Taco Bell Beefy Melt Burrito Recipe

The Taco Bell Beefy Melt Burrito is one of the most beloved menu items, known for its combination of seasoned ground beef, melted cheese, and creamy, zesty sauce all wrapped up in a soft flour tortilla. Whether you’re craving a late-night snack, a filling lunch, or something to satisfy your taco cravings, the Beefy Melt Burrito delivers the perfect balance of flavors and textures.

This homemade version of the Taco Bell Beefy Melt Burrito is quick and easy to make, and with a few simple ingredients, you can recreate this classic burrito in the comfort of your own kitchen. Whether you’re making it for a family dinner, meal prepping for the week, or treating yourself to some Taco Bell-inspired comfort food, this recipe has you covered. The beauty of making it at home is that you can adjust the ingredients to your liking, making it as mild or as spicy as you prefer.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Cook the Ground Beef

1. Brown the beef: In a large skillet, heat a little bit of oil over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef and cook, breaking it up with a wooden spoon as it cooks. Continue cooking for about 5-7 minutes, until the beef is fully browned and no longer pink.

2. Drain excess fat: Once the beef is browned, drain any excess fat from the skillet. This helps keep the burrito filling light and not greasy.

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3. Season the beef: Add the Taco Bell Beef Seasoning Mix along with 1/2 cup of water. If you’re making your own taco seasoning, combine 1 tablespoon chili powder, 1/2 teaspoon paprika, 1/2 teaspoon onion powder, 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder, 1/4 teaspoon ground cumin, 1/4 teaspoon salt, and a pinch of black pepper. Stir the seasoning into the beef mixture and let it simmer for 3-5 minutes, until the flavors are well combined and the mixture has thickened. Once done, remove from heat and set aside.

Step 2: Make the Cheese Sauce

1. Melt the butter: In a small saucepan over medium heat, melt the butter. Once melted, whisk in the flour and cook for about 1-2 minutes, forming a roux. This step is important to thicken the cheese sauce.

2. Add the milk: Slowly add the milk to the roux, whisking continuously to avoid any lumps. Bring the mixture to a simmer and cook for about 3-4 minutes, allowing the sauce to thicken.

3. Stir in the cheese: Once the milk mixture has thickened, stir in the shredded cheddar cheese (or cheese blend of your choice) and continue stirring until the cheese is completely melted and the sauce is smooth. Taste the sauce and adjust with salt, pepper, or garlic powder if desired.

4. Optional – Add spices: For an extra kick, you can mix in a pinch of cayenne pepper or a teaspoon of hot sauce into the cheese sauce. This will add a spicy layer of flavor to the burrito that mimics Taco Bell’s tangy cheese sauce.

Step 3: Prepare the Mexican Rice

You can use store-bought Mexican rice or make your own. To make homemade Mexican rice:

1. Sauté the rice: In a saucepan, heat 1 tablespoon of oil over medium heat. Add 1 cup of long-grain white rice and cook, stirring constantly, until the rice is golden brown (about 4-5 minutes).

2. Add the seasoning: Add 1 1/2 cups of chicken broth (or water), 1 teaspoon of tomato paste, 1/2 teaspoon of cumin, 1/2 teaspoon of garlic powder, and a pinch of salt. Stir to combine, then bring to a boil.

3. Simmer: Once boiling, reduce the heat to low, cover, and simmer for 15-20 minutes, or until the rice is tender and the liquid is absorbed.

4. Fluff the rice: Once cooked, fluff the rice with a fork and set it aside to cool slightly before using in the burrito.

Step 4: Assemble the Beefy Melt Burrito

1. Warm the tortillas: Heat the flour tortillas for a few seconds on each side in a dry skillet over medium heat, or microwave them for about 10-15 seconds until they are soft and pliable. This will make them easier to fold and roll.

2. Add the rice: Start by spreading about 1/4 cup of the Mexican rice in the center of each tortilla. Spread it out evenly so that it forms a solid base for the rest of the ingredients.

3. Layer the beef: Spoon about 1/4 to 1/3 cup of the seasoned ground beef mixture on top of the rice. Be sure to evenly distribute the beef so that each bite has plenty of flavor.

4. Add the cheese sauce: Drizzle 2-3 tablespoons of the homemade cheese sauce over the beef, making sure to coat the filling with that creamy, cheesy goodness.

5. Add sour cream and toppings: Add a spoonful of sour cream in the center, along with any optional toppings such as shredded lettuce, diced tomatoes, and chopped green onions. If you prefer a spicier burrito, drizzle some salsa or hot sauce over the filling as well.

Step 5: Fold and Roll the Burrito

1. Fold the sides: To form the burrito, start by folding in the two sides of the tortilla, so the filling is contained.

2. Roll the burrito: Holding the sides in place, fold up the bottom of the tortilla to cover the filling. Roll the burrito tightly from the bottom up, ensuring the filling is well sealed inside.

3. Toast the burrito (optional): If you like a crispy, golden exterior, heat a large skillet over medium heat. Place the rolled burrito seam-side down and cook for 2-3 minutes on each side until golden brown and crispy.

Step 6: Serve and Enjoy

Your Beefy Melt Burrito is now ready to enjoy! Cut it in half diagonally and serve with additional sour cream, salsa, or guacamole on the side for dipping.

Pro Tips and Variations

1. Customize the Meat

If you’re not a fan of beef, you can easily substitute the ground beef with other proteins like ground turkey, chicken, or even beef or chicken steak strips. For a vegetarian version, consider using seasoned black beans or tofu in place of the meat for a protein-packed alternative.

