If you’ve ever craved the fun, bold flavors of Taco Bell but wanted to bring that magic right into your own kitchen, you’re in for a treat with this Taco Bell Quesarito Recipe. This irresistible fusion of a quesadilla and a burrito comes packed with seasoned ground beef, melty cheese, creamy sour cream, and a delightful blend of textures that are sure to comfort and excite your taste buds. Whether you’re making a quick lunch or serving up a weeknight dinner, this recipe nails the perfect balance of gooey, spicy, and fresh all rolled into one heavenly bite.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Each ingredient in this Taco Bell Quesarito Recipe plays a crucial role in making every bite burst with flavor and texture. From the tender seasoned beef to the melty cheese and fresh veggies, these simple pantry staples come together to create an unforgettable dish.
- Flour tortillas: Use large, soft tortillas to hold all the fillings without tearing.
- Ground beef: The hearty protein base that adds savory depth and satisfaction.
- Taco seasoning mix: Essential for that signature zesty taco flavor—homemade or store-bought works perfectly.
- Water: Helps cook the taco seasoning with the beef and intensifies flavor.
- Shredded cheddar cheese: Provides sharpness and amazing meltiness inside and out.
- Shredded mozzarella cheese: Adds extra gooey stretch and richness.
- Sour cream: Creamy, cool contrast to the spices and heat.
- Nacho cheese sauce: Optional but highly recommended for that authentic cheesy punch.
- Cooked white rice: Brings a subtle fluffiness and makes the quesarito more filling.
- Diced tomatoes: Adds freshness and a juicy pop with every bite.
- Chopped lettuce: Optional but great for crunch and color.
- Taco sauce or hot sauce: For those who love a spicy kick.
How to Make Taco Bell Quesarito Recipe
Step 1: Cook the Ground Beef
Start by browning your ground beef in a skillet over medium heat, breaking it up as it cooks. Once nicely browned, stir in the taco seasoning mix along with 1/2 cup of water, letting it simmer until the sauce thickens and coats every bit of the beef with spicy, savory goodness. This step ensures your filling has that iconic Taco Bell flavor.
Step 2: Prepare the Quesadilla
Take one large flour tortilla and sprinkle half of the cheddar cheese and mozzarella cheese evenly over it. Heat a clean skillet on medium, then place the tortilla in the pan. Cook until the cheese melts and the tortilla turns lightly golden and crisp. This cheesy tortilla forms the delicious inside layer that makes the quesarito so unique.
Step 3: Assemble the Quesarito
On top of the melted cheese quesadilla, layer the seasoned beef, cooked white rice, diced tomatoes, and a couple of dollops of sour cream and nacho cheese sauce. For added crunch and freshness, sprinkle some chopped lettuce as well. Make sure to leave space around the edges for folding.
Step 4: Wrap It Up
Place another large flour tortilla over the filling and tuck in all the sides carefully. To seal the quesarito, warm a skillet over medium heat and cook the wrapped tortilla until golden brown and slightly crisp on both sides. This final touch locks all those delicious ingredients inside, creating a handheld delight.
How to Serve Taco Bell Quesarito Recipe
Garnishes
Adding a few simple garnishes can elevate your Taco Bell Quesarito Recipe to the next level. Fresh cilantro leaves provide a burst of herbal brightness, while a squeeze of fresh lime juice adds a zesty contrast to the creamy and cheesy interior. You might also sprinkle some diced onions or jalapeños if you want a little extra punch.
Side Dishes
Pairing your quesarito with classic Mexican sides creates a full and satisfying meal. Consider serving with a side of crunchy tortilla chips and zesty salsa, fresh guacamole to cool the heat, or a simple Mexican street corn salad for texture and flavor complexity. These sides complement the richness of the dish beautifully.
Creative Ways to Present
If you’re looking to wow your guests or family, slice the quesarito into halves or even smaller bite-sized portions for a party platter. You can also create a loaded quesarito bowl by layering all components in a bowl with extra toppings like black beans, corn, and chopped avocado. Presentation is a fun way to make this meal feel extra special.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover quesaritos can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. To keep the tortilla from getting soggy, wrap each one individually in foil before refrigerating. This way, the flavors stay fresh, and the texture remains pleasing.
Freezing
You can freeze quesaritos by wrapping them tightly in plastic wrap and then aluminum foil before placing them in a freezer-safe bag. They’ll keep well for up to two months. When you’re ready to enjoy, just thaw them overnight in the fridge for best results.
