Picture this: it’s a cozy Friday evening, you’ve got a craving for something cheesy, savory, and packed with bold flavor—but you don’t feel like heading to the drive-thru. That’s where this homemade Taco Bell Cheesy Quesarito comes in. It’s everything you love about your favorite fast-food burrito, recreated in your own kitchen with fresher ingredients and customizable toppings.
The Quesarito is the best of both worlds: a cheesy quesadilla wrapped around a hearty, flavor-packed burrito. It’s creamy, spicy, and indulgent—the kind of meal that instantly feels special, whether you’re making it for a casual family dinner, a weekend hangout with friends, or a late-night snack craving. With this recipe, you’ll learn how to make every component from the seasoned beef to the chipotle sauce, while keeping it easy enough for a weeknight.
So grab your tortillas, melt that cheese, and let’s dive into this bold, comforting recipe that will give Taco Bell a run for its money.
Why You’ll Love This Cheesy Quesarito
There are plenty of reasons to fall in love with this copycat recipe, but here are a few highlights:
- Cheese Lover’s Dream: With both shredded cheese and creamy nacho cheese sauce, this dish hits all the right notes for cheese enthusiasts.
- Customizable: Swap the beef for chicken, turkey, or even a plant-based alternative for a lighter twist.
- Budget-Friendly: Making it at home is not only healthier but also much cheaper than ordering takeout for the whole family.
- Restaurant Quality at Home: Recreate the magic of Taco Bell’s menu item without leaving your kitchen.
🧾 Ingredients
This recipe makes 4 servings—perfect for a family meal or for meal-prepping your lunch.
For the Beef
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 packet taco seasoning
- 2/3 cup water
For the Spanish Rice
- 1 cup cooked white rice
- ¼ cup tomato sauce
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- ½ tsp onion powder
- ½ tsp cumin
- Salt to taste
For Assembly
- 4 large flour tortillas (burrito-size)
- 4 medium flour tortillas (for quesadilla layer)
- 1½ cups shredded cheddar cheese (or Mexican blend)
- ½ cup nacho cheese sauce (or more, to taste)
- ¼ cup sour cream (optional)
- 4 tbsp chipotle sauce (store-bought or homemade)
- Butter or oil for grilling
🔪 Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Beef
In a skillet over medium heat, brown the ground beef until no longer pink. Drain excess fat, then add taco seasoning and water. Stir and simmer for about 5 minutes until thickened and flavorful. Set aside.
Step 2: Make the Spanish Rice
In a small saucepan or skillet, combine the cooked rice with tomato sauce, garlic powder, onion powder, cumin, and salt. Stir well and heat over low for 2–3 minutes until warmed and aromatic.
Step 3: Create the Cheesy Quesadilla Base
Lay a medium tortilla on a clean surface. Sprinkle generously with ½ cup shredded cheese. Place a large tortilla on top. Microwave for 20 seconds or cook briefly on a skillet until the cheese melts slightly, pressing down to fuse them together. This creates your gooey quesadilla base.
Step 4: Assemble the Quesarito
On the center of the large tortilla (now with a quesadilla layer underneath), add:
- ¼ cup seasoned beef
- 2–3 tbsp Spanish rice
- 1–2 tbsp nacho cheese sauce
- 1 tbsp chipotle sauce
- Optional: a small spoon of sour cream
Fold in the sides and roll tightly into a burrito.
Step 5: Grill to Perfection
Heat a skillet or grill pan over medium heat. Add a small amount of butter or oil. Grill each side of the Quesarito for 2–3 minutes until golden, crispy, and slightly smoky. Serve hot and enjoy!
Tips for the Best Homemade Quesarito
- Cheese Selection: Cheddar gives a sharp bite, while a Mexican blend adds extra creaminess. Try Pepper Jack for a little heat.
- Rice Shortcut: Use leftover rice from another meal to save time. You can also use microwavable rice packets for convenience.
- Protein Variations: Chicken, turkey, or even spicy chorizo can be substituted for the beef.
- Spice Level: Adjust chipotle sauce and taco seasoning to your preferred heat level. Add jalapeños for an extra kick.
- Make It Vegetarian: Swap the beef for black beans or refried beans and load up on extra rice and veggies.
What to Serve with a Cheesy Quesarito
This dish is hearty enough on its own, but it pairs wonderfully with sides and drinks:
- Sides: Mexican street corn (elote), tortilla chips with guacamole, or a fresh side salad.
- Drinks: A cold glass of horchata, Mexican soda, or even a homemade margarita.
- Dessert: End the meal with churros or a slice of tres leches cake.
Storing & Reheating
If you have leftovers (though they disappear quickly), here’s how to keep them tasty:
- Storage: Wrap in foil or plastic wrap and refrigerate for up to 2 days.
- Freezer-Friendly: Wrap tightly in foil, then place in a freezer-safe bag. Freeze for up to 2 months.
- Reheating: For best results, reheat on a skillet or grill pan to bring back the crispy texture. Microwave works in a pinch, but the tortilla may soften.
Variations & Fun Twists
The beauty of the Quesarito lies in its versatility. Here are some creative spins:
- Breakfast Quesarito: Swap the beef for scrambled eggs, add breakfast sausage, and drizzle with salsa.
- BBQ Quesarito: Replace taco seasoning with BBQ spices and swap chipotle sauce for BBQ sauce.
- Spicy Buffalo Quesarito: Toss shredded chicken in Buffalo sauce, add blue cheese crumbles, and keep the cheesy base.
- Loaded Veggie Quesarito: Add sautéed peppers, onions, mushrooms, and zucchini for a plant-powered twist.
Nutrition Information (Per Serving)
- Calories: ~580 kcal
- Protein: 28 g
- Carbohydrates: 52 g
- Fat: 28 g
- Fiber: 4 g
- Sodium: ~1100 mg
Note: Nutrition values may vary based on ingredients and serving sizes.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Can I make these ahead of time?
Yes! You can assemble the Quesaritos in advance, refrigerate, and grill when ready to serve.
2. Do I need nacho cheese sauce?
It’s a big part of what makes the Quesarito extra indulgent, but you can swap with queso or extra shredded cheese.
3. What’s the best tortilla size?
Use burrito-size (10-inch) tortillas for the outer layer. The medium tortillas act as the quesadilla base.
4. How spicy is this recipe?
It has a mild-to-medium kick thanks to chipotle sauce. Adjust to taste by using more or less.
Final Thoughts
The Taco Bell Cheesy Quesarito is proof that comfort food doesn’t have to come from a drive-thru. With its layers of melty cheese, bold beef, and smoky chipotle sauce, it’s a meal that satisfies cravings while giving you full control over the ingredients. Whether you stick to the classic version or put your own spin on it, one thing is certain: you’ll be making this again and again.
So the next time that craving for Taco Bell hits, skip the car ride, grab your skillet, and whip up these cheesy, savory Quesaritos right at home. Your taste buds will thank you.