This Easy Copycat Taco Bell Chili Cheese Burrito is a fun twist on a fast-food favorite! With tasty chili, gooey cheese, and soft tortillas, it’s sure to satisfy your cravings.
I love making these burritos at home! They’re super easy and you can pile on as much cheese as you want—because who doesn’t like a little extra cheesy goodness? 😋
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Ground Beef: A classic choice for this recipe, but you could use turkey or chicken for a lighter version. Alternatively, go for plant-based ground meat as a vegetarian option.
Onion: I use yellow onion for its sweetness, but you can swap it for white onion or even shallots if that’s what you have on hand. Red onion can work too, adding a slightly different flavor.
Cheese: Cheddar cheese is traditional, but you can try pepper jack for a kick, or use Velveeta for that ultra-creamy texture. Mix and match based on your taste!
Kidney Beans: They’re optional but add extra protein and fiber. Black beans or pinto beans are great substitutes if you prefer. If you want to skip beans altogether, just add a bit more meat or veggies.
How Do I Make Sure My Chili Mixture Is Perfectly Flavored?
Getting the chili mix right is key. Start by cooking the onions and garlic well to build a flavor base. Don’t rush adding the spices—mix them in and let the mixture simmer. This allows the flavors to develop.
- Sauté onions until soft, then add garlic for just a short time to enhance its flavor.
- After cooking the beef, drain excess fat to avoid a greasy chili.
- Add chili powder and other spices, then let them cook with the sauce for at least 10-15 minutes for the best flavor.
With these tips in mind, you’ll create a delicious filling for your burritos that’s packed with flavor! Enjoy your homemade creation!
Easy Copycat Taco Bell Chili Cheese Burrito
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1/4 cup onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 (8 oz) can tomato sauce
- 1/2 cup kidney beans, drained and rinsed (optional)
- 1 tbsp chili powder
- 1 tsp ground cumin
- 1/2 tsp smoked paprika
- 1/4 tsp cayenne pepper (optional for heat)
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese (or a cheddar and Monterey Jack mix)
- 4 large flour tortillas (10-inch size)
- Cooking oil or spray for pan
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 15 minutes for preparation and another 20-30 minutes to cook and simmer the chili, making a total of about 45 minutes. Once you get everything smoothly flowing, it’s quick and easy to whip these up. Perfect for a fast weeknight meal or a fun weekend treat!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Ingredients:
Start by getting everything ready! Chop the onion and mince the garlic while the skillet heats up over medium heat. Having everything prepped makes cooking easier and quicker.
2. Cook the Onions and Garlic:
Add a little cooking oil to your skillet and sauté the chopped onion for about 3-4 minutes until it’s soft and translucent. Then, add the garlic and cook for another 30 seconds, just until you can smell its delicious aroma.
3. Brown the Ground Beef:
Now, add the ground beef to the skillet. Break it apart with a spatula or spoon and cook until it’s fully browned, with no pink remaining. This should take about 5-7 minutes. Don’t forget to drain any excess grease if there’s too much!
4. Spice Things Up:
Once the beef is browned, stir in the tomato sauce, kidney beans (if using), chili powder, ground cumin, smoked paprika, cayenne pepper (for a kick!), salt, and black pepper. Mix everything together well and then lower the heat to let it simmer for about 10-15 minutes. This helps all the flavors blend together beautifully!
5. Warm Up the Tortillas:
While your chili is simmering, take a couple of minutes to warm up the tortillas. You can do this in a dry skillet for a few seconds on each side or in the microwave for about 20-30 seconds until they’re soft and easy to fold.
6. Assemble Your Burritos:
Time to put it all together! Spoon a generous amount of the chili mixture onto the center of each tortilla. Then sprinkle a good handful of shredded cheese over the chili while it’s hot, so the cheese melts nicely.
7. Roll It Up:
Fold the sides of the tortilla over the filling, then roll tightly from the bottom to the top to create a burrito. Make sure it’s snug so nothing falls out!
8. Extra Melty Finish (Optional):
If you want your burritos to have that extra melty goodness, place them seam-side down in a heated skillet. Cook for about 1-2 minutes per side until they’re golden and a little crispy.
9. Serve and Enjoy:
Serve your delicious burritos warm. Pair them with sour cream, jalapeño slices, and tortilla chips on the side for a complete meal that tastes just like your favorite Taco Bell treat. Enjoy every bite!
Now you’ve got a tasty homemade version of Taco Bell’s Chili Cheese Burrito. Enjoy cooking and even more, enjoy eating!
FAQ for Easy Copycat Taco Bell Chili Cheese Burrito
Can I Use Ground Turkey Instead of Ground Beef?
Absolutely! Ground turkey is a great leaner alternative that still works perfectly in this recipe. Just keep in mind that it may cook slightly faster, so watch the browning time!
Can I Prepare This Recipe Vegetarian?
Yes! Simply replace the ground beef with plant-based ground meat or a combination of sautéed mushrooms and bell peppers for a hearty vegetarian option. You can keep the kidney beans for added texture!
How Do I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftover burritos in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, wrap them in a damp paper towel and microwave for about 1-2 minutes, or heat in a skillet until warmed through.
Can I Freeze These Burritos?
Yes, you can freeze the assembled but unbaked burritos! Wrap each burrito tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil, then place them in a freezer-safe bag. They can be frozen for up to 3 months. Just thaw in the fridge overnight before reheating!
