Stuffed Taco Bell Beef Burrito: Craving that iconic Taco Bell flavor but want a bigger, bolder, and more satisfying experience? Then you’ve come to the right place! Forget waiting in line – we’re bringing the drive-thru to your kitchen with a homemade version that’s even better than the original.
The allure of the burrito is undeniable. A warm, comforting package filled with savory goodness, it’s a culinary staple with roots deep in Mexican cuisine. While Taco Bell’s interpretation might not be strictly traditional, it has undoubtedly captured the hearts (and stomachs!) of millions with its unique blend of flavors and textures. Think seasoned beef, creamy sauces, and that signature cheesy goodness all wrapped in a warm tortilla.
What makes a Stuffed Taco Bell Beef Burrito so irresistible? It’s the perfect combination of convenience and comfort food. It’s quick, easy to eat on the go, and delivers a satisfying burst of flavor with every bite. People love the customizable nature of burritos, allowing them to tailor the fillings to their exact preferences. And let’s be honest, who can resist that warm, melty cheese and perfectly seasoned beef? This recipe takes all those beloved elements and elevates them to a whole new level. Get ready to experience a truly epic Stuffed Taco Bell Beef Burrito that will become a new favorite in your household!
Ingredients:
- For the Seasoned Ground Beef:
- 1 pound ground beef (80/20 blend recommended for flavor)
- 1 packet Taco Bell Taco Seasoning (or homemade equivalent – see notes)
- ¾ cup water
- For the Seasoned Rice:
- 1 cup long-grain white rice
- 2 cups chicken broth
- 1 tablespoon butter
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon garlic powder
- ¼ teaspoon onion powder
- Pinch of cumin
- For the Nacho Cheese Sauce:
- 4 tablespoons butter
- 4 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 3 cups milk (whole milk recommended for richness)
- 8 ounces Velveeta cheese, cubed
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon garlic powder
- ¼ teaspoon onion powder
- Pinch of cayenne pepper (optional, for a little kick)
- For the Creamy Jalapeño Sauce:
- ½ cup mayonnaise
- 2 tablespoons pickled jalapeño juice
- 1 tablespoon minced pickled jalapeños
- 1 teaspoon white vinegar
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ¼ teaspoon onion powder
- Pinch of sugar
- For the Sour Cream:
- 1 cup sour cream
- For the Shredded Lettuce:
- 2 cups shredded iceberg lettuce
- For the Diced Tomatoes:
- 1 cup diced tomatoes
- For the Three Cheese Blend:
- 1 cup shredded cheddar, Monterey Jack, and Pepper Jack cheese blend
- For the Tortillas:
- 4 large flour tortillas (12-inch size recommended)
Preparing the Seasoned Ground Beef
- Brown the Ground Beef: In a large skillet over medium-high heat, brown the ground beef, breaking it up with a spoon as it cooks. Cook until no longer pink. Drain off any excess grease. This is crucial for preventing a greasy burrito!
- Add Seasoning and Water: Stir in the Taco Bell Taco Seasoning (or your homemade equivalent) and water. Bring to a simmer.
- Simmer and Thicken: Reduce the heat to low and simmer for about 10-15 minutes, or until the liquid has reduced and the beef is nicely seasoned and slightly thickened. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking. You want the beef to be moist, but not swimming in liquid.
Cooking the Seasoned Rice
- Combine Ingredients: In a medium saucepan, combine the rice, chicken broth, butter, salt, garlic powder, onion powder, and cumin.
- Bring to a Boil: Bring the mixture to a boil over medium-high heat.
- Simmer and Cook: Once boiling, reduce the heat to low, cover the saucepan, and simmer for 18-20 minutes, or until the rice is cooked through and the liquid has been absorbed. Do not lift the lid during the simmering process, as this will release steam and affect the cooking time.
- Fluff and Rest: Remove the saucepan from the heat and let it sit, covered, for 5-10 minutes. This allows the rice to steam and become perfectly fluffy. After resting, fluff the rice with a fork.
Making the Nacho Cheese Sauce
- Make a Roux: In a medium saucepan over medium heat, melt the butter. Once melted, whisk in the flour and cook for 1-2 minutes, stirring constantly. This creates a roux, which will thicken the cheese sauce. Be careful not to burn the roux, as this will give the sauce a bitter taste.
