Taco Bell Quesarito

Craving the warm, cheesy goodness of a Taco Bell Quesarito? You know the one—warm, toasty flour tortillas wrapped around seasoned beef, creamy cheese, a dollop of sour cream, and a zesty burrito filling. It’s the ultimate comfort food, combining the best of both worlds: a quesadilla and a burrito, all in one. And guess what? You don’t have to drive to Taco Bell to enjoy it—this homemade version brings all the flavor and none of the lines. Trust me, once you try this recipe, you’ll never need to go out for a Quesarito again!

Why You’ll Love Taco Bell Quesarito

Here’s why this homemade Quesarito will make you the hero of taco night:

• Cheesy, Melty Goodness: The warm quesadilla shell gives you that extra cheesy layer that’s impossible to resist. It’s like a crispy cheese blanket wrapped around your favorite burrito filling!
• Quick and Easy: No need for complicated steps or a million ingredients. With just a few simple items, you can create something mouthwatering in no time.
• Customizable: You can make it your own! Add your favorite toppings like guacamole, jalapeños, or even some shredded lettuce for a little crunch.
• Perfect for Meal Prep: If you’re looking to make dinner for the week, this recipe is great for prepping ahead of time. You can wrap these Quesaritos up and store them in the fridge or freezer for later.
• Family-Friendly: Taco Bell Quesaritos are a hit with everyone—from picky eaters to seasoned food lovers. It’s a fun way to bring the whole family together for dinner!

Ingredients for Taco Bell Quesarito

Here’s everything you’ll need to recreate that Taco Bell magic right in your kitchen:

• Large Flour Tortillas: The base of your Quesarito! Soft, pliable flour tortillas are key to wrapping up all the fillings and giving you that delicious, chewy bite.
• Ground Beef: The savory filling that’s seasoned with Taco seasoning. It’s the heart of the Quesarito and gives it that signature Taco Bell flavor.
• Shredded Cheddar Cheese: A gooey, melty cheese that’ll melt perfectly when pressed between the tortillas.
• Sour Cream: Adds that creamy, tangy element that balances out all the savory ingredients. You can also use plain Greek yogurt if you prefer a healthier option.
• Taco Seasoning: The secret to that Taco Bell-style beef! It’s a blend of spices that gives the beef its signature flavor.
• Rice: Just like Taco Bell, you’ll want to add some seasoned rice for that extra texture and flavor.
• Optional Toppings: Add some shredded lettuce, tomatoes, or jalapeños for some crunch and heat. You can also use guacamole if you’re in the mood for a little extra indulgence.

(Note: Full ingredient measurements can be found in the recipe card above!)

Instructions

Ready to make your very own Taco Bell Quesarito? Let’s go!

Cook the Ground Beef

In a skillet over medium heat, brown the ground beef, breaking it up as it cooks. Once fully cooked, drain any excess fat and stir in the taco seasoning along with a splash of water. Let it simmer for a few minutes until the seasoning thickens and coats the beef. Remove from heat and set aside.

Prepare the Rice

Cook the rice according to package instructions. Once cooked, season it with a little salt and a squeeze of lime juice, if desired. This will add some fresh flavor to your Quesarito!

Make the Quesadilla Shell

Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Place one flour tortilla in the pan and sprinkle a generous amount of shredded cheddar cheese over it. Place another tortilla on top to create a “sandwich.” Let it cook for about 1-2 minutes, until the cheese starts to melt and the tortilla is golden brown and crispy. Flip it carefully and cook the other side for an additional 1-2 minutes. Once both sides are golden and the cheese is fully melted, remove from the skillet and set aside. Repeat with additional tortillas if making more Quesaritos.

Assemble the Quesarito

Place your quesadilla shell flat on a clean surface. Spoon a generous portion of the cooked ground beef down the center, followed by a layer of rice and a dollop of sour cream. You can also add any optional toppings like lettuce, tomatoes, or jalapeños at this point.

