Craving the cheesy, savory goodness of the Taco Bell Beefy Melt Burrito? You’ve come to the right place. This iconic burrito, packed with seasoned beef, flavorful rice, and a trio of cheese, became a fast fan favorite. With this ultimate copycat recipe, you can recreate the magic right in your own kitchen, any time the craving strikes. We’re not just assembling ingredients; we’re crafting each component from scratch for a result that’s even better than the original.
What is the Taco Bell Beefy Melt Burrito?
The Taco Bell Beefy Melt Burrito is a delicious handheld meal featuring perfectly seasoned ground beef, nacho cheese sauce, seasoned rice, a three-cheese blend, and a touch of cool sour cream, all wrapped snugly in a warm flour tortilla. It’s a symphony of textures and flavors, combining meaty, cheesy, and creamy elements into one satisfying package. This recipe breaks down how to replicate that signature taste you love.
Why You’ll Love This Copycat Recipe
There are countless reasons to make this recipe, but here are the top three. First, you control the ingredients, meaning you can use high-quality beef and real cheese for a fresher, more flavorful burrito. Second, it’s incredibly versatile; feel free to customize it with extra toppings. Finally, making the Taco Bell Beefy Melt Burrito at home is a cost-effective way to feed the whole family. For another family-friendly meal, try this cheeseburger pasta casserole.
Ingredients for the Perfect Beefy Melt Burrito
This recipe is broken down by component to make the process simple and organized. By preparing each part, you’ll build the authentic Taco Bell experience layer by layer.
For the Seasoned Beef
- 1 lb ground beef (85/15 recommended)
- 2 tsp chili powder
- 1 tsp paprika
- 1 tsp ground cumin
- 1/2 tsp onion powder
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
- 1/2 cup water
For the Seasoned Rice
- 1 cup long-grain white rice
- 2 cups chicken or beef broth
- 1 tbsp tomato paste
- 1/2 tsp cumin
- 1/4 tsp garlic powder
For the Quick Nacho Cheese Sauce
- 1 tbsp butter
- 1 tbsp all-purpose flour
- 1 cup whole milk, warm
- 4 oz sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
- 1/4 tsp paprika
- A pinch of salt
For Assembly
- 6 large (10-inch) flour tortillas
- 1 cup three-cheese blend (cheddar, mozzarella, monterey jack)
- 1/2 cup sour cream
How to Make the Taco Bell Beefy Melt Burrito Step-by-Step
Follow these simple steps to build your burrito. We’ll start by preparing each of the warm fillings before moving on to the final assembly.
Step 1: Prepare the Seasoned Rice
In a medium saucepan, combine the rice, broth, tomato paste, cumin, and garlic powder. Bring to a boil, then reduce the heat to low, cover, and simmer for 15-20 minutes, or until the liquid is absorbed and the rice is tender. Fluff with a fork and set aside.
Step 2: Cook the Seasoned Ground Beef
While the rice cooks, brown the ground beef in a large skillet over medium-high heat, breaking it apart with a spoon. Drain off any excess grease. Add all the beef seasonings (chili powder, paprika, cumin, onion powder, garlic powder, salt, pepper) and the water. Stir well and let it simmer for 5-7 minutes, allowing the sauce to thicken and coat the beef.
Step 3: Make the Nacho Cheese Sauce
In a small saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Whisk in the flour and cook for one minute to form a roux. Gradually pour in the warm milk, whisking constantly to prevent lumps. Continue to cook, stirring, until the sauce thickens. Remove from heat and stir in the shredded cheese, paprika, and salt until the cheese is fully melted and the sauce is smooth. This technique is similar to the base for our popular ultimate cheese sauce for fries.
Assembling Your Homemade Beefy Melt Burrito
With all your components ready, it’s time for the fun part! Proper assembly is key to getting that perfect burrito experience in every bite.
Step 4: Warm the Tortillas
Warm the flour tortillas one at a time in a dry skillet over medium heat for about 20-30 seconds per side, or wrap them in a damp paper towel and microwave for 30 seconds. This makes them pliable and easier to fold.
Step 5: Layer the Ingredients
Lay a warm tortilla on a flat surface. In the center, layer your ingredients in this order: a scoop of seasoned rice, a spoonful of seasoned beef, a drizzle of nacho cheese sauce, a sprinkle of the three-cheese blend, and a dollop of sour cream.
