Description

Enjoy the perfect balance of crunchy and cheesy with these Cheesy Gordita Crunch Tacos. Ground beef is seasoned with a flavorful blend of spices, then topped with melted cheddar cheese on soft flour tortillas wrapped around crunchy taco shells. Loaded with fresh lettuce, optional diced tomatoes, and a drizzle of creamy chipotle or spicy ranch sauce, these tacos deliver a delicious Tex-Mex experience in every bite.

Ingredients

Scale

Seasoned Beef

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

Tacos

4 small flour tortillas (soft taco size)
4 crunchy taco shells
1.5 cups shredded cheddar cheese

Toppings

1 cup shredded iceberg lettuce
0.5 cup diced tomatoes (optional)
0.25 cup creamy chipotle or spicy ranch sauce

Instructions

Cook Seasoned Beef: In a skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef, breaking it up with a spatula. Season with salt, ground cumin, smoked paprika, chili powder, garlic powder, and onion powder. Cook for 6 to 8 minutes until the beef is browned and cooked through. Drain any excess fat if necessary.
Melt Cheese on Tortillas: Heat a large nonstick skillet over low to medium heat. Place one flour tortilla in the skillet and sprinkle 0.25 cup of shredded cheddar cheese evenly on each half of the tortilla. Cover the skillet and cook for 1 to 2 minutes until the cheese melts and the tortilla warms through.
Assemble Cheesy Flatbreads: Immediately wrap each cheesy tortilla around a crunchy taco shell, pressing gently to secure it in place. Repeat this step with all tortillas and taco shells.
Fill Tacos: Fill each crunchy taco shell with a portion of the seasoned ground beef prepared earlier.
Add Toppings: Top each taco with shredded iceberg lettuce and diced tomatoes if using. Drizzle with creamy chipotle or spicy ranch sauce to add a flavorful finish.
Serve Immediately: Serve the tacos right away to enjoy the satisfying combination of crunchy shells and melted cheese.

Notes

You can substitute ground turkey or chicken for a leaner protein option.
Adjust the amount of chipotle or ranch sauce to taste or try your favorite taco sauce.
For added heat, include sliced jalapeños or hot sauce.
Shredded lettuce provides crunch, but feel free to add other fresh veggies like diced onions or cilantro.
Warm the crunchy taco shells slightly before assembling to prevent breakage.

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 10 minutes
Category: Main Dish
Method: Stovetop
Cuisine: Mexican

Keywords: Cheesy Gordita Crunch, tacos, ground beef tacos, melted cheddar cheese, crunchy taco shells, Tex-Mex recipe, quick taco recipe