Remember the iconic Taco Bell Chili Cheese Burrito? That warm, comforting handheld delight filled with seasoned beef, melty cheese, and just the right amount of spice? Well, you’re in for a treat because this copycat recipe brings all that nostalgic fast-food goodness right to your kitchen!
Whether you’re a longtime fan who misses this cult classic menu item or you’ve never had the pleasure of trying the original, this homemade version delivers all the flavor without the drive-thru line. Plus, making it yourself means you can customize the heat level and ingredients exactly to your liking.
Why You’ll Love This
- Tastes incredibly close to the original Taco Bell version but with fresher ingredients
- Ready in just 45 minutes from start to finish
- Perfect for meal prep—make a batch and enjoy throughout the week
- Kid-friendly but easily customizable for spice lovers
- More economical than regular takeout, especially when feeding a family
Ingredients
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 medium yellow onion, diced
- 3 tablespoons chili powder
- 1 teaspoon cayenne pepper
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 2 cups water, plus 2 tablespoons divided
- 2 tablespoons cornstarch
- 1 (16 ounce) can refried beans
- 1 (6 ounce) can tomato paste (about 6 tablespoons)
- 3 cups cheddar cheese, shredded
- 10 (10 inch) flour tortillas
Instructions
- Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add ground beef and diced onion, cooking until browned. Drain excess fat, then add chili powder, cayenne, and salt. Stir in 2 cups of water.
- In a small bowl, mix cornstarch with the remaining 2 tablespoons of water. Stir this into the meat mixture and let it simmer to thicken.
- Add refried beans and tomato paste, stirring until well combined.
- Add 1½ cups of shredded cheese and mix until melted and incorporated.
- Place a tortilla on a cutting board (warm in microwave for 15 seconds if needed to soften). Add a pinch of shredded cheese followed by ¼-½ cup of the meat mixture.
- Fold in the sides and roll the tortilla into a log shape. Repeat with remaining tortillas. Serve with sour cream and salsa if desired.
Tips & Variations
- For an even more authentic taste, use Hormel Chili No Beans, which is similar to what Taco Bell reportedly uses
- Make it spicier by adding diced jalapeños or increasing the cayenne pepper
- For a healthier version, substitute ground turkey or chicken for the beef
- Add a tablespoon of tomato paste to the beef mixture for deeper flavor
- Prepare the filling ahead of time and assemble burritos just before serving for maximum freshness
- If you prefer softer burritos, skip the final pan-frying step and simply wrap them in foil to keep warm
Serving Suggestions
These copycat Taco Bell Chili Cheese Burritos are perfect on their own, but they really shine when served with complementary sides. Try pairing them with Mexican rice, refried beans, or a simple side salad with cilantro-lime dressing.
For the full Taco Bell experience, serve with some nacho cheese sauce for dipping, a dollop of sour cream, and your favorite hot sauce on the side. Don’t forget a refreshing beverage like homemade horchata or a lime-studded Mexican soda!
Notes
- Leftover burritos can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Wrap individually in foil for best results.
- To reheat, warm in a 350°F oven for 15 minutes or microwave for 1-2 minutes (though this may make the tortilla slightly soggy).
- For a quick doneness test, the beef mixture should be thick enough to stay put in the burrito without excessive dripping.
FAQs
Can I freeze these burritos?
Yes! Wrap each burrito individually in foil, then place in a freezer bag. They’ll keep for up to 3 months. Reheat from frozen in a 375°F oven for about 30 minutes.
What if I can’t find chili without beans?
You can use regular chili with beans, but the texture won’t be quite the same. Alternatively, use additional seasoned ground beef with a bit of tomato sauce.
Can I make these in advance for a party?
Absolutely! Prepare the filling and store it separately from the tortillas. When ready to serve, reheat the filling, assemble the burritos, and give them a quick pan-fry.
How can I make these vegetarian?
Substitute the ground beef with plant-based ground meat alternative or crumbled firm tofu, and use vegetarian chili. The cheese can be replaced with a dairy-free alternative if needed.
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