Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This Taco Bell Quesarito Copycat brings together everything people love about the original: seasoned beef, fluffy rice, warm tortillas, and plenty of melted cheese, all wrapped into one satisfying burrito. It is indulgent, comforting, and surprisingly easy to recreate at home with simple ingredients you likely already have.
What makes this recipe especially appealing is the double-layered tortilla with melted cheese in between, which gives the quesarito its signature texture and richness. When I first tried making this at home, I was impressed by how close it tasted to the original, if not better. The flavors are bold, the cheese is perfectly gooey, and you can customize every element to suit your taste. This is an excellent option for weeknight dinners, casual gatherings, or whenever you are craving fast-food comfort made fresh in your own kitchen.
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Taco Bell Quesarito Copycat: A Cheesy, Flavor-Packed Burrito at Home
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 4 quesaritos
- Diet: Halal
Description
Taco Bell Quesarito Copycat is a homemade version of the popular fast-food favorite, featuring seasoned beef, fluffy rice, creamy chipotle sauce, and melted cheese wrapped inside a cheesy grilled tortilla.
Ingredients
- 1 lb (450 g) ground beef
- 1 packet taco seasoning
- 1 cup cooked white rice
- 1/2 cup salsa
- 1/2 cup sour cream
- 2 tablespoons chipotle sauce or chipotle mayo
- 1 1/2 cups shredded Mexican blend or cheddar cheese
- 4 large flour tortillas
- 4 small flour tortillas
- 1 tablespoon vegetable oil or butter (for grilling)
Instructions
- Cook ground beef in a skillet over medium heat until browned. Drain excess fat.
- Add taco seasoning and a little water according to packet instructions; simmer until thickened.
- In a bowl, mix cooked rice with salsa until evenly combined.
- In another bowl, stir together sour cream and chipotle sauce.
- Place a large tortilla on a flat surface and sprinkle cheese evenly over it.
- Top with a small tortilla and press gently.
- Heat a skillet over medium heat and cook the tortilla stack until cheese melts and tortillas stick together. Flip once.
- Remove from skillet and layer seasoned beef, rice, chipotle sauce mixture, and more cheese on the small tortilla.
- Fold in the sides and roll tightly into a burrito.
- Return to the skillet and grill seam-side down until golden and crispy on all sides.
- Slice in half and serve warm.
Notes
- Add jalapeños for extra heat.
- Use brown rice if preferred.
- Wrap tightly to prevent filling from spilling.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Mexican-Inspired
Ingredients
(Tip: You can find the complete list of ingredients and their measurements in the recipe card below.)
Ground beef
Ground beef forms the hearty base of the filling and carries the bold taco seasoning flavors.
Taco seasoning
Taco seasoning adds classic Tex-Mex spices and depth to the beef.
White rice
Rice adds structure and balance, making the burrito filling and satisfying.
Butter
Butter enriches the rice and adds subtle flavor.
Sour cream
Sour cream creates a creamy element that balances the spices.
Chipotle sauce or spicy mayo
This sauce adds heat, smokiness, and signature quesarito flavor.
Flour tortillas
Large tortillas are essential for wrapping and holding all the fillings.
Shredded cheese
Cheese melts between the tortillas and inside the burrito for maximum creaminess.
Salt
Salt enhances and balances the overall flavor.
Directions
Cook the rice according to package instructions, stirring in butter and salt once cooked. Set aside and keep warm.
In a skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef until browned. Drain excess fat, then stir in taco seasoning and a small amount of water. Simmer until thick and well coated.
Warm a large tortilla in a skillet. Sprinkle shredded cheese over the surface and place a second tortilla on top, pressing gently until the cheese melts and binds the tortillas together.
Spread a layer of seasoned rice down the center of the cheesy tortilla, followed by the taco beef. Drizzle with chipotle sauce and add sour cream.
Fold the sides inward and roll tightly into a burrito. Lightly toast the wrapped quesarito in a dry skillet until golden on both sides. Serve immediately.
Equipment needed
Must-Have Tools to Get Rolling
Here’s what you’ll want to have on hand:
Silicone Spatula – Durable, heat-resistant silicone spatula perfect for mixing, scraping, and spreading. Gentle on non-stick cookware and easy to clean.
Large pot – You’ll need this to boil the whole cabbage head and soften the leaves.
large bowl –Spacious, durable large bowl ideal for mixing, serving, or food preparation. Made from sturdy material and easy to clean.
Sharp knife – For coring the cabbage and slicing out the thick stem in each leaf. A paring knife works best.
Mixing bowl – A big bowl makes it easier to combine your meat and rice filling evenly.
Cutting board – For prepping cabbage leaves and rolling them like a pro.
Full-Size Blender – is a powerful kitchen appliance for making smoothies, soups, and sauces in large batches.
3-in-1 Air Fryer – This versatile 3-in-1 air fryer offers Air Fry for healthier meals with less oil, Bake for bakery-quality desserts and treats, and Reheat to bring leftovers back to life with crispy, flavorful results
Servings and timing
This recipe makes four quesaritos. Preparation takes about 15 minutes, cooking time is approximately 20 minutes, and total time is around 35 minutes.
Storage/reheating
Store leftover filling components separately in airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to three days. Assemble fresh for best results. Fully assembled quesaritos can be reheated in a skillet or oven until warmed through.
Variations and Customizations
This copycat recipe is very flexible. Ground chicken or turkey can replace beef for a lighter option. I have tested this with chicken, and it pairs especially well with chipotle sauce.
For extra indulgence, add nacho cheese sauce inside the burrito. You can also include black beans or seasoned vegetables for added texture. If you prefer less spice, use mild sauce or plain sour cream instead of chipotle sauce.
Whole wheat tortillas or low-carb tortillas can be used based on dietary preference. These variations allow you to enjoy the quesarito exactly the way you like it while keeping the essence of the original.
Nutrition and Dietary Info
This dish is rich and filling, providing protein, carbohydrates, and fats. It contains dairy and gluten but can be adapted using dairy-free cheese or gluten-free tortillas. Enjoy as an occasional comfort meal.
Expert Tips & Customizations
Maximum Cheese Melt
Warm tortillas slowly so the cheese melts evenly.
Tight Wrap
Roll firmly to keep fillings contained.
Golden Finish
Lightly toast for crisp edges and better structure.
Balanced Filling
Avoid overfilling to prevent tearing.
Fresh Assembly
Assemble just before serving for best texture.
FAQs
Is this the same as a burrito?
It is similar but includes a cheesy tortilla layer, making it richer.
Can I make this ahead of time?
Prepare fillings ahead, but assemble fresh.
What cheese works best?
A Mexican blend or cheddar melts well.
Can I make it vegetarian?
Yes, use beans or plant-based meat.
Is this very spicy?
Spice level is adjustable based on sauce choice.
Can I bake instead of pan-toast?
Yes, bake briefly until warmed and lightly crisp.
Can I freeze quesaritos?
Freezing is not recommended for best texture.
What sides pair well with this?
Chips, salsa, or a simple salad work well.
Can I add rice seasoning?
Yes, mild spices enhance flavor.
Is this kid-friendly?
Yes, use mild seasoning and sauce.
Conclusion
This Taco Bell Quesarito Copycat delivers all the cheesy, bold comfort of the original with the freshness and flexibility of homemade cooking. Easy to assemble and endlessly customizable, it is a fun and satisfying recipe that brings fast-food flavor straight to your kitchen.
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