Pin It A crave-worthy, budget-friendly version of the famous fast-food favorite: crunchy seasoned beef tacos wrapped in warm, cheesy flatbreads, finished with lettuce, cheese, and zesty sauce.
I first made these for a weekend taco night after craving the drive-thru classic. They were a huge hit and disappeared faster than any other dish. Every time I make them, someone asks for the recipe.
Ingredients
- Beef & Seasonings: 1/2 lb (225 g) ground beef, 1/2 small onion (finely diced), 1 clove garlic (minced), 1 tablespoon taco seasoning (store-bought or homemade), 1/4 teaspoon salt, 1/4 teaspoon black pepper, 2 tablespoons water
- Cheesy Flatbreads: 4 small flour tortillas (soft taco size), 1 cup (100 g) shredded cheddar cheese
- Crunchy Tacos & Toppings: 4 crunchy taco shells, 1 cup (60 g) shredded iceberg lettuce, 1/2 cup (50 g) shredded Monterey Jack or more cheddar cheese, 1/4 cup (60 ml) ranch dressing or spicy chipotle mayo, 1 small tomato (diced, optional)
Instructions
- Brown the Beef:
- In a skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef and onion until fully browned, about 5 minutes. Drain excess fat if needed.
- Season the Beef:
- Add garlic, taco seasoning, salt, pepper, and water. Simmer for 2–3 minutes until the beef is well seasoned and moist. Remove from heat.
- Make Cheesy Flatbreads:
- Heat a nonstick pan over medium. Place 1 flour tortilla in the pan, sprinkle with 1/4 cup cheddar cheese, and cover until cheese melts (1–2 minutes).
- Add Crunchy Shell:
- Immediately press a crunchy taco shell onto the melted cheese so it adheres. Remove from the pan. Repeat with remaining tortillas, cheese, and shells.
- Assemble Tacos:
- Fill each taco shell with seasoned beef.
- Top and Serve:
- Top with lettuce, Monterey Jack or extra cheddar, ranch dressing or chipotle mayo, and diced tomatoes if desired. Serve warm and enjoy!
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My kids love building their own tacos and picking the toppings. These bring out genuine smiles at the table every time.
Required Tools
Large skillet, nonstick frying pan, spatula, knife and cutting board
Allergen Information
This recipe contains wheat, milk, eggs, and may contain soy; check all packaging carefully if you have food allergies.
Nutritional Information
Per taco: Calories: 350, Total Fat: 20 g, Carbohydrates: 28 g, Protein: 16 g
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Serve these tacos hot with your favorite salsa or guacamole. They are perfect for weeknights or festive gatherings!
Recipe Questions & Answers
- → What type of cheese works best for the flatbreads?
Cheddar cheese melts well to create a sticky layer that binds the taco shell to the tortilla. Combining cheddar with Monterey Jack in toppings adds creaminess and mildness.
- → Can I substitute ground beef with other proteins?
Yes, ground turkey or plant-based crumbles can be used as alternatives while maintaining similar texture and flavor profiles.
- → How do I make the flatbreads crispy yet soft?
Melting cheese onto the warm tortilla then pressing a crunchy shell on top creates a perfect combo of soft and crispy with gooey cheese in between.
- → What options are there for the sauce topping?
Ranch dressing offers creamy coolness, while spicy chipotle mayo adds a smoky kick. Both complement the seasoned beef and fresh toppings well.
- → Is it possible to add extra heat to this dish?
Yes, adding jalapeños or mixing hot sauce into the mayo brings an extra layer of spice without overpowering the flavors.