- Whisk in the Milk: Gradually whisk in the milk, a little at a time, ensuring that each addition is fully incorporated before adding more. This will prevent lumps from forming. Continue whisking until the mixture is smooth.
- Simmer and Thicken: Bring the mixture to a simmer, stirring constantly. Reduce the heat to low and simmer for 5-7 minutes, or until the sauce has thickened slightly.
- Add the Cheese and Seasonings: Remove the saucepan from the heat and add the cubed Velveeta cheese, salt, garlic powder, onion powder, and cayenne pepper (if using). Stir until the cheese is completely melted and the sauce is smooth and creamy. If the sauce is too thick, add a little more milk to reach your desired consistency.
Preparing the Creamy Jalapeño Sauce
- Combine Ingredients: In a small bowl, combine the mayonnaise, pickled jalapeño juice, minced pickled jalapeños, white vinegar, garlic powder, onion powder, and sugar.
- Mix Well: Stir well until all ingredients are thoroughly combined.
- Adjust to Taste: Taste and adjust the seasonings as needed. Add more jalapeño juice for a spicier sauce, or more sugar to balance the flavors.
- Chill (Optional): For best results, cover the bowl and refrigerate the sauce for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.
Assembling the Stuffed Burritos
- Warm the Tortillas: Warm the tortillas in a dry skillet over medium heat for about 15-20 seconds per side, or until they are pliable. This will prevent them from tearing when you fold them. You can also warm them in the microwave for a few seconds.
- Layer the Ingredients: Lay a warm tortilla flat on a clean surface. Spread a thin layer of nacho cheese sauce in the center of the tortilla, leaving about 2 inches of space around the edges.
- Add the Rice: Spoon about ½ cup of seasoned rice over the nacho cheese sauce.
- Add the Ground Beef: Top the rice with about ½ cup of seasoned ground beef.
- Add the Sour Cream: Dollop about 2 tablespoons of sour cream over the ground beef.
- Add the Creamy Jalapeño Sauce: Drizzle about 2 tablespoons of creamy jalapeño sauce over the sour cream.
- Add the Lettuce and Tomatoes: Sprinkle about ½ cup of shredded lettuce and ¼ cup of diced tomatoes over the sauces.
- Add the Cheese: Sprinkle about ¼ cup of the three-cheese blend over the lettuce and tomatoes.
- Fold the Burrito: Fold in the sides of the tortilla towards the center, then fold the bottom edge up and over the filling, tucking it in tightly. Roll the burrito forward until it is completely sealed.
- Repeat: Repeat steps 2-9 for the remaining tortillas and ingredients.
Optional: Grilling or Pan-Frying the Burritos
- Heat the Skillet: Heat a large skillet or griddle over medium heat.
- Cook the Burritos: Place the assembled burritos in the hot skillet, seam-side down. Cook for 2-3 minutes per side, or until golden brown and crispy. This step is optional, but it adds a nice texture and flavor to the burritos.
- Serve Immediately: Serve the stuffed burritos immediately. You can cut them in half for easier eating.
Homemade Taco Seasoning (Alternative to Taco Bell Packet):
If you don’t have Taco Bell seasoning on hand, you can easily make your own! Combine 2 tablespoons chili powder, 1 tablespoon cumin, 1 teaspoon paprika, ½ teaspoon garlic powder, ½ teaspoon onion powder, ¼ teaspoon oregano, ¼ teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional), and ½ teaspoon salt. Mix well and use as directed in the recipe.
Tips and Variations:
- Spice Level: Adjust the amount of cayenne pepper in the nacho cheese sauce and the amount of jalapeños in the creamy jalapeño sauce to control the spice level.
- Vegetarian Option: Substitute the ground beef with seasoned black beans or lentils for a vegetarian version.
- Add-ins: Feel free to add other ingredients to your burritos, such as guacamole, pico de gallo, or pickled onions.
- Make Ahead: You can prepare the seasoned ground beef, rice, nacho cheese sauce, and creamy jalapeño sauce ahead of time and store them in the refrigerator. When you’re ready to assemble the burritos, simply
Conclusion:
So, there you have it! This Stuffed Taco Bell Beef Burrito recipe is truly a game-changer. It’s not just about recreating a fast-food favorite; it’s about elevating it, customizing it, and making it your own. The combination of seasoned ground beef, creamy rice, tangy sauces, and all your favorite Taco Bell-inspired fillings, all wrapped in a warm, comforting tortilla, is simply irresistible. Trust me, once you take that first bite, you’ll understand why I’m so enthusiastic about this recipe.
