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Taco Bell Quesarito Cheesy

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Savor a homemade take on a fast food favorite with this cheesy quesarito featuring seasoned ground beef, Spanish rice, and a zesty chipotle sauce. Each burrito is wrapped in two toasted tortillas with gooey nacho and shredded Mexican cheeses, then filled with hearty taco meat, rice, and creamy toppings for maximum flavor. A quick sear in olive oil creates a crisp, golden finish for every bite. Perfect for a satisfying meal with bold flavors and a comforting, melty interior.

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Updated on Wed, 23 Jul 2025 23:29:50 GMT
A close-up of a Quesarito Cheesy, a Mexican dish made with a tortilla, cheese, and meat. Pin it
A close-up of a Quesarito Cheesy, a Mexican dish made with a tortilla, cheese, and meat. | myhomemaderecipe.com

Craving a Taco Bell Quesarito but want to enjoy it fresh at home This copycat Quesarito delivers on cheesy layers savory beef and that smoky chipotle kick you get in the original I started making these when my family wanted takeout vibes without the drive and honestly I still get requests for them every month

I always sneak a crispy quesadilla edge bite before serving That melty cheese and seared tortilla is such a comfort

Ingredients

  • Ground beef: creates the familiar taco filling be sure to pick ninety percent lean for less grease
  • Taco seasoning: gives the beef that signature Taco Bell flavor use your favorite brand or homemade
  • Onion: adds depth to the rice go for yellow onions for their sweetness
  • White rice: forms the base of the Spanish rice choose long grain for the best texture
  • Chicken broth: infuses the rice with savory taste grab low sodium for more control over the salt
  • Chunky salsa: adds acidity and a tomato punch to the rice look for one with visible veggies
  • Garlic salt and cumin: both make the Spanish rice pop freshly ground cumin gives extra warmth
  • Olive oil: helps brown and flavor your onions and tortillas always pick extra virgin for best taste
  • Sour cream: cools down spice and makes the chipotle sauce creamy use full fat for richness
  • Chipotle sauce from canned adobo peppers: brings smoky heat spoon it out with some of the adobo for depth
  • Chili powder paprika and onion powder: each build smokiness and color in the chipotle sauce buy from a spice shop if you can for freshest flavor
  • Nacho cheese sauce: is what makes that oozy quesadilla layer I use store bought or my own quick cheese sauce
  • Shredded Mexican cheese blend: is the real deal for melt choose pre-shredded for convenience or shred yourself for best melt
  • Large flour tortillas: wrap everything up warm them gently for flexibility

Instructions

Prepare the Taco Meat:
Begin by adding your ground beef to a skillet set over medium high heat Cook until you see no more pink breaking it up as you go This should take about eight minutes Add taco seasoning and water Stir it into the browned beef letting it simmer uncovered for three to five minutes until it is saucy and deeply flavorful Set aside
Cook the Spanish Rice:
Start by gently cooking chopped onion in olive oil over medium heat in a roomy skillet for about five minutes until soft and translucent Pour in the uncooked rice Stir and let the grains toast for a few minutes until some begin to turn golden brown this adds a delicious nuttiness Add chicken broth salsa garlic salt and cumin Bring the pot to a gentle simmer then lower the heat Cover and cook undisturbed for twenty minutes until all the liquid has soaked in Fluff and set aside
Mix the Chipotle Sauce:
Whisk together sour cream chipotle sauce chili powder sugar salt cumin paprika garlic powder and onion powder in a small bowl Taste and adjust if you like more heat or tang Cover and chill until needed
Assemble the Quesarito Layers:
Warm all your tortillas by wrapping them in damp paper towels and giving them thirty seconds in the microwave This makes them flexible and prevents cracking Heat your nacho cheese until pourable Spread nacho cheese generously on four tortillas leaving a one inch edge Sprinkle a good amount of shredded Mexican cheese over each Place another tortilla on top of each one Press gently until they stick together
Add Fillings and Roll:
On top of your second tortilla layer spoon a generous line of taco meat and Spanish rice right in the center Drizzle your homemade chipotle sauce and a little extra sour cream across the fillings Fold in the sides then roll the tortilla tightly into a burrito shape to keep all the cheesy goodness sealed inside
Crisp the Quesaritos:
Heat a skillet over medium high and brush or drizzle with olive oil Place each burrito seam side down Cooking for two to three minutes per side until golden brown and the cheese is melty and gooey Serve warm sliced in half if you want to see all those layers
A delicious Taco Bell Quesarito Cheesy is displayed on a wooden table. Pin it
A delicious Taco Bell Quesarito Cheesy is displayed on a wooden table. | myhomemaderecipe.com

My favorite part has always been the nacho cheese between the tortillas It crisps up like the best skillet quesadilla ever and my kids always ask for extra sauce for dipping We have made these for family movie nights and everyone gets to pick their own fillings

Storage Tips

Keep extras wrapped tightly in foil and they will stay fresh in the refrigerator for up to four days For a quick lunch I just reheat these in the oven to bring back the crispy tortilla If you want to make ahead assemble everything except for the skillet step and store in the fridge then sear just before serving

