Taco Bell Quesarito Copycat Recipe: Easy Steps to Make the Ultimate Cheesy Burrito at Home

If you’re like me, you can’t resist the mouthwatering combination of flavors in Taco Bell’s Quesarito. This delightful fusion of a quesadilla and a burrito has won hearts with its cheesy, savory goodness. Whether you’re a long-time fan or new to this iconic menu item, recreating it at home is easier than you might think.

Ingredients

I’ve handpicked the essential ingredients to help you recreate Taco Bell’s irresistible Quesarito right in your kitchen. Let’s gather everything you need for this delicious adventure.

Quesarito Components

• 2 large flour tortillas
• 1 pound ground beef
• 1 cup cooked white rice
• 1 cup nacho cheese sauce
• ½ cup sour cream
• 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
• 2 tablespoons butter

Marinade and Seasonings

• 2 tablespoons soy sauce
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon ground cumin
• ½ teaspoon paprika
• Salt to taste
• Black pepper to taste

Additional Toppings

• 1 cup shredded lettuce
• ½ cup diced tomatoes
• ¼ cup sliced jalapeños
• ½ cup salsa

Tools and Equipment

To master the art of crafting a Taco Bell Quesarito at home, having the right tools and equipment is essential. Here’s what you’ll need:

• Large Non-Stick Skillet or Griddle

• Perfect for cooking the ground beef evenly and heating the tortillas to that perfect pliable state.

• Medium Saucepan

• Ideal for warming the nacho cheese sauce to a smooth, creamy consistency.

• Wooden Spatula or Silicone Utensil

• Essential for stirring ingredients without scratching your cookware.

• Measuring Cups and Spoons

• Ensure accurate measurements for your ingredients, maintaining the authentic flavor balance.

• Cutting Board

• Provides a safe and stable surface for chopping vegetables and other toppings.

• Chef’s Knife

• A sharp knife makes dicing tomatoes, slicing jalapeños, and shredding lettuce quick and effortless.

• Microwave-Safe Bowl

• Handy for melting cheese or warming sour cream when needed.

• Mixing Bowl

• Perfect for combining ingredients before assembling your Quesarito.
• Use to wrap your Quesarito, keeping it warm and making it easier to handle.

Having these tools on hand will streamline the cooking process, allowing you to focus on layering flavors and achieving that perfect Quesarito bite.

Make-Ahead Instructions

As a chef who loves optimizing kitchen workflows, I find that prepping parts of the Quesarito ahead of time makes assembly a breeze, especially on busy days. Here’s how you can efficiently prepare your ingredients in advance:

Step 1: Prepare the Ground Beef

1. Cook the Beef:

• In a large skillet, heat 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil over medium heat.
• Add 1 pound of ground beef and cook until browned, breaking it apart with a wooden spatula.
• Stir in 1 packet of taco seasoning and 2 tablespoons of water.
• Let it simmer for 5 minutes until the sauce thickens.

1. Store the Beef:

• Allow the cooked beef to cool completely.
• Transfer to an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3 days or freeze for up to 3 months.

Step 2: Cook the Rice

1. Prepare the Rice:

• Rinse 1 cup of white rice under cold water until the water runs clear.
• In a medium saucepan, combine the rinsed rice with 2 cups of water and a pinch of salt.
• Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 18 minutes.
• Remove from heat and let it sit, covered, for 5 minutes. Fluff with a fork.

1. Store the Rice:

• Let the rice cool to room temperature.
• Place in a sealed container and refrigerate for up to 4 days or freeze for up to 2 months.

Step 3: Prepare the Cheese Sauce

1. Make the Nacho Cheese Sauce:

• In a medium saucepan, melt 2 tablespoons of butter over medium heat.
• Stir in 2 tablespoons of all-purpose flour and cook for 1 minute.
• Gradually whisk in 1 cup of milk until smooth.
• Add 1 cup of shredded cheddar cheese and stir until melted and smooth.
• Season with a pinch of salt and pepper.

1. Store the Cheese Sauce:

• Let the sauce cool completely.
• Transfer to a container and refrigerate for up to 5 days or freeze for up to 2 months.

Step 4: Prepare Optional Toppings

1. Chop the Fresh Ingredients:

• Dice 1 tomato, shred 1 cup of lettuce, and slice ½ cup of jalapeños.
• Place each topping in separate airtight containers.

