If you’ve ever found yourself craving something uniquely satisfying that combines the melty goodness of a quesadilla with the hearty punch of a burrito, then you’re going to fall in love with this Taco Bell Quesarito Recipe. It’s the perfect mix of rich cheeses, seasoned beef, and subtle sparks of spice wrapped up in soft flour tortillas, creating a crave-worthy meal that’s not only delicious but fun to make at home. Whether you’re aiming to recreate a fast-food favorite or just want a new way to enjoy Mexican-inspired flavors, this recipe brings excitement to your table with every bite.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Getting your hands on the right ingredients is simple yet crucial for that authentic Taco Bell Quesarito Recipe experience. Each item brings its own special touch, whether it’s the zest in the seasoning, the creaminess of the cheese, or the tender texture of the rice that fills this dish with satisfying layers.
- 2 large flour tortillas: One perfectly sized for the quesadilla base and another for wrapping everything into a neat bundle.
- 1 lb ground beef: The hearty protein foundation that absorbs all the delicious seasoning.
- 1 packet taco seasoning mix (or homemade seasoning): Adds bold, savory flavors blended with spices to enliven the beef.
- 1/2 cup water: For mixing with the taco seasoning, ensuring the beef stays juicy.
- 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese: Offers sharp, melty richness perfect for layering.
- 1/2 cup shredded mozzarella cheese: Adds creamy, stretchy texture complementing the cheddar beautifully.
- 1/2 cup sour cream: Brings tangy smoothness to balance the spices.
- 1/4 cup nacho cheese sauce (or melted cheese): Gives it that trademark cheesy indulgence reminiscent of Taco Bell.
- 1/2 cup cooked white rice: Soft and fluffy, it adds substance and soaks up flavors.
- 1/4 cup diced tomatoes: Freshness and a pop of color that cuts through richness.
- 1/4 cup chopped lettuce (optional): Adds crisp contrast if you like a little crunch.
- 2 tbsp taco sauce or hot sauce (optional): For an extra kick of heat that you can customize as you like.
- Additional 1 large flour tortilla: Used to melt more cheddar cheese inside for the quesadilla layer.
- 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese (for melting inside tortilla): Creates that irresistible cheesy quesadilla inside the Quesarito.
How to Make Taco Bell Quesarito Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Seasoned Beef
Begin by browning the ground beef in a skillet over medium heat. Once it’s fully cooked, drain any excess fat, then stir in the taco seasoning mix along with 1/2 cup of water. Let it simmer gently until the sauce thickens and the meat soaks up all those vibrant flavors—this step is what brings the signature Taco Bell taste to this homemade version.
Step 2: Cook the Rice
If you don’t have pre-cooked rice, now’s the time to prepare it. Fluffy white rice acts as an ideal filler inside your Quesarito, giving each bite a comforting texture that balances out the meaty and cheesy components perfectly.
Step 3: Make the Quesadilla Layer
Heat one large flour tortilla on a dry skillet over medium heat. Sprinkle half of the cheddar cheese evenly across it, then top with the mozzarella cheese. Fold or cover it with a second tortilla and cook until the cheese melts completely and the tortilla is golden brown and slightly crispy. This cheesy layer is the heart of the Quesarito’s unique appeal.
Step 4: Assemble the Quesarito
Lay the quesadilla on a flat surface, then layer it with the cooked seasoned beef, rice, sour cream, nacho cheese sauce, diced tomatoes, and optional chopped lettuce and taco sauce. Wrap everything tightly in another flour tortilla, folding the edges underneath to keep all the ingredients snug inside.
Step 5: Final Toast
Place the wrapped Quesarito back onto the skillet, pressing it slightly and cooking over medium heat for 1-2 minutes on each side, or until the outer tortilla is warm and lightly toasted. This final step seals in all the flavors and gives you a satisfying crispy exterior.
How to Serve Taco Bell Quesarito Recipe
Garnishes
Sprinkling some chopped fresh cilantro or green onions on top adds a pop of vibrant color and fresh flavor that brightens each bite. A dollop of guacamole or a squeeze of lime juice can also elevate the overall experience, providing a zesty lift that cuts through the richness in the quesadilla burrito.
Side Dishes
Pair your Quesarito with simple sides like a fresh side salad, crispy tortilla chips with salsa, or even a bowl of Mexican street corn for a fun contrast. These sides complement the main dish without overpowering, giving you a well-rounded meal full of textures and flavors.
Creative Ways to Present
For a party or casual get-together, slice your Quesarito into pinwheels to showcase those layers of cheese and beef, making it perfect for sharing. Alternatively, wrap it up to-go for a quick lunch or pack it alongside your favorite dips for a picnic-style feast bursting with flavor.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Wrap leftover Quesaritos tightly in foil or plastic wrap and refrigerate for up to 3 days. Make sure they’re cooled completely before storing to keep the tortillas from becoming soggy.
