Ingredients

0.5 pound ground beef

0.5 teaspoon salt

0.5 teaspoon ground cumin

0.5 teaspoon smoked paprika

0.5 teaspoon chili powder

0.25 teaspoon garlic powder

0.25 teaspoon onion powder

4 small flour tortillas (soft taco size)

4 crunchy taco shells

1.5 cups shredded cheddar cheese

1 cup shredded iceberg lettuce

0.5 cup diced tomatoes (optional)

0.25 cup creamy chipotle or spicy ranch sauce

Instructions

Step 1: In a skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef while breaking it up with a spatula. Add salt, ground cumin, smoked paprika, chili powder, garlic powder, and onion powder. Continue cooking for 6 to 8 minutes until the beef is browned. Drain any excess fat if necessary.

Step 2: Heat a large nonstick skillet over low to medium heat. Place one flour tortilla in the skillet, then sprinkle about 0.25 cup of shredded cheddar cheese evenly on each half of the tortilla. Cover and cook for 1 to 2 minutes until the cheese melts and the tortilla is warmed through.

Step 3: Immediately wrap each cheesy tortilla around a crunchy taco shell, pressing gently so the flatbread adheres to the shell. Repeat with all tortillas and shells.

Step 4: Fill each crunchy shell with a generous portion of the seasoned beef.

Step 5: Top the beef with shredded iceberg lettuce, diced tomatoes if desired, and drizzle with creamy chipotle or spicy ranch sauce.

Step 6: Serve immediately to enjoy the combination of crispy shells and melted cheese.

Tips & Variations

For extra flavor, add a squeeze of fresh lime juice over the toppings before serving.

Substitute ground turkey or chicken for a lighter protein option.

Use pepper jack cheese instead of cheddar for a spicy twist.

Make it vegetarian by replacing beef with seasoned black beans or sautéed mushrooms.

Storage

Store any leftover components separately in airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. To maintain the crunch, keep the taco shells separate from the cheese-wrapped tortillas and fillings. Reheat the cheesy tortillas gently in a skillet over medium-low heat until warmed and the cheese is melted again. Assemble tacos fresh before serving.

FAQs

Can I make this recipe ahead of time?

You can prepare the seasoned beef and shredded toppings in advance, but it’s best to assemble the tacos just before eating to keep the shells crispy and the cheese melted.

What kind of sauce works best with Cheesy Gordita Crunch Tacos?

Creamy chipotle sauce or spicy ranch adds a nice balance of heat and creaminess. However, you can also use salsa, sour cream, or guacamole according to your taste.