This Easy Beefy Melt Burrito brings Taco Bell’s flavors right to your kitchen! It’s packed with seasoned beef, gooey cheese, and creamy sauce, all wrapped in a warm tortilla.
It’s super easy to make—just mix, roll, and enjoy! I love adding some hot sauce for a kick. Perfect for when you’re craving a quick and tasty bite! 🌯
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Ground Beef: This is the star of the burrito! You can use lean beef for a healthier option or ground turkey for a lighter twist. If you prefer plant-based meals, consider using lentils or a meat substitute like crumbled tempeh.
Taco Seasoning: While a packet is convenient, I like making my own seasoning mix. It lets you control the spice level. Add smoked paprika for a smoky flavor or extra chili powder if you like it hot!
Flour Tortillas: The recipe calls for large tortillas, but you can substitute corn tortillas if you prefer them gluten-free. Just be careful; they can break easier, so warm them up well!
Cheese: Cheddar and Monterey Jack work nicely, but feel free to mix in pepper jack for a bit of spice or go vegan with plant-based cheese alternatives.
Nacho Cheese Sauce: You can use store-bought for convenience, but homemade cheese sauce is an option too! Melt cheese with a bit of milk and spices for a fresh take.
How Do You Get the Perfectly Toasted Burrito?
Toasting the burrito gives it a delightful texture and keeps everything warm inside. Here’s how to do it right:
- After rolling the burritos, preheat your skillet over medium heat and melt some oil or butter.
- Place the burritos seam-side down to seal them, and toast for about 2-3 minutes.
- Carefully flip them to toast the other side, keeping the lid on to help the cheese melt perfectly.
- Always let them rest for a minute post-cooking; this helps prevent them from falling apart when you cut or bite into them.
Enjoy your homemade burrito night! Perfect for a fun family dinner or a quick lunch.
Easy Beefy Melt Burrito Recipe from Taco Bell
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 packet taco seasoning mix (or homemade seasoning: 1 tsp chili powder, 1/2 tsp cumin, 1/2 tsp garlic powder, 1/2 tsp onion powder, 1/4 tsp paprika, salt and pepper to taste)
- 1/4 cup water
- 4 large flour tortillas (10-inch)
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/2 cup shredded Monterey Jack cheese
- 1/2 cup nacho cheese sauce or processed cheese sauce (can substitute with Velveeta melted cheese)
- 1/2 cup sour cream
- 1/4 cup diced onions (optional)
- 2 tbsp vegetable oil or butter for toasting
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 15 minutes of preparation time and an additional 10 minutes for cooking. Allow another minute or two for the burritos to rest before serving. In total, you’ll be enjoying your delicious Beefy Melt Burrito in about 25 minutes!
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 fully browned, using a spatula to break it up as it cooks. If there’s excess fat, be sure to drain it off to keep the burrito from being too greasy.
2. Season the Beef:
Add the taco seasoning and water to the skillet. Stir everything together so the beef is well-coated with the seasoning. Allow it to simmer for about 3-5 minutes until the mixture thickens and absorbs all the delicious flavors. Once done, take it off the heat.
3. Prepare the Tortillas:
While the beef is cooking, warm up your flour tortillas. You can do this in a dry skillet for just a minute on each side or pop them in the microwave for about 20 seconds. This will make them soft and easier to roll.
4. Assemble the Burritos:
Spread a couple of tablespoons of nacho cheese sauce on each tortilla, leaving a little space at the edges. Then, spoon a generous amount of the seasoned beef mixture onto each tortilla. Sprinkle the cheddar and Monterey Jack cheeses over the beef, and add diced onions if you like a little extra crunch.
5. Add Sour Cream:
Top the beef and cheese with a dollop of sour cream for that creamy goodness. It really brings everything together!
6. Roll It Up:
Carefully fold in the sides of each tortilla and then roll it tightly from the bottom up to form a burrito. Be gentle but firm! You want it well-sealed but not bursting at the seams.
7. Toast the Burritos:
In a clean skillet, heat up some vegetable oil or butter over medium heat. Once hot, place the burritos seam-side down in the pan. Toast them for about 2-3 minutes, or until they’re golden and crispy. Flip them over and toast the other side, making sure the cheese inside melts beautifully.
8. Serve and Enjoy:
Once toasted, remove the burritos from the skillet and let them rest for about a minute. This helps them hold their shape better when you cut or bite into them. Serve warm, and if you like, add extra nacho cheese sauce or salsa on the side for dipping!
Enjoy your homemade Beefy Melt Burrito just like Taco Bell’s! It’s a delightfully satisfying meal that’s perfect for any occasion!
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I Use Ground Turkey Instead of Beef?
Absolutely! Ground turkey is a leaner alternative that works well in this recipe. Just keep in mind that it may have a milder flavor, so you might want to add a bit more seasoning to enhance it.
How Do I Keep My Burritos From Getting Soggy?
To prevent sogginess, make sure to drain excess fat from the beef and let the filling cool slightly before assembling your burritos. Additionally, toasting them directly after rolling helps create a barrier that keeps moisture at bay!
Can I Make This Recipe Vegetarian?
Yes, you can easily make a vegetarian version! Substitute the ground beef with cooked lentils, black beans, or a meat substitute like crumbled tofu or tempeh. Be sure to adjust the seasoning to compliment your chosen filling.
How to Store Leftovers?
Store any leftover burritos in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, wrap them in a damp paper towel and microwave for about 1-2 minutes, or toast them in a skillet until warmed through and crispy again.
