Cozy Homemade Taco Bell Beefy Melt Burrito Recipe

Bursting with flavor, this taco bell beefy melt burrito recipe promises a delectable journey through layers of savory ingredients.

Packed with seasoned ground beef, melted cheese, and zesty sauces, the burrito delivers a mouthwatering experience.

Each bite combines crisp textures and bold spices that dance across your palate.

The recipe brings the beloved fast-food favorite straight to your kitchen with simple steps and accessible ingredients.

Prepare to indulge in a satisfying meal that captures the essence of Taco Bell’s iconic creation.

Warm tortillas, hearty fillings, and a perfect blend of spices await your culinary adventure.

Savor every moment of crafting this irresistible burrito that’s sure to become a family favorite.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 10 minutes

Cook Time: 20 minutes

Total Time: 30 minutes

Calories: 610 kcal

Servings: 5

Ingredients That Build Taco Bell Beefy Melt Burrito

• Ground Beef: Hearty base that brings robust flavor and satisfying texture, choose lean ground beef for less grease and better taste.
• Taco Seasoning: al spice blend that transforms plain meat into zesty taco goodness, select low-sodium options for healthier meal.

• Flour Tortillas: Soft, flexible wrap that holds all delicious ingredients, look for fresh, pliable tortillas without cracks.
• Rice: Fluffy filler that adds volume and comfort, select long-grain white rice for best texture.
• Tortilla Strips: Crunchy element that provides exciting textural contrast, choose restaurant-style strips for authentic crunch.

• Nacho Cheese Sauce: Smooth, tangy spread that adds rich flavor, opt for jarred sauce for convenience or homemade for authenticity.
• Shredded Cheese: Melty topping that brings gooey goodness, select blend of cheddar and monterey jack for complex flavor.
• Sour Cream: Cool, creamy finishing touch that balances spicy ingredients, choose full-fat version for richest taste.

Tools for Assembling Taco Bell Beefy Melt Burrito

• Skillet: Essential for perfectly browning ground beef with even heat.
• Spatula: Crucial for breaking apart and stirring meat while cooking.
• Measuring spoons: Helps add precise amount of taco seasoning and water.
• Large mixing bowl: Optional for combining ingredients if needed.
• Sharp knife: Useful for any ingredient preparation.
• Cutting board: Provides clean surface for chopping or prepping ingredients.
• Tortilla warmer or pan: Helps make tortillas soft and pliable.
• Tongs: Great for handling and rolling burritos smoothly.

How to Roll and Heat the Beefy Melt Burrito

• Brown The Beef

Sizzle ground beef in a hot skillet, breaking it into crumbly bits until fully cooked. Drain excess fat and sprinkle taco seasoning, stirring until meat looks juicy and rich with flavor.

• Jazz Up The Rice

Warm rice and give it a flavor boost by mixing in a splash of nacho cheese sauce for extra zest. Make sure rice is steamy and inviting.

• Create Your Burrito

Grab a soft tortilla and spread a creamy layer of nacho cheese right in the center. Layer on the seasoned beef, fluffy rice, melty cheese, and a cool dollop of sour cream. Toss in some crunchy tortilla strips for that signature texture explosion.

• Wrap And Roll

Fold the tortilla sides inward, then roll from bottom to top, creating a tight, delicious package. For an extra crispy touch, quickly toast the burrito in a skillet until it develops a golden, slightly crunchy exterior.

Swaps and Add-Ons for the Beefy Melt Burrito

• Sprinkle extra taco seasoning or add a dash of hot sauce to intensify the burrito's spice profile and customize heat levels.
• Prepare ground beef and rice in advance, storing separately in airtight containers for quick weeknight assembly of burritos.
• Replace ground beef with ground turkey or plant-based crumbles for a lower-fat, vegetarian-friendly alternative that maintains delicious flavor.
• Swap flour tortillas with large corn tortillas or use gluten-free wraps to make the recipe celiac-friendly without compromising taste or texture.
• Experiment with different crunchy additions like crushed Doritos, jalapeño chips, or crispy onions to elevate the traditional tortilla strip experience and add unexpected crunch.

Ways to Serve Your Copycat Burrito Like a Pro

• Flavor Pairing Paradise: Complement the burrito with zesty pico de gallo or fresh guacamole for a burst of brightness that cuts through the rich, cheesy filling.
• Sidekick Sensations: Serve alongside Mexican street corn, crispy black bean salad, or a tangy coleslaw to balance the hearty burrito with refreshing textures and flavors.
• Drink Match: Pair with an ice-cold Mexican beer, a spicy margarita, or a classic horchata to enhance the meal's overall taste experience and cool down the spicy notes.
• Leftover Love: Transform any remaining burrito into a delicious breakfast by chopping and mixing with scrambled eggs, or slice and use as a topping for nachos or a loaded salad.

