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Cheesy Gordita Crunch Recipe

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★★★★★

5 from 126 reviews

This Cheesy Gordita Crunch recipe combines seasoned ground beef, melted cheese, and fresh taco fixings wrapped in a crispy taco shell nestled inside a warm, cheesy flour tortilla. Baked to perfection, this flavorful Tex-Mex inspired dish is a satisfying and fun twist on traditional tacos perfect for a hearty meal.

Ingredients

Scale

For the Ground Beef Filling

  • 1 pound ground beef
  • 1/2 onion, chopped
  • 1 1/2 tablespoons taco seasoning
  • 1/2 cup salsa
  • 1/2 cup water

For the Gordita Crunch Assembly

  • 8 flour tortillas (10-inches)
  • 2 cups shredded cheese (a blend of cheddar and Monterey Jack recommended)
  • 8 crispy taco shells

Taco Fixings and Sauce

  • Lettuce, shredded
  • Tomatoes, diced
  • Onions, diced
  • Limes, sliced for garnish
  • 1/2 cup ranch dressing
  • 1 tablespoon hot sauce

Instructions

  1. Cook the Ground Beef Mixture: Preheat a large skillet over medium heat and add the ground beef along with the chopped onions. Use a spoon or spatula to break the meat apart as it cooks until browned and onions are softened.
  2. Season and Thicken: Stir in the taco seasoning, salsa, and 1/2 cup water. Continue cooking the mixture, stirring occasionally, until it thickens slightly and the flavors meld, about 5-7 minutes.
  3. Prepare Tortillas and Cheese: Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). On one or two baking sheets, lay out the flour tortillas flat. Evenly sprinkle shredded cheese over each tortilla.
  4. Assemble Tortillas and Taco Shells: Place one crispy taco shell on its side atop each tortilla, covering half of the tortilla to create the layered gordita effect.
  5. Bake Initial Layer: Bake the prepared tortillas and taco shells in the oven for 5 minutes to soften the tortillas and begin melting the cheese.
  6. Fold Tortillas: Remove the baking sheets from the oven. Carefully fold the exposed half of each tortilla over the taco shell, encasing the shell in the cheesy tortilla.
  7. Bake Again: Flip each folded taco shell so it rests on the opposite side. Return to the oven and bake for an additional 3 minutes to crisp up the tortilla and cheese exterior.
  8. Make Spicy Ranch Sauce: In a small bowl, mix together ranch dressing and hot sauce until fully combined to create the spicy ranch sauce.
  9. Fill and Serve: Fill each gordita crunch with the cooked ground beef mixture, additional shredded cheese if desired, shredded lettuce, diced tomatoes, onions, and a drizzle of spicy ranch sauce. Serve immediately with lime wedges on the side.

Notes

  • Use a good-quality taco seasoning for authentic flavors or make your own blend at home.
  • To make it spicier, increase the amount of hot sauce in the ranch dressing.
  • For a crispier tortilla, consider broiling for the last minute, watching closely to prevent burning.
  • Substitute ground turkey or chicken for a lighter protein option.
  • Serve immediately as the crispy texture is best enjoyed fresh out of the oven.

Keywords: Cheesy Gordita Crunch, tacos, Tex-Mex, ground beef recipe, baked tacos, cheesy tacos, taco shells, spicy ranch

Find it online: https://spatulaqueen.com/cheesy-gordita-crunch-recipe/