There’s something undeniably magical about the Taco Bell Double Decker Taco. It’s not just a meal; it’s an experience—a blend of textures and flavors that speaks directly to the soul of every taco lover. However, as much as we’d love for it to be a permanent fixture on the menu, its appearances are akin to fleeting celestial events, eagerly awaited but only momentarily present.
How to make Taco Bell Double Decker Taco
The Taco Bell Double Decker Taco is a unique menu item that combines a crunchy taco with a soft flour tortilla. It features a crunchy taco shell filled with seasoned ground beef, lettuce, cheese, and tomatoes, which is then wrapped in a soft tortilla spread with refried beans.
Ingredients
- 6 large flour tortillas (about 10 inches)
- 6 crunchy taco shells
- 1 can of refried beans (16 oz)
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 packet of taco seasoning (or use homemade seasoning)
- 2 cups shredded lettuce
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 large tomato, diced
- Sour cream (optional for topping)
- Taco sauce (optional for extra spice)
Instructions:
- Prep the Beef: Add the ground beef in a skillet over medium heat, breaking it apart with a spatula. Cook until the meat is browned and crumbly. Drain any excess fat. Sprinkle the taco seasoning over the beef and add 2/3 cup of water. Stir and let it simmer for about 5 minutes or until the mixture thickens. Remove from heat and set aside.
- Warm the Beans: While the beef cooks, place refried beans in a microwave-safe bowl. Heat them until warmed through, about 1-2 minutes. Keep them warm and spreadable.
- Prepare the Tortillas: Heat each flour tortilla in a dry skillet or microwave until warm and pliable. Spread a thin layer of warm refried beans over one side of each tortilla.
- Assemble the Taco Shells: Carefully wrap the bean-coated flour tortilla around a crunchy taco shell. The beans act as an adhesive, binding the two together.
- Fill Them Up: Spoon the seasoned ground beef into each double-layer taco shell—top with shredded lettuce, diced tomatoes, and shredded cheese. If you like, add a dollop of sour cream and a drizzle of taco sauce for extra flavor.
Tips for Perfect Double Decker Tacos:
- Choose the Right Ingredients: Opt for high-quality refried beans and fresh produce. The quality of your ingredients significantly impacts the final taste.
- Getting the Temperature Right: Make sure your refried beans are warm enough to be spreadable. If they’re too cold, they might tear the tortillas.
- Seal it Well: Press gently but firmly when wrapping the tortilla around the crunchy shell to ensure they stick together without any gaps.
- Customize: Feel free to add your personal touch with additional toppings like sliced jalapeños, onions, or even a squeeze of lime for a zesty finish.
- Serving: Serve immediately after assembling, as the integrity of the crunchy shell can be compromised if left to sit too long.
What to serve with
When serving a homemade Taco Bell Double Decker Taco, you want sides and accompaniments that complement the flavors and enhance the overall meal experience.
Mexican Rice:
A classic side, Mexican rice is lightly seasoned with tomato and spices and is an excellent companion to your Taco Bell Double Decker Taco. Not only does it provide a different texture contrast, but it also helps to absorb some of the taco juices, ensuring that none of that savory flavor goes to waste.
Preparation Tip: Use long-grain rice for the best texture, and sauté it with onion and garlic before adding chicken stock and tomato sauce for a full-bodied flavor.
Chips and Guacamole:
No taco meal feels quite complete without the creamy richness of guacamole. Serve it alongside crisp, salty tortilla chips to give your guests a nice appetizer to snack on while the tacos are being prepared.
Preparation Tip: Make your guacamole fresh with ripe avocados, lime juice, cilantro, onions, and tomatoes. Mash it to your preferred consistency and season with salt and pepper.
Black Bean and Corn Salad:
A refreshing black bean and corn salad provides a light and nutritious counter to the rich tacos. The combination of beans and corn, along with peppers, onions, and a zesty lime dressing, offers a colorful addition to your plate.
Preparation Tip: Use fresh or grilled corn for the best flavor and don’t skimp on the cilantro and lime for that authentic Mexican touch.
Cilantro Lime Slaw:
Cabbage slaw with a tangy cilantro lime dressing can be an excellent choice to cut through the richness of the tacos. This slaw brings a crunchy and tangy element that pairs perfectly with the soft and savory tacos.
Preparation Tip: Make your slaw using fresh cabbage mixed with shredded carrots, diced jalapeños, and a zesty dressing made of lime juice, cilantro, honey, and olive oil.
Queso and Salsa:
You can never go wrong with a warm bowl of queso dip and a side of vibrant, chunky salsa for a saucy touch. These dips serve dual purposes, acting as a delightful appetizer with chips or as an additional condiment for your tacos.