Store Burritos Without Losing Flavor or Texture

• Store leftover burritos in airtight containers, keeping them flat to maintain structure. Refrigerated burritos stay delicious for 3-4 days, ensuring quick grab-and-go meals during busy weeks.
• Individually wrap each burrito in aluminum foil before placing in freezer-safe bags. Frozen burritos remain tasty up to 2 months, perfect for emergency meal solutions. Thaw overnight in refrigerator before reheating.
• Restore crispy texture by using a skillet or air fryer instead of microwave. Warm on medium heat for 3-4 minutes, flipping halfway to ensure even heating and maintain original burrito crispness.
• Keep tortilla strips and sour cream separate when storing to prevent sogginess. Add crispy elements right before serving to maintain optimal texture and freshness of your homemade Taco Bell-style burrito.

FAQs

• Is the Taco Bell Beefy Melt Burrito spicy?

The seasoned ground beef provides a mild, flavorful taste without being overwhelmingly spicy. You can control the heat level by adjusting the amount of taco seasoning or adding hot sauce if desired.

• Can I make this burrito vegetarian?

Yes, replace ground beef with plant-based meat alternatives like crumbled tofu, black beans, or vegetarian meat substitutes. Ensure you season the alternative protein with taco seasoning for similar flavor.

• What are tortilla strips, and where can I find them?

Tortilla strips are crispy, crunchy corn chips typically used as a topping. You can find them in the snack aisle of most grocery stores, near tortilla chips. Brands like Fritos or store-brand corn chips work well as a substitute.

• How can I make this recipe more budget-friendly?

Use cheaper cuts of ground beef, buy seasoning in bulk, purchase store-brand cheese and sour cream, and use leftover rice from previous meals to reduce overall costs. Buying ingredients in larger quantities can help save money.

Traeger Cheesy Italian Shells Recipe

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4.5 from 17 reviews

• Total Time: 1 hour
• Yield: 8 1x

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Description

Sizzling Traeger cheesy Italian shells bring rustic Tuscany comfort to your backyard grill. Melted cheese, savory herbs, and smoky pasta create an irresistible dish that delivers pure culinary comfort and brings hearty Italian flavors home.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Main Protein:

• 2 pounds (0.91 kilograms) lean ground beef

Seasonings for Meat:

• 1 teaspoon salt
• ½ teaspoon black pepper
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• ½ teaspoon onion powder
• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning

Sauce and Pasta Components:

• 1 medium onion, diced
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 (28-ounce/794 grams) can tomato sauce
• 5 cups (1.18 liters) beef broth
• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
• 1 teaspoon paprika
• 1 pound (0.45 kilograms) pasta shells
• ½ cup (118 milliliters) heavy cream
• 4 cups shredded cheddar cheese
• Chopped fresh parsley, for garnish

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Instructions

1. Ignite the Traeger pellet grill to a steady 300F (150C), allowing it to warm thoroughly and create an ideal smoking environment.
2. In a spacious mixing bowl, blend ground beef with aromatic seasonings. Craft a substantial meatball, positioning it on a wire rack for a 30-minute smoke infusion on the preheated grill.
3. Meanwhile, activate a Dutch oven over medium flame. Drizzle olive oil and sauté diced onions until translucent, then introduce minced garlic. Pour in tomato sauce, beef broth, and complementary spices, creating a robust liquid base that simmers gently.
4. Transfer the smoked meatball into the simmering sauce, methodically breaking it into smaller, rustic fragments using a sturdy spatula. Allow the meat to meld with the sauce’s rich flavors.
5. Submerge pasta shells completely within the meaty sauce, covering the pot to encourage even cooking. Stir periodically to prevent sticking and ensure uniform tenderness.
6. After pasta reaches perfect consistency, remove from heat. Swirl in heavy cream, creating a luxurious texture. Gradually fold in shredded cheddar cheese until a smooth, velvety sauce develops.
7. Garnish with freshly chopped parsley, offering a vibrant, herbaceous finish to this hearty Traeger-smoked dish.

Notes

• Customize meat selection by using ground turkey or plant-based alternatives for a lighter protein option.
• Adjust seasoning levels carefully to balance the richness of the cheese and meat without overpowering flavors.
• Create a gluten-free version by substituting pasta shells with chickpea or lentil pasta for added nutrition.
• Enhance smoke flavor by experimenting with different wood pellets like hickory or mesquite during grilling process.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 45 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner, Snacks
• Method: Grilling
• Cuisine: Italian

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 8
• Calories: 650
• Sugar: 6 g
• Sodium: 800 mg
• Fat: 35 g
• Saturated Fat: 18 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
• Trans Fat: 1 g
• Carbohydrates: 50 g
• Fiber: 3 g
• Protein: 40 g
• Cholesterol: 120 mg