Ultimate Cheesy Gordita Crunch
Indulge in the delightful layers of flavor that come together in this Ultimate Cheesy Gordita Crunch. Inspired by the beloved fast-food classic, this recipe features a soft, cheesy flatbread enveloping a perfectly crispy taco shell. Each bite reveals a combination of seasoned beef, fresh lettuce, and a zesty ranch dressing, all enhanced by molten cheese that binds the soft and crunchy textures. Perfect for Taco Night or when you're craving a comforting meal with a Mexican twist!
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
9
Ingredients
Ingredients
Copycat Taco Bell Seasoned Beef
2 1/2 cups (Prepare according to the linked recipe.)
Flour Tortillas
8 (Trimmed to 5 1/2 inches in diameter.)
Hard-Shelled Taco Shells
8 (No preparation needed.)
Iceberg Lettuce
3 cups (Shredded.)
Cheddar Cheese
2 cups (Shredded.)
Sour Cream
1/2 cup (No preparation needed.)
Ranch Dressing Seasoning
0.5 (1 ounce) envelope (For use in the Spicy Ranch sauce.)
Mayonnaise
2 tablespoons (No preparation needed.)
Habanero Sauce
2 tablespoons (No preparation needed.)
Instructions
1
Begin by preparing the Copycat Taco Bell Seasoned Beef according to the linked recipe, reserving 2 1/2 cups of the beef for the gorditas.
2
Next, prepare the Spicy Ranch Dressing: In a small bowl, mix together the ranch seasoning, mayonnaise, and habanero sauce. Stir well until fully combined, then cover and refrigerate until ready to use.
3
Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Use kitchen shears to trim the flour tortillas down to 5 1/2 inches in diameter for the gordita outer layer.
4
On a rimmed baking sheet, arrange the trimmed tortillas and sprinkle 1/4 cup of shredded cheddar cheese on each tortilla. Bake in the preheated oven for about 5 to 7 minutes, or until the cheese has melted and is bubbly.
5
Once the cheese is melted, quickly place a hard taco shell on top of each cheesy tortilla, pressing down gently to ensure it sticks. Use a spatula to flip the taco and adhere the cheese on the second side.
6
Remove from the oven and layer each Cheesy Gordita Crunch with the reserved seasoned beef, followed by a handful of shredded lettuce, an additional sprinkle of cheese, and a drizzle of the prepared Spicy Ranch dressing.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is an Ultimate Cheesy Gordita Crunch?
It is a layered taco that features a soft, cheesy flour tortilla wrapped around a crispy hard taco shell, filled with seasoned beef and fresh toppings.
How much seasoned beef is needed for this recipe?
The recipe requires 2 1/2 cups of seasoned beef.
What size should the flour tortillas be trimmed to?
The flour tortillas should be trimmed to 5 1/2 inches in diameter.
How do you make the Spicy Ranch Dressing?
Mix together ranch seasoning, mayonnaise, and habanero sauce in a small bowl until fully combined.
What temperature should the oven be set to?
Preheat your oven to 400 degrees Fahrenheit or 200 degrees Celsius.
How long do the tortillas bake with the cheese?
Bake the tortillas for 5 to 7 minutes, or until the cheese has melted and is bubbly.
What kind of cheese is used in the Ultimate Cheesy Gordita Crunch?
The recipe calls for 2 cups of shredded cheddar cheese.
How do I attach the hard taco shell to the tortilla?
Place the hard shell on top of the melted cheese on the tortilla, press down gently, and use a spatula to flip and adhere the second side.
What type of lettuce is best for this recipe?
The recipe recommends using 3 cups of shredded iceberg lettuce.
Does this recipe include sour cream?
Yes, it includes 1/2 cup of sour cream.
How many tortillas and taco shells are needed?
You will need 8 flour tortillas and 8 hard-shelled taco shells.
What is the first step in the instructions?
The first step is to prepare the seasoned beef according to the linked recipe, reserving 2 1/2 cups.
Should the ranch dressing be served immediately?
It is recommended to cover and refrigerate the dressing until you are ready to use it.
What tools are used to trim the tortillas?
Kitchen shears are recommended for trimming the flour tortillas.
How much mayonnaise is used in the sauce?
The spicy ranch sauce requires 2 tablespoons of mayonnaise.
What provides the heat in the Spicy Ranch Dressing?
The heat comes from 2 tablespoons of habanero sauce.
How much ranch seasoning is needed?
You will need half of a 1-ounce envelope of ranch dressing seasoning.
Is this a copycat recipe?
Yes, it is inspired by a beloved fast-food classic often found at Taco Bell.
What should I do once the cheese is melted on the tortillas?
Quickly place the hard taco shell on the cheesy tortilla and press down so they stick together.
How much cheese goes on each tortilla before baking?
Sprinkle 1/4 cup of shredded cheddar cheese on each trimmed tortilla.
What is the final step of assembly?
Layer the beef, lettuce, additional cheese, and a drizzle of Spicy Ranch dressing into the shell.
Is this recipe suitable for Taco Night?
Yes, it is specifically noted as being perfect for Taco Night or a comforting Mexican-style meal.
How many ingredients are in this recipe?
There are 9 primary ingredients listed in this recipe.
Can I use a rimmed baking sheet?
Yes, the instructions suggest using a rimmed baking sheet to arrange the tortillas.
What kind of texture does the Gordita Crunch have?
It features a combination of a soft outer flatbread and a perfectly crispy inner taco shell.
Is the beef prepared with special seasoning?
Yes, it uses a Copycat Taco Bell Seasoned Beef recipe.
What are the primary tags for this recipe?
Tags include taco, gordita, copycat, cheesy, and comfort food.
What type of meal is this considered?
It is categorized as a weeknight dinner and comfort food.
Can I substitute the protein?
While the recipe specifies beef, you could substitute with other seasoned meats if preferred.
What makes the ranch dressing 'zesty'?
The combination of ranch seasoning and habanero sauce gives it a zesty and spicy flavor.