Freezing
If you want to keep Quesaritos longer, freeze them individually wrapped. They can last up to 2 months in the freezer. To freeze, it’s best to wrap them securely in foil and place in an airtight container or freezer bag to prevent freezer burn.
Reheating
Reheat refrigerated or thawed Quesaritos in a skillet over medium heat for a few minutes on each side to regain that toasty exterior and melty interior. You can also use a microwave for convenience, but to keep the tortilla from getting soggy, consider finishing it in a skillet or toaster oven briefly.
FAQs
Can I use ground chicken or turkey instead of beef?
Absolutely! Ground chicken or turkey works wonderfully with the taco seasoning and offers a lighter alternative that’s just as flavorful in this Taco Bell Quesarito Recipe.
Is it necessary to use both cheddar and mozzarella cheese?
While it’s traditional to combine cheddar and mozzarella for that creamy stretch and sharp flavor, feel free to use whichever cheese you prefer. A mix adds a nice balance, but single types can also work well.
Can I make this recipe vegetarian?
Yes! Replace the ground beef with seasoned beans, sautéed mushrooms, or a plant-based meat substitute to keep all the deliciousness without the meat.
What is the best way to prevent the tortilla from tearing when wrapping?
Warm your tortillas slightly before assembling; they become more pliable and less likely to tear under the pressure of folding and rolling.
Can this recipe be doubled for a larger group?
Definitely. This Taco Bell Quesarito Recipe scales up nicely, so just multiply ingredients accordingly and cook in batches.
Final Thoughts
I truly hope you give this Taco Bell Quesarito Recipe a try soon because it’s one of those dishes that brings out smiles with every gooey, flavorful bite. It’s simple, fun to prepare, and perfect for satisfying those cravings in a way that’s both nostalgic and homemade. Trust me, once you make it, you’ll never want to order out again!
Print
Taco Bell Quesarito Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 2 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Mexican
Description
This Taco Bell Quesarito recipe is a mouthwatering combination of a quesadilla and a burrito, layered with seasoned ground beef, melty cheeses, cooked rice, and zesty taco sauce, all wrapped in a large flour tortilla. Ready in just 25 minutes, this easy-to-make dish brings Tex-Mex flavors right to your kitchen for a satisfying meal perfect for any day of the week.
Ingredients
For the Beef Filling
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 packet taco seasoning mix (or homemade seasoning)
- 1/2 cup water
For the Quesadilla Base
- 1 large flour tortilla (for quesadilla)
- 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/2 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
For the Burrito Wrap
- 1 large flour tortilla (for wrapping)
- 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese (for melting inside the tortilla)
Additional Ingredients
- 1/2 cup cooked white rice
- 1/4 cup diced tomatoes
- 1/4 cup chopped lettuce (optional)
- 1/2 cup sour cream
- 1/4 cup nacho cheese sauce (or melted cheese)
- 2 tbsp taco sauce or hot sauce (optional)
Instructions
- Prepare the Beef: In a skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef until browned and crumbly. Drain excess fat. Add the taco seasoning mix and 1/2 cup water, stirring to combine. Let it simmer for 5 minutes until the mixture thickens and the beef is fully seasoned.
- Make the Quesadilla Base: Place one large flour tortilla on a separate skillet over medium heat. Sprinkle the shredded cheddar and mozzarella cheese evenly over the tortilla. Cook until the cheese melts and the tortilla becomes slightly crisp, then carefully remove from heat.
- Assemble the Quesarito: On the quesadilla, spread the cooked white rice evenly. Distribute the seasoned beef over the rice layer. Add diced tomatoes and optional chopped lettuce for freshness. Drizzle with sour cream, nacho cheese sauce, and taco or hot sauce if using.
- Wrap the Burrito: Place the second large flour tortilla on a skillet over medium heat. Sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese on it and heat until melted. Quickly place the quesadilla and beef mixture onto this melting cheese layer and roll the tortilla tightly to form a burrito. The melted cheese acts as adhesive to hold the wrap together.
- Final Warm-up: Place the wrapped quesarito seam-side down back onto the skillet. Cook for 2-3 minutes on each side until the outside is golden brown and crisp, and the filling is warmed through.
- Serve: Remove from heat, slice in half if desired, and serve immediately with extra sour cream or salsa on the side.
Notes
- You can substitute ground beef with ground turkey or a plant-based alternative for a leaner or vegetarian option.
- Use homemade taco seasoning for better control over sodium content.
- For added crunch, include shredded lettuce just before wrapping to avoid sogginess.
- Double the cheese for an extra gooey quesadilla layer.
- Serve with additional taco sauce or guacamole to enhance flavor.
