Pin 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.
This recipe quickly became a family favorite because of its satisfying texture combo and rich flavors.
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.
Pin It We often enjoy these tacos during family game nights because they are fun to hold and share.
Notes
For a vegetarian version, substitute ground beef with seasoned black beans or plant-based crumbles. Add sliced jalapeños, chopped onions, or avocado for extra flavor. Pair with a light Mexican lager or limeade.
Required Tools
Large skillet, Nonstick skillet or griddle, Spatula, Measuring spoons
Allergen Information
Contains dairy (cheese, sauce) and gluten (flour tortillas, taco shells). Check sauce and seasoning labels for gluten, soy, or egg if allergies are a concern.
Pin It This recipe is simple, flavorful, and sure to impress at any meal.
Recipe Questions & Answers
- → What spices are used for seasoning the beef?
A blend of salt, ground cumin, smoked paprika, chili powder, garlic powder, and onion powder seasoning the beef for a smoky and spicy flavor.
- → How is the cheesy flatbread prepared?
Cheddar cheese is sprinkled on a flour tortilla, then heated in a skillet until the cheese melts and the tortilla warms, creating a soft cheesy flatbread.
- → Can the crunchy taco shells stay crisp after assembling?
Yes, wrapping the soft cheesy tortilla gently around the crunchy shell helps maintain the crisp texture while adding a melty cheese layer.
- → What topping options complement these tacos?
Shredded iceberg lettuce, diced tomatoes, and a creamy chipotle or spicy ranch sauce bring freshness and a zingy finish.
- → Is there a vegetarian alternative for the filling?
Seasoned black beans or plant-based crumbles can replace ground beef for a meat-free version without losing flavor.