A copycat of the fast-food favorite, this Taco Bell Beefy Melt Burrito is stuffed with seasoned beef, refried beans, Mexican rice, crunchy Fritos, and more. Simple to make, and much more flavorful than the drive-thru version, these cheesy beef burritos will be a new family favorite!
Craving Taco Bell? Make This Burrito!
Soft burritos stuffed with seasoned taco meat, Mexican rice, refried beans, cheese sauce, creamy sour cream and crunchy fritos? What Tex-Mex loving person could resist? I’m not a huge fan of fast food most days, because I typically try to make healthier food, from scratch. So I decided to make one of our favorites, the beefy melt burrito, at home!
I have to say, this recipe came out pretty perfect, my husband said it was way better than the one from Taco Bell. It’s got all the goodies that you know and love, but with a lot more flavor!
(My other Taco Bell favorites, you ask? Check out these Taco Bell Grilled Cheese Burrito, Taco Bell Mexican Pizza, and Copycat Taco Bell Cinnamon Twists!)
What Are the Ingredients for Taco Bell’s Beefy Melt Burrito?
While I can’t say for sure what the actual Taco Bell recipe for this burrito might be, this homemade version is pretty darn close. Here’s what you’ll need:
- Ground Beef: Lean ground beef doesn’t need to be drained after cooking (or at least, not very much), so that’s what I use. You could definitely go with a different ground beef like ground chuck – just drain it as needed.
- Taco Seasoning: This is my favorite store bought taco seasoning.
- Water: Or beef broth, both work just fine.
- Refried Beans: Canned are fine, or you could make your own easy refried beans.
- Mexican Rice: Cooked leftover Mexican rice, or instant Mexican rice.
- Tortillas: You will need large, burrito-sized flour tortillas. You can also make your own homemade flour tortillas, just roll them out to be over 10 inches in size.
- Chips: Fritos corn chips, just like in the Taco Bell version, add a special crispy crunch. You can also use dorito chips, tortilla chips, or any chips you like.
- Cheese Dip: Warm up some cheese dip, whatever brand you like. Taco bell uses orange nacho cheese dip, but I also love these with white queso.
- Shredded Cheese: Mexican cheese blend, of course!
- Sour Cream: I like full-fat sour cream for the most indulgent, rich topping, but you could use light sour cream if you prefer.
- Salsa: Optional, but tasty. We love this restaurant-style salsa.
Can I Use Different Chips?
Sure! If you don’t want to use Fritos, you could use Doritos or any other corn chip that you like. If you don’t want to use corn chips, a corn-free tortilla chip like Siete would be a good option.
Can I Substitute Chicken?
Sure! This is a beefy melt burrito, but a chicken version would also be super yummy. You could use ground chicken, salsa chicken, or you could use chopped boneless chicken breast or thigh meat. Either way, cook it until done, just like you would with the hamburger, and then add your seasoning and water.
How to Make a Taco Bell Beefy Melt Burrito
There’s actually not a whole lot of cooking time that has to happen with this recipe, which makes it surprisingly easy. You do need to cook the beef mixture and warm up a few things, but that’s about it! The rest is all in the assembly.
- Cook the Beef and Beans. First, grab a skillet or saute pan, and cook the ground beef, breaking apart the meat as it cooks. When it is no longer pink, add the taco seasoning and water. Stir and cook for another minute or so, and then add the refried beans. (If this mixture is too thick and dry, feel free to sprinkle in a bit more water.)
- Prep the Rice and Tortillas. Next, warm up your leftover rice, or if you’re using instant rice, cook it according to the package directions. Once the rice is done, heat the tortillas in the microwave for 30 seconds.
- Fill the Tortilla with Meat and Rice. Lay a tortilla flat, and spoon some of the meat and beans mixture into the middle. You only need a couple of tablespoons. Then add a couple of tablespoons of rice over the meat.
- Add Fritos and Cheese Dip. Next, add a layer of Fritos, followed by a generous spoonful of cheese dip.
- Add Cheese and Sour Cream. Last, sprinkle on some shredded cheese and a spoonful of sour cream.
- Fold ‘Em Up! Fold the sides of the tortilla in. Then start rolling from one end to roll into a burrito. Repeat with the remaining burritos.
- Enjoy! Serve immediately, or toast briefly before serving (see the “Tips” section below.)
Tips and Tricks
While I was developing this recipe, I learned a thing or two about making the perfect beefy melt burrito. Here are my most helpful tip and tricks for making a great Taco Bell burrito copycat:
- Last-Minute Assembly: Build your burritos right before you are ready to eat, so the Fritos stay crispy. If you try to assemble them ahead of time, the heat of the ingredients will soften the Fritos and make them less appealing.
- Toasting Option: You can serve these Taco Bell Beefy Melt Burritos as-is, or heat them in a pan on the stove over medium heat to toast the outside.
- Save a Step: Next time you make your favorite rice and/or refried beans, make a little extra to stash in your freezer. Then you’ll already have those ingredients on hand if you want to make beefy melt burritos!
