Taco Bell Crunchwrap Supreme

This homemade Crunchwrap Supreme delivers all the melty cheese, crunchy shell, and seasoned beef you crave from the fast food version right in your own kitchen. If you have ever wished you could skip the drive thru but still get that perfect combination of flavors and textures, this recipe delivers a satisfying solution.

I first made this for a game night with friends after a Taco Bell run was canceled by bad weather. It was such a hit that my family now requests crunchwraps whenever we need a fun weeknight dinner.

Ingredients

• Ground beef: Lean ground beef for flavor and heartiness You can substitute ground turkey or beans for different tastes
• Taco seasoning: Choose a blend with a good balance of spice and smokiness Look for freshness in spices
• Beef broth: Adds extra juiciness to the cooked meat Opt for low sodium for full control of salt
• Flour tortillas: Both large burrito size and small street taco size to fully wrap the layers Look for soft and pliable tortillas without cracks
• Tostada shells: Crispy corn tostadas provide the signature crunch You can use thick tortilla chips for a substitute
• Nacho cheese sauce: This gooey layer is key to the experience Homemade or jarred both work Choose a brand with a creamy texture
• Sour cream: Adds tanginess and coolness to balance the spice Use full fat for the best texture
• Shredded lettuce: Crisp iceberg gives an authentic crunch Make sure it is freshly shredded
• Tomatoes: Diced for juiciness and color Go for ripe but firm to prevent sogginess
• Shredded cheese: Mexican blend or cheddar offers creaminess Use block cheese and shred yourself for the best melt
• Oil: A light layer for skillet toasting Neutral oils like canola or vegetable are best
• Cilantro: Fresh herbs add brightness though not original to Taco Bell Use only fresh leaves for best flavor

Step-by-Step Instructions

Prepare the Beef:

Brown the ground beef in a skillet over medium heat breaking up the meat continuously until no longer pink This usually takes about eight minutes Stir in the taco seasoning and beef broth then simmer until thickened

Warm the Tortillas:

Wrap each tortilla in a damp paper towel and microwave for twenty to thirty seconds until just flexible This prevents tearing when folding

Layer the Ingredients:

Place a large flour tortilla on a flat surface and spread an even layer of nacho cheese in the center Add a generous scoop of the seasoned beef Spread the beef in a circle slightly smaller than the tostada shell

Add the Crunch:

Press a tostada shell right on top of the beef layer Gently spread sour cream over the tostada then top with shredded lettuce diced tomatoes cilantro and shredded cheese

Top and Fold:

Lay a small tortilla over the fillings to cover Then carefully fold the edge of the large tortilla toward the center working your way around to create tight overlapping folds Use a spoon to hold sections in place if needed

Crisp in the Pan:

Heat a thin layer of oil in a nonstick skillet over medium heat Place the folded crunchwrap seam side down and press gently Cook for two or three minutes until golden brown then carefully flip and cook the other side Repeat for all crunchwraps

Serve Immediately:

Remove from skillet and slice in halves or quarters for serving Serve hot for maximum crunch and gooey cheese pulls

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For me the nacho cheese sauce is the star Every time I make these I cannot help but sneak an extra spoonful into my own The gooey melty layer ties all the flavors together and my kids call it the magic ingredient

Storage Tips

Crunchwrap supremes are best the day they are made as the crispy shell loses its crunch after storage If you need to store leftovers keep ingredients like cooked beef cheese and veggies in separate containers and assemble just before eating Stored separately they keep in the fridge for up to five days

Ingredient Substitutions

Swap the ground beef for seasoned chicken strips or spiced black beans if you prefer a lighter or vegetarian meal Gluten free tortillas or low carb wraps work well if needed Replace the nacho cheese with a spicy queso for a flavor twist

Serving Suggestions

Serve with salsa guacamole or extra queso for dipping Adding a side of Mexican rice or refried beans makes the meal more filling For parties slice the crunchwraps into quarters for easy finger food

Bookmark

Cultural and Historical Context

Taco Bell introduced the Crunchwrap Supreme in the early 2000s as an innovative way to merge tacos and quesadillas with a handheld twist Its popularity soared for its convenience and fun layered texture Copycat recipes allow you to bring that flair home with even fresher ingredients

Frequently Asked Questions

→ Can I use different proteins instead of ground beef?

Yes, swap in ground chicken, turkey, or even refried beans for a vegetarian option. Adjust seasoning to your taste.

→ Why are two sizes of tortillas used?

The larger tortilla forms the wrap while a smaller one helps seal the layers, ensuring nothing spills out during cooking.

→ How do I keep the Crunchwrap from getting soggy?

Keep ingredients hot during assembly, and toast the wrap just before eating for the crispiest texture.

→ Can I make Crunchwraps ahead of time?

It's best to assemble and cook them just before eating, but ingredients can be prepped in advance for faster assembly.

→ What toppings work well inside?

Classic picks include lettuce, tomatoes, nacho cheese, and sour cream. Add jalapeños, onions, or guacamole for a twist.