Taco Bell Beefy Melt Burrito (Easy Copycat Recipe)

Craving the savory, cheesy goodness of a Taco Bell Beefy Melt Burrito? You’ve come to the right place. This easy copycat recipe breaks down exactly how to recreate the iconic flavors right in your own kitchen. Forget the drive-thru and get ready to wrap up a burrito that’s fresher, tastier, and endlessly customizable. It’s the perfect solution for a quick weeknight dinner or a fun weekend meal that everyone will love.

A perfectly grilled and sealed homemade beefy melt burrito resting on a plate, ready to be eaten.
Golden brown and perfectly grilled for that satisfying crunch.

Why You’ll Love This Taco Bell Beefy Melt Burrito Recipe

There are so many reasons to make this recipe a staple in your meal rotation. First, it’s incredibly budget-friendly compared to frequent fast-food trips. You can make a whole batch for the price of a couple of burritos. Second, you control the ingredients, meaning no mystery additives—just fresh, wholesome components. Plus, the satisfaction of perfectly grilling a burrito you made from scratch is a reward in itself. This recipe is simple, fast, and delivers that authentic flavor you’re looking for.

What’s In a Taco Bell Beefy Melt Burrito?


The magic of the Taco Bell Beefy Melt Burrito lies in its specific combination of textures and flavors. At its core, it’s a symphony of savory, cheesy, and satisfying ingredients wrapped in a warm flour tortilla. Here’s what makes it so irresistible:

  • Seasoned Ground Beef: Not just any ground beef, but meat seasoned with a specific blend of spices to mimic that signature Taco Bell taste.
  • Seasoned Rice: Fluffy, savory rice that adds substance and flavor.
  • Nacho Cheese Sauce: A creamy, tangy cheese sauce that’s essential for the classic taste.
  • Three-Cheese Blend: A mix of shredded cheddar, mozzarella, and Monterey Jack that melts into gooey perfection.
  • Sour Cream: Adds a cool, creamy tang that balances the richness.
  • Fiesta Strips: Crunchy, colorful tortilla strips that provide a delightful crunch in every bite.

Ingredients You’ll Need

This recipe uses simple, easy-to-find ingredients to replicate the classic burrito. Feel free to make adjustments based on what you have on hand!

For the Seasoned Beef:

  • 1 lb lean ground beef
  • 1/4 cup water
  • 1 packet taco seasoning (or 2 tbsp of a homemade blend)

For the Seasoned Rice:

  • 1 cup long-grain white rice
  • 2 cups chicken broth
  • 1 tbsp tomato paste
  • 1/2 tsp cumin
  • 1/2 tsp paprika

For Assembly:

  • 4 large (10-inch) flour tortillas
  • 1 cup warm nacho cheese sauce
  • 1 cup shredded three-cheese blend (cheddar, mozzarella, Monterey Jack)
  • 1/2 cup sour cream
  • 1/2 cup fiesta strips or crushed tortilla chips
An extreme close-up of the cheesy, beefy filling inside a homemade beefy melt burrito, highlighting the texture of the seasoned rice and beef.
Look at those delicious layers of beef, rice, and cheese!

Step-by-Step Instructions

Making your own homemade beefy melt burrito is easier than you think. Follow these simple steps for a perfect result every time.

1. Prepare the Seasoned Beef

In a large skillet, cook the ground beef over medium-high heat until browned, breaking it apart with a spoon. Drain off any excess grease. Stir in the taco seasoning and 1/4 cup of water. Reduce the heat to low, and let it simmer for 5-7 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together.

2. Cook the Seasoned Rice

While the beef simmers, prepare the rice. In a medium saucepan, combine the rice, chicken broth, tomato paste, cumin, and paprika. Bring to a boil, then reduce the heat to low, cover, and simmer for 15-20 minutes, or until the liquid is absorbed and the rice is tender. Fluff with a fork.

3. Assemble Your Burrito

Warm the flour tortillas in the microwave for 15-20 seconds to make them pliable. Lay a tortilla flat and layer the ingredients in the center: start with a scoop of seasoned rice, followed by a generous portion of the seasoned beef. Drizzle with warm nacho cheese sauce, sprinkle with the three-cheese blend, add a dollop of sour cream, and finish with a sprinkle of fiesta strips. For a different take on a taco-inspired meal, check out these amazing Taco Loaded Baked Potatoes.

4. Fold and Grill for Perfection

Fold the sides of the tortilla in, then tightly roll it up from the bottom to encase all the fillings. Place the burrito seam-side down on a preheated skillet or panini press. Grill for 2-3 minutes per side, until golden brown and crispy. This step is crucial for melting the cheese and sealing the burrito. If you love cheesy, comforting meals, our Crack Chicken Penne is another must-try recipe.

Tips for the Perfect Copycat Taco Bell Beefy Melt Burrito

Want to elevate your burrito game? Here are a few expert tips to ensure your homemade version is even better than the original.

