I still remember the first time I tried to recreate a Taco Bell Beef Burrito at home. It was a weeknight, I was craving that familiar comfort food, but didn’t want to make the drive. My kids were younger, and patience wasn’t exactly their strong suit! Let’s just say the first attempt was… a learning experience. The beef was bland, the tortilla was soggy, and the whole thing just lacked that certain something that makes the real deal so satisfying. My son, bless his heart, politely said it was “different,” which, in kid-speak, translates to “not even close!” I knew I had to crack the code and develop an easy burrito recipe that my family would enjoy.
Over the years, I’ve tweaked and perfected my recipe. I’ve discovered the secret to achieving that signature flavor, the right techniques for a perfectly assembled burrito, and even figured out how to make it a little healthier (without sacrificing that deliciousness, of course!). My family now loves my homemade version so much that we rarely bother going to Taco Bell for a Taco Bell Beef Burrito anymore. And I love that I can control the ingredients and make sure everyone is happy and fed.
This isn’t just a recipe; it’s a journey. I’m going to show you how to make a Taco Bell Beef Burrito that will become a family favorite, just like it has for us. We’ll tackle the flavorful beef filling, the creamy sauce, and the perfect burrito-wrapping technique. I’ve even got some tips and tricks to help you customize it to your family’s liking.
So, grab your apron, and let’s get started! I promise, even if you’ve had a few kitchen fails in the past, this recipe is totally doable. And the best part? You’ll have a delicious, satisfying Taco Bell Beef Burrito ready to devour in no time. I know you’ll have fun making it, and your family will thank you for it!
Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need to make our homemade Taco Bell Beef Burrito. I’ve included some notes and substitutions that I’ve found helpful over the years.
- 1 pound ground beef: I usually use 80/20 for flavor, but you can use leaner beef to reduce the fat content. You could even use ground turkey or chicken for a lighter take.
- 1 packet taco seasoning: I like to use a low-sodium taco seasoning to control the salt. Feel free to use your favorite brand!
- 1/2 cup water: This helps to create a nice, saucy consistency for the beef.
- 1 (15-ounce) can refried beans: I prefer to use vegetarian refried beans. You can use traditional refried beans made with lard, but this will add more fat to the recipe.
- 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese: You can use any kind of cheese you like, but cheddar is classic for a Taco Bell Beef Burrito. Monterey Jack, Colby Jack, or a Mexican blend would also work well.
- 1/4 cup sour cream: This adds a nice tang and creaminess. You can substitute with Greek yogurt for a healthier option.
- 1/4 cup nacho cheese sauce: Here’s a little trick I do: I get this from my local fast-food chain or purchase a jar of it from the grocery store! The creaminess from the nacho cheese greatly enhances the flavor of your Taco Bell Beef Burrito
- 6 large flour tortillas: Make sure they’re soft and pliable so they don’t tear when you’re rolling them. I prefer to buy the burrito-size tortillas, as they can hold a lot of filling.
- Optional toppings: Diced tomatoes, shredded lettuce, chopped onions, jalapenos, hot sauce
I have tried many different brands of taco seasoning, and I’ve found that the store brands often taste just as good as the name brands. So don’t be afraid to save a little money! And when it comes to tortillas, I always check the expiration date to make sure they’re fresh. Nobody wants a cracked, hard tortilla! A great Taco Bell Beef Burrito starts with the right ingredients.
If you’re making a big batch, you can easily double or triple this recipe. Just make sure you have enough tortillas and toppings to go around! Also, any leftover beef can be kept in the fridge for easy Taco Bell Beef Burrito assembly the next day. Consider keeping the ingredients separate, so your Taco Bell Beef Burrito doesn’t get soggy!
Step-by-Step Instructions
Alright, friend, let’s get down to business and make these delicious Taco Bell Beef Burritos! I’m going to walk you through each step. Follow along, and you will become a Taco Bell Beef Burrito extraordinaire!
- Brown the beef: In a large skillet over medium-high heat, brown the ground beef. Break it up with a spoon as it cooks. Drain off any excess grease. This is a crucial step for a flavorful filling, so don’t rush it! Consider adding a bit of olive oil or avocado oil to ensure that the ground beef doesn’t stick to the pan.
