Taco Bell Cheesy Gordita Crunch Copycat

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Follow this copycat Taco Bell cheesy Gordita crunch recipe for a version that's better than Taco Bell's. Like the original, it's loaded with beef, cheese, and seasonings and has an outside that packs a crunch; only it's homemade!

One of my favorite Taco Bell items is the cheesy gordita crunch. Oh, it's so good. I would live off of it if I could. I love it so much, in fact, that I created my own version at home, and it's amazing.

Five Copycat Taco Bell Cheesy Gordita Crunch Tacos on a white plate. The plate is placed on a wooden serving basket. Packets of various sauces spread around the table.

Cheesy Gordita Crunch Recipe

This was inspired by my other Taco Bell copycat recipe on this site, and pairs well with this amazing verde sauce recipe. Both of these delicious recipes are also Taco Bell copycats, and they're also amazing!

Ingredients

This recipe has three parts, so there are quite a few ingredients, however, if you give it a look, you'll see that most of them are actually spices. In fact, you'll probably have most of the ingredients in your kitchen already.

For the Taco Bell Taco Seasoning

Chili powder
Cumin
Smoked paprika
Coriander
Garlic powder
Minced onion
Sugar

For the Spicy Ranch Sauce

Sour cream
Mayonnaise
Hot sauce
Garlic powder
Dried dill weed
Black pepper
Onion powder
Dried parsley
Kosher Salt

For the Gorditas

Ground beef
Hard taco shells
Gordita flour tortillas
Shredded cheddar cheese
Shredded iceberg lettuce
Diced tomato

See the recipe card at the end of the post for quantities and cook times.

Copycat Taco Bell Jalapeno Ranch in a mason jar with a wooden spoon

Instructions

There are far fewer steps than there are ingredients for this delicious copycat recipe. It only takes a handful of steps to make this super tasty copycat!

Step 1: Make the Taco Seasoning

Make the taco seasoning by combining all of the seasoning ingredients in a bowl until well mixed.

Step 2: Make the Taco Meat

Heat a skillet over medium-high heat. Add olive oil and swirl to coat the pan. Then, add the ground beef and break it apart while cooking. About halfway through cooking the beef, stir in the taco seasoning. Remove the cooked beef from the heat and place it in a bowl.

Step 3: Prepare the Gorditas

Lay the gorditas out on a solid work surface and cover each gordita evenly with shredded cheddar cheese. Place them in the oven on a baking sheet and bake until the cheese is melted. Remove them from the oven and place them on a taco stand so they hold the taco shape.

Step 4: Make the Spicy Ranch Sauce

Make the spicy ranch sauce by combining all the ranch ingredients and whisking until well mixed.

Step 5: Put it All Together

Place the hard taco shell inside the gordita. Scoop the taco meat into the center of the hard shell, then top with spicy ranch sauce, shredded lettuce, tomato, and cheese.

Hint: Use a baking sheet lined with parchment paper when melting the cheese on the gorditas to make it easier to transfer them from the pan to the taco stand.

Copycat Taco Bell Cheesy Gordita Crunch Tacos on a white plate. The plate is placed on a wooden serving basket.

Substitutions

Don't have the correct ingredients on hand or want to change something up? Here are some helpful tips for you to change this cheesy gordita crunch recipe.

Taco Seasoning - If you don't have the spices to make your own, packaged taco seasoning works.
Flour Tortillas - If you can't find gorditas, flour tortillas will work. It won't be quite the same, but it will be close.
Cheese - If you don't have cheddar cheese, Colby Jack or a Mexican blend will work well.

Variations

Want to personalize this copycat Taco Bell cheesy gordita crunch recipe? Here are some of my tried and true tips for changing up this recipe.

Spicy - Add red pepper flakes or diced jalapeno to the taco meat for a spicy kick.
Deluxe - Top your gordita crunch with salsa and guacamole.
Kid-Friendly - Omit the spicy ranch sauce to make this recipe more palatable to kids.

If you love recipes like this, you may also enjoy these shredded chicken tacos.

Equipment

It only takes a few simple items to help you make this recipe. You don't need any fancy gadgets, just simple kitchen items.

Measuring cups and spoons
Mixing bowl
Pan or skillet
Wooden bowl
Wire whisk
Taco stand
Cutting board
Knife

Storage

Once made, the tacos will need to be eaten immediately. However, you can store the taco meat for up to three days in the refrigerator. You can store the ranch sauce in the refrigerator for up to a week. The taco seasoning can be stored for up to a month.

Tips

Although this recipe is very easy to make, I have a couple of tips that will help you make it even better and even more easily.

When cutting your tomato, use an extremely sharp knife so you get diced tomato instead of crushed.
Use full-fat mayonnaise and sour cream to make the tastiest possible spicy ranch sauce.

close up image of a copycat taco bell gordita crunch with a bite missing. Placed on a white plate, the plate is placed on a wooden serving basket. More tacos in the background.

More Taco Recipes

Do you like tacos? Here are some recipes you may also like to try

FAQ

Do you have questions about this copycat Taco Bell cheesy gordita crunch? Here are some of the most commonly asked questions about this cheesy gordita crunch recipe.

How long will these last?

The gorditas should be eaten soon after they're made. However, taco meat will last for about three days. The sauce will last for about a week. The taco seasoning will last for about a month.

Can I refrigerate these gorditas?

I don't recommend it. The shell will get soggy.

How do I reheat?

To reheat the meat, simply microwave it until hot.

What is a gordita?

It's a thick, soft corn tortilla.

Is this an authentic Mexican dish?

Absolutely not. It's a Taco Bell copycat, and strictly speaking, nothing at Taco Bell is authentic. It's still good, though!