Taco Bell’s Beefy Melt Burrito is a satisfying, flavorful wrap filled with seasoned ground beef, warm rice, creamy nacho cheese sauce, and crunchy sour cream, all wrapped up in a soft flour tortilla. The combination of the savory beef, creamy cheese, and tangy sour cream creates a delicious bite in every mouthful. The burrito is a perfect balance of textures—soft and creamy on the inside, with a slight crunch from the melted cheese and rice.
I first tried making a version of this burrito when I was craving something hearty and comforting, and it quickly became a favorite. The beef is seasoned just right, and the nacho cheese sauce gives it that indulgent, creamy texture that pairs so well with the tangy sour cream. What I love most about this recipe is how customizable it is—you can add extra ingredients like pico de gallo, guacamole, or jalapeños for extra flavor and spice. This beefy melt burrito is perfect for a filling lunch or dinner when you want something quick, flavorful, and satisfying.
Perfect for:
- Quick lunches
- Late-night cravings
- On-the-go meals
- Burrito enthusiasts
- Comfort food lovers
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Here are 10 reasons why the Taco Bell Beefy Melt Burrito is a fan favorite:
- Savory Flavor Explosion: The seasoned beef and nacho cheese create a robust and satisfying flavor profile.
- Crunchy Texture Contrast: The crispy red strips provide a delightful crunch with every bite.
- Comfort Food: This burrito is the epitome of cheesy, beefy goodness that comforts the soul.
- Customizable: Easily swap out ingredients to suit your preferences or dietary needs.
- Quick and Easy to Prepare: With simple ingredients, you can recreate this in no time.
- Portable Meal: Perfectly wrapped in a soft tortilla, it’s a mess-free, on-the-go meal.
- Affordable Ingredients: Uses everyday, budget-friendly staples.
- Iconic Taco Bell Flavor: Delivers the classic Taco Bell taste you crave.
- Filling and Satisfying: Packed with protein and carbs to keep you energized.
- Perfect for Sharing: Make a batch for gatherings or family dinners.
Preparation and Cooking Time
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Preparation Time: 10 minutes
- Cooking Time: 10 minutes
- Servings: 4 burritos
- Calories per serving: Approximately 480 calories
- Key Nutrients: Protein: 18g, Carbs: 55g, Fat: 18g
Ingredients
For the Burrito:
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 packet Taco Bell seasoning mix
- 2 cups cooked white rice, seasoned
- 1 cup nacho cheese sauce
- ½ cup crunchy red tortilla strips
- 1 cup shredded three-cheese blend (cheddar, Monterey Jack, and mozzarella)
- 4 large flour tortillas
Optional Toppings:
- Sour cream
- Fresh salsa
- Jalapeños
- Shredded lettuce
- Hot sauce
Ingredient Highlights
- Seasoned Beef: Adds rich, savory notes to the burrito.
- Nacho Cheese Sauce: Provides creamy, cheesy goodness that ties the ingredients together.
- Crunchy Red Strips: Offers a satisfying texture contrast.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Prepare the Seasoned Beef:
- Cook Beef: In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef until browned. Drain any excess fat.
- Add Seasoning: Stir in the Taco Bell seasoning mix and ½ cup water. Cook for another 2-3 minutes until well combined and heated through.
Assemble the Burrito:
- Warm Tortillas: Heat the flour tortillas in a skillet or microwave to make them pliable.
- Layer Ingredients: Spread a layer of nacho cheese sauce in the center of each tortilla. Top with seasoned rice, cooked beef, crunchy red strips, and shredded cheese.
- Fold and Roll: Fold the sides of the tortilla over the filling, then roll tightly to form a burrito.
Heat and Serve:
- Warm the Burrito: Optional—heat the assembled burritos in a skillet for 1-2 minutes per side to crisp the exterior slightly.
- Serve: Slice in half, if desired, and serve with your favorite toppings or sides.
How to Serve
Here are 10 serving suggestions for Taco Bell Beefy Melt Burrito:
- With Guacamole: Add a side of guacamole for a creamy, rich dip.
- With Extra Hot Sauce: Spice things up with your favorite hot sauce.
- As a Party Platter: Slice burritos into halves or thirds for a party snack.
- With Chips and Salsa: Pair with tortilla chips and fresh salsa for a complete meal.
- Breakfast Version: Add scrambled eggs for a morning twist.
- Taco Bell Style: Serve with a Baja Blast for the full experience.
- With Fresh Veggies: Include a side of sliced bell peppers and cucumbers for crunch.
- Kid-Friendly Option: Skip the spicy elements and add a dollop of sour cream.
- With Refried Beans: Serve alongside refried beans for an extra protein boost.
- With Mexican Street Corn: Pair with elote for a flavorful side dish.
Additional Tips
- Add Extra Cheese: Enhance the burrito’s creamy texture by requesting extra shredded cheese or nacho cheese sauce.
- Customize the Heat: Spice things up with jalapeños, or add a dollop of guacamole for a cool contrast.
- Grill It: Ask for your burrito to be grilled for a warm, crispy tortilla shell.
- Pair with Sauce: Complement your burrito with Taco Bell’s Fire, Diablo, or Mild sauce for added flavor.
