The Quesarito from Taco Bell features a warm, cheesy quesadilla folded around a seasoned beef filling, creamy nacho cheese sauce, rice, and tangy chipotle sauce, resulting in a rich, savory burrito with a crispy, melted cheese exterior.
Equipments
- Flat-top grill or griddle
- Sauce bottle (for chipotle and nacho cheese sauce)
- Rice cooker
- Sauté pan or skillet
- Spatula
- Chef’s knife
- Cutting board
- Cheese shredder (if shredding cheese fresh)
- Mixing bowls
- Food warmer/hot holding unit
- Tortilla warmer or microwave
- Ladle or spoon (for sauces and rice)
- Tongs
- Measuring cups and spoons
Ingredients
- 1 lb (450g) seasoned ground beef
- 2 large flour tortillas (burrito size)
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 cup shredded Monterey Jack cheese
- 1 cup cooked white rice
- 1/2 cup nacho cheese sauce
- 1/4 cup chipotle sauce
- Salt
- Black pepper
- Cooking oil or nonstick spray
Ensure you use seasoned ground beef with balanced spices to replicate the authentic Taco Bell Quesarito flavor. Freshly shredded cheddar and Monterey Jack cheeses melt evenly, creating the crispy, gooey exterior crucial to the dish's texture. Use warm, large flour tortillas for easy folding and to prevent tearing during grilling. Proper application of creamy nacho cheese and tangy chipotle sauce in measured amounts enhances the signature rich and savory taste. Your homemade Quesarito from the Taco Bell copycat menu will impress when ingredients are prepared precisely for optimal flavor and texture.
Instructions
- **Instructions:**
- Preheat the flat-top grill or griddle to medium-high heat.
- Cook the seasoned ground beef in a sauté pan or skillet over medium heat until browned; drain excess fat.
- Season the cooked beef with salt and black pepper to taste; set aside in a food warmer/hot holding unit.
- Warm the flour tortillas in a tortilla warmer or microwave until pliable.
- Place one warmed tortilla on the cutting board.
- Sprinkle half of the cheddar and half of the Monterey Jack cheese evenly over the tortilla.
- Top the cheese with the second tortilla, pressing gently to adhere.
- Lightly oil or spray the griddle, then transfer the stacked tortillas onto it.
- Cook until the bottom is golden and the cheese begins to melt, about 1–2 minutes.
- Flip the tortillas using a spatula, and cook the other side until golden and melted.
- Remove the quesadilla from the griddle and place it back on the cutting board.
- Spoon half of the cooked white rice in a line down the center of the quesadilla.
- Evenly layer half of the beef over the rice.
- Drizzle with equal amounts of nacho cheese sauce and chipotle sauce using a sauce bottle, ladle, or spoon.
- Fold the sides of the quesadilla over the filling, then roll it up tightly like a burrito.
- Repeat steps 5–15 for the second Quesarito.
- Place assembled Quesaritos back onto the griddle, seam-side down, to seal and crisp the exterior, about 1 minute.
- Remove from heat and let rest for 1–2 minutes.
- Slice each Quesarito in half with a chef’s knife, if desired.
- Serve warm.
Substitution
The Quesarito from Taco Bell copycat menu combines a cheesy quesadilla wrapped around seasoned ground beef, rice, nacho cheese sauce, and chipotle sauce to create a crispy, flavorful burrito. If you don't have nacho cheese sauce on hand, substitute with a blend of melted cheddar and Monterey Jack cheeses mixed with a splash of milk for creaminess. Use canned chipotle peppers in adobo sauce as an alternative for the chipotle sauce to maintain the smoky, spicy flavor. When preparing the quesadilla exterior, spray the grill or griddle lightly with cooking oil to prevent sticking and promote even browning. Your tortillas should be warmed before assembly to make folding easier and prevent tearing during cooking.
Tips
Ensure your seasoned ground beef is well-drained to prevent soggy Quesaritos, which helps maintain the quesadilla's crispy texture. Warm the tortillas until pliable to avoid cracking or tearing during folding and rolling. Use a spatula carefully when flipping the quesadilla to keep the cheese intact and evenly melted. When assembling, distribute the rice and beef evenly down the center to ensure every bite delivers balanced flavors and textures for your perfect Quesarito experience.
Nutritions
Your Quesarito packs a calorie-dense meal with roughly 700-800 calories per serving, primarily from the seasoned beef, cheese, and tortillas. Protein content is significant, providing about 35-40 grams per portion, supporting muscle maintenance and satiety. The inclusion of cooked white rice adds carbohydrates for energy, while the nacho cheese and chipotle sauces contribute fats and sodium, which you should consume in moderation. This dish also offers calcium from the cheddar and Monterey Jack cheeses, enhancing bone health.
Storage
Store leftover Quesaritos in an airtight container and refrigerate within two hours of cooking to ensure freshness and prevent bacterial growth. When ready to enjoy, reheat using a microwave or oven until the filling is heated through and the exterior regains crispiness. Your Quesarito will maintain the best texture and flavor if consumed within 3-4 days of refrigeration.
Variation or Alternatives
You can substitute ground turkey or shredded chicken for the seasoned ground beef for a leaner protein option. Adding black beans or corn to the filling introduces extra texture and fiber, enhancing the burrito's nutritional profile. To intensify flavor, mix finely chopped jalapenos or green chilies into the chipotle sauce before drizzling. Experiment with toasting the assembled Quesaritos on a sandwich press or panini maker to achieve an evenly crispy exterior and melted cheese interior.
Allergies
The Quesarito contains common allergens such as dairy from the cheddar, Monterey Jack cheeses, and nacho cheese sauce, which can trigger reactions in individuals with lactose intolerance or milk allergies. The flour tortillas include gluten, posing a risk for those with celiac disease or gluten sensitivity. If you're allergic to any of these ingredients, it's important to verify with Taco Bell or consider alternatives to ensure your safety.
Why this recipe?
The Quesarito menu from Taco Bell is popular for its unique combination of a quesadilla and burrito, offering a flavorful blend of melted cheese, seasoned beef, and creamy sauces wrapped in a crispy tortilla. You'll appreciate the rich, cheesy texture and bold spices that create a satisfying and indulgent meal experience. Making a copycat version allows you to customize ingredients to your taste preferences while enjoying a budget-friendly alternative at home. This fusion of two favorite Mexican-inspired dishes makes the Quesarito a standout choice for both fast-food lovers and culinary enthusiasts.