Ingredient Substitutions

Swap ground turkey or plant based crumbles for the beef if you prefer something lighter Out of nacho cheese sauce melt cheddar with a splash of milk instead No chipotle Use a bit of smoked paprika and hot sauce

Serving Suggestions

Pile up your quesaritos with extra sour cream guacamole or salsa on the side For something a little extra serve with crunchy tortilla chips and a simple salad These also make a great addition to any party spread since they can be sliced and served as hearty finger food

Cultural Context

The Quesarito brings together two Mexican American favorites the quesadilla and the burrito and layers them for a fusion treat Taco Bell made it famous but making it yourself turns it into a real family style feast Giving it that homemade touch means bigger flavor and more cheese in every bite

A delicious Quesarito Cheesy is served on a wooden cutting board. Pin it
A delicious Quesarito Cheesy is served on a wooden cutting board. | myhomemaderecipe.com

These homemade Quesaritos bring serious Taco Bell flavor and comfort right to your table Enjoy every cheesy layer and customize them to fit your family cravings

Frequently Asked Questions

→ How can I achieve the perfect cheesy layer?

Spread nacho cheese and shredded cheese between two tortillas, then heat until melted for a gooey texture.

→ What type of rice works best?

Use uncooked white rice simmered with salsa and spices to create flavorful Spanish rice filling.

→ Can I substitute the ground beef?

Yes, try shredded chicken, ground turkey, or plant-based crumbles for variation while keeping the seasonings.

→ How do I keep the quesarito from falling apart?

Fold in sides tightly before rolling and toast seam-side down in the skillet to seal.

→ Is homemade chipotle sauce necessary?

While homemade sauce adds flavor, you can opt for bottled chipotle sauce for convenience.

→ How can I make the dish spicier?

Add extra chipotle or jalapeño slices inside the filling for an extra kick.

Taco Bell Quesarito Cheesy

Cheesy quesaritos filled with taco beef, Spanish rice, and chipotle sauce, toasted for a golden, melty finish.

Prep Time
20 Minutes
Cook Time
35 Minutes
Total Time
55 Minutes
By: Susan

Category: Main Dishes

Difficulty: Intermediate

Cuisine: Tex-Mex

Yield: 8 Servings (8 prepared quesaritos)

Dietary: ~

Ingredients

→ Taco Meat

01 450 g ground beef
02 60 ml water
03 15 g taco seasoning

→ Spanish Rice

04 30 ml olive oil
05 40 g onion, chopped
06 300 g uncooked white rice
07 480 ml chicken broth
08 240 g chunky salsa
09 5 g garlic salt
10 5 g ground cumin

→ Chipotle Sauce

11 120 g sour cream
12 10 ml chipotle sauce from adobo peppers
13 2.5 g chili powder
14 2.5 g sugar
15 2.5 g salt
16 2.5 g ground cumin
17 2.5 g paprika
18 1 g garlic powder
19 1 g onion powder

→ Quesaritos

20 8 flour tortillas (burrito size, approximately 25 cm)
21 240 ml nacho cheese sauce
22 200 g shredded Mexican cheese blend
23 120 g sour cream
24 15 ml olive oil

Instructions

Step 01

Brown ground beef in a skillet over medium-high heat, breaking apart until fully cooked with no pink remaining. Add taco seasoning and water, stirring to coat. Simmer uncovered for 3–5 minutes until liquid is absorbed and flavors intensify. Transfer to a bowl and set aside.

Step 02

Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Sauté chopped onion until translucent, about 5 minutes. Stir in rice, frequently tossing until lightly toasted. Pour in chicken broth and salsa, then add garlic salt and cumin. Reduce heat, cover, and simmer gently for 20 minutes until liquid is absorbed and rice is tender. Remove from heat and keep warm.

Step 03

In a small mixing bowl, combine sour cream, chipotle sauce, chili powder, sugar, salt, cumin, paprika, garlic powder, and onion powder. Whisk until smooth and homogeneous. Reserve for assembly.

Step 04

Wrap tortillas in a damp paper towel and microwave for 30 seconds to soften. Gently heat nacho cheese sauce in the microwave until pourable.

Step 05

Spread a layer of nacho cheese sauce over 4 tortillas, leaving a 2.5 cm border. Evenly distribute shredded Mexican cheese blend over the cheese sauce. Top each with another tortilla, pressing lightly to seal. On the top tortilla, add a portion of prepared taco meat and Spanish rice. Drizzle chipotle sauce and sour cream on top. Fold the sides inward, then roll tightly into burritos.

Step 06

Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Place each burrito seam side down and cook for 2–3 minutes per side, turning once, until the exterior is golden brown and crisp. Serve immediately while hot.

Notes

  1. Ensure tortillas remain pliable for easier folding by warming them thoroughly before assembly.

Tools You'll Need

  • Large skillet
  • Small mixing bowl
  • Microwave
  • Spatula

Allergy Information

Please check ingredients for potential allergens and consult a health professional if in doubt.
  • Contains gluten, dairy, and potential allergens from soy and eggs in sauce components.

Nutrition Facts (Per Serving)

It is important to consider this information as approximate and not to use it as definitive health advice.
  • Calories: 625
  • Total Fat: 29 g
  • Total Carbohydrate: 65 g
  • Protein: 27 g