Taco Bell Stackers hold a special place in my heart. That perfect combination of melty cheese, seasoned beef, and nacho cheese sauce folded into a golden, triangular tortilla feels like comfort food at its finest.
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How to make Taco Bell Stackers
Taco Bell Stackers are a limited-time menu item that features a simple, folded quesadilla-like creation. It’s made by layering melted cheese, seasoned beef, and warm tortillas, then folding the tortilla into a compact triangular shape (stacked into layers, hence the name).
Ingredients
For the Filling:
- Ground beef: 1 pound
- Taco seasoning mix: 2 tablespoons (store-bought or homemade)
- Water: 1/4 cup (for mixing with taco seasoning)
- Shredded cheese blend: 1 cup (a mix of mozzarella, cheddar, and pepper jack works best)
- Nacho cheese sauce: 1/2 cup (store-bought or homemade)
For Assembling the Stackers:
- Flour tortillas: 4 large (10-inch works best)
- Pickled jalapeños (optional): Sliced, for a spicy kick
- Butter or oil spray: For grilling
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Beef Filling
- Heat a non-stick skillet over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef and cook until it’s fully browned, breaking it up into small crumbs with a spatula.
- Drain excess grease, if needed.
- Add the taco seasoning to the cooked beef along with 1/4 cup of water. Stir well and let it simmer for 2-3 minutes, allowing the flavors to combine. Remove from heat and set aside.
Step 2: Assemble the Stackers
- Lay one tortilla flat on a clean surface. Spread 2 tablespoons of nacho cheese sauce in the center of the tortilla.
- Add about 1/4 cup of the seasoned beef on top of the nacho cheese layer. Spread it evenly but avoid overstuffing the tortilla.
- Sprinkle a layer of shredded cheese blend over the beef (about 1/4 cup per Stacker).
- If you like a spicy kick, add a few slices of pickled jalapeños on top of the filling.
- Fold the tortilla three times to form a triangle (start by folding up the bottom, then tuck in the sides). Ensure the filling is fully sealed inside.
Step 3: Grill the Stackers
- Preheat a clean, non-stick skillet over medium heat. Grease lightly with butter or cooking spray.
- Place the folded tortilla in the skillet, seam-side down. Cook for 1-2 minutes on each side, or until golden brown and slightly crisp on the outside.
- Repeat for the remaining tortillas.
Tips for Perfect Taco Bell Stackers
- Cheese Blend is Key: To achieve that signature meltiness, use a mix of cheeses, like cheddar for flavor, mozzarella for stretch, and pepper jack for a hint of spice.
- Don’t Overfill: While tempting, don’t overstuff your tortillas. Keeping the filling manageable ensures your Stackers stay sealed and are easy to handle.
- Add Spice to Taste: If you love heat, jarred jalapeños are a must. You could also drizzle some hot sauce inside before folding.
- Preheat for Best Results: Make sure your skillet is warm before grilling; this helps crisp up the tortilla quickly without overcooking the filling.
- Customize It: Vegetarian? Substitute the beef with black beans or a plant-based meat alternative. You can also experiment by adding extras like refried beans or diced tomatoes.
What to serve with
Taco Bell Stackers are a warm, cheesy, and savory delight—perfect as a snack or light meal. But why stop there?
- Nacho Cheese Sauce: Double down on the cheesiness by offering a little extra nacho cheese sauce on the side. Warm it up and serve in a ramekin for dipping.
- Guacamole: Creamy and packed with flavor, guacamole provides a fresh, cool contrast to the warm Stackers. You can make your own using ripe avocados, lime juice, tomatoes, onions, and cilantro.
- Sour Cream: The tanginess of sour cream is the perfect pairing. You can also mix it with a bit of lime juice and taco seasoning for extra zest.
- Salsa or Pico de Gallo: Serve fresh pico de gallo (made from chopped tomatoes, onions, jalapeños, cilantro, lime juice, and salt) or a good-quality jarred salsa to add vibrant flavors.