1. Store the Toppings:

• Refrigerate all toppings and use within 3 days for the freshest taste.

Step 5: Assemble and Reheat

1. When Ready to Serve:

• Warm a large flour tortilla in a non-stick skillet over medium heat for about 30 seconds on each side.
• Spread a layer of prepared rice down the center of the tortilla.
• Add a generous portion of ground beef on top of the rice.
• Drizzle with the homemade cheese sauce and sour cream.
• Sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese and add your favorite toppings like lettuce, tomatoes, and jalapeños.
• Fold the sides of the tortilla and roll it tightly to form your Quesarito.

1. For Freezing:

• Assemble the Quesarito without adding fresh toppings.
• Wrap tightly in aluminum foil or plastic wrap and place in a freezer-safe bag.
• Freeze for up to 2 months.
• To reheat, unwrap and microwave on high for 2-3 minutes or until heated through.

Directions

Recreating Taco Bell’s famous Quesarito at home is easier than you might think. Follow these steps to craft a delicious copycat version.

Prep

1. Prepare the Ingredients:

• Ground Beef: In a large skillet, cook 1 pound of ground beef over medium heat until browned. Drain excess fat and stir in 1 packet of taco seasoning with 2/3 cup of water. Simmer until thickened.
• Rice: Cook 1 cup of white rice according to package instructions. Fluff with a fork and set aside.
• Toppings: Dice 1 medium tomato, shred 1 cup of lettuce, slice 1 jalapeño, and measure out 1/2 cup of sour cream.
• Cheese Sauce: In a medium saucepan, heat 1 cup of nacho cheese sauce over low heat, stirring occasionally.

1. Gather Tools:

• Ensure you have a large non-stick skillet or griddle, medium saucepan, wooden spatula or silicone utensil, measuring cups and spoons, cutting board, chef’s knife, microwave-safe bowl, and mixing bowl ready.

Cook

1. Heat the Tortillas:

• Warm 2 large flour tortillas in a non-stick skillet over medium heat for about 30 seconds on each side until they are pliable.

1. Melt the Cheddar Cheese:

• Sprinkle 1/2 cup of shredded cheddar cheese evenly over one side of each tortilla. Let the cheese melt slightly, about 1 minute.

1. Reheat the Ground Beef:

• Add the seasoned ground beef to the skillet and heat until warmed through, about 3-4 minutes.

Assemble

1. Layer the Quesarito:

• Spread a generous layer of warm nacho cheese sauce on the cheese-melted side of one tortilla.
• Add 1/2 cup of cooked rice over the cheese sauce.
• Top the rice with 1/2 of the seasoned ground beef.

1. Add Toppings:

• Spoon 2 tablespoons of sour cream over the beef.
• Sprinkle shredded lettuce, diced tomatoes, and sliced jalapeños evenly on top.

1. Roll the Quesarito:

• Carefully fold the sides of the tortilla inward, then roll tightly from one end to the other, ensuring all fillings are enclosed.

1. Final Heating:

• Place the assembled Quesarito back in the skillet. Press gently and cook for 1-2 minutes on each side until the tortilla is golden brown and crispy.

Serving Suggestions

I love enhancing my homemade Quesarito with these delicious accompaniments:

• Crispy Tortilla Chips: Serve them alongside a bowl of tangy salsa or creamy guacamole for the perfect crunch.
• Fresh Pico de Gallo: Add a burst of freshness with diced tomatoes, onions, cilantro, and a squeeze of lime.
• Creamy Guacamole: A rich and buttery guacamole complements the savory flavors of the Quesarito.
• Mexican Rice and Beans: Round out your meal with a side of seasoned rice and black or pinto beans.
• Refreshing Beverage: Pair your Quesarito with an iced limeade, classic Coca-Cola, or a chilled cerveza.
• Extra Toppings: Offer additional toppings like shredded lettuce, diced tomatoes, sliced jalapeños, and sour cream for personalized flavor bursts.

I also like arranging my Quesarito on a warm plate and garnishing it with a lime wedge for that extra touch.

Conclusion

Creating your own Quesarito at home is a fun and tasty adventure. I love how you can customize each bite to match your favorite flavors. It’s rewarding to enjoy a delicious Taco Bell favorite made with your own ingredients. Whether you’re cooking for yourself or sharing with friends, this copycat recipe never disappoints. Give it a try and savor every cheesy, savory bite. Happy cooking!