- Add taco seasoning and water: Stir in the taco seasoning and water. Bring to a simmer and cook for 5-7 minutes, or until the liquid has reduced and the beef is nicely coated. This process allows the beef to absorb the seasoning, creating a deeper, more authentic Taco Bell Beef Burrito flavor.
- Warm the refried beans: While the beef is simmering, warm the refried beans in a separate saucepan over low heat, stirring occasionally. You can also microwave them for a couple of minutes. Warming the refried beans enhances their texture and makes them easier to spread on the tortilla.
- Heat the tortillas: This step is KEY to getting those pliable tortillas! I find the best way to get the tortillas nice and soft is to wrap them in a damp paper towel and microwave them for 30 seconds. This makes them much easier to roll without tearing. Alternatively, you can heat them in a dry skillet for a few seconds per side.
- Assemble the burritos: Lay a tortilla flat on a clean surface. Spread a layer of refried beans down the center, leaving about an inch of space at each end. Top with the seasoned beef, shredded cheese, sour cream, and nacho cheese sauce. Don’t be afraid to get creative. Add a bit of hot sauce or pico de gallo at this point!
- Fold the burritos: Fold in the sides of the tortilla over the filling. Then, fold up the bottom edge tightly over the filling and roll it up like a burrito. The key is to tuck everything in snugly so it doesn’t fall apart when you’re eating it. Practice makes perfect, so don’t worry if your first few attempts aren’t flawless.
- Serve and enjoy! Serve immediately. If you want to get fancy, you can grill the burritos in a dry skillet for a minute or two per side to get them nice and crispy. Consider cutting the Taco Bell Beef Burrito in half and serving with a side of guacamole or sour cream.
I cannot stress enough the importance of warming your tortillas. I used to skip this step, and my burritos would always crack and fall apart. Now that I heat them up, they’re so much easier to work with! One time, my daughter even added some rice and pico de gallo inside her Taco Bell Beef Burrito!
Also, don’t overfill the burritos! It’s tempting to cram as much filling as possible inside, but this will make them harder to roll and more likely to explode. Less is more! And if you have any leftover beef filling, it’s great in tacos, quesadillas, or even on top of nachos. This recipe truly is a family favorite and makes for an easy Taco Bell Beef Burrito night!
Serving Ideas
Now that you’ve made these amazing Taco Bell Beef Burritos, let’s talk about how to serve them! There are so many ways to enjoy your creation, whether you are looking for a simple side or a whole other dish that goes well with it.
At my house, we usually keep it pretty simple. I love serving these burritos with a side of tortilla chips and salsa. A little guacamole or sour cream on the side is always a welcome addition. A simple side can be the perfect addition to the richness of a Taco Bell Beef Burrito.
If you’re looking to make it a more complete meal, you could add a side of Mexican rice or a simple salad. A cup of tortilla soup would also be a great complement to the Taco Bell Beef Burrito. The soup adds warmth and depth to the meal, while the salad provides freshness and balance.
These burritos are perfect for a casual weeknight dinner, a fun weekend lunch, or even a party. They’re easy to make ahead of time and reheat, so they’re great for feeding a crowd. The convenience of these burritos makes them a go-to choice for gatherings and celebrations.
Speaking of leftovers, these burritos are just as good the next day! You can wrap them individually in plastic wrap and store them in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply microwave them for a minute or two, or bake them in the oven at 350°F for about 15 minutes. If you want to keep your Taco Bell Beef Burrito for longer, freezing them is also an option!
My husband likes to cut his Taco Bell Beef Burrito in half and dip it in hot sauce. My kids prefer to eat theirs with a fork and knife. And I like to add a little bit of everything to mine – sour cream, guacamole, salsa, you name it! It is truly a versatile recipe!
No matter how you serve them, I’m sure you’ll love these Taco Bell Beef Burritos. They’re a crowd-pleaser that everyone will enjoy. One time, I even deconstructed the burrito and turned it into a Taco Bell Beef Burrito bowl! This is perfect for anyone trying to avoid carbs.
FAQs
I’ve gathered some of the most common questions I get asked about making these Taco Bell Beef Burritos, and I’m here to answer them for you!
Q: Can I make these vegetarian?
A: Absolutely! Simply substitute the ground beef with plant-based crumbles. You can also add extra veggies like corn, bell peppers, or black beans to your Taco Bell Beef Burrito.
