Spicy Taco Bell Quesarito Recipe

Homemade Taco Bell Quesarito Recipe: Cheesy Burrito Bliss

Unleash the magic of a homemade taco bell quesarito that rivals any restaurant creation.

This cheesy, indulgent wrap combines the best of burritos and quesadillas in one mouthwatering bite.

Melted cheese, seasoned beef, and creamy sauce nestle inside a perfectly grilled tortilla with irresistible flavor.

Each layer brings a burst of southwestern comfort that takes your taste buds on a delicious journey.

The secret is in balancing spices and creating that signature melted cheese blend that makes this dish so addictive.

Crafting this copycat recipe at home means you can enjoy restaurant-style goodness without leaving your kitchen.

Dive into this culinary adventure and transform your dinner into a flavor-packed celebration.

Tools That Help Wrap Taco Bell Quesarito Recipe

  • Skillet: Essential for cooking beef, warming tortillas, and sealing the quesarito.
  • Small bowl: Perfect for mixing chipotle sauce ingredients.
  • Whisk: Helps blend chipotle sauce smoothly.
  • Cutting board: Great for preparing ingredients and slicing the final quesarito.
  • Chef's knife: Needed for precise cutting and ingredient preparation.
  • Measuring spoons: Ensures accurate seasoning for beef and rice.

How To Build Taco Bell Quesarito Recipe At Home

  • Flavor Foundation

Sizzle ground beef in a hot pan, sprinkling magical spice blend until the meat transforms into a delicious mixture. Craft a zesty rice companion by mixing cooked grains with vibrant seasonings that dance together.

  • Cheese Fusion

Warm a soft tortilla on a skillet, creating a gooey cheese layer that connects two tortillas. Let the cheese melt and merge into a delectable golden landscape.

  • Tasty Assembly

Spread creamy nacho sauce across the cheesy tortilla surface. Layer your seasoned beef and spiced rice generously, adding a smooth cream dollop for extra richness.

  • Burrito Transformation

Carefully fold the edges of the tortilla, rolling it into a compact bundle. Place the wrap seam-side down on the skillet, allowing it to crisp and seal the delicious contents.

  • Delicious Reveal

Slice the wrap diagonally, releasing aromatic steam. Serve immediately with optional spicy salsa or cool dipping sauce for an extra flavor punch.

Flavor Variations For Taco Bell Quesarito Recipe

  • Meat Alternatives: Swap ground beef with shredded chicken, carnitas, or plant-based crumbles for a different protein experience. Vegetarians can use black beans or roasted vegetables as a hearty filling.
  • Cheese Lover's Hack: Use a blend of monterey jack, cheddar, and pepper jack for extra melty, complex cheese flavor. Experiment with different cheese combinations to discover your perfect melt.
  • Spice Control: Adjust the heat level by choosing mild, medium, or hot taco seasoning. For a smoky kick, add a pinch of smoked paprika or chipotle powder to the beef or rice mixture.
  • Gluten-Free Twist: Replace regular flour tortillas with gluten-free corn tortillas. Ensure all seasoning mixes and sauces are certified gluten-free for a safe alternative.
  • Meal Prep Magic: Prepare beef, rice, and sauce components in advance. Store separately in airtight containers for quick weeknight assembly, cutting down cooking time to just minutes.

Serving Taco Bell Quesarito Recipe Like A Pro

  • Flavor Fiesta Plate: Pair the quesarito with fresh Mexican street corn or a crisp side salad topped with avocado chunks for a balanced meal that brings vibrant colors and textures.
  • Dipping Delight: Serve alongside smooth guacamole, zesty salsa verde, or cool sour cream to enhance the quesarito's rich and spicy profile with complementary dipping sauces.
  • Party Platter Potential: Create a build-your-own quesarito station for gatherings, allowing guests to customize fillings and sauces, making it an interactive and fun dining experience.
  • Spice Level Customization: Offer different hot sauces like Cholula, Tapatio, or homemade jalapeño sauce on the side so everyone can adjust the heat according to their preference.

How To Save Taco Bell Quesarito Recipe For Later

  • Quick Chill Storage: Transfer leftover quesarito to an airtight container. Refrigerate for 2-3 days, ensuring the seal prevents moisture and preserves texture.
  • Freezer-Friendly Trick: Wrap individual quesaritos tightly in aluminum foil, then place inside freezer-safe bags. Freeze up to one month for future quick meals. Thaw overnight in refrigerator before reheating.
  • Crispy Reheat Method: Warm refrigerated quesarito in skillet over medium heat for 2-3 minutes per side. Alternatively, use air fryer at 350°F for 4-5 minutes to maintain crispy exterior and melty cheese interior.
  • Ingredient Separation Strategy: Store fillings separately in sealed containers to maintain maximum freshness. Keep rice, beef, and sauce in individual containers, allowing flexible meal prep and preventing soggy tortillas during storage.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 15 minutes

