This Beefy Melt Burrito is all about cheesy goodness wrapped snugly in a soft tortilla. With seasoned beef and melted cheese, it’s a taco lover’s delight!
I can’t help but smile when I take a bite of this burrito; it brings back those fun fast-food moments. Perfect for a quick meal at home—who needs a drive-thru? 🌮
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Ground Beef: The heart of this burrito! You can use lean ground beef for less fat, or try ground turkey for a lighter option. If you’re looking for plant-based, consider using lentils or a meat substitute like Beyond Meat.
Taco Seasoning: A packet is easy, but homemade is fun! Make your own blend for fresh flavor. You can swap in chili powder or a spicy hot sauce if you don’t have all the spice ingredients on hand.
Shredded Cheese: Cheddar is a classic choice. You could go for Monterey Jack for a milder flavor or Pepper Jack if you like a bit of spice. Vegan cheese shreds are great for a dairy-free option!
Flour Tortillas: Large tortillas are best for wrapping. Whole wheat or spinach tortillas are nutritious alternatives. For a gluten-free version, use corn tortillas or gluten-free wraps.
How Do You Get the Perfectly Crispy Burrito?
The secret to a crispy burrito is in the cooking method. After you roll the burrito, it’s important to toast it in the skillet correctly. Here’s how to do it:
- Heat your skillet on medium heat. Make sure it’s hot enough to give a good sear but not so hot that it burns the tortilla.
- Use a little cooking oil or spray in the pan. This helps achieve that golden crust.
- Place the burrito seam-side down, which keeps it sealed while it cooks.
- Cook for 1-2 minutes until the bottom is crispy, then flip it gently and repeat. Listen for that sizzle—it means it’s working!
Enjoy your burrito hot and crispy, just like you get at Taco Bell!
Easy Taco Bell Style Beefy Melt Burrito
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 packet taco seasoning mix (or homemade: 1 tsp chili powder, 1/2 tsp cumin, 1/2 tsp paprika, 1/4 tsp garlic powder, salt and pepper to taste)
- 2/3 cup water
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese (or Mexican blend)
- 4 large flour tortillas (10-inch)
- 1/2 cup diced onions (optional)
- 1/2 cup diced tomatoes (optional)
- 1/4 cup sliced jalapeños (optional, for heat)
- Cooking oil or spray
- Sour cream and salsa for serving (optional)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious burrito recipe takes about 15 minutes to prep and cook. It’s a quick meal that you can whip up anytime you’re craving a cheesy beefy bite!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Cook the Onions (Optional):
Start by heating a little oil in a skillet over medium heat. If you’re using onions, toss them in and sauté until they turn translucent. This adds great flavor to your burrito!
2. Brown the Beef:
Next, add the ground beef to the skillet. Cook it until it’s nicely browned, using a spoon to break it into smaller pieces as it cooks. Once it’s browned, drain any excess fat to keep things tasty but not greasy.
3. Season the Beef:
Sprinkle the taco seasoning over the beef and pour in the water. Stir everything together well. Let it simmer for about 5 minutes until the mixture thickens a bit and the beef is well seasoned. Your kitchen should smell amazing now!
4. Warm the Tortillas:
While the beef is simmering, warm your flour tortillas. You can do this on a skillet for a few seconds or wrap them in a damp paper towel and microwave them for about 20 seconds. This helps make them soft and easy to work with.
5. Assemble the Burritos:
Now it’s time to build your burritos! Lay a warm tortilla flat and place a generous scoop of the seasoned beef mixture in the center. Top it with diced tomatoes, sliced jalapeños, and a handful of shredded cheese. Yum!
6. Roll It Up:
To roll the burrito, fold in the sides of the tortilla, then start rolling from the bottom up while tucking the filling in as you go. Roll it tightly to keep everything inside!
7. Crisp the Burrito:
Heat a clean skillet over medium heat again, adding a little cooking oil or spray. Place the burrito seam-side down in the skillet. Cook for about 1-2 minutes until it’s golden and crispy. Flip it over and do the same for the other side. Your cheese should be melting by now!
8. Serve and Enjoy:
Once it’s done, carefully remove the burrito from the skillet and let it cool slightly. You can slice it in half if you’d like to share or just to make it easier to eat. Serve with sour cream and salsa for an extra delicious kick!
Enjoy your quick and tasty Taco Bell style beefy melt burrito! It’s perfect for a cozy dinner or a fun night in.
FAQ About the Easy Taco Bell Style Beefy Melt Burrito
Can I Use Lean Ground Beef Instead of Regular?
Absolutely! Lean ground beef is a great option if you want to cut back on fat. Just be sure to drain any excess fat after cooking, as it helps keep the burrito filling nice and juicy.
What If I Don’t Have Taco Seasoning?
No worries! You can easily make your own taco seasoning using spices you likely have at home. Mix together 1 tsp chili powder, 1/2 tsp cumin, 1/2 tsp paprika, 1/4 tsp garlic powder, and add salt and pepper to taste for a quick homemade blend.
How Do I Make This Recipe Vegetarian?
To make this burrito vegetarian, substitute the ground beef with black beans, refried beans, or lentils. Season them the same way with taco seasoning for all the flavor without the meat!
Can I Prepare This Burrito in Advance?
Yes, you can! You can prepare the beef mixture and assemble the burritos ahead of time. Wrap them in foil and store them in the fridge for up to 2 days. Just reheat in a skillet or microwave before serving for a quick meal.