2. Spice it Up

If you like a spicier burrito, add chopped jalapeños or a spoonful of Taco Bell’s famous Fire Sauce to the beef or cheese sauce. You can also add diced green chilies or use spicy cheese (like pepper jack) for an extra kick.

3. Make It Lighter

To make this burrito lighter, use a low-fat version of sour cream, cheese, and tortillas. You can also swap the ground beef for lean ground turkey or chicken to reduce fat and calories.

4. Add Extra Veggies

For more texture and flavor, you can add additional vegetables like diced bell peppers, onions, corn, or even sautéed mushrooms. These will add color and crunch to your burrito and give it an extra nutritional boost.

5. Make It into a Taco Bell Beefy Melt Bowl

If you’re watching carbs, you can skip the tortilla and create a Beefy Melt Bowl by layering the rice, seasoned beef, cheese sauce, and toppings in a bowl. It’s the perfect solution if you’re craving the same flavors but want to make a low-carb version.

6. Meal Prep Friendly

The Beefy Melt Burrito is a great meal prep option. You can make a batch of burritos and freeze them individually, wrapped in plastic wrap or foil. When you’re ready to eat, just heat them in the microwave or oven until warmed through. You can also store the beef, rice, and cheese sauce separately in the fridge for 3-4 days and assemble the burritos as needed.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Can I use store-bought taco seasoning instead of Taco Bell’s Beef Seasoning Mix?

Absolutely! While Taco Bell’s Beef Seasoning Mix is a great option to recreate the exact flavor, you can use any store-bought taco seasoning or make your own using common spices like chili powder, cumin, paprika, and garlic powder. The flavors will be very similar, and you can adjust them to your personal taste.

Can I make the beef ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the beef mixture ahead of time and store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 3-4 days. When ready to use, simply reheat it in the skillet or microwave. You can also freeze the beef for up to 3 months.

Can I make the cheese sauce ahead of time?

Yes, the cheese sauce can be made ahead of time and stored in the fridge for up to 3-4 days. Just reheat it gently over low heat on the stove, adding a splash of milk to bring it back to the right consistency.

Conclusion

The Taco Bell Beefy Melt Burrito is an easy, flavorful, and customizable meal that you can make at home. With seasoned ground beef, creamy cheese sauce, and fresh toppings all wrapped in a soft tortilla, this burrito hits all the right notes. Whether you’re feeding a hungry family or meal prepping for the week, this recipe is sure to satisfy your cravings and deliver the same tasty experience as the fast food version. Enjoy experimenting with the ingredients to make it your own, and get ready to enjoy the ultimate homemade Beefy Melt Burrito!

Yield: 4

Taco Bell Beefy Melt Burrito Recipe

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The Taco Bell Beefy Melt Burrito is one of the most beloved menu items, known for its combination of seasoned ground beef, melted cheese, and creamy, zesty sauce all wrapped up in a soft flour tortilla. Whether you’re craving a late-night snack, a filling lunch, or something to satisfy your taco cravings, the Beefy Melt Burrito delivers the perfect balance of flavors and textures.

Prep Time 10 minutes

Cook Time 15 minutes

Total Time 25 minutes

Ingredients

• 1 lb ground beef
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 packet Taco Bell® Mild or Hot Sauce seasoning mix (or homemade taco seasoning)
• 1 cup water (for taco seasoning)
• 1 ½ cups cooked rice (white or Spanish rice)
• 1 cup nacho cheese sauce (store-bought or homemade)
• ½ cup sour cream
• 4 large flour tortillas (burrito-sized)
• 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
• Optional: chopped lettuce, diced tomatoes, or diced onions for extra crunch (optional, for garnish)

Instructions

1. Cook the beef:
   In a skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the ground beef and cook, breaking it up with a spoon, until browned (about 5-7 minutes).
   Drain excess fat, then add the taco seasoning and water. Stir to combine, then let the mixture simmer for 3-5 minutes until the beef is coated in the seasoning sauce. Set aside.
   
2. Prepare the rice:
   If you haven't done so already, cook the rice according to package instructions (or use leftover rice). You can flavor the rice by adding some taco seasoning, a bit of lime juice, or a pinch of salt.
   
3. Warm the tortillas:
   Warm the flour tortillas by placing them in a dry skillet over low heat for 30-60 seconds on each side, or microwave them for about 20-30 seconds covered with a damp paper towel.
   
4. Assemble the burritos:
   Lay a warm tortilla flat on a clean surface.
   In the center of each tortilla, spread about 2 tablespoons of nacho cheese sauce, followed by 2 tablespoons of sour cream.
   Add about ¼ cup of the cooked rice on top of the cheese and sour cream.
   Spoon ¼ of the seasoned beef mixture on top of the rice.
   Sprinkle a generous amount of shredded cheddar cheese over the beef.
   
5. Fold the burrito:
   Fold the sides of the tortilla in toward the center, then roll the burrito up from the bottom, tucking in the sides as you go, until fully wrapped.
   
6. Optional – Grilled burrito:
   For a slightly crispy finish, heat a non-stick skillet over medium heat and place the rolled burrito seam-side down. Cook for 1-2 minutes on each side until lightly browned and crispy.
   
7. Serve:
   Slice the burrito in half if desired and serve with optional toppings like chopped lettuce, tomatoes, or onions.

Notes

Make it spicier: If you want to add some heat, you can sprinkle some diced jalapeños or drizzle hot sauce inside the burrito.

Custom fillings: Feel free to add other fillings, such as black beans, guacamole, or a sprinkle of cilantro for extra flavor.

Cheese options: For extra cheesiness, you can add a layer of shredded cheese to the inside before rolling or top with extra cheese before grilling.