Crunch Wrap Supreme Taco Style

Few things satisfy a Taco Bell craving quite like a homemade Crunch Wrap Supreme. With its layers of seasoned beef, crispy tostada shell, melty cheese, and fresh fixings all wrapped in a warm tortilla, this copycat recipe makes it easy to recreate a fast-food favorite right in your kitchen. It now makes regular appearances for our movie nights at home and has quickly become a top-requested dinner in my house.

I still remember the first time I nailed the fold so nothing leaked these wraps have become one of my happiest cooking wins and my kids always ask for seconds

Ingredients

• Lean ground beef: use 80 or 85 percent lean for a nice balance of flavor and less grease look for bright red meat
• Onion: minced sweet or yellow onions break down best during cooking check for firm bulbs with no soft spots
• Garlic: fresh cloves give the meat great depth mince right before using for best flavor
• Taco seasoning: either store bought or a homemade blend with chili powder paprika cumin oregano and garlic powder
• Water: helps blend and distribute the seasoning evenly over the beef
• Flour tortillas: burrito size is a must soft and flexible tortillas are easiest to fold look for ones without dry edges
• Tostada shells: provides the famous crunch test for crispness and no cracks in the package
• Nacho cheese sauce: adds a creamy melty layer store bought jarred sauce works fine just heat before using
• Sour cream: classic taco finishers provide coolness and a tang buy full fat for best creaminess
• Shredded lettuce: iceberg gives the best crunch wash and spin dry for freshness
• Tomatoes: bright juicy tomatoes add freshness and pop use ripe and firm ones
• Mexican cheese blend: pre-grated or freshly shredded melts quickly and brings that stretchy cheese factor
• Salsa: pico de gallo or cilantro for serving these toppings brighten the wraps with fresh flavor

Step-by-Step Instructions

Prepare the Beef:

Brown ground beef with minced onion in a large skillet over medium high heat breaking it up as you go Once no pink remains drain any extra fat for a less greasy wrap

Season the Meat:

Return the pan to medium Add minced garlic taco seasoning and water Stir everything well and let it simmer for about four or five minutes until the water is absorbed and the flavors meld together

Soften the Tortillas:

Stack flour tortillas between two damp paper towels and microwave for about fifteen seconds This makes them pliable and helps prevent tearing during folding

Heat the Cheese Sauce:

Warm up the nacho cheese sauce in the microwave or on the stovetop following the jar instructions until just pourable

Cut Tortilla Circles:

Lay one tostada shell in the center of a flour tortilla and trace around it with a paring knife to make a smaller circle Set this circle aside for topping the wrap Repeat with five more tortillas

Build the Crunch Wrap:

On a flat surface place one whole softened tortilla Add a generous spoonful of beef mixture in the center Drizzle with warm nacho cheese sauce Press a tostada shell on top Layer with sour cream then lettuce tomato and shredded cheese Finish with the small tortilla circle you cut out earlier

Fold and Seal:

Carefully fold the tortilla edges up towards the center making overlapping pleats This creates a hexagon shape Ensure it is tightly sealed so nothing leaks out

Cook Until Crispy:

Spray a large skillet with nonstick spray and heat to medium Carefully lay the wrap seam side down Cook for one or two minutes until golden and crispy on the bottom Flip and cook the second side until both sides are golden and the cheese is gooey inside

Repeat and Serve:

Continue with the remaining wraps Serve immediately with salsa pico de gallo or a sprinkle of fresh cilantro

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My favorite touch is the hidden layer of nacho cheese sauce I also fondly remember making a double batch for our family’s game night when everyone insisted on assembling their own with different toppings The kitchen was a happy mess but everyone left the table smiling

Storage Tips

Store leftover crunch wraps in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days To keep the shell crispy reheat them in a skillet or air fryer rather than the microwave If you want to freeze them wrap each cooled crunch wrap tightly in foil and freeze for up to two months Defrost in the refrigerator overnight before reheating

Ingredient Substitutions

Feel free to swap ground turkey or tofu crumbles for the ground beef for a lighter version Black beans or refried beans work well for a vegetarian twist If you run out of tostada shells use a few overlapping tortilla chips for crunch Pepper jack or cheddar cheese can stand in for the Mexican blend

Serving Suggestions

Offer a topping bar with shredded lettuce extra tomatoes sliced jalapenos guacamole or hot sauce at the table for everyone to customize their own Serve each crunch wrap with a side of Spanish rice or corn salad for a satisfying meal For a fun lunch option slice them into wedges and serve with salsa for dipping

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History of the Crunch Wrap

The Crunch Wrap Supreme debuted at Taco Bell in the early 2000s and quickly became a viral favorite The signature hexagon fold created the ideal on the go meal with no spills or mess What started as a fast food novelty is now a cult classic and a must try for home cooks who love their Tex Mex flavors

Recipe FAQs

→ What makes the tortilla crispy in this wrap?

The wrap is pan-cooked on both sides until golden brown, creating a crisp exterior while keeping the inside layers warm and melty.

→ Can I substitute ground beef with another protein?

Yes, ground turkey, chicken, or even plant-based meat alternatives work well and absorb the seasoning just as nicely.

→ How do I prevent the wrap from falling apart?

Be sure to fold the tortilla tightly around the fillings and cook seam side down first so it seals properly in the skillet.

→ Is there a way to make this spicier?

Add chopped jalapeños, extra taco seasoning, or a dash of hot sauce to the beef or as a finishing topping to intensify the heat.

→ Can I prepare these ahead of time?

Assemble the wraps and store in the fridge, then cook just before serving to maintain that signature crunch and freshness.

→ What are good side dishes to serve?

Pair with chips and salsa, Mexican rice, or a fresh corn salad for a complete and satisfying meal.