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Taco Bell Beefy Melt Burrito

A copycat recipe of the iconic Taco Bell burrito featuring seasoned ground beef, rice, nacho cheese sauce, and crunchy red tortilla strips.
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 10 minutes
Total Time 20 minutes
Servings: 4 burritos
Course: Dinner, Main Course
Cuisine: American, Tex-Mex
Calories: 620

Ingredients
  

  • 1 lb ground beef
  • 1 packet Taco Bell seasoning mix or regular taco seasoning
  • 2 cups cooked white rice seasoned with salt
  • 1 cup nacho cheese sauce
  • 1/2 cup crunchy red tortilla strips
  • 1 cup shredded three-cheese blend Cheddar, Monterey Jack, and Mozzarella
  • 4 large flour tortillas burrito size, 10-12 inches
  • sour cream, salsa, jalapeños, lettuce, hot sauce optional toppings

Equipment

  • large skillet
  • wooden spoon or spatula
  • Microwave or additional skillet for warming tortillas

Method
 

  1. Heat a large skillet over medium heat. Add the ground beef and cook for 6-8 minutes, breaking it into small crumbles, until completely browned. Drain excess fat, leaving about 1 tablespoon.
  2. Add the Taco Bell seasoning packet and ½ cup of water to the beef. Stir well and simmer for 2-3 minutes until the liquid reduces and the seasoning coats the beef. The mixture should be moist but not soupy.
  3. Warm the flour tortillas in a dry skillet for 15-20 seconds per side or wrap in a damp paper towel and microwave for 30 seconds until warm and pliable.
  4. Place a warm tortilla on your work surface. Spread about ¼ cup of nacho cheese sauce in a horizontal line across the center, leaving 2 inches clear on each side.
  5. Layer ½ cup of seasoned rice over the cheese sauce. Top with ¼ to ⅓ cup of the seasoned beef. Sprinkle 2 tablespoons of crunchy red tortilla strips over the beef. Add ¼ cup of shredded three-cheese blend on top.
  6. Fold the left and right sides of the tortilla toward the center. Starting from the bottom, fold the tortilla up and over the filling, tucking tightly. Continue rolling away from you, keeping tension to create a tight cylinder with the seam on the bottom.
  7. Optional: For a crispy exterior, heat a dry skillet over medium heat. Place the burrito seam-side down and cook for 1-2 minutes until golden. Flip and cook the other side for another 1-2 minutes.
  8. Cut each burrito in half diagonally and serve immediately with optional toppings on the side.

Notes

Storage: Assembled burritos keep wrapped in foil in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Store components separately for up to 4 days for best results. Freeze assembled burritos wrapped in plastic wrap and foil for up to 3 months. Reheating: Wrap in damp paper towel and microwave for 2-3 minutes, flipping halfway. From frozen, add 1-2 extra minutes. Can also reheat in 350°F oven wrapped in foil for 15 minutes. Rice: Cook rice slightly firmer than usual for burritos by reducing water slightly. Season with salt, butter, and lime juice for extra flavor. Cheese Sauce: Use jarred nacho cheese, squeeze bottles of Tostitos cheese sauce, or make quick sauce by melting American cheese with milk. Protein Swaps: Ground turkey, chicken, or black beans work well. Season beans with taco seasoning for best flavor. Tortilla Strips: If unavailable, use regular tortilla strips or crushed tortilla chips. Add just before rolling for maximum crunch. Make-Ahead: Cook beef and rice ahead, store separately, and reheat before assembling fresh burritos.