Description
This Cheesy Gordita Crunch recipe features a delicious combination of seasoned ground beef, melted cheese, crispy taco shells, and fresh taco fixings wrapped inside warm flour tortillas. Baked to perfection, the dish is finished with a spicy ranch sauce that adds a zesty kick. Perfect for a flavorful family meal or taco night!
Ingredients
Scale
Beef Mixture
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1/2 onion, chopped
- 1 1/2 tablespoons taco seasoning
- 1/2 cup salsa
- 1/2 cup water
Taco Assembly
- 8 flour tortillas (10-inch)
- 2 cups shredded cheese
- 8 crispy taco shells
- Taco fixings: lettuce, tomatoes, onion, limes (to taste)
Spicy Ranch Sauce
- 1/2 cup ranch dressing
- 1 tablespoon hot sauce
Instructions
- Preheat the oven: Set your oven to 375°F (190°C) to prepare for baking the assembled tacos.
- Cook the ground beef and onion: In a large skillet over medium heat, add the ground beef and chopped onion. Break up the beef with a spoon or spatula and cook until the meat is browned and onions are softened.
- Add seasoning and salsa: Stir in the taco seasoning and salsa. Pour in 1/2 cup of water and continue cooking the mixture until it thickens, about 3-5 minutes.
- Prepare tortillas and cheese: Lay out the flour tortillas on one or two baking sheets. Evenly sprinkle shredded cheese over each tortilla.
- Place taco shells: Position the crispy taco shells on their sides atop half of each tortilla, covering one half.
- Bake the tortillas and shells: Place the baking sheets in the oven and bake for 5 minutes, allowing the cheese to melt and the tortilla to warm.
- Fold the tortillas: Remove the baking sheets from the oven. Fold the exposed half of the tortilla over onto the taco shell, enclosing it to create a gordita crunch style taco.
- Flip and bake again: Turn the folded tacos so they rest on the opposite side, and bake for an additional 3 minutes to crisp up the tortillas and taco shells.
- Make spicy ranch sauce: While the tacos bake, mix together the ranch dressing and hot sauce until combined.
- Assemble tacos: Fill each folded taco shell with the cooked ground beef mixture, extra shredded cheese if desired, and top with lettuce, diced tomatoes, chopped onions, and a drizzle of spicy ranch sauce. Serve with lime wedges.
Notes
- For a spicier version, add extra hot sauce or jalapeños to the beef mixture.
- You can substitute ground turkey or plant-based meat for a different protein option.
- Use gluten-free tortillas to make this recipe gluten-free.
- Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and reheated in the oven for best results.
- Feel free to customize your taco fixings based on preference – avocado or sour cream work well too.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Mexican-American
Keywords: Cheesy Gordita Crunch, tacos, ground beef taco, baked tacos, Mexican-American recipe, crispy tacos, cheesy tacos