Q: Can I make these ahead of time?
A: Yes! You can assemble the burritos ahead of time and store them in the fridge for up to 24 hours. Just wrap them tightly in plastic wrap to prevent them from drying out. When you’re ready to eat, you can microwave them or bake them in the oven.
Q: Can I freeze these burritos?
A: Yes, you can! Wrap the assembled burritos tightly in plastic wrap, then place them in a freezer bag. They can be stored in the freezer for up to 2 months. To reheat, thaw them in the fridge overnight, then microwave or bake them.
Q: Can I use different types of cheese?
A: Of course! Cheddar cheese is classic, but you can use any kind of cheese you like. Monterey Jack, Colby Jack, or a Mexican blend would all be delicious.
Q: Can I add rice to my burrito?
A: Definitely! Adding a layer of Mexican rice is a great way to make your burrito even more filling.
Q: How can I make these healthier?
A: There are a few things you can do to make these burritos healthier. Use lean ground beef or ground turkey, low-sodium taco seasoning, and light sour cream. You can also add extra veggies and use whole-wheat tortillas.
Q: What if I don’t have taco seasoning?
A: No problem! You can make your own taco seasoning by mixing together chili powder, cumin, paprika, oregano, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. A Taco Bell Beef Burrito is best when it has that signature taco flavor!
I hope these FAQs have been helpful! Don’t be afraid to experiment and customize this recipe to your liking. After all, cooking is all about having fun and creating something that you and your family will love. Remember my first time, it certainly didn’t turn out perfect.
Conclusion
Wow, you made it! You’re now a Taco Bell Beef Burrito pro! I hope you enjoyed this recipe as much as my family and I do. It’s a simple, satisfying meal that’s perfect for busy weeknights or casual gatherings.
Before you go, I wanted to share a few final tips to help you make the best burritos possible:
- Don’t overfill the burritos: This will make them harder to roll and more likely to fall apart.
- Warm the tortillas: This will make them more pliable and prevent them from cracking.
- Use high-quality ingredients: The better the ingredients, the better the burrito will taste.
Over the years, we’ve made all sorts of variations on this Taco Bell Beef Burrito recipe. Sometimes we add black beans, sometimes we add rice, and sometimes we even add a little bit of hot sauce. The possibilities are endless! You can even make a Taco Bell Beef Burrito casserole by layering the ingredients in a baking dish and baking it in the oven.
But no matter how you make them, I’m sure you’ll love these burritos. They’re a fun, delicious way to enjoy a classic Mexican-inspired meal.
I truly hope you and your family will enjoy this recipe as much as mine has. Now it’s your turn! Go try out this recipe, and don’t forget to come back and share your experience with me. Bon appétit! Thanks for joining me in the kitchen today.
Remember, a perfect Taco Bell Beef Burrito is within your reach. Happy cooking, and don’t be afraid to experiment! I hope this recipe brings as much joy to your table as it has to mine.
Taco Bell Beef Burrito
Craving a Taco Bell beef burrito but don’t want to leave home? This easy recipe recreates the classic flavors in your own kitchen with seasoned ground beef, melty cheese, and tangy sauces wrapped in a warm tortilla.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Skillet
- Cuisine: Mexican
Ingredients
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 packet Taco Seasoning
- 1/2 cup water
- 4 large flour tortillas
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/2 cup shredded Monterey Jack cheese
- 1/4 cup nacho cheese sauce
- 1/4 cup reduced fat sour cream
- 1/4 cup diced tomatoes
- 1/4 cup shredded lettuce
Instructions
- In a large skillet, brown the ground beef over medium-high heat. Drain any excess grease.
- Stir in the taco seasoning and water. Bring to a simmer and cook for 5-7 minutes, or until the liquid is absorbed and the beef is seasoned.
- Warm the flour tortillas according to package directions.
- Lay a tortilla flat and spread a thin layer of nacho cheese sauce down the center.
- Top with 1/4 of the seasoned ground beef, cheddar cheese, Monterey Jack cheese, sour cream, diced tomatoes, and shredded lettuce.
- Fold in the sides of the tortilla and then roll it up tightly from the bottom.
- Serve immediately.
Notes
For an extra Taco Bell touch, warm the finished burrito in a dry skillet for a few minutes per side to crisp the tortilla slightly.