Yo Quiero Taco Bell (But My Wallet Does Not): A Guide to the Homemade Crunchwrap Supreme
Let's face it, folks. Sometimes that late-night Taco Bell craving hits harder than your drunk karaoke rendition of Bohemian Rhapsody. But what about your dignity (and your bank account)? Fear not, fellow budget-conscious gourmands, because tonight we're making Taco Bell's glorious Crunchwrap Supreme at home!
Gather Your Taco Soldiers (Ingredients)
Here's what you'll need to build your own Crunchwrap Empire:
- The Foundation:
- Large flour tortillas (4 should do the trick) - These are your loyal subjects. Treat them with respect (by not burning them)
- The Beef Brigade:
- Ground beef (about a pound) - Feel free to sub in ground turkey or chicken if you're feeling fancy
- Taco seasoning - The secret weapon. Don't skimp here
- The Creamy Cavalry:
- Nacho cheese sauce - Because cheese is life
- Sour cream - For a cooling counterpoint. Or extra cheese sauce, we don't judge
- The Crunchy Crusaders:
- Tostada shells (4) - The textural heroes. You can also use crushed tortilla chips in a pinch
- The Flavor Fantastic Four:
- Shredded lettuce - Because greens are good for you...ish
- Diced tomatoes - Add a pop of freshness
- Mexican cheese blend - More cheese, always more cheese
The Great Crunchwrap Assembly: A Step-by-Step Guide
Now that you have your ingredients prepped, it's time to unleash your inner Taco Bell chef.
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Brown the Beef Brigade: In a large skillet, cook your ground meat until it's nice and browned. Season it with that glorious taco seasoning. Pro tip: Drain any excess grease. Nobody likes a greasy Crunchwrap.
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Warm those Tortilla Troops: Microwaving those tortillas for a few seconds will make them more pliable and less likely to crack when you fold them. Remember, a broken tortilla is a sad tortilla.
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Constructing the Crunchwrap Colossus: Lay out a large tortilla on your battlefield (plate). Spread a generous amount of nacho cheese sauce in the center. This is the foundation of flavor.
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Deploy the Beef Brigade: Top the cheese with a hearty portion of your seasoned ground beef.
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Enter the Tostada Shell: Place a tostada shell on top of the beef, like a glorious edible shield.
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The Cavalry Charges: Dollop a spoonful of sour cream on the tostada shell.
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Flavor Fantastic Four Take Over: Sprinkle on some shredded lettuce, diced tomatoes, and a generous amount of Mexican cheese blend.
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The Fold of Destiny: Here comes the fun part! Carefully fold the bottom edge of the tortilla up and over the filling. Then fold in the sides, like you're tucking in a burrito. The tostada shell should be peeking out the top.
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The Secret Weapon (Optional): If you're feeling fancy, you can cut a small circle from another tortilla and place it over the opening, sealing in all those delicious fillings.
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The Deep Fry (This is where we get real with ourselves): Heat a thin layer of oil in a pan over medium heat. Carefully place your Crunchwrap Supreme in the pan and cook for a few minutes per side, until golden brown and crispy. Alternatively, you can toast it in a skillet with a little oil or butter, or even cheat and use your air fryer.
Congratulations! You have successfully conquered your Taco Bell craving and emerged victorious with a homemade Crunchwrap Supreme that's both delicious and budget-friendly.
Devour with Enthusiasm (and Maybe a Napkin)
Enjoy your creation, you magnificent culinary warrior! And remember, there's no shame in making a second (or third) one. Just don't forget the napkins.
