Craving that nostalgic Taco Bell flavor but want to enjoy it in the comfort of your own home? This Beef Meximelt Recipe brings all those beloved flavors right to your kitchen, with tender seasoned ground beef, melty cheese, and fresh pico de gallo wrapped in a warm tortilla. It’s the perfect blend of Tex-Mex comfort food that’s sure to satisfy those fast-food cravings.
What makes this homemade version special is that you control the ingredients, meaning you can amp up the flavors, adjust the spice level, and make it as cheesy as your heart desires. Plus, they’re ready in just about 45 minutes from start to finish – perfect for weeknight dinners when you want something a little more exciting than the usual routine.
Why You’ll Love This
- Simple ingredients you likely already have in your pantry and fridge
- Customizable spice level – make it as mild or spicy as you prefer
- Perfect for meal prep – make the beef mixture ahead and assemble when ready
- Kid-friendly but still flavorful enough for adults
- Much more economical than drive-thru, but with that same crave-worthy taste
Ingredients
- 1 pound lean ground beef
- 1 (1-ounce) packet taco seasoning
- ½ cup water
- 6 large flour tortillas
- 16 ounces shredded Mexican cheese blend
- ½ cup pico de gallo or chunky salsa
Instructions
- Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add ground beef and cook for 6-8 minutes, breaking it up with a spoon, until browned and no pink remains. Drain off excess grease and return beef to the pan.
- Add water and taco seasoning to the beef. Use a spoon or spatula to mash the meat into fine crumbles for that authentic fast-food texture.
- Bring the mixture to a gentle boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 5-10 minutes until most of the liquid has evaporated and the meat has a slightly saucy consistency. Remove from heat.
- Wrap the tortillas in a damp paper towel and microwave for 15-20 seconds to soften them. This makes them easier to roll without cracking.
- Place about ⅓ cup of the seasoned beef down the center of each tortilla. Top with about ¼ cup shredded cheese and a tablespoon of pico de gallo.
- Fold the bottom edge of the tortilla up over the filling, tuck in the sides, then roll tightly from bottom to top like a burrito. The filling should be completely enclosed.
- Wrap each meximelt individually in a damp paper towel and microwave for 15 seconds. This melts the cheese perfectly and gives the tortilla that signature soft, slightly steamed texture.
- Unwrap and serve hot while the cheese is melted and gooey. These taste just like the fast-food favorite but so much better!
Tips & Variations
- For extra flavor, add 1/2 teaspoon of cumin and 1/4 teaspoon of smoked paprika to the beef mixture
- Make it vegetarian by substituting the beef with black beans or plant-based ground meat alternative
- Add a layer of refried beans for an even more authentic Taco Bell experience
- For a spicier version, mix some diced jalapeños into your pico de gallo
- Make a double batch of the seasoned beef and freeze half for quick meals later
- Use a panini press instead of a skillet for even cooking and perfect sealing
Serving Suggestions
Serve these Beef Meximelts with a side of Mexican rice and refried beans for a complete restaurant-style meal at home. A simple side salad with avocado and lime dressing also makes a refreshing accompaniment to balance the richness of the meximelts.
For a fun family dinner, set up a meximelt bar with the prepared beef and various toppings like different cheeses, salsas, and fresh vegetables, allowing everyone to customize their own creation.
Notes
- Store leftover beef mixture in the refrigerator for up to 3 days, making assembly quick for future meals
- For best results, use freshly grated cheese rather than pre-shredded, as it melts more smoothly
- Meximelts are done when the tortilla is golden brown and the cheese is completely melted
- If serving a crowd, keep finished meximelts warm in a 200°F oven until ready to serve
FAQs
Can I make these ahead of time?
You can prepare the beef mixture up to 3 days ahead, but it’s best to assemble and cook the meximelts just before serving for optimal texture and melty cheese.
What’s the difference between a Meximelt and a quesadilla?
A Meximelt is inspired by the Taco Bell item that features seasoned beef, pico de gallo, and cheese in a folded tortilla, while a traditional quesadilla usually just contains cheese and occasionally other fillings between two tortillas.
Can I use corn tortillas instead of flour?
While flour tortillas are traditional for Meximelts, you can use corn tortillas for a gluten-free option. They may be slightly less pliable, so warm them first to prevent cracking.
How do I keep the filling from falling out?
Don’t overfill your tortillas and make sure to press down gently after folding. The melted cheese acts as a “glue” to help hold everything together.
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