  • Don’t Overstuff: It’s tempting to load up your burrito, but overfilling can cause it to tear. A balanced amount of each ingredient is key.
  • Warm Your Tortillas: Warming the tortillas makes them soft and flexible, preventing them from cracking when you roll them.
  • Homemade Fiesta Strips: For an extra-fresh crunch, make your own fiesta strips by thinly slicing corn tortillas, spraying them with oil, and baking at 400°F (200°C) for 5-7 minutes until crispy.
  • Get a Good Sear: Grilling the burrito not only gives it those beautiful grill marks but also creates a slightly crispy exterior that holds everything together.

Storing and Reheating

These burritos are great for meal prep! To store, wrap each burrito individually in foil or plastic wrap and place them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. For longer storage, freeze them for up to 3 months. To reheat, you can microwave them, but for the best texture, heat them in a skillet over medium heat or in an air fryer at 350°F (175°C) for 8-10 minutes until heated through and crispy.

For another easy weeknight meal, try our delicious Sheet Pan Balsamic Chicken.

Frequently Asked Questions

A Taco Bell Beefy Melt Burrito contains seasoned ground beef, seasoned rice, creamy nacho cheese sauce, a three-cheese blend, sour cream, and crunchy fiesta strips, all wrapped in a warm flour tortilla.


The primary difference is the protein. The Beefy Melt Burrito features seasoned beef, while the Cheesy Bean and Rice Burrito uses refried beans. The Beefy Melt also includes sour cream and fiesta strips, which are not in the bean burrito.


Absolutely. You can assemble the burritos, but leave out the fiesta strips to prevent them from getting soggy. Wrap them individually in foil and refrigerate for up to 3 days. Reheat on a skillet or in an air fryer for the best results.


To make your own fiesta strips, slice corn tortillas into very thin strips. Lightly spray them with cooking oil and a pinch of salt. Bake at 400°F (200°C) for 5-7 minutes, or until they are golden and crispy.


For a smooth, creamy nacho cheese sauce, a base of American cheese or Velveeta works well because they melt without splitting. You can add a little cheddar for extra flavor and a pinch of paprika or chili powder for color and spice.


Share Your Creation!

We hope you love this easy copycat Taco Bell Beefy Melt Burrito recipe! If you tried it, please let us know how it turned out in the comments below. Don’t forget to save this recipe to your favorite board on Pinterest!

A delicious homemade Taco Bell Beefy Melt Burrito cut in half to show the beef, rice, and cheese fillings, with another burrito next to it.
Get the drive-thru taste at home with our easy copycat recipe!

Taco Bell Beefy Melt Burrito (Easy Copycat Recipe)

An extreme close-up of the cheesy, beefy filling inside a homemade beefy melt burrito, highlighting the texture of the seasoned rice and beef.
FL Recipes

Taco Bell Beefy Melt Burrito (Easy Copycat Recipe)

Master the art of the Taco Bell Beefy Melt Burrito at home with this easy copycat recipe. Perfectly seasoned beef, fluffy rice, and three types of cheese make this a must-try!
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 35 minutes
Servings: 4 burritos
Course: Dinner, Lunch, Main Course
Cuisine: American, Tex-Mex
Calories: 650

Ingredients
  

Seasoned Beef
  • 1 lb lean ground beef
  • 1/4 cup water
  • 1 packet taco seasoning
Seasoned Rice
  • 1 cup long-grain white rice
  • 2 cups chicken broth
  • 1 tbsp tomato paste
  • 1/2 tsp cumin
  • 1/2 tsp paprika
Assembly
  • 4 large (10-inch) flour tortillas
  • 1 cup warm nacho cheese sauce
  • 1 cup shredded three-cheese blend cheddar, mozzarella, Monterey Jack
  • 1/2 cup sour cream
  • 1/2 cup fiesta strips or crushed tortilla chips

Equipment

  • 1 Large Skillet
  • 1 Medium Saucepan

Method
 

Prepare the Seasoned Beef
  1. In a large skillet, cook the ground beef over medium-high heat until browned. Drain excess grease.
  2. Stir in the taco seasoning and water. Reduce heat and simmer for 5-7 minutes.
Cook the Seasoned Rice
  1. In a saucepan, combine rice, chicken broth, tomato paste, cumin, and paprika. Bring to a boil.
  2. Reduce heat, cover, and simmer for 15-20 minutes until liquid is absorbed. Fluff with a fork.
Assemble and Grill
  1. Warm tortillas. Layer rice, beef, nacho cheese, shredded cheese, sour cream, and fiesta strips in the center.
  2. Fold the sides and roll the burrito tightly.
  3. Grill on a skillet or panini press for 2-3 minutes per side until golden brown.

Nutrition

Calories: 650kcalProtein: 30gFat: 35gFiber: 5g

Notes

Don't overstuff the burritos or they may tear when rolling.
Warming the tortillas before filling makes them more pliable and easier to roll.
Store leftover burritos wrapped individually in foil in the fridge for up to 3 days.
Keyword beef burrito,cheesy burrito,taco bell copycat

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