This homemade version of the Taco Bell chili cheese burrito is packed with flavor and incredibly simple to prepare. Start by browning ground beef and onion, seasoning them with chili powder, cayenne, and salt. Thicken the mixture with a cornstarch-water blend and fold in refried beans and tomato paste for a rich, hearty filling. Melt in cheddar cheese for added creaminess. Warm tortillas, fill with the meaty mixture, and roll tightly for perfect handheld burritos. These are freezer-friendly and customizable with cheese varieties or extra veggies like bell peppers and jalapenos. Serve warm with salsa and sour cream for a satisfying, crowd-pleasing meal!
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Rose
By Rose
Updated on Mon, 02 Jun 2025 16:59:50 GMT
Copycat Taco Bell Chili Cheese Burrito
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Copycat Taco Bell Chili Cheese Burrito | lovelylifewithrose.com
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If you ever craved that classic Taco Bell Chili Cheese Burrito but wanted to skip the drive-thru, this homemade version brings all the gooey, spicy flavor right to your kitchen These burritos are bursting with seasoned beef silky beans and melty cheese all wrapped in a soft flour tortilla and perfect for busy weeknights or game day snacking
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Perfect comfort food the filling is rich cheesy with the perfect kick
Can be customized easily swap cheeses or add veggies
Feeds a crowd these burritos come together fast and stay warm for parties
My family asks for these on movie night and I love that each person can add their favorite toppings or fold them just the way they like I swear the kitchen always smells like my favorite taco spot when I make these
Ingredients
Ground beef: provides hearty protein and classic flavor go for fresher beef with bright red color and little excess fat
Yellow onion: sweetens the chili base I look for firm onions with papery skin
Chili powder: brings warmth and signature depth use a good quality powder for best results
Cayenne pepper: adds a subtle heat adjust to taste or omit for milder burritos
Salt: enhances all the flavors choose sea salt or kosher if possible
Water: lets the flavors meld and helps with saucy texture filtered is best if available
Cornstarch: thickens the filling effortlessly make sure it’s lump free
Refried beans: make the filling creamy and satisfying try to select low sodium canned beans or make your own
Tomato paste: adds richness and the right hint of tang concentrate from a tube works best
Cheddar cheese: delivers that gooey melt opt for extra sharp for the classic Taco Bell vibe or your favorite melting cheese
Flour tortillas: wrap everything up soft and tender fresh tortillas warm up beautifully and hold the filling well
Step-by-Step Instructions
Brown the Beef and Sauté the Onions:
In your largest skillet set over medium high heat toss in the ground beef and diced onion Stir often until the beef is fully browned and the onions are translucent which usually takes about eight minutes Drain away any extra fat This step lays your flavor foundation
Spice and Simmer:
Sprinkle the chili powder cayenne pepper and salt over the meat mixture Stir until the beef is thoroughly coated and the spices are fragrant Pour in two cups of water Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer and keep stirring to make sure nothing sticks to the bottom
Thicken the Mixture:
In a small bowl blend cornstarch with the remaining two tablespoons of water Stir until completely smooth then drizzle this slurry into the simmering skillet It only takes another minute or two for the sauce to thicken and get glossy This guarantees every bite is saucy not runny
Fold in Beans and Tomato Paste:
Spoon in the whole can of refried beans and the tomato paste Stir gently until the mixture is uniform and smooth Allow the filling to warm through so that everything melds together The refried beans pull the mixture into that nostalgic spreadable texture
Melt in the Cheese:
Scatter in one and a half cups of cheddar cheese Stir until it fully melts and combines This step seals together the chili cheese flavor and keeps things wonderfully gooey
Assemble the Burritos:
Warm the flour tortillas briefly in a microwave to make them pliable Lay one out flat Sprinkle a little reserved cheddar in the center Add a generous scoop about a quarter to half cup of the meat filling Fold the sides in and tightly roll up the tortilla creating a snug log Do this for each burrito
Serve and Enjoy:
Serve the burritos hot with your favorite dips like salsa or sour cream Pile on any extra toppings you love or just dig in while they are melty and warm
Copycat Taco Bell Chili Cheese Burrito