Reheating
The best way to reheat your Taco Bell Quesarito Recipe leftovers is in a skillet over medium heat to restore the crisp exterior without drying out the filling. Alternatively, you can microwave briefly but follow up with a quick pan crisp to bring back that signature crunch.
FAQs
Can I make the Taco Bell Quesarito Recipe vegetarian?
Absolutely! Substitute the ground beef with seasoned beans, grilled veggies, or a plant-based meat alternative to keep all the satisfying textures and flavors without the meat.
What cheese works best for this recipe?
A combination of shredded cheddar and mozzarella provides the ideal balance of sharpness and melty stretch that defines a quesarito’s cheesy goodness.
Is the rice necessary in the quesarito?
Including cooked white rice adds a delightful softness and extra bulk, making the quesarito more filling and texturally interesting, but you can skip it if you prefer a lighter option.
Can I prepare the filling ahead of time?
Yes! The seasoned ground beef and cooked rice can be made a day ahead and stored in the fridge, making assembly super quick when hunger strikes.
How spicy is this recipe?
The spice level can easily be adjusted by the amount of taco seasoning used and whether you add hot sauce or jalapeños. You can keep it mild or turn up the heat—it’s totally customizable!
Final Thoughts
There is something genuinely special about making the Taco Bell Quesarito Recipe at home—you get to enjoy all those gooey layers, spicy flavors, and crispy tortillas without ever leaving your kitchen. It’s comfort food with character that’s sure to become a new favorite for casual dinners or gut-busting game day snacks. So go ahead, gather your ingredients, and dive into the delicious world of homemade quesaritos. I promise, once you try this, you’ll be reaching for it time and again.
Print
Taco Bell Quesarito Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 2 servings
- Category: Lunch
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Mexican-inspired
Description
This Taco Bell Quesarito recipe combines the cheesy goodness of a quesadilla with the hearty flavors of a burrito. Filled with seasoned ground beef, melted cheeses, sour cream, rice, and fresh toppings, it’s a delicious and satisfying homemade twist on a popular fast-food favorite.
Ingredients
Quesadilla Ingredients
- 1 large flour tortilla
- 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/2 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
Quesarito Filling
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 packet taco seasoning mix (or homemade seasoning)
- 1/2 cup water (for seasoning)
- 1/2 cup cooked white rice
- 1/4 cup diced tomatoes
- 1/4 cup chopped lettuce (optional)
- 2 tbsp taco sauce or hot sauce (optional)
- 1/2 cup sour cream
- 1/4 cup nacho cheese sauce (or melted cheese)
Wrapping
- 1 large flour tortilla (for wrapping the quesadilla and filling)
Instructions
- Prepare the seasoned beef: In a skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef until browned and fully cooked, breaking it up with a spoon. Drain excess grease.
- Add seasoning: Stir in the taco seasoning mix and 1/2 cup water. Simmer until the sauce thickens and coats the beef well, about 5 minutes.
- Make the quesadilla: Place one large flour tortilla on a clean skillet over medium heat. Sprinkle the cheddar and mozzarella cheese evenly over the tortilla. Top with the second tortilla and cook until the cheese melts and the bottom tortilla is golden brown, about 2-3 minutes per side. Remove from heat and keep warm.
- Assemble the quesarito: Lay the quesadilla on top of the large flour tortilla used for wrapping. Spread sour cream and nacho cheese sauce over the quesadilla. Add a layer of cooked white rice, then spoon the seasoned beef evenly on top.
- Add fresh toppings: Distribute diced tomatoes, chopped lettuce (optional), and taco or hot sauce over the beef layer.
- Roll it up: Carefully wrap the large tortilla around the quesadilla and fillings tightly to form a burrito shape, folding in the sides to secure the ingredients inside.
- Heat the quesarito: Place the wrapped quesarito seam-side down on a warm skillet or pan. Cook for 1-2 minutes per side until the tortilla is heated through and slightly crisped.
- Serve: Slice in half if desired and serve immediately with your favorite salsa or additional hot sauce.
Notes
- Use homemade taco seasoning for a fresher taste instead of packet seasoning.
- For additional flavor, add sautéed onions or jalapeños to the beef mixture.
- Use low-fat sour cream to reduce calories.
- To make it spicier, increase the amount of hot sauce or add diced jalapeños.
- Wrap tightly to prevent fillings from falling out during cooking.
- Storing leftover quesaritos in the fridge and reheating in a skillet will help maintain the crispy texture.
