Taco Bell Beefy Melt Burrito

If there’s one thing I can’t resist, it’s a warm, cheesy, flavor-packed burrito loaded with seasoned beef, rice, and a creamy sauce. The Taco Bell Beefy Melt Burrito is one of my go-to comfort foods, and recreating it at home means I can enjoy all that deliciousness anytime I want. With simple ingredients and a few easy steps, you can make a homemade version that’s even better than the original—plus, you get to control the flavors and portions to suit your taste.

I love how this burrito combines layers of textures—melty cheese, rich and savory beef, soft yet slightly chewy seasoned rice, and a tangy sour cream drizzle that ties it all together. Whether you’re craving a quick dinner or looking for a crowd-pleasing meal, this copycat recipe will hit the spot.

Why You’ll Love This Taco Bell Beefy Melt Burrito

Easy to make – Simple ingredients and minimal prep time.
Better than fast food – No unnecessary fillers, just fresh, homemade goodness.
Customizable – Add extra cheese, spice it up, or swap ingredients to your liking.
Budget-friendly – Costs less to make at home than buying multiple burritos.
Perfect for meal prep – Make a batch and store leftovers for a quick meal later.

What Kind of Tortilla Should I Use?

For the perfect Taco Bell Beefy Melt Burrito, you’ll want to use large, soft flour tortillas. The key is to choose a tortilla that’s pliable enough to wrap around the filling without tearing. If your tortillas feel stiff, warm them slightly in a dry skillet or microwave for a few seconds to make them easier to fold.

If you’re looking for alternatives, low-carb tortillas, whole wheat tortillas, or gluten-free options can work just as well, though the texture may differ slightly. The key is to use a tortilla that’s at least 10 inches in diameter to ensure you can wrap it without everything spilling out.

Options for Substitutions

Want to switch things up? Here are some easy substitutions to fit your taste or dietary needs:

Ground beef alternative – Swap out the seasoned beef for shredded chicken, ground turkey, or a plant-based meat substitute.
Rice variations – While Taco Bell uses seasoned rice, you can use brown rice, cilantro-lime rice, or even cauliflower rice for a low-carb option.
Cheese choices – The classic recipe uses a blend of cheddar, mozzarella, and nacho cheese sauce, but you can experiment with pepper jack, Monterey Jack, or a dairy-free cheese substitute.
Sauce swaps – Instead of sour cream, try Greek yogurt, chipotle sauce, or a homemade spicy mayo for a different kick.
Extra toppings – Add black beans, diced tomatoes, jalapeños, or avocado for an extra layer of flavor and texture.

Ingredients for This Taco Bell Beefy Melt Burrito

Each ingredient plays a crucial role in making this burrito taste just like (or even better than) the original!

Ground Beef – The heart of the burrito, seasoned to perfection with Taco Bell-style spices.
Taco Seasoning – A mix of chili powder, cumin, garlic powder, and other spices to give the beef its signature flavor.
Cooked Rice – Taco Bell uses seasoned rice, which adds texture and absorbs flavors beautifully.
Nacho Cheese Sauce – The creamy, melty component that ties everything together with a rich, cheesy kick.
Shredded Cheese – A blend of cheddar and mozzarella creates that gooey, melty texture.
Sour Cream – Adds a cool, tangy contrast to the warm and spicy flavors.
Tortillas – Large, soft flour tortillas are perfect for wrapping all the delicious ingredients.
Optional Add-ins – Black beans, jalapeños, or a drizzle of hot sauce if you want to spice things up.

Step 1: Cook the Seasoned Beef

In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef until browned, breaking it apart as it cooks. Drain any excess grease, then add taco seasoning and a splash of water. Stir well and let it simmer for a few minutes until the beef is fully coated in the flavorful seasoning.

Step 2: Prepare the Rice

If you haven’t already, cook the rice according to the package instructions. For that Taco Bell touch, mix in a bit of taco seasoning or a spoonful of salsa to infuse extra flavor. Set aside.

Step 3: Warm the Nacho Cheese Sauce

Heat the nacho cheese sauce in a small saucepan or microwave until smooth and pourable. This ensures that it spreads evenly in the burrito, giving it that signature creamy texture.

Step 4: Warm the Tortillas

Place each tortilla in a dry skillet over low heat for a few seconds on each side or microwave them for 10–15 seconds. This makes them more flexible and prevents them from tearing when you wrap the burrito.

Step 5: Assemble the Burrito

Lay a warm tortilla on a flat surface. Add a scoop of seasoned beef in the center, followed by a layer of rice. Drizzle warm nacho cheese sauce over the beef, then sprinkle shredded cheese on top. Finish with a spoonful of sour cream for that creamy contrast.

Step 6: Fold and Wrap

Fold the sides of the tortilla inward, then roll it up tightly from the bottom to create a secure burrito. Make sure all the ingredients are tucked inside to prevent any spills.

Step 7: Toast for Extra Flavor (Optional)

For an even better texture, place the burrito seam-side down in a hot skillet and toast it for about 30 seconds on each side until golden brown. This gives the burrito a slightly crispy exterior while keeping the inside warm and melty.

How Long to Cook the Taco Bell Beefy Melt Burrito

Since most of the ingredients are already cooked, assembling the burrito doesn’t take long. Here’s a quick breakdown:

Cooking the ground beef – About 7–10 minutes
Cooking the rice – Around 15 minutes (or as per package instructions)
Warming the nacho cheese sauce – 1–2 minutes
Heating the tortillas – 10–15 seconds in the microwave or 30 seconds in a skillet
Toasting the burrito (optional) – 30 seconds per side for a crispy exterior

From start to finish, you can have your homemade Beefy Melt Burrito ready in about 25 minutes!

