Description
This Copycat Taco Bell Chili Cheese Burrito recipe captures the iconic fast-food favorite in a simple, homemade version. Tender beefy chili, melty cheese, and a soft flour tortilla come together to recreate the bold, comforting flavors of the original chili cheese burrito, all in under 30 minutes. Perfect for cozy weeknight dinners or quick lunches, this copycat recipe is sure to satisfy your Taco Bell cravings at home.
Ingredients
Units
Scale
For the Chili Filling
- 1 pound ground beef (80/20 preferred)
- 1 small onion, finely diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 (8-ounce) can tomato sauce
- 1 cup water
- 1 (15-ounce) can refried beans
- 2 tablespoons chili powder
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional, for heat)
For Assembling the Burritos
- 4 large flour tortillas (burrito-size)
- 1 1/2 cups shredded cheddar cheese (or a blend of cheddar and Monterey Jack)
Instructions
- Prepare the Chili Filling: In a large skillet over medium-high heat, add the ground beef and onion. Cook, breaking up the beef with a spoon, until the meat is browned and the onion is soft, about 5–7 minutes. Drain excess fat if necessary. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
- Simmer the Chili: Add the tomato sauce, water, refried beans, chili powder, cumin, paprika, salt, black pepper, and cayenne pepper (if using) to the skillet. Stir well to combine, then reduce the heat to low. Simmer the mixture, stirring occasionally, until slightly thickened (about 10 minutes). The chili should be saucy but not runny.
- Warm the Tortillas: While the chili simmers, warm the flour tortillas by wrapping them in a clean kitchen towel and microwaving for 30 seconds, or heating them individually in a dry skillet for 10–20 seconds each, until pliable.
- Assemble the Burritos: Lay a warm tortilla on a flat surface. Spoon about 3/4 cup of chili mixture in a line down the center, leaving space at the edges. Sprinkle generously with shredded cheese.
- Roll Up the Burritos: Fold the sides over the filling, then roll the tortilla from the bottom up into a tight burrito. Repeat with the remaining tortillas and filling.
- Melt the Cheese: Optionally, place the assembled burritos, seam side down, in a skillet over low heat, and cover with a lid for 2–3 minutes to help the cheese melt and the tortilla warm further.
- Serve: Serve burritos hot, with extra cheese or your favorite toppings if desired.
Notes
- For an authentic Taco Bell flavor, use mild cheddar and American cheese blend.
- If preferred, swap ground beef with ground turkey for a lighter option.
- Tin foil can keep burritos warm (and help them steam) before serving.
- Leftover chili mixture stores well in the fridge for 3 days or you can freeze it for future burritos.
- Serve with hot sauce for the classic Taco Bell experience!
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 burrito
- Calories: 540
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 1150mg
- Fat: 24g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12g
- Trans Fat: 0.5g
- Carbohydrates: 48g
- Fiber: 7g
- Protein: 30g
- Cholesterol: 80mg
