Taco Bell Quesarito Cheesy

This Taco Bell-inspired Cheesy Quesarito brings all the flavors of the popular fast-food favorite right to your kitchen! With layers of seasoned beef, cheesy nacho sauce, flavorful rice, and a smoky chipotle sauce, all wrapped in a warm tortilla, this homemade version is sure to satisfy your cravings. It’s the perfect indulgent meal for lunch, dinner, or a fun family night.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

The Cheesy Quesarito is the ultimate comfort food packed with layers of bold and cheesy flavors. From the savory taco meat to the creamy chipotle sauce, every bite is an explosion of deliciousness. The addition of Spanish rice and nacho cheese adds texture and richness, while the crispy, golden tortilla gives it the perfect crunch. This easy recipe comes together in just 40 minutes and is sure to be a crowd-pleaser. Plus, it’s customizable to your taste!

Ingredients

Taco Meat:

• 1 pound ground beef

• ¼ cup water

• 1 tablespoon taco seasoning

Spanish Rice:

• 2 tablespoons olive oil

• ¼ cup onion, chopped

• 1 ½ cups uncooked white rice

• 2 cups chicken broth

• 1 cup chunky salsa

• 1 teaspoon garlic salt

• 1 teaspoon cumin

Chipotle Sauce:

• ½ cup sour cream

• 2 teaspoons chipotle sauce from a can of adobo peppers

• 1 teaspoon chili powder

• ½ teaspoon sugar

• ½ teaspoon salt

• ½ teaspoon cumin

• ½ teaspoon paprika

• ¼ teaspoon garlic powder

• ¼ teaspoon onion powder

Quesaritos:

• 8 flour tortillas (burrito size)

• 1 cup nacho cheese sauce

• 2 cups shredded Mexican cheese blend

• ½ cup sour cream

• 1 tablespoon olive oil

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Directions

1. Cook Taco Meat:

In a skillet, cook and crumble the ground beef over medium-high heat until no longer pink. Stir in taco seasoning and water, and cook uncovered for 3-5 minutes until flavors combine. Set aside.

2. Make Spanish Rice:

Sauté the chopped onion in olive oil over medium heat until tender, about 5 minutes. Add rice and stir frequently until the rice begins to brown. Mix in chicken broth, salsa, garlic salt, and cumin. Reduce heat, cover, and simmer for 20 minutes until the liquid is absorbed. Set aside.

3. Prepare Chipotle Sauce:

Whisk together all chipotle sauce ingredients in a small mixing bowl. Set aside.

4. Assemble Quesaritos:

Warm the tortillas by wrapping them in damp paper towels and microwaving for 30 seconds. Heat the nacho cheese sauce in the microwave. Spread the nacho cheese on 4 tortillas, leaving a 1-inch border. Sprinkle shredded cheese on top of the nacho cheese layer, then cover with the remaining tortillas and press gently to seal.

Layer taco meat and Spanish rice onto the second tortilla. Drizzle with chipotle sauce and sour cream. Fold in the sides and roll the tortillas into burritos.

5. Cook Quesaritos:

Heat a skillet over medium-high heat and spread olive oil onto the pan. Cook each burrito for 2-3 minutes per side until golden brown and crispy. Serve warm.

Servings and Timing

• Servings: 4 servings

• Prep Time: 10 minutes

• Cook Time: 30 minutes

• Total Time: 40 minutes

Variations

• Chicken Quesarito: Swap the ground beef for shredded rotisserie chicken or ground chicken for a lighter option.

• Vegetarian Quesarito: Replace the beef with a mix of black beans, corn, and extra veggies for a vegetarian-friendly version.

• Spicy Version: Add extra chipotle sauce or a few slices of jalapeños to the filling for a spicy kick.

• Extra Cheese: Double the amount of shredded cheese for an extra cheesy, gooey center.

Storage/Reheating

Store any leftover Quesaritos in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, wrap them in foil and bake at 350°F (175°C) for 10-15 minutes or heat them in the microwave for 1-2 minutes. You can also reheat them in a skillet for a few minutes on each side to maintain the crispy texture.

FAQs

1. Can I make the Quesaritos ahead of time?

Yes, you can prep the ingredients in advance and store them separately in the fridge. Assemble and cook the Quesaritos when you’re ready to serve them.

2. Can I freeze the Quesaritos?

Yes, you can freeze the assembled, uncooked Quesaritos for up to 3 months. To cook, thaw them in the fridge overnight and then follow the cooking instructions.

3. Can I use a different type of cheese?

Yes, you can use any type of cheese you prefer, such as cheddar, Monterey Jack, or a Mexican cheese blend.

4. Can I make this dish spicier?

Absolutely! Add more chipotle sauce, jalapeños, or a hotter salsa to make the Quesaritos as spicy as you like.

5. Can I use a different kind of rice?

Yes, you can use brown rice or any other rice you prefer. Just be sure to adjust the cooking time as needed.

6. Can I make this dish vegetarian?

Yes, you can easily make these Quesaritos vegetarian by using beans, rice, and veggies instead of ground beef.

7. Can I use a different tortilla size?

Yes, you can use smaller tortillas for mini Quesaritos or larger ones for bigger servings. Adjust the cooking time accordingly.

8. How do I get the tortilla crispy?

To make sure the tortillas are crispy, be sure to cook them in a hot skillet with a little olive oil on medium-high heat. Don’t skip this step for the perfect crispy texture!

9. Can I use store-bought salsa instead of chunky salsa?

Yes, you can use any type of salsa, but chunky salsa will add a bit more texture and flavor to the dish.

10. Can I make the chipotle sauce spicier?

Yes, you can add more chipotle sauce or extra chili powder to the chipotle sauce to increase the heat level.

Conclusion

This Taco Bell-inspired Cheesy Quesarito brings the bold flavors and comforting ingredients of the fast-food favorite straight to your home. With seasoned beef, smoky chipotle sauce, and gooey cheese all wrapped in a soft tortilla, this meal is sure to satisfy your cravings. Quick, customizable, and full of flavor, it’s the perfect dish for any occasion. Enjoy your homemade Quesarito with your favorite toppings and make it your own!

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