Taco Bell Quesarito Recipe: 7 Irresistible & Delicious Steps
The Taco Bell Quesarito is one of the most loved fast-food burritos, famous for its irresistible layers of seasoned beef, fluffy rice, creamy chipotle sauce, and melted cheese wrapped inside a grilled, cheesy tortilla. This iconic menu item blends the comfort of a burrito with the indulgence of a quesadilla, making it a fan favorite for Tex-Mex lovers everywhere. Although it’s no longer available at many Taco Bell locations, you can easily recreate the same bold flavors at home with simple ingredients and straightforward steps.
This recipe captures the authentic taste and texture while giving you full control over freshness and customization. If you enjoy copycat Taco Bell recipes, homemade quesarito, or cheesy burrito recipes, this guide will help you master the perfect Taco Bell Quesarito in your own kitchen.
How to Make Taco Bell Quesarito?
Making a Taco Bell Quesarito at home involves preparing flavorful components and assembling them in layers for maximum taste. Start by cooking seasoned ground beef and Mexican-style rice, then warm flour tortillas with melted cheese to form a quesadilla base. The fillings are layered with chipotle sauce and nacho cheese, rolled tightly, and grilled until golden. This method ensures a crispy exterior and a gooey, cheesy interior, just like the original fast-food favorite, but fresher and more satisfying.
Key Ingredients
- 2 large flour tortillas (10-inch)
- 1 cup cooked Mexican rice
- ½ lb ground beef
- 1 packet taco seasoning (or 2 tbsp homemade)
- ½ cup water
- ½ cup nacho cheese sauce
- 1 cup shredded cheddar or Mexican blend cheese
- ¼ cup chipotle sauce
- 2 tbsp butter or oil for grilling
Instructions
1. Prepare the Seasoned Beef
Begin by heating a skillet over medium heat and adding the ground beef. Cook until fully browned, breaking it apart for even cooking. Drain excess grease, then stir in taco seasoning and water. Simmer for several minutes until the mixture thickens and the beef absorbs the spices. This step is essential for recreating the bold, savory flavor associated with the Taco Bell Quesarito, ensuring each bite is rich and well-seasoned.
2. Cook the Mexican Rice
Prepare the Mexican rice according to package instructions or your preferred homemade method. The rice should be fluffy, slightly moist, and well-seasoned to complement the beef and cheese. Properly cooked rice adds texture and balances the richness of the other ingredients. Avoid overly dry rice, as it can make the quesarito less cohesive when assembled and rolled.
3. Warm the Tortillas
Heat a large skillet or griddle over low heat and place one tortilla flat. Sprinkle shredded cheese evenly over the surface and top with the second tortilla, pressing gently. Allow the cheese to melt slowly, forming a quesadilla-style base. This cheesy layer is what distinguishes the Taco Bell Quesarito from a regular burrito, adding indulgent flavor and structure.
4. Add Nacho Cheese and Rice
Once the cheese has melted, remove the tortilla stack from heat and spread a layer of warm nacho cheese sauce across the center. Spoon cooked Mexican rice evenly over the cheese sauce. These layers create a creamy, starchy foundation that mimics the authentic fast-food texture while holding the fillings together during rolling and grilling.
5. Layer the Seasoned Beef
Next, add a generous portion of seasoned beef on top of the rice. Distribute it evenly to ensure balanced flavor in every bite. The beef provides the hearty, savory core of the Taco Bell Quesarito and pairs perfectly with the creamy sauces and melted cheese, creating a satisfying and filling burrito.
6. Drizzle Chipotle Sauce
Drizzle chipotle sauce over the beef layer, adjusting the amount based on your spice preference. This smoky, tangy sauce is crucial for achieving the signature Taco Bell flavor. It cuts through the richness of the cheese and beef while adding a subtle heat that elevates the entire quesarito.
7. Roll and Grill the Quesarito
Carefully fold in the sides of the tortilla, then roll it tightly from bottom to top to form a burrito. Heat butter or oil in a skillet and grill the quesarito seam-side down until golden and crisp. Flip and grill the other side briefly. This final step seals the burrito and delivers the iconic crispy exterior.
Tips for a Perfect Taco Bell Quesarito
- Use low heat when melting the cheese to prevent burning
- Don’t overfill, or rolling will become difficult
- Warm all ingredients before assembling for better texture
- Grill seam-side down first to keep it securely closed
- Serve immediately for the best cheesy pull
What to Serve With
1. Mexican Street Corn
Mexican street corn is a classic side that pairs exceptionally well with a Taco Bell Quesarito because it mirrors the bold Tex-Mex flavor profile while adding contrast. The natural sweetness of grilled corn balances the savory beef and cheesy layers of the quesarito. Toppings like creamy mayonnaise, tangy lime juice, chili powder, and crumbly cotija cheese enhance richness without overpowering the main dish. Its creamy yet fresh texture makes every bite feel indulgent and satisfying.
