Taco Bell Double Decker Tacos (Copycat Recipe)
If you grew up loving Taco Bell’s Double Decker Tacos, this homemade version is about to become a family favorite. Soft flour tortillas wrapped around crunchy taco shells, layered with seasoned beef, refried beans, and all your favorite toppings — it’s the perfect combination of textures and flavors.
As a busy mom, I love recreating fast-food favorites at home because they’re often more affordable, customizable, and surprisingly easy to make. These double decker tacos are great for weeknight dinners, casual get-togethers, or even taco bars where everyone can build their own. They’re fun, filling, and familiar — which makes them especially popular with kids and adults alike.
This recipe keeps all the nostalgia of the original while using simple ingredients you can find at any grocery store. You can adjust the seasoning, add extra toppings, or even swap proteins to fit your family’s preferences. Whether you’re craving a throwback Taco Bell classic or just want to switch up taco night, this copycat double decker taco recipe delivers every time.
Below, I’ll walk you through exactly how to assemble these tacos so they stay sturdy, flavorful, and just as satisfying as the original.
Why These Ingredients Work
- Ground beef: Classic taco meat gives these tacos that familiar fast-food flavor.
- Taco seasoning: Store-bought or homemade seasoning works well here.
- Refried beans: Acts as the “glue” that holds the soft tortilla and crunchy shell together.
- Flour tortillas: Wrap around the hard shell for that signature double-layer bite.
- Hard taco shells: Adds crunch and texture.
- Cheese, lettuce, tomatoes: Classic toppings that balance the richness of the meat and beans.
You can easily customize these tacos by adding sour cream, salsa, avocado, or swapping the protein for chicken or beans.
Taco Bell Double Decker Tacos (Copycat Recipe)
Ingredients
Method
- In a skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef until browned and fully cooked. Drain any excess fat.
- Warm the refried beans in a small saucepan until smooth and spreadable.
- Lay one flour tortilla flat on a plate or clean surface. Spread a generous layer of refried beans over the center.
- Place a hard taco shell in the middle of the tortilla and gently fold the tortilla around it so it sticks to the beans.
- Fill the hard shell with ground beef and your desired toppings such as lettuce, cheese, tomatoes, and sour cream.
- Serve immediately and enjoy the perfect blend of soft and crunchy textures — just like Taco Bell’s Double Decker Tacos!
Tips for the Best Double Decker Tacos
- Warm the tortillas. Warm flour tortillas make wrapping easier and prevent tearing.
- Spread beans evenly. This helps the hard shell stick securely to the tortilla.
- Assemble just before serving. This keeps the shells crunchy.
- Set up a taco bar. Let everyone add their own toppings for easy family dinners.
If you’re serving a crowd, you can prep the meat and toppings ahead of time and assemble right before eating.
How to Store and Reheat
- Refrigerator: Store taco meat and toppings separately for up to 3 days.
- Freezer: Cooked taco meat can be frozen for up to 2 months.
- Reheating: Reheat meat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave. Assemble tacos fresh for best texture.
Assembled tacos are best eaten immediately, but leftovers can easily be turned into taco bowls or wraps.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make these ahead of time?
You can prep all components ahead, but assemble just before serving for the best crunch.
Can I use chicken instead of beef?
Yes, seasoned shredded chicken or ground chicken works great.
Are these kid-friendly?
Absolutely. You can reduce the seasoning or set toppings aside for picky eaters.
Can I make them vegetarian?
Yes, substitute the beef with seasoned black beans or lentils.
Better than Taco Bell!