Pin this 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.
I first tried these tacos when I wanted a quick meal with a fun twist on fast food, and they quickly became a family favorite for weeknights.
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 this This recipe always brings my family together at the dinner table with its cozy and delicious flavors everyone enjoys.
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) gluten (flour tortillas taco shells). Check sauce and seasoning labels for gluten soy or egg if allergies are a concern.
Pin this Enjoy your tacos fresh to keep the shell crunchy and the cheese perfectly melted every time.
Recipe FAQs
- → What spices enhance the beef filling?
The beef is seasoned with cumin, smoked paprika, chili powder, garlic powder, onion powder, and salt to create a savory and mildly smoky flavor.
- → How is the cheesy flatbread prepared?
Shredded cheddar is melted inside a warmed flour tortilla using a skillet, creating a soft flatbread wrapped around the crunchy shell.
- → Can I substitute the beef for vegetarian options?
Yes, seasoned black beans or plant-based crumbles can replace the beef to achieve a vegetarian-friendly version.
- → What sauces complement the flavors best?
Creamy chipotle or a spicy ranch sauce adds a zesty touch that balances richness and heat perfectly.
- → How to keep the shells crunchy after assembling?
Assemble tacos immediately after warming the flatbread to ensure the crunchy shell remains crisp and the cheese melty.