Taco Bell Cheesy Gordita Crunch

If you find yourself craving the fast food Taco Bell menu, then you are going to love this copycat recipe for Taco Bell's Homemade Cheesy Gordita Crunch Tacos! All you need is pillowy flatbread, a hard shell taco, seasoned ground beef, and melty cheese, you're in for a treat

❤️ Why you'll love it

Homemade version: you can make this popular menu item right in your own kitchen, meaning you get to control the quality of ingredients, enjoy a fresher meal with the best flavor.

Versatile Ingredients: This delicious recipe is customizable to your preferences. You can use different types of pita bread, experiment with various types of cheese, and even add your favorite toppings to create your unique twist on the classic.

Budget-Friendly: Homemade Cheesy Gordita Crunch is not only tastier but also easier on your wallet. The best way to save money is by making it yourself, and you can create multiple servings to share with family and friends.

🥘 Ingredients for Taco Bell Cheesy Gordita Crunch

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Pita bread: I recommend tofuyan pita bread (it is a softer pita bread). You can also use a soft flatbread like naan.

Shredded cheddar cheese

Hard shell taco: you want a crunchy taco shell for the full gordita experience!

Taco meat: I make this taco meat recipe made with ground beef.

Iceberg lettuce: I prefer a crisp lettuce for this recipe and Iceberg lettuce fits that bill.

Roma tomatoes

Ranchero Sauce (this is a spicy ranch sauce, similar to Taco Bell's creamy spicy sauce)

Sour cream

🔪 Instructions

1. Warm hard taco shells as directed on packaging and keep warm.
2. While the taco shells are heating, place the trimmed pita bread in an air fryer basket and top with shredded cheddar cheese to completely cover. 
3. Cook at 350°f for 4-6 minutes until cheese is completely melted and gooey.
4. Remove and place the crunchy shell on the cheesy flatbread closing the shell inside the warm flatbread.
5. Fill with shells with taco meat, lettuce, more shredded cheddar cheese, diced tomato, sour cream, and spicy ranch sauce.

🥄 Equipment

Air fryer

Large baking sheet (if baking in oven)

Sharp knife

Cutting board

🥫Storage

Refrigerate: store leftover components in an airtight containers up to 4 days.

📖 Variations

Vegan Cheesy Gordita Crunch: Skip the taco meat and use this Instant Pot lentils recipe in it's place. replace it with seasoned and grilled vegetables for a delicious vegetarian version.

Spicy Doritos Cheesy Gordita Crunch: Add some hot sauce, jalapeños, or diced green chilies for an extra spicy kick and use the Doritos hard taco shells.

Breakfast Gordita: Make a morning version with scrambled eggs, bacon or sausage, and a breakfast cheese blend.

💭 Tips

• If you don't have pita bread, a soft piece of flatbread or a soft flour tortilla can be used in place of the pita bread.
• Make the homemade taco meat ahead of time and keep it stored in the fridge until ready to reheat and use.
• Be sure to use a crunchy taco shell inside the pita for that signature crunch. You can buy them at the store or make your own by frying soft corn tortillas until they're crispy.
• Buy the brick cheddar cheese and shred it yourself for the best cheesy melt.

📚 Related Recipes

Homemade Taco Seasoning is super versatile and can be used to season a large number of meats.

Homemade Taco Sauce is so delicious on tacos, burritos, burgers and eggs.

If you love copycat recipes, you will love these easy Copycat Star Crunch Cookies!

Looking for another great game day recipe? Then look no further than this delicious Buffalo Chicken Flatbread!

Try this copycat Taco Bell Spicy Ranchero Sauce on these tasty gorditas!

🍽 Serve with..

Serve your cheesy gordita crunches with your favorite sides, such as guacamole, salsa, or sour cream. A simple side salad or a plate of nacho friesp can complement this dish perfectly.

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📖 Recipe