Step 6: Fold and Sear the Burrito
Fold in the sides of the tortilla first. Then, pull the bottom edge up and over the filling, tucking it in tightly. Roll it forward to close the burrito completely. For an extra crunch and to seal the seam, place the burrito seam-side down in a hot, dry skillet and sear for 1-2 minutes until golden brown.
Pro Tips for the Best Results
To elevate your homemade Taco Bell Beefy Melt Burrito, keep these tips in mind. First, don’t overstuff the burrito, as this makes it difficult to fold and prone to breaking. Second, shred your own cheese for the nacho sauce; pre-shredded cheeses have anti-caking agents that can make the sauce grainy. Finally, let the finished burritos rest for a minute before serving to allow the fillings to set. For another great weeknight dinner, check out this simple baked salmon recipe.
Storing and Reheating
You can store leftover burritos tightly wrapped in foil in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. For best results when reheating, use an air fryer at 350°F for 5-7 minutes or a skillet over medium-low heat. This will keep the tortilla crispy. Microwaving is also an option but may result in a softer tortilla.
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes! You can assemble the burritos completely, wrap them tightly in foil, and store them in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. For longer storage, freeze them for up to 3 months. Reheat in an air fryer or skillet for the best texture.
The availability of the Beefy Melt Burrito can vary by location and time, as Taco Bell frequently rotates its menu items. This copycat recipe allows you to enjoy it anytime, regardless of whether it’s on the current menu.
The Taco Bell Beefy Melt Burrito contains seasoned ground beef, seasoned rice, creamy nacho cheese sauce, a shredded three-cheese blend (cheddar, mozzarella, and monterey jack), and reduced-fat sour cream, all wrapped in a warm flour tortilla.
It uses two types of cheese: a warm, creamy nacho cheese sauce and a shredded three-cheese blend. Our recipe shows you how to make a quick and delicious nacho sauce from scratch for the most authentic flavor.
The key is to warm the tortilla first to make it pliable. Then, don’t overstuff it. Fold the sides in first over the filling, then tightly pull the bottom flap up and over, tucking as you roll it forward. Searing it seam-side down helps seal it shut.
The Ultimate Taco Bell Beefy Melt Burrito Recipe
Taco Bell Beefy Melt Burrito (The Ultimate Copycat Recipe)
Ingredients
Equipment
Instructions
- Prepare the Seasoned Rice: In a medium saucepan, combine the rice, broth, tomato paste, cumin, and garlic powder. Bring to a boil, then reduce the heat to low, cover, and simmer for 15-20 minutes, or until the liquid is absorbed and the rice is tender. Fluff with a fork and set aside.
- Cook the Seasoned Ground Beef: While the rice cooks, brown the ground beef in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Drain excess grease. Add all beef seasonings and water. Stir and simmer for 5-7 minutes until the sauce thickens.
- Make the Nacho Cheese Sauce: In a small saucepan, melt butter over medium heat. Whisk in flour and cook for one minute. Gradually pour in warm milk, whisking constantly until thick. Remove from heat and stir in shredded cheese, paprika, and salt until smooth.
- Warm the Tortillas: Warm the tortillas one at a time in a dry skillet for 20-30 seconds per side to make them pliable.
- Layer the Ingredients: Lay a warm tortilla flat. In the center, layer seasoned rice, seasoned beef, nacho cheese sauce, the three-cheese blend, and sour cream.
- Fold and Sear the Burrito: Fold in the sides of the tortilla, then pull the bottom edge up and over the filling, rolling it forward tightly. Place the burrito seam-side down in a hot skillet and sear for 1-2 minutes until golden brown.
Notes
Do not overfill the tortillas, as this will make them difficult to fold.
Reheat leftover burritos in an air fryer or skillet to keep the tortilla crispy.
Share Your Creation!
Now that you’ve mastered the homemade Taco Bell Beefy Melt Burrito, don’t keep it to yourself! Share this recipe with friends and family, and let us know how it turned out in the comments below. For more visual recipe guides and culinary inspiration, be sure to follow us on Pinterest. We love seeing your delicious creations!
