Have you ever found yourself craving that irresistible Taco Bell Beefy Melt Burrito? Maybe it’s the melty cheese, the hearty beef, or the way all the flavors come together in a comforting, handheld package. For me, this burrito brings back memories of spontaneous late-night Taco Bell runs with friends, where we’d bond over warm, cheesy bites and laugh until our sides hurt. There’s something so nostalgic about recreating that flavor at home — a recipe that fills your kitchen with the aroma of spices and satisfaction.
This homemade version of the Taco Bell Beefy Melt Burrito is a labor of love, but it’s simple enough to whip up any night of the week. It’s packed with seasoned ground beef, fluffy rice, creamy queso, and all the right fixings to make every bite a fiesta of flavor. Perfect for dinner, game nights, or even meal prepping, this copycat recipe is about to become a family favorite.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe:
- Budget-Friendly: Skip the drive-thru and make this delicious burrito for a fraction of the cost.
- Customizable: Adjust the spice level, toppings, or even swap in healthier options to suit your taste.
- Easy to Make: With just a handful of steps, you’ll have restaurant-quality burritos right in your kitchen.
- Perfect for Sharing: Great for feeding a crowd or making ahead for busy weeknights.
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- For the Beef Filling:
- 1 lb ground beef
- 2 tsp chili powder
- 1 tsp paprika
- 1 tsp ground cumin
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp onion powder
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 1/2 cup beef broth (or water)
- For the Rice:
- 1 cup cooked white rice
- 1/2 tsp chili powder
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder
- 1/4 tsp salt
- For Assembly:
- 4 large flour tortillas
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/2 cup queso dip (store-bought or homemade)
- 1/2 cup sour cream
- 1/2 cup diced tomatoes
- 1/4 cup chopped green onions
- Optional: sliced jalapeños for a spicy kick
How to Make Taco Bell Beefy Melt Burrito:
Step-by-Step Instructions:
- Prepare the Seasoned Beef:
Start by browning the ground beef in a large skillet over medium heat. As the beef cooks, use a wooden spoon to break it into small crumbles. Once it’s fully cooked, drain any excess grease. Return the beef to the skillet and sprinkle in the chili powder, paprika, cumin, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and black pepper. Add the beef broth (or water), stir to combine, and let the mixture simmer for about 5 minutes until the flavors meld together and the liquid reduces slightly. Your kitchen will smell incredible at this point! - Cook the Rice:
While the beef is simmering, prepare your rice. If you have leftover rice, even better! Stir in the chili powder, garlic powder, and a pinch of salt for a flavorful twist. Fluffy, spiced rice is the perfect base for your burrito. - Assemble Your Burritos:
Lay out a large flour tortilla on a clean surface or cutting board. Spread a generous spoonful of queso dip across the center of the tortilla. Next, layer on a scoop of seasoned beef, followed by a scoop of rice. Sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese on top, then add a dollop of sour cream, some diced tomatoes, and chopped green onions. If you like a bit of heat, toss in a few slices of jalapeños. - Wrap It Up:
To fold your burrito, start by folding in the sides, then roll the tortilla from the bottom up, keeping the filling tightly packed inside. Don’t worry if your first one isn’t perfect — practice makes perfect! - Toast the Burritos (Optional):
For that authentic restaurant feel, lightly toast your burritos in a dry skillet over medium heat for about 1-2 minutes on each side. This step gives the tortilla a lovely golden-brown color and a slightly crispy texture. - Serve and Enjoy:
Slice your burritos in half (if desired) and serve them warm. Pair them with a side of tortilla chips, guacamole, or a fresh green salad for a complete meal.
Helpful Tips:
- Cheese Options: If you don’t have cheddar, try using Monterey Jack or a Mexican cheese blend for a gooey, melty result.
- Make It Healthier: Swap the ground beef for ground turkey or lamb, and use brown rice instead of white rice for added fiber.
- Meal Prep Friendly: These burritos freeze beautifully! Wrap each burrito tightly in foil, place them in a freezer-safe bag, and reheat in the oven or microwave whenever you need a quick meal.
- Get Creative: You can customize your burrito with additional toppings like shredded lettuce, black beans, avocado slices, or your favorite salsa.
Details:
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 4 burritos
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stove-Top
- Cuisine: Mexican-American
- Diet: Customizable
Notes:
- For a creamier burrito, add a little extra queso dip or sour cream to the filling before rolling it up.
- To make this dish gluten-free, simply use gluten-free tortillas.
Nutritional Information (Per Serving):
Calories: Approximately 450
Protein: 22g
Carbohydrates: 35g
Fat: 20g
Sodium: 820mg
Frequently Asked Questions:
1. Can I make this vegetarian?
Absolutely! Swap the ground beef for a plant-based meat alternative or black beans. The spices will ensure you still get that bold flavor.
