Spicy Taco Bell Beefy Melt Burrito Recipe

In the world of fast food, few names spark instant cravings quite like Taco Bell. Known for its unique fusion of American and Mexican-inspired flavors, Taco Bell has mastered the art of indulgence with iconic offerings like the Crunchwrap Supreme, Doritos Locos Tacos, and one of its fan-favorite newcomers—the Spicy Beefy Melt Burrito.

Spicy, cheesy, hearty, and full of bold flavor, the Beefy Melt Burrito hits that perfect balance of comfort and heat. It’s a satisfying blend of seasoned beef, seasoned rice, creamy nacho cheese, crunchy red strips, a three-cheese blend, and fiery chipotle sauce—all wrapped up in a warm flour tortilla. One bite delivers layers of texture and taste: soft, gooey, crunchy, melty, and mouth-tinglingly spicy.

For fans of bold, indulgent Tex-Mex food, this burrito checks all the boxes. But what if you could recreate that magic at home—using fresh ingredients, real spices, and customized levels of heat? That’s exactly what this recipe is here to help you do.

This isn’t just a fast food copycat—it’s an upgraded, customizable kitchen project that gives you full control over quality, quantity, and creativity. Whether you’re trying to recreate the exact flavor of Taco Bell’s Spicy Beefy Melt Burrito or looking to elevate it with gourmet twists, this guide has you covered. It’s ideal for weeknight dinners, game-day feasts, or whenever you’re hit with that Taco Bell craving and don’t feel like hitting the drive-thru.

How to Make a Spicy Taco Bell Beefy Melt Burrito

Step-by-Step Detailed Instructions

Part 1: Prepare the Seasoned Ground Beef

This is the flavorful core of your burrito. Taco Bell uses a finely ground, well-seasoned beef mixture that’s slightly saucy, savory, and packed with Mexican-style spices.

Ingredients:

• 1 lb ground beef (80/20 preferred)

• ¾ cup water

• 2 tablespoons tomato paste

• 2 teaspoons chili powder

• 1 teaspoon paprika

• 1 teaspoon cumin

• ½ teaspoon garlic powder

• ½ teaspoon onion powder

• ½ teaspoon oregano

• ½ teaspoon salt (adjust to taste)

• ¼ teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional, for added heat)

• ½ teaspoon sugar (balances acidity)

• Dash of black pepper

Instructions:

1. Preheat a skillet over medium-high heat.
   Add the ground beef and break it up using a spatula or wooden spoon.

2. Cook the beef until browned and no longer pink (about 7–10 minutes).
   Drain excess fat, but leave a little for flavor.

3. Lower the heat to medium.
   Add tomato paste and all dry spices to the skillet. Stir until everything is evenly coated.

4. Pour in the water and mix well.
   Let it simmer for 5–7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the water is mostly reduced and you have a slightly saucy, cohesive beef mixture.

5. Taste and adjust seasoning.
   Add more salt, chili powder, or cayenne if desired. Set aside and keep warm.

Part 2: Make the Seasoned Rice

Taco Bell’s seasoned rice is savory, mildly spiced, and lightly tomato-flavored. Here’s how to replicate it at home.

Ingredients:

• 1 cup long-grain white rice

• 2 cups low-sodium chicken broth (or water)

• 1 tablespoon tomato paste

• 1 teaspoon cumin

• ½ teaspoon paprika

• ½ teaspoon onion powder

• ¼ teaspoon garlic powder

• Salt to taste

• 1 tablespoon oil or butter

Instructions:

1. Rinse the rice under cold water to remove excess starch (prevents gumminess).

2. Heat oil or butter in a medium saucepan over medium heat.

3. Add rice and toast lightly for 2–3 minutes until fragrant.

4. Stir in tomato paste and all seasonings. Mix well to coat the rice.

5. Pour in the chicken broth and bring to a boil.
   Once boiling, reduce heat to low and cover.

6. Simmer for 15–18 minutes, or until liquid is fully absorbed and rice is tender.

7. Fluff with a fork and keep warm.

Part 3: Make the Nacho Cheese Sauce

This melty cheese sauce is what brings creaminess and indulgence to the burrito.

Ingredients:

• 1 tablespoon butter

• 1 tablespoon all-purpose flour

• ½ cup whole milk

• 1 cup shredded cheddar (or a cheddar-jack blend)

• 2 tablespoons pickled jalapeño brine (from a jar of pickled jalapeños)

• ¼ teaspoon salt

• Optional: 1–2 tablespoons Velveeta for extra smoothness

Instructions:

1. In a small saucepan, melt butter over medium heat.
   Whisk in flour to create a roux. Cook for 1 minute.

2. Slowly add the milk, whisking constantly to avoid lumps.

3. Simmer until slightly thickened (about 3–4 minutes).

4. Lower the heat and add shredded cheese, stirring until melted and smooth.

5. Stir in jalapeño brine and salt.
   Taste and adjust for tang or spice.

6. Keep warm on low heat, or transfer to a small thermos to keep it smooth until serving.

Part 4: Make the Creamy Chipotle Sauce

This spicy, smoky sauce adds the kick. You can adjust the heat level by using fewer chipotle peppers.

Ingredients:

• ½ cup mayonnaise

• 1–2 chipotle peppers in adobo (from a can)

• 1 teaspoon adobo sauce (from the same can)

• ½ teaspoon garlic powder

• ½ teaspoon smoked paprika

• 1 teaspoon lime juice

• Pinch of salt

Instructions:

1. In a food processor or blender, combine all ingredients.

2. Blend until smooth and creamy.

3. Taste for spice. Add more chipotle or lime juice to adjust heat and tanginess.

4. Refrigerate until ready to use. Thickens slightly when chilled.

Part 5: Prepare the Crunchy Red Strips

These are the tortilla strips that add a crispy texture inside the burrito.

Option 1: Store-Bought

• Use Tostitos Strips, Taco Bell red strips (available online), or Doritos (spicy nacho or Flamin’ Hot) crushed lightly.

Option 2: Homemade

• Cut corn tortillas into thin strips, about ½ inch wide.

• Fry in hot oil (350°F) until crisp, 1–2 minutes.

• Drain and sprinkle with paprika, chili powder, and salt.

Part 6: Prepare the Three-Cheese Blend

Taco Bell uses a shredded blend of:

• Cheddar

• Monterey Jack

• Mozzarella

You can shred your own or buy pre-mixed Mexican cheese blend.

Part 7: Assemble the Spicy Beefy Melt Burrito

Time to bring everything together.

Ingredients:

• 10-inch flour tortillas (soft, burrito-size)

• Warm seasoned ground beef

• Seasoned rice

• Nacho cheese sauce

• Creamy chipotle sauce

• Crunchy tortilla strips

• Three-cheese blend

Assembly Instructions:

1. Warm your tortillas.
   Microwave for 15–20 seconds or warm in a dry skillet for 30 seconds per side to make folding easier.

2. Layer ingredients in the center of the tortilla:

   • 2–3 tablespoons seasoned rice

   • 2–3 tablespoons seasoned beef

   • 1–2 tablespoons nacho cheese sauce

   • 1 tablespoon chipotle sauce

   • Small handful of cheese blend

   • A pinch of crunchy tortilla strips

3. Fold like a burrito:

   • Fold the bottom edge up over the filling.

   • Fold in both sides.

   • Roll tightly from the bottom up to enclose.

4. Optional: Toast the burrito seam-side down in a skillet over medium heat for 2–3 minutes for a crispy finish.