Cook Time: 10 minutes

Total Time: 25 minutes

Calories: 710 kcal

Servings: 1

All The Ingredients For Taco Bell Quesarito Recipe

For Protein Base:
  • Ground Beef: Lean protein that provides a robust, meaty foundation with rich umami flavor; choose 80/20 ground beef for optimal juiciness and texture.
  • Nacho Cheese Sauce: Creamy, tangy sauce that adds luxurious cheesy depth and binds ingredients together; opt for smooth, consistent sauce without separation.
For Flavor Enhancers:
  • Taco Seasoning: Vibrant spice blend that transforms ordinary meat into zesty taco filling; select low-sodium versions for better control of salt levels.
  • Chili Powder, Garlic Powder, Onion Powder, Cumin: Aromatic spices that create complex, multilayered taste profile; ensure spices are fresh and fragrant for maximum impact.
  • Chipotle Sauce: Smoky, spicy condiment that introduces bold southwestern character; look for balanced heat and depth of flavor.
For Binding and Texture:
  • Tortillas: Soft, flexible wrap that serves as the quesarito's structural foundation; choose large, pliable flour tortillas without tears.
  • Shredded Cheese: Melty, stretchy component that creates crispy, golden exterior and gooey interior; select high-moisture cheese like monterey jack or cheddar.
  • Sour Cream: Cool, tangy element that provides creamy contrast and balances spicy ingredients; pick thick, rich variety.
  • Cooked Rice: Fluffy, seasoned base that adds substance and absorbs surrounding flavors; use long-grain white rice for ideal texture.
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Spicy Taco Bell Quesarito Recipe

Spicy Taco Bell Quesarito Recipe


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4.6 from 31 reviews

  • Total Time: 25 minutes
  • Yield: 1 1x

Description

Taco Bell’s quesarito recipe combines cheesy quesadilla magic with burrito comfort. Melted cheese, seasoned beef, and creamy sauce create a satisfying Mexican-inspired dish you’ll crave anytime.


Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 cup seasoned taco beef (store-bought seasoning or homemade)
  • 2 large flour tortillas
  • 1 cup shredded Mexican cheese blend (or cheddar and Monterey Jack)
  • 1 cup cooked white rice
  • ½ cup cooked seasoned rice
  • ¼ cup nacho cheese sauce (store-bought or homemade)
  • ¼ cup sour cream
  • 1 tbsp sour cream
  • 2 tbsps chipotle sauce (store-bought or homemade)
  • ¼ cup mayonnaise
  • 1 tbsp chili powder
  • ½ tsp chili powder
  • ½ tsp garlic powder
  • ¼ tsp garlic powder
  • ½ tsp onion powder
  • ¼ tsp onion powder
  • ¼ tsp cumin
  • ½ tsp smoked paprika
  • ¼ tsp smoked paprika
  • ¼ tsp oregano
  • 1 tsp adobo sauce (from canned chipotle peppers)
  • Salt and pepper, to taste

Instructions

  1. Meat Preparation: Sizzle ground beef in a skillet, incorporating taco seasoning until the mixture transforms into a rich, flavorful base with intensified aromatics and thickened consistency.
  2. Rice Infusion: Elevate plain rice by blending with chili powder, garlic powder, onion powder, and cumin, creating a vibrant, seasoned foundation that complements the meat’s robust profile.
  3. Cheese Tortilla Crafting: Heat a dry skillet and strategically layer shredded cheese between two tortillas, generating a molten, golden cheese membrane that serves as the quesarito’s structural canvas.
  4. Flavor Layering: Generously spread nacho cheese sauce across the cheese-infused tortilla, establishing a creamy, indulgent backdrop for the upcoming ingredient assembly.
  5. Ingredient Assembly: Carefully distribute seasoned beef, spice-enhanced rice, chipotle sauce, and sour cream across the tortilla landscape, ensuring a harmonious blend of textures and flavors.
  6. Precision Wrapping: Execute a meticulous folding technique, tucking tortilla sides and rolling the creation into a compact, sealed bundle that encapsulates the vibrant ingredient medley.
  7. Final Searing: Position the quesarito seam-side down on the skillet, allowing the exterior to develop a golden, crisp texture that promises a satisfying crunch and sealed flavor profile.

Notes

  • Enhance Meat Flavor: Brown ground beef at high heat to develop a deeper, more complex taste profile, ensuring minimal moisture for better caramelization.
  • Perfect Rice Technique: Toast spices briefly before mixing with rice to release essential oils, creating a more intense and aromatic base that elevates the overall dish.
  • Cheese Melting Hack: Use room temperature cheese for more even melting, and ensure low, steady heat to prevent burning while achieving that signature golden-brown cheese layer.
  • Texture Balance: Press and seal the quesarito edges firmly to prevent ingredients from spilling out, creating a compact, manageable eating experience with maximum flavor retention.
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 10 minutes
  • Category: Lunch, Dinner, Snacks
  • Method: Frying
  • Cuisine: Mexican-American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1
  • Calories: 710
  • Sugar: 5 g
  • Sodium: 1100 mg
  • Fat: 40 g
  • Saturated Fat: 15 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 20 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 65 g
  • Fiber: 3 g
  • Protein: 30 g
  • Cholesterol: 80 mg
Marcus Foley

Marcus Foley

Food Critic & Kitchen Coach

Expertise

Recipe Testing and Troubleshooting; Time-Saving Kitchen Hacks; Global Flavor Exploration; Engaging Food Writing and Honest Reviews.

Education

Institute of Culinary Education (ICE), New York, NY

  • Program: Diploma in Culinary Arts
  • Focus: Hands-on training in foundational techniques, flavor development, recipe creation, and kitchen efficiency, with an emphasis on real-world application and storytelling through food.

Marcus Foley, based in Atlanta, GA, is a friendly food expert who makes cooking fun and simple.

With hands-on training from the Institute of Culinary Education and years of tasting everything from street food to fine dining, he shares easy kitchen hacks, global flavor ideas, and step-by-step recipes that turn kitchen mishaps into delicious surprises.

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