- Spicy Ranch: If you like a creamy and spicy bite, blend ranch dressing with a dash of hot sauce or a sprinkle of taco seasoning for a quick dipping sauce.
- Hot Sauce: For spice lovers, offering a variety of hot sauces (like Cholula, Tapatío, or a Taco Bell Fire Sauce packet) is a must.
Ingredients Substitutes
One of the best things about making Taco Bell Stackers at home is the freedom to adapt the recipe to suit your dietary needs, taste preferences, and availability of ingredients.
1. Ground Beef Substitutes
The seasoned beef filling is the heart of Taco Bell Stackers, but you can easily swap it out with alternatives based on dietary requirements or taste preferences:
Meat Options
- Ground turkey or chicken: These are leaner options and perfect for a lighter version. Use the same taco seasoning to keep the flavors bold.
- Shredded chicken or beef: For an elevated twist, use leftover shredded rotisserie chicken or slow-cooked beef. Season it with taco spices for a rich, tender filling.
- Chorizo: If you want a smoky, spicy kick, use Mexican chorizo instead of ground beef.
Plant-Based Alternatives
- Plant-based ground meat: Brands like Beyond Meat or Impossible Meat work well for replicating the texture and taste of ground beef without the animal protein.
- Lentils or beans: Cooked and seasoned lentils, black beans, or refried beans are great vegetarian substitutes for the filling. Mash them slightly for texture and mix with taco seasoning for added flavor.
- Crumbled tofu or tempeh: Seasoned tofu crumbles or tempeh can be used as a substitute for the beef filling to create a vegan-friendly version. Pan-fry them for a better texture.
2. Taco Seasoning Substitutes
If you don’t have taco seasoning, you can make a homemade version using spices you likely already have in your pantry:
- DIY Taco Seasoning: Combine chili powder, cumin, smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, oregano, salt, and a pinch of cayenne pepper. Adjust quantities to suit your spice tolerance.
- Use fajita seasoning: If you happen to have fajita seasoning but not taco seasoning, it makes a great substitute.
3. Tortilla Substitutes
Large flour tortillas are the traditional base for Stackers, but you have several options if you’re looking to switch it up:
- Whole wheat tortillas: A healthier alternative that’s just as pliable and easy to fold.
- Corn tortillas: These add a slightly nutty flavor but are smaller, so expect bite-sized Stackers.
- Gluten-free wraps: Use certified gluten-free tortillas or wraps like almond flour tortillas to suit dietary restrictions.
- Low-carb wraps: If you’re cutting carbs, look for low-carb tortillas or wraps made from cauliflower.
5. Cheese Substitutes
Stackers rely on a flavorful, melty cheese blend, but you can use substitutes depending on what’s available or your dietary needs:
- Cheese blends: If you’re out of a Mexican cheese blend, try combining shredded cheddar, mozzarella, and Monterey Jack for a similar texture and flavor.
- Single cheese options: Use shredded mozzarella or cheddar alone if you don’t have a blend.
- Vegan cheeses: Nowadays, there are tons of excellent plant-based shredded cheese options like Daiya, Follow Your Heart, or So Delicious for vegan/diary-free cheese lovers.
6. Butter or Oil Spray Substitutes
Butter or cooking spray is used for grilling the tortillas, but you can swap these out as needed:
- Olive oil or coconut oil: Brush lightly onto the tortillas for grilling. Ensure you use mild-flavored oil to avoid altering the taste.
- Non-stick pans: Skip the butter/oil altogether and simply use a high-quality non-stick pan to crisp the tortillas perfectly.
7. Pickled Jalapeño Substitutes
If you don’t have pickled jalapeños, you can try:
- Sliced fresh jalapeños: For those who enjoy a raw and sharp spice kick.
- Hot sauce: Drizzle in your favorite hot sauce for a spicy kick without needing jalapeños.
- Banana peppers: Another tangy and mild substitute if you prefer a less spicy option.
Final Thoughts
Taco Bell Stackers are fun and satisfying on their own, but pairing them with tasty sides, dips, and drinks can elevate your meal into something unforgettable.
More Taco Bell Recipes:
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