Updated on September 29th, 2025
This cheesy gordita crunch recipe brings one of Taco Bell’s most popular menu items straight to your kitchen. The combination of a warm gordita shell layered with melted cheese, wrapped around a crunchy taco shell, and filled with seasoned beef, crisp lettuce, shredded cheddar, and a creamy, slightly spicy sauce makes it unforgettable. The best part is you can easily recreate it at home with simple ingredients, and you’ll have the flexibility to make it exactly how you like it. From the cheesy layers to the flavorful sauce, every bite delivers texture and flavor that will keep you coming back for more.
Why this recipe works
- Double shell crunch: Wrapping a soft gordita shell around a crunchy taco shell creates an unbeatable texture that’s chewy, crispy, and cheesy all at once.
- Signature sauce: The creamy sauce with red bell pepper, jalapeno, and spices balances richness with just the right amount of heat in each bite.
- Simple method: Using everyday ingredients and a straightforward process makes this copycat Taco Bell recipe doable even on busy weeknights.
- Customizable filling: Whether you stick with classic seasoned beef or swap in turkey, chicken, or even plant-based meat, the results are still delicious.
- Restaurant-quality taste: Melting cheese directly onto the gordita shell before pressing it to the taco shell mimics the authentic Taco Bell technique perfectly.
Serving suggestions
- Classic style: Serve your cheesy gordita crunch with rice and refried beans on the side for a complete Taco Bell-inspired meal.
- Party platter: Cut the gorditas into halves or thirds and arrange them on a tray for game day or casual gatherings with friends.
- Healthier twist: Swap ground beef for ground turkey or chicken and replace mayonnaise with Greek yogurt to lighten up the sauce.
- Spice lover’s option: Add extra jalapenos, hot sauce, or a drizzle of chipotle crema for those who prefer more kick in their tacos.
- Family-friendly meal: Let everyone build their own by setting up a topping bar with lettuce, cheese, salsa, guacamole, and extra sauce.
Cheesy gordita crunch recipe
This Cheesy Gordita Crunch recipe brings Taco Bell flavor home. Cheesy layers, seasoned beef, and a creamy jalapeño sauce make an irresistible meal.
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
Ingredients
- 1lb ground beef
- 1 packet taco seasoning mix
- 1 cups shredded Mexican cheese blend
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 2 cups shredded romaine lettuce
- 6 hard taco shells
- 6 gordita shells
Sauce-
- 1/4 cup red bell pepper (seeded and chopped)
- 1 jalapeno pepper (seeded and sliced)
- 2 tablespoons diced onion
- 1 cup mayonnaise
- 1 tablespoon vinegar
- 1/4 teaspoon cracked black pepper
- 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/4 teaspoon cumin
Instructions
- Place the bell pepper, jalapeno pepper, and onion into the bowl of a food processor. Puree until smooth.
- Stir together 4 teaspoons of this mixture the mayonnaise, and vinegar in a small bowl. Season with pepper, garlic powder, and cumin. Cover and refrigerate for at least 3 hours.
- Brown ground beef in a large skillet over medium-high heat. The drain of any excess grease. Stir in the taco seasoning with 1 ¼ cups of water. Reduce heat and simmer until the water is almost gone and the mixture is thick.
- Layout a gordita shell onto a microwave safe plate. Spread a layer of Mexican cheese blend over the top of the gordita.
- Place into the microwave and microwave for 30 seconds or until the cheese has melted. Place a taco shell onto one side of the gordita. Fold the gordita around the taco shell and press so it sticks to the cheese.
- Add some ground beef to the taco shell and top with some of the sauce, romaine lettuce, and cheddar cheese.
- Repeat with remaining shells.
Nutrition
- Serving Size:
- Calories: 965
- Sugar: 4.2 g
- Sodium: 618.9 mg
- Fat: 48.6 g
- Carbohydrates: 89.8 g
- Protein: 40.9 g
- Cholesterol: 94 mg