If you’ve ever craved the indulgent, cheesy goodness of a fast-food favorite but wanted to make it fresh and packed with flavor at home, this Taco Bell Quesarito Recipe is your new best friend in the kitchen. It’s a delightful fusion of a quesadilla and a burrito, loaded with seasoned ground beef, melty cheeses, and a creamy sour cream base all wrapped tightly inside warm, soft tortillas. This recipe captures the magic of that iconic fast-food treat, but with your own personal touch and none of the drive-thru waits. Get ready for a satisfying, gooey, and utterly delicious meal that’s perfect for any day of the week!
Ingredients You’ll Need
This Taco Bell Quesarito Recipe features simple, pantry-friendly ingredients that come together beautifully to create layers of flavor and texture. Each component plays a crucial role in bringing that authentic taste and satisfying bite—melting cheeses for creaminess, seasoned beef for a savory kick, and fresh elements to brighten every mouthful.
- Large flour tortillas: Use two per quesarito—one for the cheesy quesadilla layer and one for wrapping the filling securely; softness is key.
- Ground beef: The hearty, savory base that provides richness and protein—season well for maximum flavor.
- Taco seasoning mix: Adds the signature Mexican-inspired spices that define the dish’s bold taste. You can go store-bought or mix your own.
- Water: Used to help the seasoning coat the meat evenly, keeping it juicy and flavorful.
- Shredded cheddar cheese: Gives a sharp, tangy flavor and melts into gooey goodness.
- Shredded mozzarella cheese: For stretch and creaminess, balancing the sharper cheddar.
- Sour cream: Adds coolness and creaminess, cutting through the spices with a velvety texture.
- Nacho cheese sauce: Or melted cheese of choice—adds an extra layer of luscious cheesiness inside the wrap.
- Cooked white rice: Provides hearty texture and soaks up all those spices in every bite.
- Diced tomatoes: Adds a juicy, fresh contrast to the rich interior.
- Chopped lettuce (optional): For crunch and a touch of freshness if you want to add a veggie boost.
- Taco sauce or hot sauce (optional): Elevates the flavor with a spicy kick tailored to your heat preference.
How to Make Taco Bell Quesarito Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Seasoned Beef
Start by browning the ground beef in a skillet over medium heat until fully cooked and crumbly. Then, add your taco seasoning and water to the pan, stirring to coat the beef evenly. Allow it to simmer gently so all the spices meld beautifully and the meat stays juicy and fragrant.
Step 2: Make the Cheese Quesadilla
On one large flour tortilla, evenly sprinkle a blend of cheddar and mozzarella cheeses. Place it on a hot skillet and let the cheese melt and the tortilla crisp up slightly, making sure it turns golden and delicious. This cheesy quesadilla layer forms the base inside your quesarito and adds a wonderful melty texture that’s hard to resist.
Step 3: Assemble the Quesarito
Lay the quesadilla on a clean surface, then layer the seasoned beef, cooked white rice, nacho cheese sauce, diced tomatoes, and a generous dollop of sour cream. Add chopped lettuce and taco sauce if using. Carefully wrap it all up tightly with a second large flour tortilla, tucking in the sides for that signature burrito fold.
Step 4: Final Toast
Place the wrapped quesarito back onto the skillet and cook over medium heat for a few minutes on each side until the outer tortilla is golden and crisp, and the inside ingredients are warmed through. This final step ensures a perfect, warm, and slightly crunchy exterior that’s utterly addictive.
How to Serve Taco Bell Quesarito Recipe
Garnishes
Sprinkle your quesarito with fresh cilantro and a squeeze of lime for a bright, fragrant finishing touch. A side of sliced jalapeños or a spoonful of guacamole can add an exciting flavor dimension and balance.
Side Dishes
Serve your Taco Bell Quesarito Recipe with crispy tortilla chips and salsa for scooping or a fresh Mexican street corn salad to add complementary textures and flavors. A light, zesty slaw can also bring a refreshing crunch to the meal.
Creative Ways to Present
Try cutting the quesarito into halves or thirds for a fun, shareable appetizer at your next gathering. For a colorful twist, serve it on a vibrant plate topped with dollops of sour cream, drizzled taco sauce, and a sprinkle of diced tomatoes and green onions.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have leftovers, wrap your quesarito tightly in foil or place in an airtight container. Stored properly, it will stay fresh in the refrigerator for up to 3 days without losing its delicious flavor or texture.
