The Taco Bell Beefy Melt Burrito is a fan-favorite menu item known for its perfect balance of seasoned beef, warm nacho cheese, crunchy fiesta strips, creamy sour cream, and seasoned rice, all wrapped in a soft, warm flour tortilla. This homemade version allows you to recreate the fast-food favorite in your own kitchen, with fresh ingredients and customizable options.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Authentic Flavor – Replicates the signature Taco Bell taste with seasoned beef and creamy nacho cheese.
- Quick and Easy – Takes less than 30 minutes to prepare.
- Customizable – Add extra toppings like jalapeños or swap out ingredients to fit your preferences.
- Cost-Effective – Make multiple burritos at home for the price of one from the restaurant.
Ingredients
For the Seasoned Beef:
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 packet taco seasoning
- ½ cup water
For the Burrito Assembly:
- 4 large flour tortillas
- 1 cup cooked seasoned rice (use taco seasoning or bouillon for flavor)
- ½ cup nacho cheese sauce (store-bought or homemade)
- ½ cup shredded three-cheese blend (cheddar, Monterey Jack, mozzarella)
- ½ cup fiesta tortilla strips
- ½ cup sour cream
Instructions
Step 1: Cook the Seasoned Beef
- In a skillet over medium heat, brown the ground beef until fully cooked, breaking it apart as it cooks.
- Drain excess grease, then stir in the taco seasoning and water. Simmer for about 5 minutes until the mixture thickens. Remove from heat.
Step 2: Prepare the Other Ingredients
- Cook the rice according to package instructions and season it with taco seasoning or bouillon for extra flavor.
- Warm the nacho cheese sauce in a small pan or microwave.
- Heat the flour tortillas in a dry skillet or microwave for about 10 seconds to make them pliable.
Step 3: Assemble the Burritos
- Lay out a warm tortilla and spread ¼ cup of seasoned rice in the center.
- Add ¼ of the seasoned beef on top of the rice.
- Drizzle 2 tablespoons of nacho cheese sauce over the beef.
- Sprinkle with shredded cheese.
- Add a handful of fiesta tortilla strips for crunch.
- Top with a dollop of sour cream.
Step 4: Wrap the Burrito
- Fold in the sides of the tortilla, then roll it tightly from the bottom to form a burrito.
- Optional: Lightly toast the burrito in a skillet for a crispier texture.
Step 5: Serve and Enjoy
Serve the burritos warm with a side of salsa, guacamole, or extra nacho cheese for dipping.
Variations and Additions
- Spicy Kick – Add diced jalapeños or a drizzle of hot sauce.
- Protein Swap – Substitute beef with grilled chicken, shredded pork, or black beans.
- Extra Veggies – Include diced tomatoes, lettuce, or sautéed peppers.
- Homemade Tortilla Strips – Fry corn tortillas and break them into strips for a fresher crunch.
Servings and Timing
- Servings: 4 burritos
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
Storage and Reheating
- Refrigeration: Wrap leftover burritos in foil and store in the fridge for up to 3 days.
- Freezing: Wrap tightly in plastic wrap and place in a freezer-safe bag for up to 2 months.
- Reheating: Microwave for 1-2 minutes or reheat in a skillet over medium heat until warmed through.
Frequently Asked Questions
How can I make the nacho cheese sauce at home?
Melt 1 cup of shredded cheddar cheese with ½ cup of milk and 1 tablespoon of butter over low heat, stirring constantly. Add a pinch of cayenne or hot sauce for extra flavor.
What can I use instead of fiesta strips?
Crushed tortilla chips or Fritos make a great substitute if you can’t find fiesta strips.
Can I use brown rice instead of white rice?
Yes! Brown rice works well and adds extra fiber to the burrito.
How do I make this burrito healthier?
Use lean ground turkey, low-fat cheese, and whole wheat tortillas. You can also skip the nacho cheese or use a homemade low-fat version.
Can I make this burrito vegetarian?
Absolutely! Replace the beef with black beans, refried beans, or a meatless crumble alternative.
What kind of cheese is best for this recipe?
A three-cheese blend of cheddar, Monterey Jack, and mozzarella gives the best flavor and melt.
How do I keep my burrito from falling apart?
Make sure not to overfill it, and wrap it tightly, tucking in the sides as you roll. A quick sear in a skillet can also help hold it together.
Can I add extra toppings inside the burrito?
Yes! Add diced onions, avocado slices, or pickled jalapeños for more flavor.
What’s the best way to reheat a burrito without making it soggy?
For the best texture, reheat in a skillet or air fryer instead of the microwave.
How can I make this recipe taste exactly like Taco Bell’s version?
Use Taco Bell-branded taco seasoning and nacho cheese sauce, and toast the burrito on a hot griddle to match the fast-food texture.
Conclusion
Making your own Taco Bell Beefy Melt Burrito at home is easy, delicious, and budget-friendly. With simple ingredients and step-by-step instructions, you can enjoy this popular menu item anytime. Whether you stick to the classic recipe or customize it to your liking, this burrito is sure to be a hit!
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Taco Bell Beefy Melt Burrito Recipe
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 4 burritos 1x
Description
Make a homemade version of the Taco Bell Beefy Melt Burrito with seasoned beef, nacho cheese, crunchy fiesta strips, and seasoned rice, all wrapped in a warm tortilla. Quick, easy, and customizable!
Ingredients
For the Seasoned Beef:
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 packet taco seasoning
- 1/2 cup water
For the Burrito Assembly:
- 4 large flour tortillas
- 1 cup cooked seasoned rice (flavored with taco seasoning or bouillon)
- 1/2 cup nacho cheese sauce (store-bought or homemade)
- 1/2 cup shredded three-cheese blend (cheddar, Monterey Jack, mozzarella)
- 1/2 cup fiesta tortilla strips
- 1/2 cup sour cream
Instructions
Step 1: Cook the Seasoned Beef
- Heat a skillet over medium heat and cook the ground beef until fully browned, breaking it apart as it cooks.
- Drain excess grease, then stir in taco seasoning and water. Simmer for 5 minutes until thickened. Remove from heat.
Step 2: Prepare the Ingredients
- Cook rice according to package instructions and season with taco seasoning or bouillon.
- Warm the nacho cheese sauce in a small pan or microwave.
- Heat flour tortillas in a dry skillet or microwave for about 10 seconds to make them pliable.
Step 3: Assemble the Burritos
- Lay out a warm tortilla and spread 1/4 cup of seasoned rice in the center.
- Add 1/4 of the seasoned beef on top of the rice.
- Drizzle 2 tablespoons of nacho cheese sauce over the beef.
- Sprinkle with shredded cheese.
- Add a handful of fiesta tortilla strips for crunch.
- Top with a dollop of sour cream.
Step 4: Wrap the Burrito
- Fold in the sides of the tortilla, then roll it tightly from the bottom.
- (Optional) Lightly toast the burrito in a skillet for a crispier texture.
Step 5: Serve and Enjoy
- Serve warm with salsa, guacamole, or extra nacho cheese for dipping.
Notes
- Spicy Kick: Add diced jalapeños or hot sauce.
- Protein Swap: Use grilled chicken, shredded pork, or black beans.
- Extra Veggies: Include diced tomatoes, lettuce, or sautéed peppers.
- Homemade Tortilla Strips: Fry corn tortillas and break them into strips.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Main Course, Fast Food Copycat
- Method: Stovetop, Assembly
- Cuisine: Mexican-American
Keywords: aco Bell burrito, beefy melt burrito, fast food copycat, homemade burrito, cheesy burrito