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Copycat Taco Bell Chili Cheese Burrito | lovelylifewithrose.com
You Must Know
High in protein and can be made vegetarian by swapping beef for black beans
Wraps up great for meal prep keeping flavor and texture for days
Saucy filling ensures burritos are never dry or bland
My favorite ingredient here is the cheddar cheese because nothing beats that stretch when you pull apart a fresh burrito My kids love assembling their own burritos everyone gets involved and the table is always lively and full of laughter
Storage Tips
Chili Cheese Burritos are perfect for make ahead meals Once cooled wrap each one tightly in plastic wrap and store in an airtight bag in the fridge They reheat beautifully in a microwave or oven For longer storage layer wrapped burritos in the freezer where they will keep up to three months
Ingredient Swaps
If you want a leaner option ground turkey swaps nicely for beef For heat lovers a few chopped jalapenos or pepper jack cheese can boost the spice No refried beans Try mashed pinto beans or black beans for a slightly different taste
Serving Suggestions
These burritos go well with simple sides like Mexican rice corn salad or guacamole You can also cut them in half for party snack trays Try topping with diced tomatoes chopped scallions or a drizzle of hot sauce for even more flavor
The Burrito’s Roots
This dish is inspired by the Taco Bell classic which became a cult favorite in the nineties It fuses spicy chili the heart of Tex Mex fare with the universal appeal of a cheesy burrito The homemade version captures nostalgia and lets you tweak every detail
Pro Tips
Warming the tortillas before filling makes rolling a breeze and prevents cracking
Allow the filling to thicken fully on the stovetop this keeps your burritos mess free
Shred your own cheese for the best melt pre shredded just does not compare
Frequently Asked Questions
→ Can I use a different type of meat?
Yes, you can substitute ground beef with turkey, chicken, or plant-based meat alternatives for a delicious variation.
→ What type of cheese works best?
Cheddar is classic, but you can use mozzarella, pepper jack, or a Mexican cheese blend for different flavors.
→ Can I freeze these burritos?
Yes, let them cool completely, wrap individually in plastic, and store in a freezer bag for up to 3 months.
→ How do I reheat frozen burritos?
Reheat in the microwave for 2-3 minutes or in the oven at 350°F for 20 minutes, ensuring they’re heated through.
→ Can I add vegetables to the filling?
Absolutely! You can add diced bell peppers, jalapenos, or even corn to enhance texture and flavor.
Ezoic
Copycat Taco Bell Chili Cheese
Recreate the famous chili cheese burrito easily in your kitchen with flexible, delicious customization.
Prep Time
10 Minutes
Cook Time
20 Minutes
Total Time
30 Minutes
By: Rose
Category: Main Dishes
Difficulty: Easy
Cuisine: Mexican
Yield: 10 Servings (10 burritos)
Dietary: ~
Ingredients
1 pound ground beef
1 medium yellow onion, diced
3 tablespoons chili powder
1 teaspoon cayenne pepper
1 teaspoon salt
2 cups water, plus 2 tablespoons divided
2 tablespoons cornstarch
1-16 ounce can refried beans
1-6 ounce can tomato paste (about 6 tablespoons)
3 cups shredded cheddar cheese
10 (10-inch) flour tortillas
Instructions
Heat a large skillet on medium-high heat. Add the ground beef and diced onion and cook until browned. Drain the extra fat and stir in chili powder, cayenne pepper, and salt. Add 2 cups of water.
In a small bowl, mix cornstarch with the remaining 2 tablespoons of water. Add this mixture to the skillet and bring it to a simmer to thicken.
Add the refried beans and tomato paste to the skillet. Stir until fully combined.
Add 1 1/2 cups of the shredded cheddar cheese to the skillet. Stir until melted and fully incorporated.
Place a tortilla on a cutting board. Add a pinch of shredded cheese followed by 1/4 to 1/2 cup of the meat mixture. Fold the sides and roll the tortilla into a log shape. Warm tortillas in the microwave for 15 seconds if needed to make them more pliable.
Serve the burritos with sour cream and salsa if desired.
Notes
Use cheddar, mozzarella, pepper jack, or a Mexican blend for the cheese.
Add extra vegetables like bell peppers or jalapeno peppers for additional flavor.
Freeze cooled burritos: Wrap each in plastic wrap and place into a ziplock freezer bag. Store for up to 3 months.
Tools You’ll Need
Large skillet
Cutting board
Microwave (optional)
Mixing bowl
Allergy Information
Please check ingredients for potential allergens and consult a health professional if in doubt.
Nutrition Facts (Per Serving)
It is important to consider this information as approximate and not to use it as definitive health advice.