Spaceship Aka New Taco Bell Crunchwrap: A Culinary Homage

I’ll never forget those after-school trips with my friends, our pockets jingling with allowance money destined for Taco Bell. The Crunchwrap Supreme was always a coveted prize, a symphony of textures and flavors contained within that hexagonal embrace. Each bite was a miniature party in your mouth. It was fun, satisfying, and the kind of craveable food that sticks with you. Today, I’m taking on that challenge, recreating a personal version that I’ve fondly nicknamed “Spaceships” – little culinary crafts ready for launch.

Recipe Overview

• Prep Time: 25 minutes
• Cook Time: 5 minutes
• Total Time: 30 minutes
• Servings: 6
• Dietary Type: Adaptable (see variations)

Ingredients

• 6 burrito-size flour tortillas
• 6 corn tortillas
• ¼ cup low-fat cheddar cheese, shredded (or your favorite cheese!)
• 1 lb ground turkey (can substitute ground beef)
• 1 1⁄4 ounces taco seasoning
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 cup lettuce, shredded
• 1 tomato, diced
• Sour cream (optional)

Equipment Needed

• Large skillet
• Baking sheet
• Grill or panini press (optional)
• Microwave oven
• Cutting board
• Knife

Instructions

1. Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the ground turkey and cook, breaking it up with a spoon, until browned. Drain off any excess grease.

2. Follow the directions on the taco seasoning package to season the meat. This usually involves adding about 3/4 cup of water and the entire packet of seasoning to the cooked turkey. Simmer for a few minutes, stirring occasionally, until the liquid has mostly evaporated and the meat is well-coated in the taco seasoning.

3. Preheat your oven to broil. Place the corn tortillas on a baking sheet and broil until crispy, watching them very carefully. You’ll need to turn them over once to ensure they are crispy on both sides. This process happens quickly, so don’t walk away from the oven! You want them firm enough to hold their shape but not burnt.

4. Lay out all six flour tortillas on a clean work surface. Divide the seasoned ground turkey mixture evenly among the tortillas, placing it in the center of each tortilla. Leave enough space around the edges for folding.

5. Place a crispy corn tortilla on top of the seasoned turkey on each flour tortilla.

6. Top the corn tortilla with shredded lettuce, diced tomato, and shredded cheddar cheese.

7. Carefully fold the flour tortilla up and around the fillings. Start by folding in one section of the tortilla towards the center, then continue folding sections in, overlapping each fold slightly. This creates a hexagon shape. If the top center is very thick with overlapping tortilla, you may need to grill it on both sides.

8. Now, you have a choice! You can either grill the “spaceships” or microwave them to help melt the cheese.

   • Grilling: If you have a grill or panini press, place each “spaceship” on the grill, seam-side down, and grill until the flour tortilla is lightly browned and crispy. Flip and grill the other side if the center tortilla is very thick. This usually takes just a minute or two per side.

   • Microwaving: If you don’t have a grill, place the “spaceship” on a microwave-safe plate with the folded side up. Microwave for about 30 seconds to melt the cheese.

9. Serve immediately with sour cream, if desired.

Expert Tips & Tricks

• Don’t overfill the tortillas. This will make them difficult to fold and could lead to a messy eating experience.
• Crisping the corn tortillas is key to getting that signature Crunchwrap texture. Make sure they are truly crispy before assembling. If you don’t have a broiler, you can crisp them in a dry skillet over medium heat.
• Warm the flour tortillas slightly before assembling. This will make them more pliable and easier to fold without tearing. A few seconds in the microwave or a quick pass over a hot skillet will do the trick.
• If you want a spicier kick, add a pinch of cayenne pepper or a dash of hot sauce to the ground turkey mixture. You could also incorporate some finely diced jalapeños into the tomato topping.
• For an extra cheesy kick, replace cheddar with monterey jack, pepper jack, or a Mexican blend.

Serving & Storage Suggestions

Serve your Spaceship Crunchwraps immediately while they are warm and the corn tortillas are still crispy. You can serve them whole or cut them in half to make them easier to handle. A dollop of sour cream or guacamole on top adds a cooling and creamy contrast to the spicy filling. A side of salsa or your favorite hot sauce is also a great addition.

Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Reheat them in a skillet or panini press to re-crisp the flour tortilla and melt the cheese. Microwaving will make them soggy, so it’s best to avoid that method for reheating. Due to the fresh lettuce and tomatoes, these do not freeze well.

Nutritional Information

(Estimated per serving, without optional sour cream)

Nutrient	Amount per Serving	% Daily Value
Calories	446 kcal	22%
Total Fat	17g	26%
Saturated Fat	4g	20%
Cholesterol	53mg	18%
Sodium	1008mg	42%
Carbohydrates	51g	17%
Fiber	5g	20%
Sugar	3g	13%
Protein	24g	48%

Variations & Substitutions

• Vegetarian: Substitute the ground turkey with crumbled tofu or black beans. You can also add some sautéed vegetables like bell peppers, onions, and zucchini to the filling.
• Vegan: Use vegan ground “meat,” vegan cheese, and skip the sour cream or use a vegan sour cream alternative. Ensure your taco seasoning is also vegan-friendly.
• Gluten-Free: Substitute the flour tortillas with gluten-free tortillas.
• Spicy: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper to the ground turkey or use a spicier taco seasoning.
• Low-Carb: While it’s difficult to make a truly low-carb version due to the tortillas, you can reduce the carbs by using smaller tortillas or opting for low-carb tortillas. You can also increase the amount of lettuce and other vegetables to balance out the carbs.

FAQs (Frequently Asked Questions)

Q: Can I use a different type of meat besides ground turkey or beef?
A: Absolutely! Shredded chicken, seasoned ground pork, or even chorizo would be delicious in this recipe.

Q: What if I don’t have a broiler?
A: You can crisp the corn tortillas in a dry skillet over medium heat. Just watch them carefully and flip them frequently to prevent burning.

Q: Can I make these ahead of time?
A: It’s best to assemble and cook these right before serving to ensure the corn tortillas stay crispy. However, you can prepare the ground turkey mixture and chop the vegetables in advance.

Q: My flour tortilla is tearing when I try to fold it. What am I doing wrong?
A: The tortilla may be too dry. Try warming it slightly in the microwave or a dry skillet before folding. This will make it more pliable.

Q: How can I prevent the center of the Crunchwrap from being too thick?
A: Avoid overfilling the tortilla with too much meat or toppings. Also, make sure to overlap the folds of the flour tortilla evenly.

Final Thoughts

These “Spaceships” are more than just a copycat recipe; they’re a culinary journey back to those carefree days of shared laughter and craveable snacks. This version, adapted for the home cook and easily customizable, allows you to recapture that familiar joy while adding your own personal touch. Gather your ingredients, preheat that broiler (or fire up the skillet!), and get ready to launch into a world of deliciousness. Don’t hesitate to experiment with different fillings and toppings, and most importantly, share your creations with friends and family. After all, food tastes best when shared.