Remember those late-night Taco Bell runs where the Chili Cheese Burrito was the ultimate comfort food? That perfectly spiced beef, the gooey melted cheese, all wrapped in a warm tortilla? Well, now you can recreate that magic right in your own kitchen!
This copycat recipe captures the nostalgic flavors of the beloved Taco Bell classic that many fans still crave years after it disappeared from most menus. With simple ingredients and straightforward steps, you’ll be enjoying this fast-food favorite without leaving home—and dare I say, it might even taste better than the original.
Why You’ll Love This
- Tastes amazingly close to the original Taco Bell version many of us miss
- Uses simple pantry ingredients you likely already have on hand
- Ready in just 45 minutes from start to finish
- Perfect for feeding a family of four or meal prepping for the week
- Customizable spice level to suit everyone’s preferences
Ingredients
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 medium yellow onion, diced
- 3 tbsp chili powder
- 1 tsp cayenne pepper
- 1 tsp salt
- 2 cups water
- 2 tbsp cornstarch
- 2 tbsp cold water
- 1 can refried beans (16 oz)
- 1 can tomato paste (6 oz)
- 3 cups cheddar cheese, shredded
- 10 large flour tortillas (10-inch)
Instructions
- Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat and add the ground beef and diced onion. Cook, breaking up the meat, until the beef is browned and the onion is soft, about 6-8 minutes. Drain off any excess fat.
- Stir in the chili powder, cayenne pepper, and salt, cooking for about 30 seconds until fragrant. Pour in 2 cups of water and bring the mixture to a simmer.
- In a small bowl, whisk together the cornstarch and 2 tablespoons of cold water until smooth. Stir this slurry into the beef mixture and let it simmer for 2-3 minutes until it thickens up nicely.
- Stir in the refried beans and tomato paste, mixing everything together until well combined. The mixture should be thick and saucy, just like the Taco Bell filling.
- Add 1½ cups of the shredded cheddar cheese to the skillet and stir until it's completely melted and the filling is creamy and smooth. Remove from heat.
- If your tortillas are cold or stiff, warm them in the microwave for 15 seconds to make them more pliable for rolling.
- Place a tortilla on a flat surface and sprinkle a pinch of the remaining cheese down the center. Add about ¼ to ½ cup of the chili meat mixture on top. Fold in the sides of the tortilla, then roll it up tightly from the bottom to create a neat burrito.
- Serve immediately while warm, with sour cream and salsa on the side if you like. These taste just like the real deal!
Tips & Variations
- For an even more authentic texture, pulse the cooked ground beef in a food processor for a few seconds to achieve that fine Taco Bell consistency.
- Add a tablespoon of tomato paste to the beef mixture for deeper flavor and color.
- Make it spicier by adding cayenne pepper or hot sauce to taste.
- For a healthier version, substitute ground turkey or chicken for the beef.
- Prep the filling ahead of time and assemble burritos just before serving for a quick weeknight meal.
- Freeze assembled (but not pan-fried) burritos wrapped in foil for up to 3 months for easy heat-and-eat meals.
Serving Suggestions
These copycat Taco Bell Chili Cheese Burritos are perfect on their own, but you can elevate your at-home fast food experience by serving them with some sides. Try pairing with Mexican rice, a simple side salad with cilantro-lime dressing, or some homemade tortilla chips and salsa.
For the full Taco Bell experience, serve alongside a copycat Baja Blast (lime soda with a splash of blue sports drink) or a tall glass of horchata for something more traditional!
Notes
- Store leftover burritos wrapped in foil in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- To reheat, remove foil and microwave for 1-2 minutes or place in a 350°F oven for 10 minutes.
- The filling should be thick but not dry—if it seems too thick, add a tablespoon of water at a time until desired consistency.
- Let burritos rest for 1-2 minutes after pan-frying to allow cheese to set slightly for less messy eating.
FAQs
Can I make these burritos vegetarian?
Absolutely! Simply substitute the ground beef with plant-based ground meat alternative or an extra can of refried beans mixed with taco seasoning.
What type of cheese works best for authentic flavor?
Medium cheddar provides the most authentic flavor, but a cheddar-jack blend also works well. Avoid pre-shredded cheese if possible, as freshly grated melts much better.
Can I make mini versions for appetizers?
Yes! Use 6-inch tortillas and reduce the filling to about 2-3 tablespoons per burrito. They make great party snacks.
Why did Taco Bell discontinue the original Chili Cheese Burrito?
While Taco Bell never officially gave a reason, it was likely due to changing menu priorities. The good news is that some franchise locations still offer it as a regional item—but now you can make it at home anytime!
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