DIY Taco Bell Crunchwrap Supreme at Home: Walmart Edition!
Are you craving a Taco Bell Crunchwrap Supreme but don’t want to leave the comfort of your home? Or maybe you’re looking for a fun and affordable way to recreate this iconic fast-food favorite? Look no further! This guide will walk you through creating a delicious and satisfying Crunchwrap Supreme using ingredients readily available at your local Walmart. Get ready for a culinary adventure that’s both budget-friendly and bursting with flavor!
## Why Make Your Own Crunchwrap Supreme?
Before we dive into the recipe, let’s explore why making your own Crunchwrap Supreme is a fantastic idea:
* **Cost-Effective:** Eating out can be expensive, especially if you have a family. Making your own Crunchwrap Supreme is significantly cheaper.
* **Customization:** You have complete control over the ingredients. Want to add extra cheese, a different type of meat, or spice it up with hotter sauce? Go for it!
* **Healthier Options:** You can choose leaner meats, healthier toppings, and control the amount of sodium and fat in your version.
* **Fun Activity:** Cooking together can be a great family activity. Get everyone involved in assembling their own Crunchwraps.
* **Convenience:** Craving a Crunchwrap at an odd hour? With the right ingredients on hand, you can satisfy your craving anytime.
## Ingredients You’ll Need (All from Walmart!)
Here’s a comprehensive list of ingredients you can find at Walmart to make your Crunchwrap Supreme:
* **Ground Beef (or Ground Turkey/Chicken):** The foundation of our savory filling. Opt for lean ground beef to reduce the fat content.
* **Taco Seasoning:** Adds that classic Taco Bell flavor. Look for a low-sodium option if you prefer.
* **Water:** Needed to simmer the ground beef and taco seasoning.
* **Large Flour Tortillas:** These will form the outer layer of your Crunchwrap. Choose the burrito-size tortillas for optimal wrapping.
* **Tostada Shells:** These provide the essential crunch element. Make sure they are intact and not broken.
* **Nacho Cheese Sauce:** The creamy and cheesy delight that binds everything together. Walmart offers various brands, so pick your favorite.
* **Shredded Lettuce:** Adds a refreshing crunch and freshness.
* **Diced Tomatoes:** Provides a juicy burst of flavor.
* **Sour Cream:** The cool and tangy topping that balances the richness of the other ingredients.
* **Reduced-Fat Sour Cream (Optional):** A lighter alternative to regular sour cream.
* **Shredded Cheddar Cheese:** Adds another layer of cheesy goodness. You can use other cheeses like Monterey Jack or a Mexican blend.
* **Avocado (Optional):** Adds a creamy and healthy element. Mash it for guacamole or slice it for a simple topping.
* **Salsa (Optional):** Adds a spicy kick. Choose your favorite heat level.
* **Cooking Oil or Cooking Spray:** To prevent sticking when cooking the Crunchwrap.
**Detailed Ingredient Breakdown and Considerations:**
* **Ground Beef:** When selecting ground beef, look for a lean option, such as 90/10 or 93/7. This means that the beef contains 90% lean meat and 10% fat (or 93% lean meat and 7% fat). Using lean ground beef will help reduce the overall fat content of your Crunchwrap Supreme. Alternatively, you can substitute with ground turkey or ground chicken, which are generally lower in fat than ground beef. Remember to adjust the cooking time accordingly, as poultry may require slightly longer cooking.
* **Taco Seasoning:** Taco seasoning is readily available in the spice aisle at Walmart. You can choose from various brands and flavors, including mild, medium, and hot. For a healthier option, look for low-sodium taco seasoning or consider making your own taco seasoning blend from scratch. This allows you to control the ingredients and avoid any unnecessary additives.
* **Large Flour Tortillas:** The size of the flour tortillas is crucial for successfully wrapping your Crunchwrap Supreme. Opt for burrito-size tortillas, which are typically 10-12 inches in diameter. These larger tortillas will provide enough surface area to accommodate all the fillings and allow for a secure wrap. If you can’t find burrito-size tortillas, you can use regular-size tortillas, but you may need to adjust the amount of filling to prevent the Crunchwrap from becoming too bulky.
