Taco Bell Beefy Melt Burrito Recipe

Taco Bell Beefy Melt Burrito Recipe for Home

Crafting a homemade taco bell beefy melt burrito brings culinary adventure right to your kitchen.

Layers of seasoned beef, melted cheese, and zesty sauce create a flavor explosion that rivals any restaurant version.

Mexican-inspired comfort food rarely gets more satisfying than this hearty wrap.

Spice levels can easily be adjusted to match personal preferences.

Bold ingredients combine effortlessly for a quick and delicious meal.

Each bite delivers a perfect balance of textures and bold southwestern flavors.

Recreate this fast-food favorite with simple ingredients and minimal cooking skills.

You’ll want to savor every single delicious morsel of this incredible burrito.

Taco Bell Beefy Melt Burrito Copycat Done Right

  • Adjust ingredients to personal taste, swap proteins, add extra cheese, or make it spicier for a personalized dining experience.
  • Recreate the beloved Taco Bell favorite at home, saving money and enjoying a fresh, homemade version that tastes just like the original.
  • Use affordable ingredients like ground beef, tortillas, and pantry staples to create a restaurant-style dish without breaking the bank.

Beefy Burrito Ingredients You’ll Need

Protein Components:
  • Ground Beef: Rich, savory meat base with deep flavor for the burrito's main protein.
  • Taco Seasoning: Classic spice blend providing traditional Mexican-style taste for the meat.
Base Components:
  • Flour Tortilla: Soft, flexible wrap providing the classic burrito structure and holding all ingredients.
  • Rice: Fluffy, neutral grain adding texture and helping to bulk up the burrito.
Topping and Flavor Enhancers:
  • Nacho Cheese Sauce, Shredded Cheese: Creamy, melty dairy components adding rich, tangy flavor and smooth texture.
  • Sour Cream: Cool, tangy dairy topping balancing the spicy meat and adding creamy richness.
  • Tortilla Strips: Crunchy, crispy element providing signature Taco Bell textural contrast.

Wrap and Cook Steps for Taco Bell Style

Step 1: Sizzle The Savory Beef

Cook ground beef in a skillet over medium heat, breaking it into crumbly pieces. Let the meat brown beautifully. Drain excess grease, then sprinkle taco seasoning and add water. Stir until every morsel gets coated with zesty flavor. Allow the mixture to simmer and develop rich taste for about 5 minutes.

Step 2: Jazz Up The Rice

Warm freshly cooked or leftover rice. Boost its flavor by mixing in:
  • Nacho cheese sauce
  • Taco seasoning
  • A splash of excitement

Step 3: Build Your Flavor Explosion

Prepare your tortilla canvas by warming it gently. Layer ingredients with precision:
  • Nacho cheese sauce spread
  • Seasoned ground beef
  • Fluffy rice
  • Shredded cheese
  • Creamy sour cream
  • Crunchy tortilla strips

Step 4: Wrap Like A Pro

Fold tortilla sides strategically over fillings. Roll from bottom upward, creating a tight burrito package. For extra crispiness, toast the burrito in a hot skillet for 1-2 minutes on each side until golden brown.

Tips for That Cheesy Burrito Finish

  • Perfect Beef Selection: Choose lean ground beef with 80/20 or 85/15 fat ratio for optimal flavor without excessive grease, ensuring a juicy and well-textured filling.
  • Seasoning Hack: Customize taco seasoning by adding extra cumin, chili powder, or a pinch of smoked paprika to elevate the meat's depth and complexity.
  • Rice Temperature Trick: Keep rice warm and fluffy by covering it with a clean kitchen towel after cooking, preventing moisture loss and maintaining ideal burrito consistency.
  • Cheese Melting Technique: Sprinkle shredded cheese directly onto hot meat or rice to create a quick, smooth melt that distributes flavor evenly throughout the burrito.
  • Tortilla Warming Tip: Briefly steam tortillas over simmering water or use a damp paper towel in the microwave to make them more flexible and prevent cracking during rolling.

Reheating Burritos Without Drying Them Out

  • Store leftover burritos in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking. Keep refrigerated for 3-4 days to maintain freshness and prevent bacterial growth.
  • Wrap individual burritos tightly in aluminum foil or plastic wrap, then place in freezer-safe bags. Freeze for up to 2 months to preserve taste and texture.
  • Unwrap frozen burrito, place on baking sheet, and heat at 350°F for 15-20 minutes. Cover with foil to prevent drying out and ensure even warming.
  • Remove foil, place burrito on microwave-safe plate, and heat for 1-2 minutes. Rotate halfway through for consistent temperature and crisp texture.

Favorite Sides for Beefy Burritos

  • Combine a classic lime margarita with the burrito's bold flavors. The citrusy, tequila-based drink cuts through the rich beef and cheese, creating a refreshing balance that elevates the entire meal experience.
  • Select a crisp Mexican lager or a hoppy IPA to complement the burrito's spicy and cheesy profile. The beer's carbonation helps cleanse the palate between bites, bringing out the seasoned meat's robust taste.
  • Serve a homemade or store-bought salsa verde alongside the burrito. Its bright, green chile kick adds an extra layer of complexity and freshness that enhances the overall southwestern-style meal.
  • Blend a cooling avocado and cilantro smoothie as a unique accompaniment. The smooth, herbal drink provides a nice contrast to the burrito's warm, hearty ingredients, creating a well-rounded dining experience.

