Save 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 tried this recipe for a quick weeknight dinner and we loved how much it tasted like restaurant tacos without the drive-thru queue. It quickly became a regular supper, especially for Taco Tuesdays at home.
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 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).
- Wrap Taco Shells:
- Immediately press a crunchy taco shell onto the melted cheese so it adheres. Remove from pan and repeat with remaining tortillas, cheese, and shells.
- Fill Tacos:
- Fill each taco shell with seasoned beef.
- Add Toppings:
- Top with lettuce, Monterey Jack or extra cheddar, ranch dressing or chipotle mayo, and diced tomatoes if desired.
- Serve:
- Serve warm and enjoy!
Save We made a whole batch for a family taco night and everyone loved building their own tacos with extra sauce and cheese. These get rave reviews from kids and grownups alike.
Required Tools
Large skillet, nonstick frying pan, spatula, knife, and cutting board are all you need to get these tacos on the table in 30 minutes.
Allergen Information
This dish contains wheat (tortillas), milk (cheese, ranch), eggs (mayonnaise in ranch), and possible soy (in taco shells or ranch). Always check ingredient labels if you have allergies.
Nutritional Information
Each taco packs around 350 calories, 20 g fat, 28 g carbs, and 16 g protein. Adjust toppings to suit your dietary needs.
Save Serve these tacos as soon as they're assembled for best flavor and crunch. Everyone will love them hot from the pan.
Recipe Questions & Answers
- → What type of cheese works best in the flatbreads?
Cheddar cheese melts smoothly and adds sharpness, while Monterey Jack can be used on top for creaminess and mild flavor.
- → Can I make these without beef?
Yes, ground turkey or plant-based crumbles are excellent alternatives for similar texture and flavor.
- → How do I get the flatbreads crispy with melted cheese?
Heating the tortilla with cheese in a nonstick pan until melted, then pressing the crunchy shell onto it helps the cheese act as an adhesive and creates a crispy layer.
- → What sauces complement these tacos well?
Ranch dressing, chipotle mayo, or a homemade spicy mayo blend enhance the savory beef and add zesty creaminess.
- → Can I prepare components ahead of time?
Yes, cook and season the beef in advance and store flatbreads separately to reassemble quickly before serving.