* **Tostada Shells:** Tostada shells are essential for creating the signature crunch of the Crunchwrap Supreme. Look for pre-made tostada shells in the Hispanic foods aisle or near the tortillas. Ensure that the tostada shells are intact and not broken, as broken shells will not provide the necessary structural integrity for the Crunchwrap. Alternatively, you can make your own tostada shells by baking or frying corn tortillas until they are crispy.
* **Nacho Cheese Sauce:** Nacho cheese sauce adds a creamy and cheesy element to the Crunchwrap Supreme. Walmart offers various brands and flavors of nacho cheese sauce, including mild, medium, and spicy. Choose your favorite brand and flavor based on your personal preference. You can also make your own nacho cheese sauce from scratch using ingredients like cheddar cheese, milk, and cornstarch.
* **Shredded Lettuce and Diced Tomatoes:** These fresh vegetables add a refreshing crunch and juiciness to the Crunchwrap Supreme. Look for pre-shredded lettuce and pre-diced tomatoes in the produce section at Walmart to save time and effort. Alternatively, you can shred your own lettuce and dice your own tomatoes. Romaine lettuce and Roma tomatoes are good choices for this recipe.
* **Sour Cream:** Sour cream adds a cool and tangy element to the Crunchwrap Supreme. You can use regular sour cream or reduced-fat sour cream, depending on your preference. Reduced-fat sour cream is a lighter alternative that contains fewer calories and fat. You can also substitute with Greek yogurt for a healthier option.
* **Shredded Cheddar Cheese:** Shredded cheddar cheese adds another layer of cheesy goodness to the Crunchwrap Supreme. You can use pre-shredded cheddar cheese or shred your own cheese from a block. You can also experiment with other types of cheese, such as Monterey Jack, Colby Jack, or a Mexican blend.
* **Avocado (Optional):** Avocado adds a creamy and healthy element to the Crunchwrap Supreme. You can mash it for guacamole or slice it for a simple topping. Look for ripe avocados that are slightly soft to the touch. If the avocados are not ripe, you can place them in a paper bag with a banana or apple to speed up the ripening process.
* **Salsa (Optional):** Salsa adds a spicy kick to the Crunchwrap Supreme. Choose your favorite heat level based on your personal preference. You can find various types of salsa at Walmart, including mild, medium, hot, and extra hot. You can also make your own salsa from scratch using ingredients like tomatoes, onions, peppers, and cilantro.
## Equipment You’ll Need:
* **Large Skillet or Pan:** For cooking the ground beef.
* **Spatula:** For stirring and breaking up the ground beef.
* **Cutting Board:** For chopping vegetables (if not using pre-cut).
* **Knife:** For chopping vegetables.
* **Microwave-Safe Bowl:** For heating the nacho cheese sauce.
* **Large Plate:** For assembling the Crunchwrap.
* **Large Non-Stick Skillet or Griddle:** For cooking the Crunchwrap.
* **Lid or Plate Slightly Smaller Than the Tortilla:** For pressing down on the Crunchwrap while cooking.
## Step-by-Step Instructions:
Now, let’s get cooking! Follow these detailed steps to create your perfect Crunchwrap Supreme:
**1. Prepare the Ground Beef:**
* In a large skillet or pan, brown the ground beef over medium-high heat. Break it up with a spatula as it cooks.
* Drain off any excess grease.
* Add the taco seasoning and the amount of water specified on the seasoning packet. Stir well to combine.
* Reduce the heat to low and simmer for 5-7 minutes, or until the liquid is absorbed and the beef is cooked through. Keep warm.
**2. Prepare the Toppings:**
* If using pre-shredded lettuce and diced tomatoes, you can skip this step. Otherwise, wash and chop the lettuce and tomatoes.
* If making guacamole, mash the avocado with a fork and season with salt and lime juice (optional).
* Shred the cheddar cheese, if you bought a block.
**3. Warm the Nacho Cheese Sauce:**
* Pour the nacho cheese sauce into a microwave-safe bowl.
* Microwave on high for 30-60 seconds, or until heated through. Stir occasionally to prevent burning.
**4. Assemble the Crunchwrap Supreme:**
* Lay a large flour tortilla flat on a large plate.
* Spread a thin layer of nacho cheese sauce in the center of the tortilla.