Preparation Tip: Keep your queso dip smooth and creamy by mixing melted cheese and a splash of milk or cream. Enhance your salsa with fresh tomatoes, onions, cilantro, and a hint of lime.
Mexican Street Corn (Elote):
Bring the flavor of Mexican street fairs to your dinner with elote, which is grilled corn on the cob coated in a blend of mayonnaise, cotija cheese, chili powder, and lime. It’s smoky, creamy, and full of taste.
Preparation Tip: Grill the corn to get a nice char before slathering it in the sauce, and sprinkle with cheese and spices right before serving.
Refreshing Beverages:
No meal is complete without the right beverage to wash it all down. Consider serving ice-cold Mexican beers, tangy margaritas, or a pitcher of fruity sangria. For non-alcoholic options, horchata (a sweet rice milk beverage), agua fresca (a fresh fruit drink), or traditional limeade hit the spot.
Preparation Tip: For a quick homemade margarita, mix tequila with triple sec, fresh lime juice, and a dash of agave syrup, serving it over ice with a salted rim.
Dessert:
And let’s not forget dessert! Keep the theme going with sweets like churros dipped in chocolate sauce, tres leches cake, or simple cinnamon sugar tortilla crisps to round off the meal gently.
Preparation Tip: For an easy dessert, quarter flour tortillas, fry them until lightly golden, and then toss them in a mixture of cinnamon and sugar for a crispy finish.
Ingredients Substitutes
Creating a Taco Bell Double Decker Taco at home can be a fun and tasty experience, but not everyone might have access to all the original ingredients, or you might need substitutes due to dietary restrictions or personal preference.
Soft Flour Tortillas:
Substitute: Whole wheat or gluten-free tortillas can be used for dietary needs. Corn tortillas are another option, though they offer a different flavor and texture.
Crunchy Corn Taco Shells:
Substitute: For those avoiding corn, keto taco shells made from cheese or store-bought gluten-free taco shells can be used. Alternatively, use baked tortilla chips for a similar crunch.
Refried Beans:
Substitute: Black beans or pinto beans mashed with some seasoning can substitute traditional refried beans. For a lighter, lower-calorie option, try mashing cannellini or navy beans.
Seasoned Ground Beef:
Substitute: For vegetarians, a high-quality meat substitute like textured vegetable protein (TVP), Quorn, or lentils can be used. Mix with taco seasoning to mimic the flavor profile of beef. For a leaner option, ground turkey or chicken can work as well.
Lettuce:
Substitute: If lettuce isn’t available or desired, try substituting it with shredded cabbage for a similar crunch. Spinach or arugula can be a nutrition-packed substitution, though the flavor will change slightly.
Cheddar Cheese:
Substitute: Non-dairy cheese options can work for those avoiding dairy. Nutritional yeast sprinkled over the top can also give a cheesy flavor without actual cheese.
Sour Cream:
Substitute: Greek yogurt works as a fantastic substitute for sour cream, offering a similar texture and tang. For a dairy-free version, coconut cream or soy-based sour cream can be used.
Final Thoughts
There you have it—the iconic Taco Bell Double Decker Taco recreated in your kitchen. Enjoy your delicious creation, assured by the fact that you can relive this delightful experience anytime the craving hits, all from the comfort of home!
More Taco Bell Recipes:
Ingredients
- 6 large flour tortillas (about 10 inches)
- 6 crunchy taco shells
- 1 can of refried beans (16 oz)
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 packet of taco seasoning
- 2 cups shredded lettuce
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 large tomato, diced
- Sour cream (optional for topping)
- Taco sauce (optional for extra spice)
Instructions
- Prep the Beef: Add the ground beef in a skillet over medium heat, breaking it apart with a spatula. Cook until the meat is browned and crumbly. Drain any excess fat. Sprinkle the taco seasoning over the beef and add 2/3 cup of water. Stir and let it simmer for about 5 minutes or until the mixture thickens. Remove from heat and set aside.
- Warm the Beans: While the beef cooks, place refried beans in a microwave-safe bowl. Heat them until warmed through, about 1-2 minutes. Keep them warm and spreadable.
- Prepare the Tortillas: Heat each flour tortilla in a dry skillet or microwave until warm and pliable. Spread a thin layer of warm refried beans over one side of each tortilla.
- Assemble the Taco Shells: Carefully wrap the bean-coated flour tortilla around a crunchy taco shell. The beans act as an adhesive, binding the two together.
- Fill Them Up: Spoon the seasoned ground beef into each double-layer taco shell—top with shredded lettuce, diced tomatoes, and shredded cheese. If you like, add a dollop of sour cream and a drizzle of taco sauce for extra flavor.
