamy, tangy flavor that complements the beef and cheese beautifully.
- → How do I maintain crunchiness of the taco shells?
Assemble just before serving by wrapping the warm cheesy flatbreads around the crunchy shells to preserve texture contrast.
- → Can I add extra vegetables?
Absolutely, chopped tomatoes, jalapeños, or shredded lettuce make great additions for freshness and a flavor boost.