But why is this burrito a must-try? Well, beyond the sheer deliciousness, it’s incredibly versatile. You’re not limited to my specific ingredient list. Feel free to experiment with different types of cheese – maybe a sharp cheddar or a spicy pepper jack. Add some grilled onions and peppers for extra flavor and texture. Or, if you’re feeling adventurous, throw in some black beans or corn for a Southwestern twist. The possibilities are endless!
And speaking of variations, let’s talk serving suggestions. While this burrito is perfectly satisfying on its own, you can definitely dress it up. Consider serving it with a side of sour cream and guacamole for dipping. A sprinkle of fresh cilantro and a squeeze of lime juice can also add a bright, refreshing touch. For a heartier meal, pair it with a side of Mexican rice and refried beans. And if you’re looking for a lighter option, try serving it with a fresh salad.
Here are some other ideas to make this Stuffed Taco Bell Beef Burrito your own:
Spice it Up!
If you like things hot, add a pinch of cayenne pepper to the ground beef mixture or use a spicier salsa. You could even drizzle some hot sauce over the finished burrito.
Make it Vegetarian!
Substitute the ground beef with seasoned lentils or crumbled tofu for a vegetarian-friendly version.
Breakfast Burrito Bonanza!
Add scrambled eggs and breakfast sausage to the filling for a delicious and satisfying breakfast burrito.
Mini Burrito Bites!
Use smaller tortillas to make mini burritos, perfect for appetizers or parties.
Freezer-Friendly Fun!
These burritos freeze beautifully! Wrap them individually in plastic wrap and then in foil. To reheat, simply microwave them for a few minutes or bake them in the oven until heated through.
I truly believe that this recipe is a winner, and I’m confident that you’ll love it as much as I do. It’s a fun, easy, and delicious way to enjoy a classic comfort food with a homemade twist.
So, what are you waiting for? Gather your ingredients, roll up your sleeves, and get ready to create your own amazing Stuffed Taco Bell Beef Burrito. I’m so excited for you to try it!
And most importantly, I want to hear about your experience! Did you make any modifications? What were your favorite fillings? What did your family and friends think? Please share your thoughts and photos in the comments below. I can’t wait to see your creations and hear your feedback. Happy cooking!
Stuffed Taco Bell Beef Burrito: Recipe, Ingredients & More
Recreate your favorite Taco Bell stuffed burritos at home! This recipe features seasoned ground beef, flavorful rice, creamy nacho cheese sauce, spicy jalapeño sauce, and all your favorite toppings wrapped in a warm tortilla.
By: TessaCategory: DinnerDifficulty: EasyCuisine: AmericanYield: 4 burritosDietary: VegetarianIngredients
Instructions
Recipe Notes
- Homemade Taco Seasoning (Alternative to Taco Bell Packet): If you don’t have Taco Bell seasoning on hand, you can easily make your own! Combine 2 tablespoons chili powder, 1 tablespoon cumin, 1 teaspoon paprika, ½ teaspoon garlic powder, ½ teaspoon onion powder, ¼ teaspoon oregano, ¼ teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional), and ½ teaspoon salt. Mix well and use as directed in the recipe.
- Spice Level: Adjust the amount of cayenne pepper in the nacho cheese sauce and the amount of jalapeños in the creamy jalapeño sauce to control the spice level.
- Vegetarian Option: Substitute the ground beef with seasoned black beans or lentils for a vegetarian version.
- Add-ins: Feel free to add other ingredients to your burritos, such as guacamole, pico de gallo, or pickled onions.
- Make Ahead: You can prepare the seasoned ground beef, rice, nacho cheese sauce, and creamy jalapeño sauce ahead of time and store them in the refrigerator. When you’re ready to assemble the burritos, simply warm the components and proceed with assembly.
Frequently Asked Questions
→ How do I ensure the bread stays moist?Use fresh, ripe ingredients and avoid overmixing the batter. Store in an airtight container.→ Can I substitute ingredients?Yes, you can substitute similar ingredients while maintaining the basic ratios for best results.→ How long does this bread keep?Store tightly wrapped at room temperature for 2-3 days, or refrigerate for up to a week.→ What if I don't have all the spices?You can adjust spices to taste or substitute with similar warming spices.→ Can I freeze this bread?Yes, wrap individual slices and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw at room temperature before serving.