Tips for the Perfect Taco Bell Beefy Melt Burrito

Use freshly grated cheese – Pre-shredded cheese contains anti-caking agents that prevent it from melting as smoothly.
Don’t overfill – Too much filling makes it difficult to wrap the burrito securely, leading to spills.
Toast for extra flavor – A quick sear in a skillet enhances the texture and taste.
Warm the tortillas first – This prevents them from tearing when rolling.
Let the beef simmer – Cooking the beef with taco seasoning and a bit of water helps it absorb all the delicious flavors.
Customize the spice level – Add cayenne pepper or hot sauce if you like it spicy, or use mild seasonings for a kid-friendly version.
Double wrap for meal prep – If storing for later, wrap in foil or parchment paper to keep the burritos fresh.

Watch Out for These Mistakes While Cooking

Skipping the tortilla warm-up – Cold tortillas are prone to cracking, making it harder to roll a secure burrito.
Overstuffing the burrito – Too much filling makes it difficult to fold, leading to leaks. Stick to moderate portions for a well-wrapped burrito.
Not draining the beef properly – Excess grease can make the burrito soggy and messy to eat.
Using too much sauce – While nacho cheese sauce is delicious, too much can make the burrito fall apart. A balanced amount is key.
Forgetting to let the beef simmer – Letting the taco-seasoned beef cook for a few minutes after adding water enhances its flavor.
Not sealing the burrito properly – Roll tightly and tuck the ends to prevent ingredients from spilling out.
Skipping the toasting step – While optional, a quick sear in a skillet improves the texture and flavor of the burrito.
Using dry rice – Taco Bell’s rice has seasoning and moisture. Adding a little salsa or broth to your rice keeps it flavorful and soft.

What to Serve with Taco Bell Beefy Melt Burrito?

A Beefy Melt Burrito is satisfying on its own, but adding a side dish makes it even better. Here are some tasty pairings:

Mexican Street Corn (Elote)

Grilled corn slathered in mayo, cheese, chili powder, and lime juice adds a sweet and tangy contrast.

Guacamole & Chips

A creamy, fresh guacamole with crispy tortilla chips makes for a perfect side snack.

Pico de Gallo

This fresh salsa made with tomatoes, onions, and cilantro adds a refreshing touch to balance the richness of the burrito.

Refried Beans

Creamy and seasoned refried beans complement the burrito with their smooth texture and deep flavor.

Mexican Rice

A flavorful side dish that pairs perfectly with the beefy filling inside the burrito.

Jalapeño Poppers

For those who love spice, these crispy, cheese-filled jalapeños are a great sidekick.

Horchata

A sweet, cinnamon-flavored rice milk drink that balances out the spices in the burrito.

Loaded Nachos

Cheesy, crispy nachos topped with salsa, sour cream, and jalapeños make an excellent companion.

Storage Instructions

If you have leftover burritos or want to meal prep, here’s how to store them properly:

Refrigerator: Wrap each burrito tightly in foil or plastic wrap and store it in an airtight container. They stay fresh for up to 3 days.
Freezer: Wrap each burrito in parchment paper and place them in a freezer bag. They can be frozen for up to 2 months.
Reheating:
- Microwave: Heat for 1–2 minutes, flipping halfway through. If frozen, microwave for 3–4 minutes.
- Oven: Wrap in foil and bake at 350°F (175°C) for 15–20 minutes.
- Skillet: Heat over medium heat for 3–5 minutes per side to restore crispiness.

Estimated Nutrition

Here’s a rough estimate of the nutrition per burrito (values may vary based on ingredients used):

Calories: ~650 kcal
Protein: ~30g
Carbohydrates: ~55g
Fat: ~35g
Saturated Fat: ~15g
Sodium: ~1,200mg
Fiber: ~4g

To make it lighter, you can use lean beef, low-fat cheese, or whole wheat tortillas!

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make this burrito vegetarian?

Yes! Swap the ground beef for black beans, refried beans, or a plant-based meat substitute. You can also add extra veggies like sautéed peppers and onions.

What kind of cheese is best for this recipe?

Taco Bell uses a mix of cheddar and mozzarella along with nacho cheese sauce. However, you can use any melty cheese like Monterey Jack, pepper jack, or a Mexican cheese blend.

How can I make my burrito spicier?

For more heat, add diced jalapeños, extra taco seasoning, a dash of cayenne pepper, or a drizzle of hot sauce. Spicy nacho cheese sauce is also a great option.

Can I meal prep these burritos?

Absolutely! Prepare and wrap them tightly, then store them in the fridge for up to 3 days or in the freezer for up to 2 months. Reheat as needed for a quick and delicious meal.

Why is my burrito falling apart?

This usually happens if the tortilla is too cold, overstuffed, or not rolled tightly. Warm the tortilla first, use moderate filling, and roll it securely to keep everything inside.

Can I use store-bought nacho cheese sauce?

Yes! You can use store-bought or make a homemade version by melting cheddar cheese with a little milk and seasoning.

What can I use instead of seasoned rice?

If you don’t have seasoned rice, mix plain rice with taco seasoning, lime juice, or salsa for extra flavor. You can also use brown rice or cauliflower rice for a healthier option.

What sauces go well with this burrito?

Aside from sour cream and nacho cheese sauce, you can dip it in guacamole, salsa, chipotle mayo, or even Taco Bell’s signature creamy jalapeño sauce.

Conclusion

Now that you have the ultimate Taco Bell Beefy Melt Burrito recipe, it’s time to bring the flavors of your favorite fast-food burrito into your own kitchen! Whether you’re making a quick dinner, meal prepping, or just satisfying a Taco Bell craving, this homemade version is sure to impress.

Save this recipe on Pinterest and share it with your family and friends! They’ll love making and enjoying this cheesy, beefy, flavor-packed burrito just as much as you do.