Taco Bell Beefy Melt Burrito : Bold and Cheesy

Craving your favorite Taco Bell Beefy Melt Burrito but don’t want to hit the drive-thru? This irresistible homemade version brings all the flavors you love—seasoned beef, creamy nacho cheese, soft tortillas, and tender rice—right to your kitchen. It’s hearty, filling, and perfect for busy weeknights when you need something fast, satisfying, and better than takeout.

Whether you’re a fan of beef burritos, love anything with refried beans Mexican style, or just want a quick dinner option that hits every flavor note, this beefy melt burrito checks every box. It’s easy to customize, makes great leftovers, and brings a touch of comfort food to your dinner table.

Save

Why This Copycat Burrito Is Better Than Drive-Thru

Fast food has its convenience, but homemade burritos offer something even better—fresh ingredients, customization, and no mystery fillers. Here’s why this burrito is worth making at home:

• More filling and satisfying than store-bought versions
• Customizable to suit your preferences or dietary needs
• Perfect for fast dinners that taste like comfort food
• Free from preservatives or unnecessary additives
• A fun way to recreate a fast food favorite with wholesome ingredients

You don’t need to leave the house to enjoy the same bold flavors you get at Taco Bell. This recipe puts you in control of every bite.

Ingredients for Homemade Taco Bell Beefy Melt Burrito

This burrito has a few signature elements: seasoned beef, melted cheese, rice, and beans. Here’s what you need to recreate it:

For the Beef:

• 1 pound lean ground beef
• 2 tablespoons Taco seasoning (store-bought or homemade)
• ¼ cup water

For the Burrito Fillings:

• 1 cup cooked Mexican rice (store-bought or homemade)
• 1 cup refried beans Mexican style
• ¾ cup nacho cheese sauce (homemade or store-bought)
• 1 cup shredded cheddar or Mexican blend cheese
• ½ cup sour cream
• ½ cup shredded lettuce (optional)
• ½ cup diced tomatoes (optional)
• 4 large flour tortillas (10-inch)

With ingredients like these, you can make 4 large burritos. Double the recipe if you’re feeding a family or saving for leftovers.

Tools You’ll Need to Make Your Burrito at Home

No fancy tools required—just a few basics:

• Large skillet
• Mixing spoon or spatula
• Small saucepan (for warming cheese and beans)
• Knife and cutting board
• Microwave or stovetop for warming tortillas
• Foil (optional for storing or keeping warm)

Simple tools, simple prep, and maximum flavor.

How to Make Taco Bell’s Beefy Melt Burrito Step-by-Step

Step 1: Prepare the beef
In a large skillet over medium heat, cook ground beef until no longer pink. Drain any excess grease. Stir in taco seasoning and water, then simmer for 3–4 minutes until thickened. Set aside.

Step 2: Heat the fillings
Warm refried beans and nacho cheese in small saucepans or in the microwave. Prepare your Mexican rice if you haven’t already.

Step 3: Warm the tortillas
Place tortillas between damp paper towels and microwave for 30 seconds, or warm in a skillet for 15 seconds per side until soft and pliable.

Step 4: Assemble the burritos
Lay a tortilla flat. In the center, layer ¼ of the refried beans, a few spoonfuls of beef, a scoop of Mexican rice, nacho cheese sauce, shredded cheese, and sour cream. Add lettuce and tomatoes if desired.

Step 5: Fold the burritos
Fold in the sides, then roll tightly from the bottom. Place seam-side down.

Step 6: Melt and serve
For extra meltiness, place rolled burritos in a warm skillet seam-side down for 2–3 minutes to heat through and melt the cheese. Serve immediately.

Save

Tips for Wrapping and Melting the Perfect Burrito

• Don’t overfill: Keep layers moderate to ensure easy folding and a tidy roll.
• Warm tortillas: This prevents tearing and helps the burrito seal properly.
• Use foil or parchment: If making ahead, wrap each burrito tightly to keep it warm and intact.
• Melt on the skillet: Gives the tortilla a slight crisp and ensures that gooey melted center.

