This Beefy Melt Burrito brings all the tasty flavors you love from Taco Bell right to your kitchen! Filled with seasoned beef, warm rice, and gooey cheese, it’s a cozy treat.
Honestly, who can resist that melted cheese? I can easily devour two of these in one sitting—maybe even three if no one’s watching! 😂
Making these burritos is a breeze! Just mix, wrap, and bake. I love whipping these up for a quick lunch, and they always hit the spot. Perfect for those busy days!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Ground Beef: Lean ground beef is the base of this burrito. You can use turkey or chicken for a lighter version. If you’re plant-based, consider using crumbled tofu or tempeh for a similar texture.
Taco Seasoning: Store-bought taco seasoning is quick and easy, but homemade is fun! Mix chili powder, cumin, garlic powder, and paprika for a customized flavor. This way, you control the spice level.
Rice: While white rice is traditional, brown rice or quinoa can add extra nutrition. For a low-carb option, try cauliflower rice instead!
Cheddar Cheese: Shredded cheddar gives a classic taste. Monterey Jack or Pepper Jack cheese will add creaminess and a kick. Dairy-free cheese options are available if you’re avoiding dairy.
Fritos Corn Chips: These add crunch! If you can’t find Fritos, any tortilla chips will work. You could also use crushed cornflakes for a different twist.
What’s the Best Way to Roll a Burrito So It Stays Closed?
Rolling a burrito might seem tricky, but it’s all about technique. Start with enough filling, but not too much. Follow these steps for a secure wrap:
- Place the filling in the center of the tortilla, leaving space at the edges.
- Fold the left and right sides of the tortilla inward, like closing a book.
- Hold the folded sides in place and roll the bottom of the tortilla up over the filling.
- Keep rolling tightly, tucking in the filling as you go to create a neat burrito.
For an extra crispy touch, toast it in a skillet after rolling! This will help seal it and give it a beautiful golden color.
How to Make Taco Bell Copycat Beefy Melt Burrito
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Filling:
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 packet taco seasoning mix
- 1 cup cooked white or brown rice
For the Assembly:
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/2 cup sour cream
- 1/2 cup nacho cheese sauce
- 1 cup Fritos corn chips
- 4 large flour tortillas (burrito size)
Optional Toppings:
- Diced tomatoes
- Chopped green onions
- Hot sauce
How Much Time Will You Need?
This taco-inspired delight will take about 15 minutes of prep time and 15 minutes of cooking time. So in about 30 minutes, you can enjoy your delicious homemade Beefy Melt Burritos!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Cook the Beef:
Start by heating a large skillet over medium heat. Add the ground beef and cook until it’s browned and fully cooked. Be sure to drain any excess fat from the skillet, so your burrito filling isn’t too greasy.
2. Season the Beef:
Next, sprinkle the taco seasoning over the browned beef. Follow the instructions on the seasoning packet to add water. Stir everything together and let it simmer for a few minutes until the sauce thickens up nicely. This adds all the juicy, flavorful goodness to your filling!
3. Prepare the Rice Mixture:
In a medium bowl, mix the cooked rice, sour cream, and nacho cheese sauce. Stir well until everything is combined into a creamy, cheesy mixture that will add extra richness to your burrito.
4. Assemble the Burritos:
Now it’s time to build your burrito! Lay out a flour tortilla on a flat surface. Spoon some of the beef mixture into the center, followed by a generous scoop of the rice mixture. Top this delicious filling with shredded cheddar cheese and a handful of Fritos corn chips for that perfect crunch.
5. Roll It Up:
To roll the burrito, fold the sides of the tortilla inward and then roll it from the bottom up to secure all the yummy filling inside. Make sure it’s nice and tight so nothing spills out!
6. Toast the Burritos (Optional):
If you like your burritos a little crispy, you can toast them in the skillet. Over medium heat, place the rolled burritos seam side down and cook for about 2-3 minutes on each side until golden and crunchy. This step is optional, but it adds a nice texture!
7. Serve and Enjoy:
Once your burritos are ready, serve them immediately with optional toppings like diced tomatoes, chopped green onions, or your favorite hot sauce. Dig in and enjoy your homemade Beefy Melt Burritos just like Taco Bell!
Can I Substitute Ground Beef with Another Protein?
Absolutely! You can use ground turkey, chicken, or even plant-based ground meat for a vegetarian option. Just be sure to adjust cooking times—turkey or chicken may take a bit less time, while plant-based options might cook faster. Season them similarly with taco seasoning to keep that delicious flavor!
How Can I Make This Recipe Spicy?
If you like a kick, add some diced jalapeños to the beef mixture or use spicy taco seasoning. You can also include some hot sauce into the rice mixture or drizzle it on top when serving. Feel free to customize it to your heat preference!
Can I Make These Burritos Ahead of Time?
Yes, you can prepare the filling and assemble the burritos ahead of time. Just wrap them tightly in foil or plastic wrap and refrigerate for up to 24 hours. You can reheat them in a skillet or microwave before serving.
How Should I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftover burritos in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, wrap in a damp paper towel and microwave for about 1-2 minutes until heated through, or you can toast them in a skillet for a crispy finish!
