Name: Crunchwrap Casserole
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 40 min
Total time: 1 h 5 min
Cuisine: Mexican-Inspired
Ingredients: 1 pound lean ground beef; 1 cup chopped onion; 1 package taco seasoning; 1/3 cup water; 3 tablespoons butter, melted, divided; 6 (10-inch) flour tortillas; 2 cups shredded Cheddar cheese; 1/2 cup chopped cilantro (optional); 3 medium ripe tomatoes, seeded, diced, and drained; 8 ounces sour cream, plus more for serving; 8 tostada shells; 1 (15 oz.) can nacho cheese; 1/2 cup shredded lettuce, or to taste; 2 tablespoons guacamole, or to taste; 1 teaspoon hot sauce, or to taste (optional)

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

If you love the classic Crunchwrap Supreme from Taco Bell, you’ll adore this casserole! It’s loaded with all your favorite ingredients: savory ground beef, crunchy tostadas, creamy sour cream, melted cheese, and a rich nacho cheese sauce. Not only is it quick and easy to make, but it also offers that perfect combination of textures and flavors – crispy, creamy, and cheesy in every bite. Plus, it’s a fun, twist on the traditional taco night!

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

1 pound lean ground beef
1 cup chopped onion
1 package taco seasoning
1/3 cup water
3 tablespoons butter, melted, divided
6 (10-inch) flour tortillas
2 cups shredded Cheddar cheese
1/2 cup chopped cilantro (optional)
3 medium ripe tomatoes, seeded, diced, and drained on paper towels
8 ounces sour cream, plus more for serving
8 tostada shells
1 (15 oz.) can nacho cheese
1/2 cup shredded lettuce, or to taste
2 tablespoons guacamole, or to taste
1 teaspoon hot sauce, or to taste (Optional)

Directions

Gather the ingredients. Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef and cook for 2 minutes, breaking it up with a wooden spoon. Stir frequently until the beef is browned and the onion is softened, about 5 minutes. Stir in the taco seasoning.
Add the water and cook for 2 more minutes, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the skillet. Remove from heat and set aside.
Lightly brush melted butter over a 9×13-inch baking dish. Line the pan with 5 tortillas, allowing them to hang over the sides and overlap to cover the bottom and sides completely.
Sprinkle shredded Cheddar cheese evenly over the tortillas. Top with cilantro, followed by diced tomatoes. Place sour cream in a plastic bag, cut off a corner, and squeeze it over the tomatoes.
Arrange tostada shells over the sour cream, overlapping them to fit. Spread the nacho cheese sauce evenly over the tostadas.
Pour the cooked beef mixture over the nacho cheese sauce and spread into an even layer.
Place the remaining tortilla on top of the beef mixture and fold the overhanging tortillas over the top to cover.
Brush the top of the casserole with the remaining melted butter. Press down any loose edges.
Bake for about 30 minutes, or until golden brown and lightly toasted.
Let the casserole stand for 5 minutes before carefully inverting it onto a cutting board.
Slice into servings and top with shredded lettuce, sour cream, guacamole, and hot sauce as desired.

Servings and Timing

Servings: 8
Prep time: 20 minutes
Cook time: 40 minutes
Stand time: 5 minutes
Total time: 1 hour 5 minutes

Variations

Ground Beef Alternatives: Swap out the ground beef for ground turkey or chicken for a leaner option.
Vegetarian Version: Replace the ground meat with black beans or refried beans for a vegetarian-friendly dish.
Spice Level: Adjust the spice level by adding more hot sauce or using a spicier taco seasoning mix.
Cheese Variations: Try different cheeses like Monterey Jack, Pepper Jack, or a Mexican cheese blend for a different flavor profile.

Storage/Reheating

Storage: Store leftover Crunchwrap Casserole in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Reheating: Reheat individual servings in the microwave for about 1-2 minutes or in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for 10-15 minutes until heated through.

FAQs

1. Can I use corn tortillas instead of flour tortillas?

Yes, you can use corn tortillas, but they may not be as flexible as flour tortillas. If using corn tortillas, you may need to warm them slightly to make them easier to handle.

2. Can I make this recipe ahead of time?

Yes! You can prepare the casserole up to the point of baking, cover it with plastic wrap, and refrigerate it for up to 24 hours. When ready, bake it as directed.

3. Can I freeze Crunchwrap Casserole?

Yes, this casserole can be frozen. Allow it to cool completely before wrapping it tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil. Freeze for up to 3 months. To reheat, bake from frozen at 350°F (175°C) for 30-40 minutes.

4. What can I substitute for the nacho cheese?

If you don’t have nacho cheese, you can use a combination of cheddar cheese and a little bit of milk or cream to make a quick cheese sauce. Alternatively, a cheese dip will work.

5. Is this recipe spicy?

The recipe has an optional hot sauce to add spice, so it’s customizable. If you prefer a milder version, you can skip the hot sauce or use a mild taco seasoning.

6. Can I add more vegetables to the casserole?

Absolutely! You can add bell peppers, corn, or even sautéed zucchini to make the dish more veggie-packed.

7. How do I make this dish gluten-free?

To make it gluten-free, use gluten-free tortillas and check the labels of your taco seasoning and nacho cheese to ensure they are gluten-free.

8. What can I serve this casserole with?

It pairs well with sides like Mexican rice, refried beans, or a simple salad.

9. How do I know when the casserole is done baking?

The casserole should be golden brown and crispy on top. You can check the internal temperature with a food thermometer; it should read around 165°F (74°C).

Conclusion

Crunchwrap Casserole is the ultimate comfort food that combines all the delicious elements of a classic taco in a fun and easy-to-make casserole. With its crispy exterior, gooey cheese, savory beef, and refreshing toppings, it’s sure to become a favorite in your dinner rotation. Whether you’re cooking for a crowd or enjoying a cozy meal at home, this dish is guaranteed to impress!