Dinner

Cheesy Gordita Crunch Recipe

ByAiden Wells February 6, 2026February 6, 2026

Introduction

The Cheesy Gordita Crunch is a delicious and satisfying taco option that brings together crispy taco shells and soft, cheesy tortillas. With seasoned ground beef and fresh toppings, it’s a delightful combination of textures and flavors perfect for any taco night.

The image shows several tacos arranged on a white marbled surface, each taco with three visible layers: a soft pale beige tortilla wrapping around a crispy golden shell, filled with seasoned brown ground meat at the bottom. Above the meat layer, there is a mix of finely shredded light green lettuce and small chopped bright red tomatoes scattered evenly. Diced purple onions add a splash of color within the filling, and a light drizzle of creamy sauce with a soft pink tint is visible on top. Extra bits of lettuce and diced vegetables are scattered around the tacos, adding texture to the scene. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients

1 pound ground beef
1/2 onion, chopped
1 1/2 tablespoons taco seasoning
1/2 cup salsa
8 flour tortillas (10 inches)
2 cups shredded cheese
8 crispy taco shells
Taco fixings: lettuce, tomatoes, onion, limes
1/2 cup ranch dressing
1 tablespoon hot sauce

Instructions

Step 1: Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). In a large skillet over medium heat, add the ground beef and chopped onion. Break up the meat with a spoon or spatula and cook until browned.
Step 2: Stir in the taco seasoning and salsa. Add 1/2 cup of water and continue cooking until the mixture has thickened and is well combined.
Step 3: Spread the flour tortillas on one or two baking sheets. Sprinkle shredded cheese evenly over each tortilla. Place one crispy taco shell on its side over half of each tortilla to cover that half.
Step 4: Bake in the oven for 5 minutes, allowing the cheese to melt and the tortillas to soften slightly.
Step 5: Remove the baking sheets from the oven and fold the exposed half of the tortilla over the taco shell, creating the gordita shape.
Step 6: Flip the tacos so they rest on the opposite side of the shell, then return them to the oven for an additional 3 minutes to crisp up.
Step 7: Meanwhile, combine ranch dressing and hot sauce in a small bowl to make a spicy ranch sauce.
Step 8: Fill each taco shell with the seasoned ground beef, melted cheese, lettuce, tomatoes, onions, and a drizzle of the spicy ranch before serving.

Tips & Variations

For extra flavor, add a squeeze of fresh lime juice over the meat before assembling the tacos.
Try swapping ground beef for ground chicken or turkey for a lighter option.
Use pepper jack cheese instead of mild cheddar to add a bit more spice.
Make it vegetarian by using seasoned black beans or lentils instead of meat.

Storage

Store leftover Cheesy Gordita Crunch tacos in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. To reheat, wrap in foil and warm in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10 minutes to maintain crispiness. Avoid microwaving if you want to keep the taco shells crunchy.

How to Serve

The image shows six tacos arranged in a scattered way on a white marbled surface. Each taco has two layers: the bottom layer is a round, golden corn tortilla, topped with a browned ground beef mix, then a soft white flour tortilla folded over it. Around the tacos, there are small piles of shredded orange and white cheese and shredded light green lettuce, some scattered on the surface. On the sides, there are a white bowl of shredded lettuce, a white bowl of ground beef mixture, a white bowl of salsa with red tomato sauce, a white bowl with green lime wedges, a small jar of orange-colored sauce with a spoon, and a small white bowl filled with chopped red onions. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I make these ahead of time?

You can prepare the seasoned beef and spicy ranch sauce ahead, but it’s best to assemble and bake the tacos just before serving to keep the shells crisp and fresh.

What can I use if I don’t have taco seasoning?

You can make your own taco seasoning with a mix of chili powder, cumin, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper for a fresh and customizable flavor.