Introduction
Are you craving a delicious and satisfying meal that combines the best of both worlds? Look no further than this homemade Cheesy Gordita Crunch! With seasoned ground beef, melty cheese, and a delightful spicy ranch sauce, this dish is sure to become a favorite in your household. Perfect for a family dinner or a fun gathering with friends, these cheesy tacos offer a satisfying crunch with every bite.
Detailed Ingredients with measures
1 pound ground beef
1/2 onion, chopped
1 1/2 tablespoons taco seasoning
1/2 cup salsa
8 flour tortillas (10-inch)
2 cups shredded cheese
8 crispy taco shells
Lettuce, tomatoes, onions, limes (for toppings)
Spicy Ranch Sauce:
1/2 cup ranch dressing
1 tablespoon hot sauce
Prep Time
15 minutes
Cook Time
8 minutes
Total Time
23 minutes
Yield
Serves 4
Enjoy this scrumptious Cheesy Gordita Crunch as a delightful option for your next meal. The combination of flavors and textures will leave your taste buds dancing and everyone asking for seconds!
Detailed Directions and Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Oven and Cook Beef
Preheat the oven to 375°F. In a large skillet over medium heat, cook 1 pound of ground beef and 1/2 chopped onion. Be sure to break up the meat using a spoon or spatula as it cooks.
Step 2: Add Seasoning and Salsa
Stir in 1 1/2 tablespoons of taco seasoning and 1/2 cup of salsa. Pour in 1/2 cup of water and continue cooking the mixture until it thickens.
Step 3: Prepare Tortillas and Taco Shells
Spread the 8 flour tortillas on one or two baking sheets. Evenly sprinkle 2 cups of shredded cheese over each tortilla. Position the 8 crispy taco shells on their sides to cover half of each tortilla.
Step 4: First Baking
Bake in the oven for 5 minutes.
Step 5: Fold and Flip
Remove the baking sheets from the oven and fold the exposed half of each tortilla over the taco shell. Carefully flip the taco shells so they are resting on the opposite side, then return them to the oven for an additional 3 minutes.
Step 6: Make Spicy Ranch Sauce
In a small bowl, combine 1/2 cup of ranch dressing with 1 tablespoon of hot sauce to create the spicy ranch sauce.
Step 7: Fill Taco Shells
Fill each taco shell with the ground beef mixture. Add additional shredded cheese, lettuce, tomatoes, onions, and a drizzle of the spicy ranch sauce on top.
Step 8: Serve
Serve immediately and enjoy your homemade Cheesy Gordita Crunch!
Notes
Ensure that the beef is cooked thoroughly before adding the seasoning. Adjust the amount of hot sauce in the ranch dressing to suit your spice preference. You can customize the toppings according to your taste, adding or omitting ingredients as you wish.
Cook techniques
Cooking Ground Beef
In a skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef until browned, using a spoon or spatula to break it up into smaller pieces for even cooking.
Flavoring the Beef
Add chopped onion to the skillet and cook until softened. Stir in taco seasoning and salsa for added flavor, then incorporate water to help the mixture thicken.
Preparing Tortillas
Spread flour tortillas on a baking sheet, then sprinkle shredded cheese evenly over each one. This creates a cheesy base for your tacos.
Baking the Taco Shells
Place crispy taco shells on their sides covering half of each tortilla, bake them to melt the cheese and warm the shells, ensuring a crispy texture.
Assembling the Tacos
After baking, fold the tortillas over the shells and flip them to create a sturdy base. Fill with the prepared beef mixture, cheese, and desired toppings.
Making Spicy Ranch Sauce
In a small bowl, mix ranch dressing with hot sauce to create a spicy kick for drizzling over the finished tacos.
FAQ
Can I use a different type of meat?
Yes, you can substitute ground beef with ground turkey, chicken, or even a plant-based meat alternative.
What can I use instead of flour tortillas?
You can use corn tortillas, lettuce wraps, or whole wheat tortillas if you prefer a healthier option.
How can I make this recipe spicier?
To increase the spiciness, add more hot sauce to the ranch dressing or incorporate diced jalapeños into the beef mixture.
Can I prepare this meal ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the beef mixture and toppings in advance, but it’s best to assemble and bake the tacos just before serving to keep them crispy.
What toppings can I use?
Feel free to get creative with toppings like avocado, sour cream, diced peppers, or olives based on your personal taste preferences.
Conclusion
This homemade Cheesy Gordita Crunch brings a fusion of flavors and textures, combining the heartiness of ground beef with the melty goodness of cheese and the crispiness of taco shells. Topped with fresh vegetables and a spicy ranch sauce, it offers a satisfying meal that’s perfect for any occasion. Whether it’s a weeknight dinner or a gathering with friends, this dish is sure to please everyone at the table.
More recipes suggestions and combination
Chicken Tacos
Swap the ground beef for shredded chicken and use barbecue sauce for a tangy twist.
Vegetarian Option
Try using black beans or lentils in place of ground beef, and top with avocado and corn salsa for freshness.
Breakfast Burritos
Fill tortillas with scrambled eggs, cheese, and breakfast sausage, then roll them up for a filling breakfast option.
Quesadilla Variation
Use the beef mixture as a filling for quesadillas, adding an extra layer of cheese for gooey delight.
Loaded Nachos
Instead of tacos, layer tortilla chips with the beef mixture, cheese, salsa, and toppings for a fun nacho platter.
Fish Tacos
Substitute grilled fish for the beef and add a mango salsa for a light and refreshing alternative.
Mexican Lasagna
Layer tortillas, beef mixture, cheese, and salsa in a baking dish for a hearty lasagna with a twist.
Stuffed Peppers
Use the beef and rice filling to stuff bell peppers, then bake them until tender for a nutritious meal.
Spicy Shrimp Tacos
Replace beef with sautéed shrimp, seasoned with chili powder and lime for a zesty seafood taco.
