introduction
This Cheesy Quesarito (Taco Bell Imitation) is a warm, cheesy burrito made with seasoned beef, rice, and a creamy cheese mix. It tastes like the fast-food favorite but you make it at home. If you like baked burritos, try this similar recipe for baked chicken burritos with cheesy green chili sauce for another easy meal.
why make this recipe
- It is cheap and filling.
- Kids and adults like the cheesy taste.
- You can make many at once and freeze extras.
- It uses simple ingredients you likely have.
how to make Cheesy Quesarito (Taco Bell Imitation)
- Heat 3 tbsp olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add 1 lb ground beef, 1/4 cup chopped onion, 1/4 tsp garlic powder, 1/4 tsp onion powder, and 1 tbsp taco seasoning. Cook until beef is brown. Drain fat.
- Add 2 cups chicken broth, 1 1/2 cups long-grain white rice, and 1/4 cup water. Bring to a boil, then lower heat, cover, and simmer about 20 minutes until rice is tender and liquid is gone.
- In a bowl, mix 1 cup nacho cheese sauce, 2 tsp chipotle sauce, and 1 cup chunky salsa.
- When rice is done, stir in the cheese mixture and 1 1/2 tsp ground cumin. Mix well so everything is coated.
- Warm 8 burrito-sized flour tortillas in a skillet or microwave so they fold easily.
- Place a scoop of the beef and cheese mix on each tortilla. Add 1 cup sour cream divided among them if you like. Sprinkle 2 cups Mexican cheese blend on top before rolling. Roll tight.
- Serve hot with extra salsa or cheese. For a different twist, you can try pairing this method with other stuffed pocket ideas like the cheesy cheeseburger pockets for more party food options.
Ingredients :
- 1 lb Ground beef
- 1/4 tsp Garlic powder
- 1/4 cup Onion, chopped
- 1/4 tsp Onion powder
- 2 cups Chicken broth
- 2 tsp Chipotle sauce
- 1 cup Nacho cheese sauce
- 1 cup Salsa, chunky
- 1 1/2 cups White rice, long-grain
- 1 tsp Chili powder
- 1 tsp Garlic salt
- 1/2 tsp Paprika
- 1/2 tsp Salt
- 1/2 tsp Sugar
- 1 tbsp Taco seasoning
- 3 tbsp Olive oil
- 1 1/2 tsp Cumin, ground
- 8 Burrito-sized flour tortillas
- 2 cups Mexican cheese blend
- 1 cup Sour cream
- 1/4 cup Water
Directions :
- In a skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add ground beef, onion, garlic powder, onion powder, and taco seasoning. Cook until the beef is browned and fully cooked. Drain excess fat.
- Stir in chicken broth, rice, and water. Bring to a boil, reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer until rice is cooked and liquids are absorbed, about 20 minutes.
- In a separate bowl, mix nacho cheese sauce, chipotle sauce, and salsa.
- Once the rice mixture is ready, add the cheese mixture and cumin, stirring well.
- Warm the tortillas in a skillet or microwave.
- Spoon the beef and cheese mixture onto each tortilla, add sour cream, and roll them up tightly.
- Serve with additional salsa and cheese if desired.
how to serve Cheesy Quesarito (Taco Bell Imitation)
Serve hot. Cut in half for easy eating. Add extra salsa, sour cream, or guacamole on the side. A simple salad or chips and salsa make good sides.
how to store Cheesy Quesarito (Taco Bell Imitation)
- In the fridge: wrap cooled quesaritos in foil or plastic wrap and store up to 3 days.
- In the freezer: wrap each in foil and place in a sealed bag. Freeze up to 2 months. Reheat from frozen in a 350°F oven for 20–30 minutes or in a microwave until hot.
tips to make Cheesy Quesarito (Taco Bell Imitation)
- Warm tortillas before filling to prevent cracking.
- Drain excess fat from beef to avoid soggy filling.
- Use low-sodium broth if you watch salt.
- For a crisp outside, place rolled quesaritos in a skillet seam-side down and toast lightly.
variation (if any)
- Use shredded chicken or beans instead of beef for a different protein.
- Add chopped jalapeños for more heat.
- Swap nacho cheese sauce for regular cheese sauce or melted cheddar.
FAQs
Q: Can I make these vegetarian?
A: Yes. Replace beef with cooked beans, lentils, or a meat substitute.
Q: Can I use brown rice?
A: Yes, but cook time and liquid will change. Follow the brown rice package instructions.
Q: How do I reheat a frozen quesarito in the microwave?
A: Wrap in a damp paper towel and heat for 2–4 minutes, flipping halfway, until hot.
Q: Can I make the filling ahead?
A: Yes. Store filling in the fridge up to 3 days and assemble before serving.
Conclusion
For another take on homemade quesaritos and to compare recipes, you can read this copycat version at Quesaritos (Taco Bell Copycat) – What’s Mom Cookin’.
Cheesy Quesarito
Ingredients
Method
- In a skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add ground beef, onion, garlic powder, onion powder, and taco seasoning. Cook until the beef is browned and fully cooked. Drain excess fat.
- Stir in chicken broth, rice, and water. Bring to a boil, reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer until rice is cooked and liquids are absorbed, about 20 minutes.
- In a separate bowl, mix nacho cheese sauce, chipotle sauce, and salsa.
- Once the rice mixture is ready, add the cheese mixture and cumin, stirring well.
- Warm the tortillas in a skillet or microwave.
- Spoon the beef and cheese mixture onto each tortilla, add sour cream, and roll them up tightly.
- Serve with additional salsa and cheese if desired.