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 these at home, my family was surprised at how close they tasted to our favorite drive-thru treat. It was a fun and tasty way to bring restaurant-style tacos to our own kitchen.
Ingredients
- Beef & Seasonings: 1/2 lb (225 g) ground beef, 1/2 small onion finely diced, 1 clove garlic minced, 1 tablespoon taco seasoning (store-bought or homemade), 1/4 teaspoon salt, 1/4 teaspoon black pepper, 2 tablespoons water
- Cheesy Flatbreads: 4 small flour tortillas (soft taco size), 1 cup (100 g) shredded cheddar cheese
- Crunchy Tacos & Toppings: 4 crunchy taco shells, 1 cup (60 g) shredded iceberg lettuce, 1/2 cup (50 g) shredded Monterey Jack or more cheddar cheese, 1/4 cup (60 ml) ranch dressing or spicy chipotle mayo, 1 small tomato diced (optional)
Instructions
- Prepare Beef Filling:
- 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 to 3 minutes until beef is well seasoned and moist. Remove from heat.
- Make 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 to 2 minutes).
- Adhere Taco Shell:
- Immediately press a crunchy taco shell onto the melted cheese so it adheres. Remove from pan. Repeat with remaining tortillas, cheese, and shells.
- Fill and Top:
- Fill each taco shell with seasoned beef. Top with lettuce, Monterey Jack or extra cheddar, ranch dressing or chipotle mayo, and diced tomatoes if desired.
- Serve:
- Serve warm and enjoy!
Save My kids love to help with the cheesy tortillas, pressing the shells and watching the cheese melt. These tacos always bring a lot of smiles around our dinner 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 These cheesy gordita crunch tacos are bound to be on repeat in your home. Satisfying and fun to eat, they're a delicious twist on a crowd favorite.
Recipe Help & FAQs
- → How do I make the flatbreads cheesy and soft?
Heat a tortilla in a pan, sprinkle shredded cheddar over it, and cover until the cheese melts, creating a warm, cheesy base.
- → Can I use other types of cheese?
Yes, Monterey Jack, mozzarella, or pepper jack work well to add gooey texture and flavor.
- → What’s the best way to season the beef?
Cook ground beef with diced onion, garlic, taco seasoning, salt, and pepper for a flavorful, tender filling.
- → How can I add extra heat to the tacos?
Incorporate jalapeños, hot sauce, or a chipotle mayo drizzle to bring a spicy kick.
- → Can these be prepared ahead of time?
Prepare the seasoned beef and cheese flatbreads in advance; assemble tacos just before serving for best texture.