Freezing
You can freeze individual quesaritos by wrapping them well in plastic wrap and then foil, placing them in a freezer bag for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating for the best results.
Reheating
To reheat, pop your quesarito in a skillet over medium heat or in the oven at 350°F until warmed through and the tortilla gets crispy again. Avoid the microwave if you want to maintain that perfect texture and melty cheese.
FAQs
Can I use chicken instead of ground beef?
Absolutely! Ground chicken or even shredded rotisserie chicken seasoned with taco spices works wonderfully and offers a lighter alternative.
Is there a vegetarian option for this quesarito?
Yes, you can swap the meat for beans, grilled veggies, or meatless crumbles and still enjoy all the cheesy comfort this recipe delivers.
What type of cheese works best for melting inside?
A combination of cheddar and mozzarella yields a perfect balance of flavor and stretchiness, but feel free to mix in Monterey Jack or even pepper jack for a little heat.
How spicy is the Taco Bell Quesarito Recipe?
The spice level is moderate but fully customizable—add more taco sauce or hot sauce to kick up the heat exactly how you like it.
Can I prepare any parts of this recipe ahead of time?
Definitely! Cook the seasoned beef and rice a day ahead; just store separately and assemble fresh when you’re ready to eat.
Final Thoughts
This Taco Bell Quesarito Recipe is truly a game-changer for homemade Mexican-inspired comfort food. It’s straightforward, packed with flavor, and satisfies all those cheesy, spicy cravings like no other. Give it a try—you might just find yourself making it again and again, sharing it with friends, and loving every bite!
Print
Taco Bell Quesarito Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 2 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: Mexican, Tex-Mex
Description
This Taco Bell Quesarito recipe combines a cheesy quesadilla and a classic burrito into one indulgent, flavorful meal. Ground beef seasoned with traditional taco spices is layered with melted cheeses, creamy sour cream, tangy nacho cheese sauce, cooked rice, and fresh veggies, all wrapped inside a warm flour tortilla. Ready in just 25 minutes, this homemade Quesarito offers delicious Tex-Mex comfort food perfect for a quick dinner or satisfying snack.
Ingredients
Meat and Seasoning
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 packet taco seasoning mix (or homemade seasoning)
- 1/2 cup water (for seasoning)
Cheeses
- 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/2 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/4 cup nacho cheese sauce (or melted cheese)
- 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese (for melting inside the tortilla)
Other Fillings
- 1/2 cup sour cream
- 1/2 cup cooked white rice
- 1/4 cup diced tomatoes
- 1/4 cup chopped lettuce (optional)
- 2 tbsp taco sauce or hot sauce (optional)
Tortillas
- 3 large flour tortillas (1 for quesadilla, 1 for wrapping, 1 extra for quesadilla base)
Instructions
- Cook the Ground Beef: In a skillet over medium-high heat, add the ground beef and brown it until fully cooked, breaking it apart with a spatula. Drain any excess fat.
- Season the Beef: Add the taco seasoning mix and 1/2 cup water to the skillet with the cooked beef. Stir to combine and let it simmer until the liquid reduces and the beef is well coated with the seasoning, about 5 minutes.
- Prepare the Quesadilla: Heat a large flour tortilla in a separate clean skillet over medium heat. Sprinkle 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese evenly over the tortilla and allow it to melt slightly. This will serve as the cheesy quesadilla layer.
- Assemble the Quesarito: On top of the cheese-melted tortilla, layer the cooked seasoned ground beef, shredded mozzarella cheese, cooked white rice, diced tomatoes, sour cream, and nacho cheese sauce. Add chopped lettuce and taco sauce if desired.
- Wrap the Quesarito: Place another large flour tortilla over the filling and press down gently. Carefully fold the sides and roll the tortilla tightly to enclose all the ingredients securely.
- Heat and Seal: Place the wrapped Quesarito back on the skillet over medium heat. Cook for 2-3 minutes per side until the tortilla is golden brown and crispy, and the cheese inside is melted.
- Serve: Remove from heat, slice in half if desired, and serve immediately with extra taco sauce or sour cream on the side.
Notes
- For extra melty cheese, cover the quesadilla in the skillet with a lid while heating.
- Use homemade taco seasoning to control sodium and spices.
- Feel free to add or omit lettuce and tomatoes based on preference.
- Leftover quesadillas can be reheated gently in a skillet or oven.
