– **Title**: Taco Bell Copycat Beefy Melt Burrito
– **Ingredients**:
– 1 lb ground beef
– 1 packet taco seasoning
– 1 cup water
– 1 cup cooked rice
– 1 cup cheddar cheese, shredded
– 1/2 cup nacho cheese sauce
– 4 large flour tortillas
– 1/4 cup sour cream (optional)
– Salsa or hot sauce (optional)
– **Instructions**:
1. In a skillet over medium heat, brown the ground beef until fully cooked. Drain excess fat if necessary.
2. Add the taco seasoning and water to the skillet. Stir to combine and cook according to package instructions, usually about 5 minutes, until thickened.
3. In a mixing bowl, combine the cooked beef, rice, cheddar cheese, and nacho cheese sauce. Mix until well combined.
4. Warm the flour tortillas in a separate skillet or microwave until pliable.
5. Lay a tortilla flat and scoop a generous amount of the beef and cheese mixture onto the center of the tortilla.
6. Fold in the sides of the tortilla and then roll it up from the bottom to the top, securing the filling inside.
7. If desired, heat a skillet over medium heat and place the burrito seam-side down. Cook for about 2-3 minutes on each side until golden brown, crisping up the tortilla.
8. Serve warm with sour cream and salsa or hot sauce on the side, if desired. Enjoy your homemade Beefy Melt Burrito!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Ground Beef: This is the star of the show! If you’re looking for a healthier option, ground turkey or chicken works well. For a vegetarian version, try black beans or lentils instead. Both add protein and texture!
Taco Seasoning: You can use a store-bought packet for ease, but homemade seasoning is super simple! Combine chili powder, cumin, garlic powder, onion powder, and paprika for a fresh mix. Adjust spices based on your taste preference.
Rice: White rice is traditional, but if you want added nutrients, brown rice or even cauliflower rice can be great alternatives. Just ensure it’s fully cooked before mixing.
Nacho Cheese Sauce: If you can’t find jarred nacho cheese, use shredded cheese melted with a splash of milk. For a non-dairy option, look for vegan cheese sauces in stores.
Frito Corn Chips: These add crunch, but any tortilla chip will work! Alternatively, you could use crushed taco shells for a similar texture.
How Do I Get My Burritos to Hold Together?
Rolling a burrito can be tricky! Use a large tortilla to give yourself room for filling. Here’s a quick guide:
- Place the fillings in the center of the tortilla, not too close to the edges.
- Fold the sides in to cover the filling first, then roll from the bottom up, making it tight but not too tight that the contents spill out.
- For extra security, you can toast your burrito seam-side down in the skillet. This will help seal it.
Practice makes perfect, so don’t worry if they aren’t perfect the first time. Enjoy the process!
How to Make Taco Bell Copycat Beefy Melt Burrito
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Filling:
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 packet taco seasoning mix
- 2 cups cooked rice (white or brown)
- 1 cup nacho cheese sauce (can be found in jars or packets)
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/2 cup sour cream
- 1 cup Frito corn chips
For the Wrap:
- 4 large flour tortillas
Optional Toppings:
- diced onions
- jalapeños
- other desired toppings
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious Beefy Melt Burrito will take you about 20 minutes to prepare. The cooking process itself will take about 10 minutes, plus a little extra time for assembling the burritos. If you choose to crisp them up in a skillet, add a few more minutes. Simple and satisfying!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Cook the Beef:
Start by heating a large skillet over medium heat. Add the ground beef and cook it until it’s nicely browned. Use a spatula to break it apart into smaller pieces as it cooks. This should take about 5-7 minutes.
2. Season the Meat:
Once the beef is browned, drain any excess grease from the skillet. Stir in the taco seasoning mix along with the amount of water suggested on the packet. Allow it to simmer for about 5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the mixture thickens up nicely.
3. Prepare the Cheesy Rice:
In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked rice and nacho cheese sauce. Stir everything together well until all the rice is coated in cheesy goodness. Set this aside for the next step.
4. Assemble the Burritos:
Take a flour tortilla and lay it flat on a clean surface. In the center of the tortilla, add a portion of the cheesy rice mixture, followed by a layer of the seasoned beef. Next, sprinkle on some shredded cheddar cheese and add a dollop of sour cream. For an extra crunch, throw in a handful of Frito corn chips. Yum!
5. Wrap It Up:
To fold the burrito, start by folding in the sides of the tortilla to keep the filling from spilling out. Then, roll it tightly from the bottom up until it’s completely closed. Repeat this process with the remaining tortillas and filling.
6. Optional Crisping:
If you like a little crunch, place the assembled burritos in a preheated skillet over medium heat. Cook each side for about 2-3 minutes until they are lightly crispy and golden brown. This step is optional but adds a great texture!
7. Serve and Enjoy:
Once your burritos are ready, serve them warm. You can enjoy them just as they are or with a side of additional sour cream or your favorite salsa. Dive in and enjoy your homemade Taco Bell Beefy Melt Burrito!
Can I Use Ground Turkey or Chicken Instead of Beef?
Absolutely! You can substitute ground turkey or chicken for the beef to make it a little lighter. Just cook them in the same way, and adjust the seasoning to taste if needed as turkey or chicken can be milder in flavor.
What If I Don’t Have Nacho Cheese Sauce?
No worries! If you can’t find nacho cheese sauce, you can make your own by melting shredded cheddar cheese with a bit of cream or milk until smooth, or use a cheese dip mix according to package instructions. It will give you a similar cheesy texture!
How Can I Store Leftover Burritos?
To store leftovers, wrap the burritos tightly in foil or plastic wrap, then place them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, unwrap and heat in the microwave or skillet until warmed through. For extra crispness, a toaster oven works great!
Can I Add More Vegetables to This Recipe?
Yes, feel free to add more veggies! Diced bell peppers, corn, or even spinach can all be great additions. Just sauté them with the beef in step 1, or mix them into the rice mixture for added flavor and nutrition.
