This Easy Taco Bell Style Beefy Melt Burrito is a fun and tasty dish that’s super simple to make! It features seasoned beef, gooey cheese, and tasty sauces all wrapped up in a soft tortilla.
Get your taste buds ready, because this burrito is like a warm hug on a plate! I love making extra to share, but let’s be honest, sometimes I just keep them all to myself! 😄
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Ground Beef: This is the heart of your burrito! Lean ground beef is best to avoid excess grease. If you want a leaner option, try ground turkey or chicken. Veggie crumbles can also be used for a meatless version.
Taco Seasoning: You can use a store-bought packet for convenience, but homemade seasoning tastes fresher. If you’re watching sodium intake, make it from scratch as listed. Feel free to adjust spice levels to your preference—add extra cayenne for more heat!
Flour Tortillas: Large burrito-size tortillas work well, but if you can’t find them, regular flour tortillas are fine too. Corn tortillas are gluten-free but may break more easily when rolled. You can also use whole wheat for a healthier option.
Cheese: Cheddar and Monterey Jack blend nicely, but you can mix it up! Pepper Jack adds a zesty kick, and if you’re dairy-free, look for plant-based cheese alternatives that melt well.
Sour Cream: Use it for a creamy texture, but Greek yogurt is a fantastic substitute if you want a healthier option. You can skip it altogether for a lighter version too!
What’s the Best Way to Fold a Burrito Without Spilling?
Folding a burrito can feel tricky, but with the right technique, it’s easy! Here’s how to do it step by step:
- Lay your warm tortilla flat on a plate.
- Use a spoon to place the beef mixture in the center, leaving space at the edges.
- First, fold the sides of the tortilla inward over the filling.
- Then, starting from the bottom, roll the tortilla away from you, tucking in the filling as you go.
- Continue to roll until the burrito is nicely sealed.
Make sure not to overfill the burrito, as this can make it harder to roll up. Practice makes perfect—so don’t worry if they aren’t picture-perfect the first time!
Easy Taco Bell Style Beefy Melt Burrito
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Filling:
- 1 lb (450g) ground beef
- 1 packet taco seasoning mix (or homemade: 1 tbsp chili powder, 1 tsp cumin, 1 tsp paprika, 1/2 tsp garlic powder, 1/2 tsp onion powder, 1/4 tsp cayenne pepper, salt to taste)
- 1/2 cup water
- 1/2 cup diced onions
- 1/2 cup diced tomatoes (optional)
- 1/4 cup sliced black olives (optional)
For Assembling:
- 4 large flour tortillas (burrito size)
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/2 cup shredded Monterey Jack cheese
- 1/2 cup sour cream or creamy nacho cheese sauce
- 1/4 cup taco sauce or salsa
- 2 tbsp vegetable oil or butter (for grilling)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This tasty burrito will take about 15 minutes to prepare and cook. You’ll spend some time browning the beef and mixing in those delicious seasonings, plus another few minutes assembling and grilling each burrito. In total, you’re looking at around 30-35 minutes, perfect for a quick and satisfying meal!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Cook the Beef:
Start by heating a large skillet over medium-high heat. Once it’s hot, add the ground beef along with the diced onions. Cook everything together until the beef is nicely browned and the onions are soft, which should take about 5-7 minutes. Just remember to drain any excess grease to keep your burrito from being too oily!
2. Season the Beef:
Once your beef mixture is cooked, sprinkle in the taco seasoning and pour in the 1/2 cup of water. Give it a good stir to combine all those flavors, and let it simmer for about 5 minutes. This will help thicken the mixture and make it super tasty!
3. Prepare the Tortillas:
While the beef is cooking, gently warm your flour tortillas in the microwave for about 20-30 seconds, or you can heat them on a skillet for a minute. This makes them soft and easy to roll without breaking.
4. Assemble the Burritos:
Take one warm tortilla and lay it flat on a plate. Spoon about 1/4 of the beef mixture along the center of the tortilla. Next, sprinkle a generous layer of shredded cheddar and Monterey Jack cheese on top of the beef. You can also add diced tomatoes and black olives at this stage if you like. Finally, drizzle some sour cream or creamy nacho cheese sauce and taco sauce or salsa over the top.
5. Roll It Up:
Now for the fun part! Carefully fold in the sides of the tortilla over the filling, then start rolling it from the bottom up to enclose everything tightly. Give it a gentle squeeze to make sure it holds together well.
6. Grill the Burritos:
Heat a clean skillet or griddle over medium heat and add a little oil or butter. Place the burrito seam-side down in the skillet and cook for about 2-3 minutes, until it’s golden and crispy. Flip it over and grill the other side in the same way!
7. Slice and Serve:
Once both sides are crispy, remove the burrito from the skillet and let it sit for a minute before slicing it in half. Serve it up with extra salsa, sour cream, or guacamole on the side for dipping.
Enjoy your flavorful, cheesy, beefy burrito—Taco Bell style, right at home!
FAQ for Easy Taco Bell Style Beefy Melt Burrito
Can I Use Ground Turkey or Chicken Instead of Beef?
Absolutely! Ground turkey or chicken works great and can make your burrito a bit lighter. Just make sure to cook it thoroughly and season it well, as these meats can be milder in flavor compared to beef.
What Can I Substitute for Taco Seasoning?
If you don’t have taco seasoning on hand, you can easily make your own mix using spices you likely already have at home. Combine chili powder, cumin, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, cayenne pepper, and salt to taste. Adjust the spices according to your preference for heat!
How Do I Store Leftover Burritos?
To store leftover burritos, wrap them tightly in foil or place them in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They’ll keep well for 3-4 days. To reheat, simply microwave until warmed through or heat them up in a skillet to maintain that delicious crispy texture!
Can I Freeze These Burritos?
Yes, these burritos are great for freezing! Wrap each one tightly in plastic wrap and then in foil, or store in a freezer-safe container. They should last for up to 2-3 months. Thaw in the fridge overnight before reheating for the best results.
