Save It 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.
I first served these tacos to my family on a busy weeknight, and they couldn't get enough of the cheesy crunch combined with the seasoned beef filling.
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 It This recipe quickly became a favorite during family dinners especially with my kids who love the cheesy texture and crunch
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
Nutritional Information
Calories: 390, Total Fat: 22 g, Carbohydrates: 29 g, Protein: 18 g per serving
Save It Enjoy these cheesy gordita crunch tacos fresh for the best texture and flavor every time
Common Questions About Recipes
- → What spices are used for the beef seasoning?
The beef is seasoned with salt, ground cumin, smoked paprika, chili powder, garlic powder, and onion powder to create a rich, smoky flavor.
- → How is the cheesy flatbread prepared?
Flour tortillas are sprinkled with shredded cheddar cheese, folded in half, and heated in a skillet until the cheese melts and the tortillas are warm and pliable.
- → Can I substitute the beef for a vegetarian option?
Yes, you can replace the ground beef with seasoned black beans or plant-based crumbles for a vegetarian alternative.
- → What type of sauce complements these tacos?
A creamy chipotle or spicy ranch sauce adds a tangy and slightly spicy finish that pairs well with the savory beef and melted cheese.
- → Are there any tips to keep the taco shells crunchy?
Assemble the tacos just before serving to maintain shell crunchiness, and avoid adding wet ingredients until the last moment.
- → What are some suggested accompaniments for this dish?
Pair these tacos with a light Mexican lager or a refreshing limeade to balance the rich flavors.