Following these tips will give you burritos that are just as picture-perfect as anything from the restaurant.

Variations: Beef Burritos, Refried Beans, and More Mexican-Inspired Fills

This burrito is versatile, and you can adjust ingredients to create endless variations:

• Swap beef for chicken or turkey
• Use black beans or pinto beans instead of refried
• Add jalapeños or hot sauce for a spicier bite
• Make it vegetarian by skipping meat and doubling up on beans, rice, and cheese
• Include sautéed onions and bell peppers for extra flavor and texture
• Try different cheese combinations like queso fresco or Monterey Jack

This flexibility makes it one of the most customizable and delicious Mexican rice and beef burritos you can make at home.

How to Make It a Meal: Mexican Rice, Salad Pasta & Easy Sides

Turn this beef burrito into a full meal with simple side dishes:

• Mexican rice or Spanish rice
• Corn and black bean salad with lime dressing
• Salad pasta with avocado, tomato, and lime vinaigrette
• Guacamole and tortilla chips
• Grilled corn with cotija cheese and chili powder

These pairings create a restaurant-quality spread that’s perfect for family dinners, gatherings, or game night.

Make-Ahead Tips and Storage Ideas

These burritos can easily be made ahead and stored for later:

To store:
Wrap each burrito in foil and refrigerate for up to 4 days.

To freeze:
Wrap tightly in foil and place in freezer bags. Freeze for up to 2 months.

To reheat:
Microwave for 1–2 minutes, or bake wrapped in foil at 350°F for 15–20 minutes until hot.

This recipe is perfect for fast dinners during the week or meal prepping lunches.

Healthy Swaps for a Lighter Beef Burrito Option

Want to lighten things up without losing flavor? Try these tweaks:

• Use ground turkey or lean ground beef
• Replace sour cream with plain Greek yogurt
• Use low-fat cheese or reduce the amount
• Swap regular tortillas for whole wheat or low-carb wraps
• Add extra veggies like spinach, corn, or zucchini

These swaps make the burrito lighter while keeping it satisfying and nutrient-rich.

Common Mistakes to Avoid When Making Homemade Burritos

Avoid these pitfalls for burrito perfection:

• Cold tortillas: They crack and don’t fold well
• Too much filling: Leads to messy burritos that fall apart
• Uneven heating: Make sure all fillings are warm before assembling
• Not sealing tightly: Use the rolling technique to keep everything inside

Paying attention to these details ensures every bite is just right.

Save

FAQ: Beans Mexican, Fast Dinners, and Taco Bell Copycats

Can I make this with canned refried beans?
Absolutely. Just warm them slightly and season with a little garlic powder or cumin if desired.

Can I use leftover rice?
Yes! Reheat it in the microwave with a bit of broth or water before adding to the burrito.

Is this spicy?
It’s mild as written, but you can increase heat with hot sauce or spicy taco seasoning.

Can I make this gluten-free?
Yes, use certified gluten-free tortillas and check labels on seasonings and cheese.

What’s the best cheese to use?
A shredded Mexican blend melts perfectly, but cheddar, Monterey Jack, or queso quesadilla work great too.

Final Thoughts: Better Than Takeout, Easier Than You Think

This Taco Bell Beefy Melt Burrito copycat is a game-changer for weeknight dinners. It’s rich, flavorful, cheesy, and totally customizable. Whether you’re feeding a crowd, meal prepping for the week, or satisfying a comfort food craving, this homemade burrito delivers everything you love—without the drive-thru.

With simple ingredients and easy steps, you’ll be amazed at how close this comes to the original—only fresher, more filling, and more delicious.

Call to Action: Share and Save This Beefy Melt Burrito Recipe

If this beefy melt burrito hit the spot, be sure to share it with your burrito-loving friends, save it to your dinner recipe board, and subscribe for more homemade takes on fast food favorites. Quick, tasty, and family-approved—that’s a win all around.

Print