2. What’s the best way to reheat leftover burritos?
The best way to reheat your burritos is in a skillet over medium heat, which helps maintain the crispy texture of the tortilla. Alternatively, you can microwave them for about 1-2 minutes if you’re short on time.
3. Can I use store-bought taco seasoning?
Of course! If you’re in a hurry, a packet of taco seasoning will work perfectly to flavor the ground beef.
Storage Instructions:
- Refrigerator: Store any leftover burritos in an airtight container or tightly wrapped in foil for up to 3 days.
- Freezer: Wrap individual burritos in foil and place them in a freezer-safe bag. They’ll stay fresh for up to 3 months.
- Reheating: To reheat frozen burritos, remove the foil, wrap in a damp paper towel, and microwave for 3-4 minutes or bake in the oven at 375°F for 25-30 minutes.
Related Recipes:
If you liked this recipe, you’ll definitely enjoy these other cheesy delights:
Conclusion:
Recreating the Taco Bell Beefy Melt Burrito at home is not just about saving money — it’s about capturing the joy of those unforgettable moments tied to your favorite fast food indulgence. Every bite of this burrito is a warm hug of nostalgia, a burst of flavor, and a reminder that sometimes the simplest meals are the ones we cherish most. So roll up your sleeves (and your burritos) and give this recipe a try! You’ll wonder why you ever needed the drive-thru in the first place.
Print
Taco Bell Beefy Melt Burrito(Copycat Version)
Description
Have you ever found yourself craving that irresistible Taco Bell Beefy Melt Burrito? Maybe it’s the melty cheese, the hearty beef, or the way all the flavors come together in a comforting, handheld package. For me, this burrito brings back memories of spontaneous late-night Taco Bell runs with friends, where we’d bond over warm, cheesy bites and laugh until our sides hurt. There’s something so nostalgic about recreating that flavor at home — a recipe that fills your kitchen with the aroma of spices and satisfaction.
This homemade version of the Taco Bell Beefy Melt Burrito is a labor of love, but it’s simple enough to whip up any night of the week. It’s packed with seasoned ground beef, fluffy rice, creamy queso, and all the right fixings to make every bite a fiesta of flavor. Perfect for dinner, game nights, or even meal prepping, this copycat recipe is about to become a family favorite.
Ingredients
- For the Beef Filling:
- 1 lb ground beef
- 2 tsp chili powder
- 1 tsp paprika
- 1 tsp ground cumin
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp onion powder
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 1/2 cup beef broth (or water)
- For the Rice:
- 1 cup cooked white rice
- 1/2 tsp chili powder
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder
- 1/4 tsp salt
- For Assembly:
- 4 large flour tortillas
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/2 cup queso dip (store-bought or homemade)
- 1/2 cup sour cream
- 1/2 cup diced tomatoes
- 1/4 cup chopped green onions
- Optional: sliced jalapeños for a spicy kick
Instructions
- Prepare the Seasoned Beef:
Start by browning the ground beef in a large skillet over medium heat. As the beef cooks, use a wooden spoon to break it into small crumbles. Once it’s fully cooked, drain any excess grease. Return the beef to the skillet and sprinkle in the chili powder, paprika, cumin, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and black pepper. Add the beef broth (or water), stir to combine, and let the mixture simmer for about 5 minutes until the flavors meld together and the liquid reduces slightly. Your kitchen will smell incredible at this point! - Cook the Rice:
While the beef is simmering, prepare your rice. If you have leftover rice, even better! Stir in the chili powder, garlic powder, and a pinch of salt for a flavorful twist. Fluffy, spiced rice is the perfect base for your burrito. - Assemble Your Burritos:
Lay out a large flour tortilla on a clean surface or cutting board. Spread a generous spoonful of queso dip across the center of the tortilla. Next, layer on a scoop of seasoned beef, followed by a scoop of rice. Sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese on top, then add a dollop of sour cream, some diced tomatoes, and chopped green onions. If you like a bit of heat, toss in a few slices of jalapeños. - Wrap It Up:
To fold your burrito, start by folding in the sides, then roll the tortilla from the bottom up, keeping the filling tightly packed inside. Don’t worry if your first one isn’t perfect — practice makes perfect! - Toast the Burritos (Optional):
For that authentic restaurant feel, lightly toast your burritos in a dry skillet over medium heat for about 1-2 minutes on each side. This step gives the tortilla a lovely golden-brown color and a slightly crispy texture. - Serve and Enjoy:
Slice your burritos in half (if desired) and serve them warm. Pair them with a side of tortilla chips, guacamole, or a fresh green salad for a complete meal.
Notes
- For a creamier burrito, add a little extra queso dip or sour cream to the filling before rolling it up.
- To make this dish gluten-free, simply use gluten-free tortillas.