Save 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 for busy weeknights. The cheesy flatbread wrapping adds a delicious, melty twist that everyone loves.
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.
Save Making these tacos always brings my family together around the dinner table, sharing laughs and enjoying the crunch and melt in every bite.
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.
Nutritional Information
Calories 390 Total Fat 22 g Carbohydrates 29 g Protein 18 g per serving
Save These tacos are perfect for a quick weeknight meal that feels indulgent but is simple to make.
Recipe FAQ
- → How do I keep the flatbread soft while wrapping the crunchy shell?
Heating the flour tortillas with cheese until melted creates a pliable, soft flatbread ideal for wrapping around the crunchy shell without cracking.
- → What spices are best for seasoning the beef filling?
A blend of cumin, smoked paprika, chili powder, garlic powder, and onion powder adds depth and a subtle smoky warmth to the ground beef.
- → Can I prepare the beef mixture in advance?
Yes, cooking the beef ahead and storing it in the refrigerator allows quick assembly later while preserving flavor and texture.
- → What can I use as a dairy-free alternative for the cheese?
Plant-based shredded cheese substitutes work well to maintain creaminess if avoiding dairy.
- → How can I make this dish spicier?
Adding sliced jalapeños, a dash of hot sauce to the creamy topping, or extra chili powder to the beef boosts the heat level.