- Freeze ‘Em: If you love the idea of having frozen burritos on hand, you’re not alone – so stock your freezer using the Freezing Tips below!
Serving Suggestions
This kind of dish is so fun to serve – everyone loves seeing how similar the flavors and textures are to their restaurant favorite. But it’s also great to have a yummy side dish or two to add more texture and nutrition. These easy recipes would be perfect.
- Homemade Salsa: For a special twist on ordinary tomato salsa, try this strawberry watermelon salsa. It’s sweet, spicy, and totally addictive.
- Fruit and Chamoy: To lighten the meal a bit, you can add a side of fresh, sliced mango or other fruit – and don’t forget the chamoy!
- Guacamole: This authentic guacamole recipe couldn’t be easier, and is wonderful with a side of tortilla chips or plantain chips – or, if you’re feeling like a real flavor explosion, dunk that burrito right on in.
Storing and Reheating the Leftovers
A Taco Bell beefy melt burrito is really at its best if you serve it fresh – wait too long, and the chips soften up and get mushy. However, you can safely store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.
Can I Freeze This?
Yes, you can! Although if you’re going to freeze these, I would leave out the Fritos so they don’t get mushy. Either way, package the burritos individually in plastic wrap plus a layer of foil, and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw and reheat in the microwave, on the stovetop, or in the oven!
Taco Bell Beefy Melt Burrito
Ingredients
- 1 pound lean ground beef
- 1 (1 oz) packet taco seasoning
- ¼ cup water, or beef broth
- 1 cup refried beans, optional
- 2 cups cooked Mexican rice, or instant Mexican rice
- 4 Burrito sized flour tortillas
- 2 cups Fritos or Doritos
- 1 cup cheese dip, warmed (like Tostitos)
- 1 cup shredded Mexican cheese blend
- ½ cup sour cream
- Salsa, if desired
Instructions
- Cook the beef in a sauté pan, breaking apart the meat as it cooks, until no longer pink. Then add the taco seasoning and water and stir, cook for another minute. Stir in the refried beans. (If the meat and bean mixture is a little too thick, add a little more water till desired consistency.)
- Cook your instant Mexican rice or warm leftover rice. Heat the tortillas in the microwave for 30 seconds.
- Assemble: Lay a tortilla flat and add a couple of tablespoons of the meat mixture into the middle of the tortilla. Add a couple of tablespoons of rice over the meat. Layer with fritos, a large spoonful of cheese dip, some shredded cheese and a spoonful of sour cream. Fold the sides in, then start rolling from one end to roll into a burrito. Repeat with the remaining burritos.
- You can serve them as is, or heat them in a pan on the stove over medium heat to toast/crisp the outside. Serve immediately with salsa, if desired.
Notes
- Storing: A homemade Taco Bell beefy melt burrito is really at its best if you serve it fresh – wait too long, and the chips soften up and get mushy. However, you can safely store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.
- Freezing: If you’re going to freeze these, I would leave out the Fritos so they don’t get mushy. Either way, package the burritos individually in plastic wrap plus a layer of foil, and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw and reheat in the microwave, on the stovetop, or in the oven!
- Last-Minute Assembly: Build your burritos right before you are ready to eat, so the Fritos stay crispy. If you try to assemble them ahead of time, the heat of the ingredients will soften the Fritos and make them less appealing.
- Toasting Option: You can serve these Taco Bell Beefy Melt Burritos as-is, or heat them in a pan on the stove over medium heat to toast the outside.
- Save a Step: Next time you make your favorite rice and/or refried beans, make a little extra to stash in your freezer. Then you’ll already have those ingredients on hand if you want to make beefy melt burritos!
- Freeze ‘Em: If you love the idea of having frozen burritos on hand, you’re not alone – so stock your freezer using the Freezing Tips below!
Nutrition
More Great Copycat Recipes
- Copycat Panera Tomato Soup Recipe
- Cracker Barrel Meatloaf
- Crumbl Cookies Buckeye Brownie Copycat
- Copycat Maggiano’s Chopped Salad
- Copycat Chick Fil A Milkshake: Cookies & Cream
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I need to leave myself notes here and of course for anyone else they may be helpful for. These were very popular with my picky family of seven. I cooked the beef using the method in thos recipe. I made this (https://www.gracelikerainblog.com/2019/02/10-minute-mexican-rice.html) mexican rice, this refried bean recipe (https://tastesbetterfromscratch.com/homemade-refried-beans/),
and this nacho cheese recipe (https://www.fifteenspatulas.com/homemade-nacho-cheese-sauce/
I dumped it all in a big bowl and just mixed it all together. Seems like a lot of work but doing it all at the same time it took me less than an hour and a half and it is so delicious. Plus I doubled the recipe so I have some to freeze for another meal. Will definitely make again!
Ok these are AMAZING! I used white Queso and grilled them. I’m pregnant and was craving Taco Bell and these hit the spot. My husband loved them too. Just like Taco Bell, crunchy and gooey with the melty cheese and sour cream. Definitely will be making these again. So easy and delicious.