Copycat Taco Bell Chili Cheese Burrito

Copycat Taco Bell Chili Cheese Burrito – Just Like the Drive-Thru, but Better!

Craving that iconic, comforting taste of a Taco Bell Chili Cheese Burrito? Now you can make it at home, and dare we say, even better! This Copycat Taco Bell Chili Cheese Burrito recipe delivers all the familiar flavors you love: perfectly seasoned ground beef, rich and creamy refried beans, and an abundance of melty cheese, all wrapped snugly in a warm, soft flour tortilla. It’s the ultimate fast-food indulgence, made fresh in your kitchen, and it’s even freezer-friendly for quick meals anytime!

Why You’ll Love These Copycat Burritos

Spot-On Flavor: Replicates the classic Chili Cheese Burrito taste with authentic ingredients.
Homemade Freshness: Control over ingredients means a fresher, more delicious burrito.
Budget-Friendly: Much more economical than multiple drive-thru trips.
Freezer-Friendly: Perfect for meal prepping; make a batch and freeze for quick, satisfying meals.
Customizable: Easily adjust the spice level or add extra fillings to suit your taste.

What You’ll Need

Gather these simple ingredients to craft your delicious Copycat Taco Bell Chili Cheese Burritos:

Ingredients (Makes 10 burritos):

1 lb ground beef (lean recommended)
1 medium yellow onion, diced
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 (15-ounce) can tomato sauce
1 (10-ounce) can Rotel diced tomatoes with green chiles, undrained (mild or hot, depending on preference)
1 (1.25-ounce) packet chili seasoning mix (or 2 tbsp homemade chili powder blend)
1 teaspoon ground cumin
½ teaspoon smoked paprika
¼ teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional, for extra heat)
Salt and black pepper, to taste
1 (16-ounce) can refried beans
10 large flour tortillas (burrito size, about 10-inch)
2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese, divided (or a Colby Jack blend)
1 tablespoon olive oil

Instructions: Cook, Simmer, Assemble, and Melt!

1. Brown the Beef & Aromatics:

Heat 1 tablespoon olive oil in a large skillet or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Add the 1 lb ground beef and 1 medium diced yellow onion. Cook, breaking up the beef with a spoon, until the beef is browned and the onion is softened, about 8-10 minutes. Drain off any excess grease thoroughly. Add the 2 cloves minced garlic and cook for 1 minute more until fragrant.

2. Build the Chili-Style Sauce:

Stir in the 1 (1.25-ounce) packet chili seasoning mix, 1 teaspoon ground cumin, ½ teaspoon smoked paprika, and ¼ teaspoon cayenne pepper (if using) into the browned beef and onion. Cook for 1 minute, stirring constantly, to toast the spices. Add the 1 (15-ounce) can tomato sauce and 1 (10-ounce) can Rotel diced tomatoes with green chiles (undrained). Stir everything together. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer, then reduce heat to low. Let it simmer, uncovered, for 15-20 minutes, stirring occasionally, to allow the flavors to meld and the sauce to thicken slightly. Season with salt and black pepper to taste. Remove from heat.

3. Warm the Tortillas & Refried Beans:

While the chili simmers, warm the 10 large flour tortillas to make them pliable and easy to roll. You can do this by:

Microwave: Wrap 2-3 tortillas in a damp paper towel and microwave for 20-30 seconds until warm and soft. Repeat with remaining tortillas.
Skillet: Heat a dry skillet over medium heat and warm each tortilla for 15-20 seconds per side. In a small saucepan or microwave-safe bowl, gently warm the 1 (16-ounce) can refried beans until spreadable.

4. Assemble the Burritos:

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) if you plan to bake them right away. Lay one warm tortilla flat on a clean surface. Spread about 2 tablespoons of warm refried beans in a strip down the center of the tortilla, leaving space at the top and bottom. Spoon about ¼ cup of the prepared chili-style ground beef mixture over the refried beans. Sprinkle generously with about 2-3 tablespoons of shredded sharp cheddar cheese over the beef and beans.

5. Roll the Burritos:

Carefully fold the short ends of the tortilla inwards over the filling. Then, fold one long side of the tortilla tightly over the filling, tucking it in as you roll tightly to enclose the filling completely. Continue rolling until you have a compact, sealed burrito. Place the finished burrito seam-side down on a plate or a prepared baking sheet. Repeat with the remaining tortillas and filling.

6. Bake (Optional, for Melty Goodness):

If serving immediately, place the assembled burritos on a baking sheet. Bake for 8-12 minutes, or until the burritos are heated through and the cheese inside is fully melted and gooey. For a slightly crispy exterior, you can lightly brush the burritos with a tiny bit of oil before baking, or pan-fry them briefly in a non-stick skillet over medium heat until golden on both sides.

7. Serve and Enjoy!

Serve the Copycat Taco Bell Chili Cheese Burritos hot and fresh. They are perfect on their own, or with a side of hot sauce, sour cream, or salsa for dipping.

Tips for Better-Than-Drive-Thru Results & Freezing

Drain Beef Thoroughly: Excess grease will make your burritos soggy. Don’t skip this step!
Flavorful Chili Base: The combination of chili seasoning, cumin, and smoked paprika gives that deep, complex flavor. Taste and adjust seasonings as needed.
Warm Tortillas are Key: This cannot be stressed enough! Warm, pliable tortillas are essential for easy, crack-free rolling.
Don’t Overfill: While tempting, overfilling will make the burritos difficult to roll tightly and prone to bursting.
Tight Rolling: A tightly rolled burrito holds its shape better and keeps the filling secure.
Cheese Choice: Sharp cheddar is classic for Chili Cheese Burritos, but a Colby Jack blend also melts beautifully and offers a mild flavor.
Homemade Chili Seasoning: If you prefer to make your own, a basic blend includes chili powder, cumin, garlic powder, onion powder, oregano, salt, and a pinch of cayenne.
Freezing Instructions:
1. Assemble the burritos completely (up to step 5).
2. Wrap each individual burrito tightly in plastic wrap, then again in aluminum foil. This double layer prevents freezer burn.
3. Place the wrapped burritos in a freezer-safe bag or container. Freeze for up to 3 months.
4. To Reheat from Frozen: Unwrap the burrito (remove plastic wrap and foil). For best results, wrap loosely in a paper towel. Microwave for 2-3 minutes, flipping halfway. Then, for a crispier exterior, transfer to a preheated oven (375°F / 190°C) or air fryer for 5-10 minutes, or pan-fry in a lightly oiled skillet until heated through and golden.

These Copycat Taco Bell Chili Cheese Burritos are a testament to how simple ingredients can come together to create something incredibly delicious and satisfying. Enjoy your homemade, customizable fast-food favorite!