2. Tortilla Chips and Salsa
Tortilla chips and salsa provide a crunchy, refreshing contrast to the soft and cheesy Taco Bell Quesarito. The crisp texture of the chips offsets the burrito’s creamy interior, while fresh salsa introduces acidity that cuts through the richness of beef and melted cheese. Whether you choose classic tomato salsa, spicy salsa roja, or tangy salsa verde, the bright flavors help cleanse the palate and keep the meal feeling balanced and enjoyable.
3. Guacamole
Guacamole is an ideal companion for a Taco Bell Quesarito thanks to its creamy texture and fresh ingredients. Made with ripe avocados, lime juice, cilantro, and onions, it adds a cooling element that balances the smoky heat of chipotle sauce. The healthy fats in avocado enhance the overall mouthfeel while complementing the cheesy burrito flavors. Served on the side or used as a dip, guacamole adds freshness and extra indulgence.
4. Refried Beans
Refried beans are a hearty, traditional Tex-Mex side that pairs seamlessly with a Taco Bell Quesarito. Their smooth, creamy texture complements the layered burrito without competing for attention. Mildly seasoned beans enhance the savory beef and cheese while adding plant-based protein and fiber to the meal. Whether made from pinto or black beans, refried beans help make the meal more filling and comforting, perfect for satisfying larger appetites.
5. Fresh Garden Salad
A fresh garden salad offers a light and refreshing contrast to the richness of a Taco Bell Quesarito. Crisp lettuce, juicy tomatoes, cucumbers, and a citrus-based dressing introduce brightness and crunch to the meal. The acidity from the dressing helps cut through heavy cheese and sauces, cleansing the palate between bites. This pairing keeps the overall meal from feeling too heavy while adding vitamins, freshness, and balance to your plate.
Ingredients Substitutes
1. Ground Beef Alternatives
Ground turkey or chicken are excellent substitutes for beef if you want a lighter Taco Bell Quesarito without sacrificing flavor. These lean proteins absorb seasoning well, especially when cooked with taco spices, garlic, and a touch of oil to prevent dryness. Turkey provides a mild, slightly savory taste, while chicken offers a softer texture. Proper seasoning and slow cooking help replicate the bold, satisfying flavor profile of the original beef filling.
2. Rice Substitutions
Cilantro-lime rice or plain white rice work well as substitutes for Mexican rice in a Taco Bell Quesarito. Cilantro-lime rice adds freshness and brightness, balancing the richness of cheese and sauces. Plain white rice acts as a neutral base that absorbs surrounding flavors beautifully. For best results, keep the rice slightly moist and fluffy, ensuring it blends smoothly with the beef and sauces without making the burrito dry.
3. Cheese Options
Mozzarella, Monterey Jack, or a vegan cheese blend are great alternatives to cheddar in a Taco Bell Quesarito. Mozzarella offers excellent meltability and a mild flavor, while Monterey Jack adds creaminess with a subtle tang. Vegan cheese blends designed for melting can provide a dairy-free option without sacrificing texture. Whichever cheese you choose, melting it gently ensures a smooth, gooey consistency that mimics the original quesarito experience.
4. Sauce Replacements
If chipotle sauce isn’t available, you can create a flavorful substitute by mixing mayonnaise with smoked paprika, hot sauce, and a splash of lime juice. This combination delivers a smoky, spicy, and slightly tangy flavor similar to the original. Adjust the spice level to your preference for heat. This homemade alternative blends well with beef, rice, and cheese, ensuring the Taco Bell Quesarito retains its signature bold taste.
5. Tortilla Variations
Whole wheat or low-carb tortillas can be used to adapt the Taco Bell Quesarito to different dietary needs. Whole wheat tortillas add a subtle nutty flavor and extra fiber, while low-carb versions reduce overall carbohydrate content. It’s important to warm these tortillas before assembling to improve flexibility. This prevents tearing during rolling and ensures the burrito stays intact while grilling for a crisp exterior.
Nutritional Facts (Per Tablespoon)
| Nutrient | Amount |
| Calories | 45 kcal |
| Protein | 2 g |
| Fat | 3 g |
| Carbohydrates | 3 g |
| Sodium | 120 mg |
Final Thoughts
The Taco Bell Quesarito is the perfect blend of comfort food and bold Tex-Mex flavor, and making it at home allows you to enjoy it anytime without relying on the drive-thru. With layers of seasoned beef, creamy sauces, fluffy rice, and melted cheese, this recipe delivers everything fans love about the original while offering flexibility for customization.
Whether you’re recreating a nostalgic favorite or exploring Taco Bell inspired recipes, this homemade version proves that fast-food classics can be even better from your own kitchen. By following the steps, tips, and substitutions outlined above, you’ll achieve a satisfying, restaurant-style quesarito that’s sure to impress family and friends and become a repeat favorite.
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