Description: A delicious homemade version of the iconic Taco Bell Crunchwrap Supreme, packed with seasoned ground beef, crunchy tostadas, fresh veggies, and a creamy sauce, all wrapped in a crispy, golden tortilla. This recipe allows you to customize your fillings and enjoy a restaurant-quality meal in the comfort of your own home.
Ingredients:
- 1 lb ground beef (80/20 blend recommended for flavor)
- 1 packet (about 1 ounce) taco seasoning
- ½ cup water
- 6 large (10-12 inch) flour tortillas
- 1 ½ cups shredded cheddar cheese (or a Mexican cheese blend)
- 1 cup shredded lettuce (iceberg or romaine)
- ½ cup diced tomatoes
- ½ cup sour cream (or Mexican crema)
- 6 small tostada shells (or substitute with tortilla chips for added crunch)
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil (for cooking the ground beef)
- Optional toppings: salsa, guacamole, chopped onions, jalapenos
Preparation:
Step 1: Prepare the Ground Beef: Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the vegetable oil and let it shimmer. Add the ground beef and cook, breaking it up with a spoon, until browned and no longer pink. Drain any excess grease from the skillet.
Step 2: Season the Beef: Add the taco seasoning packet to the cooked ground beef. Pour in the water and stir well to combine. Reduce the heat to medium and simmer for 5-7 minutes, or until the sauce has thickened and the beef is coated in the seasoning. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking. Taste and adjust seasoning if needed.
Step 3: Warm the Tortillas: Gently warm the flour tortillas to make them more pliable and easier to fold. You can do this by microwaving them for 10-15 seconds, or by heating them in a dry skillet over medium heat for a few seconds per side. Be careful not to overheat them, or they will become brittle.
Step 4: Assemble the Crunchwraps: Lay one warmed tortilla flat on a clean surface. Spread a thin layer of the seasoned ground beef in the center of the tortilla, leaving about 2-3 inches of space around the edge. Sprinkle about ¼ cup of the shredded cheddar cheese over the beef. Place a tostada shell (or a handful of tortilla chips) on top of the cheese. Spread about 1-2 tablespoons of sour cream (or Mexican crema) over the tostada shell. Top with a small amount of shredded lettuce and diced tomatoes.
Step 5: Fold the Crunchwrap: This is the trickiest part! Carefully fold the edges of the tortilla up and over the center filling, pleating as you go. Work your way around the tortilla until all the edges are sealed together in the center. If needed, you can use a small amount of cheese or sour cream to help seal the edges.
Step 6: Cook the Crunchwraps: Heat a dry skillet over medium heat. Carefully place the folded crunchwrap seam-side down in the hot skillet. Use a spatula to gently press down on the crunchwrap to flatten it slightly. Cook for 2-3 minutes per side, or until the tortilla is golden brown and crispy.
Step 7: Serve: Remove the cooked crunchwrap from the skillet and let it cool slightly before cutting it in half with a sharp knife. Serve immediately with your favorite toppings, such as salsa, guacamole, or extra sour cream.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe:
- Customizable: Easily adapt the fillings to your preferences. Use different cheeses, add beans, rice, or your favorite hot sauce.
- Portable: Perfect for a quick lunch or snack on the go.
- Satisfying: Combines all your favorite taco flavors and textures in one delicious package.
- Fun to Make: Assembling the crunchwraps can be a fun activity for the whole family.
- Better Than Taco Bell: Make it your own and impress your family and friends.
Serving Suggestions:
- Serve with a side of Mexican rice and refried beans for a complete meal.
- Offer a variety of toppings, such as salsa, guacamole, sour cream, and chopped onions.
- Pair with a refreshing beverage, such as iced tea, lemonade, or a Mexican soda.
- Cut into smaller wedges and serve as an appetizer for parties.
Tips:
- Use a good quality ground beef for the best flavor.
- Don’t overfill the crunchwraps, or they will be difficult to fold.
- Warm the tortillas to make them more pliable.
- Use a non-stick skillet to prevent the crunchwraps from sticking.
- Press down on the crunchwraps while they are cooking to help them crisp up evenly.
- If you don’t have tostada shells, you can use tortilla chips for added crunch.
- Get creative with your fillings! Try adding black beans, corn, pico de gallo, or your favorite hot sauce.
- To make it vegetarian, substitute the ground beef with seasoned lentils or black beans.
- These are best served immediately, but you can prep the components ahead of time. Cook the beef, shred the cheese and chop the lettuce, tomatoes and other toppings. Assemble the crunch wraps just before cooking.
Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Total Time: 40 minutes
Nutritional Information: (estimated, per serving, without additional toppings)
- Calories: 650-750
- Protein: 30-35g
- Sodium: 800-1000mg
Conclusion:
This Homemade Crunchwrap Supreme recipe is a fun and delicious way to enjoy your favorite taco flavors in a unique and satisfying format. With its customizable fillings and crispy texture, it’s sure to be a hit with family and friends. So gather your ingredients, get creative, and enjoy this homemade version of a fast-food classic!
Questions and Answers:
- Can I use a different type of meat? Yes, you can substitute the ground beef with ground turkey, ground chicken, or even shredded chicken or pork. Adjust the cooking time accordingly.
- Can I make these vegetarian? Absolutely! You can use seasoned lentils, black beans, or crumbled tofu as a vegetarian alternative to ground beef.
- Can I make these ahead of time? It’s best to assemble and cook the crunchwraps just before serving to ensure they are crispy. However, you can prepare the individual components (ground beef, cheese, veggies) ahead of time and store them in the refrigerator.
- What kind of cheese works best? Cheddar cheese, Monterey Jack, a Mexican cheese blend, or pepper jack all work well in this recipe. Use your favorite cheese!
- How do I prevent the tortillas from tearing when folding? Warming the tortillas slightly makes them more pliable and less likely to tear. Be gentle when folding and avoid overfilling the crunchwraps.
