Cheesy Gordita Crunch from Taco Bell features a warm, soft flatbread layered with melted cheddar cheese, encasing a crunchy seasoned beef taco shell filled with fresh lettuce, shredded cheese, and zesty taco sauce, delivering a delicious blend of creamy, crunchy, and savory flavors.
Equipments
- Skillet or griddle
- Oven or microwave
- Cheese grater
- Mixing bowl
- Spoon or spatula
- Knife
- Cutting board
Ingredients
- 1 lb (450g) ground beef
- 1 packet taco seasoning
- 8 crunchy taco shells
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 4 large soft flatbreads (such as naan or pita)
- 1 cup shredded iceberg lettuce
- 1 cup shredded Monterey Jack cheese
- 1/2 cup taco sauce
Ground beef must be cooked thoroughly with the taco seasoning to achieve the signature savory flavor of the Cheesy Gordita Crunch. Using fresh shredded iceberg lettuce ensures a crisp texture that contrasts nicely with the melted cheddar cheese in the flatbread. Select soft flatbreads like naan or pita for a warm, pliable wrap that effectively holds the crunchy taco shell without breaking. Taco sauce adds a zesty kick, but you can adjust the amount to suit your taste preferences. Your homemade Cheesy Gordita Crunch replicates the iconic Taco Bell experience with a perfect balance of creamy, crunchy, and savory elements.
Instructions
- **Instructions:**
- Preheat skillet or griddle over medium heat.
- In a mixing bowl, combine ground beef and taco seasoning.
- Cook seasoned ground beef in skillet until browned; drain excess fat.
- Warm flatbreads on skillet or in the oven until pliable.
- Sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese evenly on each flatbread.
- Heat flatbreads with cheese in the oven or microwave until cheese is melted.
- Gently press a crunchy taco shell into the cheesy side of each flatbread.
- Fill each taco shell with cooked seasoned beef.
- Top beef with shredded lettuce, Monterey Jack cheese, and taco sauce.
- Serve immediately.
Substitution
The Cheesy Gordita Crunch from Taco Bell copycat menu can be easily customized by substituting ground beef with ground turkey or plant-based crumbles to cater to dietary preferences. You can use any soft flatbread such as naan, pita, or even flour tortillas if a specific type is unavailable, maintaining the signature wrap texture. If shredded cheddar cheese is limited, Monterey Jack or a blend of Mexican cheeses works well for the melty, cheesy layer. When preparing, heating the flatbread on a skillet or griddle ensures a warm and pliable wrap, but microwaving also speeds up the process if short on time. Your taco sauce choice can be adjusted to mild, medium, or hot depending on your spice tolerance without compromising the dish's essential flavor balance.
Tips
Make sure to cook the ground beef thoroughly until no pink remains, as undercooked meat can be unsafe. When warming flatbreads, avoid overheating to prevent them from becoming tough or dry, which affects the overall texture. Gently pressing the crunchy taco shell into the melted cheddar cheese ensures it sticks well and keeps your Cheesy Gordita Crunch intact. Use fresh, shredded lettuce and cheeses for the best flavor and texture in your final dish.
Nutritions
The Cheesy Gordita Crunch from Taco Bell provides a rich source of protein primarily from the seasoned ground beef, contributing to muscle repair and satiety. The combination of cheddar and Monterey Jack cheeses adds calcium and vitamin D, supporting bone health, while also increasing the dish's fat and calorie content. The inclusion of iceberg lettuce adds dietary fiber and essential vitamins including vitamin A and vitamin K, enhancing overall nutrient diversity. Your meal's nutrition also includes carbohydrates from the soft flatbread and crunchy taco shell, supplying energy for daily activities.
Storage
Store leftover Cheesy Gordita Crunch in an airtight container to maintain freshness and prevent sogginess of the taco shell. Keep the container refrigerated and consume within 1-2 days to ensure optimal taste and safety. When reheating, use an oven or skillet to retain the crispness of the beef taco shell and melt the cheese evenly for the best texture and flavor.
Variation or Alternatives
You can substitute ground beef with ground turkey or plant-based crumbles for a leaner or vegetarian variation. Soft flatbreads like whole wheat tortillas or flour tortillas are excellent alternatives to naan or pita, maintaining a warm, pliable wrap. Melt cheese using a skillet over low heat to create a crispy, golden cheesy layer under the taco shell. For extra flavor, consider mixing diced onions or jalapenos into the seasoned beef before cooking to enhance the savory, spicy profile.
Allergies
The Cheesy Gordita Crunch contains common allergens including dairy from cheddar and Monterey Jack cheeses, and gluten present in the soft flatbreads and crunchy taco shells. Your taco seasoning and taco sauce may also contain soy, wheat, or other potential allergens depending on the brand used. Individuals with allergies to beef, dairy, gluten, or specific additives should exercise caution and check ingredient labels carefully before consuming this dish.
Why this recipe?
The Cheesy Gordita Crunch from Taco Bell is beloved for its unique combination of a soft, warm flatbread wrapped around a crunchy taco shell filled with seasoned beef, melted cheese, and creamy spicy sauce. This signature menu item offers a satisfying blend of textures and bold flavors that create a memorable eating experience. Making a copycat version allows you to enjoy the rich, cheesy goodness and crave-worthy crunch at home, tailored to your taste preferences. Replicating this popular dish is worth the effort for fans seeking both convenience and the authentic Taco Bell taste anytime.