* Spoon about 1/3 to 1/2 cup of the seasoned ground beef over the cheese sauce.
* Place a tostada shell on top of the ground beef.
* Spread a layer of sour cream over the tostada shell.
* Top the sour cream with shredded lettuce, diced tomatoes, and shredded cheddar cheese.
* Add guacamole or salsa, if desired.
**5. Wrap the Crunchwrap:**
* This is the trickiest part, but don’t worry, you’ll get the hang of it! Start by folding in a small portion of the tortilla over the filling.
* Continue folding around the entire circumference of the tortilla, overlapping each fold. Aim for about 5-6 folds.
* Once you’ve completed the folds, press down gently on the center of the Crunchwrap to seal it.
**6. Cook the Crunchwrap:**
* Heat a large non-stick skillet or griddle over medium heat.
* Spray the skillet with cooking oil or cooking spray.
* Place the Crunchwrap seam-side down in the skillet.
* Place a lid or plate slightly smaller than the tortilla on top of the Crunchwrap to press it down gently.
* Cook for 2-3 minutes per side, or until the tortilla is golden brown and crispy. Be careful not to burn it.
**7. Serve and Enjoy!**
* Remove the Crunchwrap from the skillet and let it cool slightly before cutting it in half.
* Serve immediately and enjoy your homemade Taco Bell Crunchwrap Supreme!
## Tips and Tricks for the Perfect Crunchwrap Supreme:
* **Don’t Overfill:** Overfilling the Crunchwrap will make it difficult to wrap and cook properly. Be mindful of the amount of filling you use.
* **Warm Tortillas:** Warming the tortillas slightly in the microwave (about 15-20 seconds) will make them more pliable and easier to fold.
* **Seal the Seam:** Make sure to press down firmly on the seam after wrapping to seal it properly. This will prevent the Crunchwrap from falling apart during cooking.
* **Use a Lid or Plate:** Using a lid or plate to press down on the Crunchwrap while cooking will help it cook evenly and prevent it from puffing up too much.
* **Don’t Overcook:** Overcooking the Crunchwrap will make the tortilla dry and brittle. Cook it until it’s golden brown and crispy, but not burnt.
* **Get Creative with Toppings:** Don’t be afraid to experiment with different toppings to create your own unique Crunchwrap Supreme. Consider adding black beans, corn, jalapenos, or other favorite taco ingredients.
* **Make it Vegetarian:** Substitute the ground beef with seasoned black beans, lentils, or crumbled tofu for a vegetarian option.
* **Make it Vegan:** Substitute the ground beef with seasoned plant-based crumbles, use vegan cheese sauce, and replace sour cream with a plant-based alternative.
* **Prepare in Advance:** You can prepare the ground beef and toppings in advance and store them in the refrigerator until you’re ready to assemble the Crunchwraps. This is a great way to save time on a busy weeknight.
## Variations and Additions:
* **Spicy Crunchwrap:** Add diced jalapenos or a dash of hot sauce to the ground beef mixture.
* **Chicken Crunchwrap:** Substitute ground beef with shredded or diced cooked chicken.
* **Steak Crunchwrap:** Use thinly sliced steak instead of ground beef.
* **Breakfast Crunchwrap:** Fill with scrambled eggs, bacon or sausage, and cheese.
* **Dessert Crunchwrap:** Fill with Nutella, marshmallows, and graham crackers for a sweet treat.
## Nutritional Information (Approximate):
*Note: This is an estimate and will vary depending on the specific ingredients used.*
* Calories: 600-800
* Fat: 30-45g
* Saturated Fat: 15-25g
* Cholesterol: 80-120mg
* Sodium: 800-1200mg
* Carbohydrates: 60-80g
* Fiber: 5-10g
* Sugar: 5-10g
* Protein: 25-35g
## Final Thoughts:
Making your own Taco Bell Crunchwrap Supreme at home is a fun, affordable, and customizable way to enjoy this fast-food favorite. By using ingredients readily available at Walmart, you can create a delicious and satisfying meal that’s perfect for a weeknight dinner, a weekend snack, or a party appetizer. So, gather your ingredients, follow these simple steps, and get ready to enjoy a homemade Crunchwrap Supreme that rivals the original! Experiment with different toppings and variations to find your perfect combination. Happy Crunchwrapping!