- Upgrade the Protein: Swap the seasoned beef for grilled chicken or steak for a richer taste.
- Add Crunch: Include crunchy red strips or tortilla chips for extra texture.
- Double the Meat: For a heartier meal, request double the beef.
- Vegetarian Option: Replace the beef with black beans for a satisfying vegetarian twist.
- Freshen It Up: Add diced tomatoes, lettuce, or even extra pico de gallo for a fresh burst of flavor.
- Create a Combo: Pair your burrito with a side of cheesy fiesta potatoes or cinnamon twists for a full meal experience.
Recipe Variations
- Spicy Beefy Melt Burrito: Add diced jalapeños, a drizzle of spicy chipotle sauce, and a sprinkle of crushed red pepper for an extra kick.
- Loaded Veggie Beefy Melt Burrito: Substitute seasoned beef with black beans and layer with fajita-style bell peppers, grilled onions, and fresh guacamole.
- Crunchy Beefy Melt Burrito: Add crushed tortilla chips or a whole crunchy taco shell inside the burrito for an added crunch.
- Cheesy Fiesta Beefy Melt Burrito: Mix in nacho cheese sauce and shredded pepper jack cheese for an ultra-cheesy experience.
- California-Style Beefy Melt Burrito: Include sliced avocado, sour cream, and a handful of French fries for a West Coast twist.
- Breakfast Beefy Melt Burrito: Swap seasoned beef for scrambled eggs and beef sausage, then top with shredded cheese and pico de gallo.
- Buffalo Beefy Melt Burrito: Drizzle buffalo sauce and ranch dressing over the filling and add crispy chicken bites for a spicy-tangy combo.
- Tropical Beefy Melt Burrito: Add grilled pineapple chunks, a squeeze of lime, and spicy salsa verde for a sweet-and-savory variation.
- Keto Beefy Melt Burrito: Wrap the fillings in a large lettuce leaf instead of a tortilla and skip the rice for a low-carb option.
- Barbecue Beefy Melt Burrito: Replace Taco Bell’s mild sauce with smoky barbecue sauce and include pickled onions for a sweet and tangy upgrade.
Special Equipment
- Large Flat-Top Grill – To cook and warm tortillas efficiently.
- Meat Chopper or Spatula – For breaking up and cooking the seasoned ground beef.
- Rice Cooker – To prepare fluffy, seasoned rice.
- Cheese Shredder – For freshly shredding cheese.
- Portion Scoops – To ensure consistent portions of beef, rice, and other fillings.
- Squeeze Bottles – For easy application of creamy jalapeño sauce.
- Tortilla Warmer – To keep tortillas warm and pliable.
- Wrapping Station – A clean, flat surface for assembling and wrapping the burrito.
- Food Storage Containers – For holding prepped ingredients like diced tomatoes and shredded lettuce.
- Cutting Board and Knife – For chopping fresh veggies.
FAQ Section
- Can I use ground turkey instead of beef?
Yes, ground turkey is a leaner alternative that works well with the same seasoning. - How do I keep burritos from falling apart?
Don’t overfill, and ensure the tortilla is warm and pliable before rolling. - Can I freeze these burritos?
Absolutely! Wrap each burrito in foil and freeze for up to 2 months. Reheat in the oven or microwave. - What other cheeses can I use?
Pepper Jack, Colby, or any Mexican cheese blend works great. - How do I reheat leftovers?
Warm in the microwave for 1-2 minutes or in a skillet over low heat until heated through. - Can I make this gluten-free?
Use gluten-free tortillas and ensure the seasoning mix is gluten-free. - Is there a low-carb version?
Use low-carb tortillas and skip the rice for a keto-friendly option. - What’s the best way to store cooked burritos?
Wrap tightly in foil or plastic wrap and store in the fridge for up to 3 days. - Can I add more veggies?
Yes, add sautéed bell peppers, onions, or fresh tomatoes for more flavor and nutrition. - How do I keep the tortilla from cracking?
Warm the tortilla before assembling to make it more pliable.
Conclusion
The Taco Bell Beefy Melt Burrito is a flavorful and satisfying fast-food favorite that combines seasoned ground beef with melted cheese, rice, and creamy warm nacho cheese sauce, all wrapped in a soft flour tortilla. It’s a comforting, hearty meal that delivers a great balance of savory flavors and textures, from the tender beef to the gooey cheese and soft tortilla.
To make a homemade version of the Beefy Melt Burrito, you can start by browning ground beef and seasoning it with Taco Bell-style taco seasoning or your own blend of chili powder, cumin, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, salt, and pepper. The beef is then combined with warm cooked rice and topped with shredded cheddar cheese, nacho cheese sauce, and a sprinkle of sour cream for extra creaminess. Wrap everything up in a large flour tortilla and grill or toast it to achieve a crispy exterior and melty interior. These burritos are great for a filling meal, and you can customize them with extras like jalapeños, lettuce, tomatoes, or even a drizzle of hot sauce if you like a bit of spice.
I can’t wait to see how your Beefy Melt Burrito turns out! Be sure to share your photos on Instagram and tag me—I’d love to see your delicious creations. Don’t forget to leave a comment and let me know how you made this dish your own!
