Spaceship Aka New Taco Bell Crunchwrap: A Homemade Homage

I remember vividly the first time I saw a Crunchwrap Supreme commercial. It was late, I was exhausted from a long shift in the kitchen, and the siren song of that perfectly hexagonal package filled with layers of savory goodness was irresistible. While I’ve always appreciated the convenience of fast food, my chef’s heart invariably whispers, “You can make that better at home!” So, inspired by that late-night craving and the desire to elevate a classic, I embarked on a mission to create my own version – what I affectionately dubbed “Spaceships,” because, let’s face it, they do look like something ready to launch into orbit. This recipe is kid-tested and chef-approved, a guaranteed family favorite.

Recipe Overview

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 10 minutes
• Total Time: 25 minutes
• Servings: 6
• Yield: 6 Crunchwraps
• Dietary Type: Adaptable

Ingredients

• 6 burrito-size flour tortillas
• 6 corn tortillas
• 1/4 cup low-fat cheddar cheese, shredded
• 1 lb ground turkey
• 1 1/4 ounces taco seasoning (one packet)
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 cup lettuce, shredded
• 1 tomato, diced
• Sour cream (optional)

Equipment Needed

• Large skillet
• Oven
• Baking sheet
• Grill or panini press (optional)
• Microwave

Instructions

1. Start by browning the ground turkey. Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the ground turkey and cook, breaking it up with a spoon, until it’s no longer pink. Drain off any excess grease.
2. Season the cooked turkey with the taco seasoning. Follow the package directions – typically, you’ll add about 3/4 cup of water to the seasoned meat and simmer until the liquid is absorbed. The goal is flavorful, slightly moist taco meat.
3. While the turkey is simmering, prepare the corn tortillas. Preheat your oven to the broil setting. Place the corn tortillas on a baking sheet and broil them until they are crisp and lightly browned, flipping them over once to ensure even crisping. Watch them carefully, as they can burn quickly.
4. Now it’s time to assemble the “Spaceships.” Lay out the flour tortillas on a clean work surface. Divide the seasoned turkey mixture evenly among them, placing the meat in the center of each tortilla.
5. Top the turkey with a crispy corn tortilla. Press it down gently to create a solid base for the remaining ingredients.
6. Layer on the toppings: Add shredded lettuce, diced tomato, and shredded cheddar cheese on top of the corn tortilla.
7. Carefully fold the flour tortilla up and around the corn tortilla and fillings. Try to pleat the edges as you go, creating a sealed, hexagonal shape.
8. For that signature Crunchwrap grill mark, place each “Spaceship” on a grill or panini press. Grill until the flour tortilla is golden brown and slightly crispy.
9. If the flour tortilla doesn’t completely overlap in the center, place the grilled side up on a plate or saucer. Microwave for about 30 seconds to melt the cheese and seal the wrap. If the flour tortilla does overlap completely, grilling both sides in the previous step is enough.
10. Serve immediately with a dollop of sour cream (optional). You can serve the sour cream on top or even inside the wrap.

Expert Tips & Tricks

• For even browning, lightly brush the flour tortilla with melted butter or olive oil before grilling.
• If you don’t have a grill, you can achieve a similar effect by cooking the wraps in a dry skillet over medium heat, pressing down with a spatula.
• To prevent soggy wraps, ensure the lettuce and tomato are well-drained before assembling.
• Make the taco meat ahead of time for a quicker weeknight meal. It can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
• For a spicier kick, add a pinch of cayenne pepper to the taco seasoning or use a spicier salsa.

Serving & Storage Suggestions

Serve your homemade “Spaceships” immediately while the corn tortilla is still crispy and the cheese is melted. These are best enjoyed fresh! If you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They will keep for up to 2 days. Reheat in the microwave, but be aware that the corn tortilla will lose some of its crispness.

These wraps are fantastic on their own, but they also pair well with:

• A side of Mexican rice and beans
• Fresh guacamole and tortilla chips
• A cool and refreshing margarita or horchata

Nutritional Information

Nutrient	Amount per Serving	% Daily Value
Calories	446.3 kcal	N/A
Total Fat	16.8 g	25%
Saturated Fat	3.8 g	18%
Cholesterol	53.2 mg	17%
Sodium	1008 mg	42%
Total Carbohydrate	51 g	17%
Dietary Fiber	5.1 g	20%
Sugars	3.3 g	N/A
Protein	23.5 g	46%

Nutritional information is an estimate and may vary based on specific ingredients and preparation methods.

Variations & Substitutions

• Vegetarian/Vegan: Substitute the ground turkey with seasoned black beans, crumbled tofu, or plant-based ground meat. Use vegan cheese and sour cream alternatives.
• Gluten-Free: Use gluten-free flour tortillas and ensure your taco seasoning is gluten-free.
• Spicy: Add diced jalapeños, a dash of hot sauce, or a pinch of cayenne pepper to the turkey mixture.
• Deluxe: Add guacamole, pico de gallo, or your favorite salsa to the filling.
• Protein-Packed: Use grilled chicken or steak instead of ground turkey.

FAQs (Frequently Asked Questions)

Q: Can I use beef instead of turkey?
A: Absolutely! Ground beef is a perfectly acceptable substitute for ground turkey in this recipe. Just be sure to drain off any excess grease after browning.

Q: How do I prevent the tortilla from tearing when folding?
A: Warm the flour tortilla slightly in the microwave before assembling. This will make it more pliable and less likely to tear. Don’t overfill the wrap!

Q: Can I make these ahead of time and freeze them?
A: While you can freeze them, the texture of the corn tortilla and lettuce may suffer. For best results, make the turkey filling ahead of time and assemble the wraps fresh when you’re ready to eat.

Q: What if I don’t have a grill or panini press?
A: You can cook the wraps in a dry skillet over medium heat, pressing down with a spatula to help them brown evenly.

Q: Can I use nacho cheese sauce instead of shredded cheese?
A: Yes, you can! Nacho cheese sauce will add a creamy, cheesy flavor to the wrap. Just be sure to add it after the corn tortilla layer.

Final Thoughts

So, there you have it – my homemade take on the Taco Bell Crunchwrap Supreme, or as I like to call them, “Spaceships.” This recipe is a fun and delicious way to satisfy your cravings for fast food while enjoying the satisfaction of creating something amazing in your own kitchen. Don’t be afraid to experiment with different fillings and toppings to create your own unique version. I hope you enjoy making and eating these as much as I do. Happy cooking, and bon appétit!