Fillings and Add-Ins to Shake Things Up

  • Vegetarian Protein Swap: Replace ground beef with crumbled firm tofu, black beans, or plant-based meat crumbles seasoned with the same taco spices for a meat-free version.
  • Gluten-Free Adaptation: Use corn tortillas instead of flour tortillas and swap tortilla strips for gluten-free corn chips to create a celiac-friendly alternative.
  • Low-Carb Option: Ditch the tortilla and rice, and wrap the ingredients in large lettuce leaves for a keto-friendly meal that cuts down on carbohydrates.
  • Spicy Kick Variation: Add diced jalapeños, hot sauce, or swap regular taco seasoning for a spicier blend to increase the heat level and flavor intensity.
Print
clock clock iconcutlery cutlery iconflag flag iconfolder folder iconinstagram instagram iconpinterest pinterest iconfacebook facebook iconprint print iconsquares squares iconheart heart iconheart solid heart solid icon
Taco Bell Beefy Melt Burrito Recipe

Taco Bell Beefy Melt Burrito Recipe


5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

4.7 from 37 reviews

  • Total Time: 30 minutes
  • Yield: 4 1x

Description

Taco Bell’s beefy melt burrito brings Mexican-inspired comfort straight to home kitchens with bold flavors and cheesy goodness. Packed with seasoned ground beef, melted cheese, and classic toppings, you can easily recreate this fan-favorite fast-food classic in just minutes.


Ingredients

Scale

Main Ingredients:

  • 1 lb (450g) ground beef
  • 4 large flour tortillas (burrito-sized)
  • 1 cup (240ml) nacho cheese sauce

Seasonings and Spices:

  • 1 packet (1 oz) taco seasoning mix
  • 1 tsp taco seasoning
  • ¼ cup (15g) chopped fresh cilantro (optional)

Additional Ingredients:

  • 1 cup (185g) long-grain white rice
  • 2 cups (480ml) water
  • 1 tablespoon butter
  • 1 cup (100g) shredded three-cheese blend (cheddar, Monterey Jack, mozzarella)
  • 1 cup (40g) crunchy tortilla strips or crushed nacho chips
  • Sour cream (for serving, optional)
  • ½ cup (120ml) water

Instructions

  1. Sizzle ground beef in a skillet over medium flame, methodically crumbling and separating meat particles until uniform brown coloration develops.
  2. Eliminate excess grease, then incorporate taco seasoning with minimal water, stirring thoroughly to ensure comprehensive meat coating. Allow mixture to gently bubble for several minutes, developing robust flavor profile.
  3. Prepare rice with optional enhancement by blending nacho cheese sauce or taco seasoning directly into grains, creating additional taste complexity.
  4. Gently warm tortillas to maximize pliability and prevent potential cracking during assembly.
  5. Create flavor foundation by spreading nacho cheese sauce across tortilla center with smooth, consistent motion.
  6. Layer ingredients strategically: first seasoned beef, followed by rice, then sprinkle shredded cheese, add sour cream dollop, and distribute crunchy tortilla strips for textural variation.
  7. Execute precise wrapping technique by folding tortilla sides inward, then rolling from bottom edge upward, ensuring compact, secure burrito formation.
  8. Optional finishing touch involves brief skillet toasting, rotating burrito to achieve golden-brown exterior and crisp texture, approximately one to two minutes per side.

Notes

  • Select lean ground beef to reduce excess fat and create a healthier version of the burrito.
  • Experiment with ground turkey or plant-based meat alternatives for a lighter protein option that maintains similar flavor profiles.
  • Consider using brown rice or cauliflower rice to add more nutritional value and reduce carbohydrate content for low-carb diets.
  • Prep ingredients in advance by cooking beef and rice earlier to streamline the assembly process and make meal preparation faster and more convenient.
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 20 minutes
  • Category: Lunch, Dinner, Snacks
  • Method: Sautéing
  • Cuisine: Mexican

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 4
  • Calories: 540
  • Sugar: 2g
  • Sodium: 1000mg
  • Fat: 24g
  • Saturated Fat: 10g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 12g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Carbohydrates: 59g
  • Fiber: 3g
  • Protein: 26g
  • Cholesterol: 70mg
Dave Mitchell

Dave Mitchell

Founder & Chief Recipe Developer

Expertise

  • Grilling Techniques and Innovations​
  • Recipe Development and Testing
  • Culinary Education and Workshops​
  • Food Photography and Styling

Education

Asheville-Buncombe Technical Community College
Associate of Applied Science in Culinary Arts
Focus: Comprehensive training in culinary techniques, kitchen management, and menu planning, with a special emphasis on grilling and outdoor cooking. ​


Dave Mitchell is the heart behind Daves Grill, a cook, writer, and lover of all things grilled. He studied Culinary Arts at Asheville-Buncombe Technical Community College and spent years cooking, testing, and sharing recipes that actually work.

Dave started Daves Grill to keep things simple: one great recipe at a time. His food is bold, easy to follow, and made for real people with regular kitchens. From juicy steaks to quick sides, Dave’s recipes bring the heat without the hassle.

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Recipe rating 5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star