Roll and Serve

Carefully fold in the sides of the tortilla and then roll it up from the bottom, securing everything inside. Cut the Quesarito in half (if desired) and serve hot!

Nutrition Facts

• Servings: 4 (1 Quesarito per serving)
• Calories per serving: 500
• Total Fat: 23g
• Saturated Fat: 10g
• Cholesterol: 50mg
• Sodium: 900mg
• Total Carbohydrates: 52g
• Dietary Fiber: 3g
• Sugars: 3g
• Protein: 21g

Preparation Time

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 15 minutes
• Total Time: 25 minutes

How to Serve Taco Bell Quesarito

These Quesaritos are perfect as a standalone meal, but here are a few ways to take it up a notch:

• With Mexican Street Corn: Serve with a side of roasted Mexican street corn for a perfect pairing. The creamy, tangy sauce on the corn complements the savory flavors of the Quesarito.
• Salsa or Guacamole: Don’t forget the salsa! Whether it’s a fresh tomato salsa or spicy verde, the addition of salsa or guacamole will really bring out the flavors.
• Tortilla Chips: Serve with a side of crispy tortilla chips and your favorite dip—sour cream, salsa, or even queso—on the side for a complete Tex-Mex meal.

Additional Tips

• Make it Spicy: Add some jalapeños, chipotle sauce, or hot sauce to the beef mixture if you like a little extra heat.
• Use Chicken or Beef Alternatives: You can easily swap the ground beef for ground turkey, chicken, or a plant-based protein if you prefer a lighter or vegetarian option.
• Meal Prep: These Quesaritos are great for meal prep! You can make them ahead of time, wrap them in foil, and store them in the fridge for a few days or freeze them for up to a month. Just heat them up when you’re ready to enjoy!
• Cheese Options: While cheddar is the traditional choice, feel free to use a blend of cheeses like Monterey Jack, mozzarella, or even pepper jack for a different twist.

FAQ Section

Q1: Can I use store-bought taco seasoning?
A1: Yes! Store-bought taco seasoning is a convenient way to add flavor to the ground beef. Just follow the package instructions and adjust to your taste.

Q2: Can I use a different type of meat?
A2: Definitely! You can swap the ground beef for ground turkey, chicken, or even a plant-based meat substitute. Just be sure to adjust the cooking times accordingly.

Q3: Can I make this ahead of time?
A3: Yes! You can make the ground beef and rice ahead of time and store them in the fridge. When you’re ready, assemble and cook the quesadilla shell, then roll everything up.

Q4: How do I make my Quesarito spicier?
A4: To add some heat, try adding diced jalapeños to the filling or drizzling spicy salsa or hot sauce over the top.

Q5: Can I freeze Quesaritos?
A5: Yes, these freeze great! After assembling, wrap each Quesarito tightly in foil and store them in the freezer for up to 3 months. Reheat in the oven for 20-25 minutes.

Q6: Can I make a vegetarian Quesarito?
A6: Absolutely! Swap the ground beef for black beans, refried beans, or even grilled veggies for a vegetarian-friendly version.

Q7: What kind of rice should I use?
A7: You can use any kind of rice you like! For extra flavor, try using Mexican rice or cilantro-lime rice, or just season plain rice with some lime juice and salt.

Q8: How do I get the quesadilla shell crispy?
A8: Make sure your skillet is preheated to medium-high heat, and use a little butter to coat the pan. Don’t skip the cheese between the tortillas—it helps them stick together and gives you that delicious, crispy layer.

Q9: How can I store leftovers?
A9: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat in the microwave or on a skillet to maintain the texture.

Q10: Can I make these Quesaritos without cheese?
A10: Yes! If you prefer to skip the cheese, you can still enjoy a flavorful Quesarito with the ground beef, rice, and other toppings.

Conclusion

Making your own Taco Bell Quesarito at home is easier than you think, and the results are nothing short of delicious. With layers of seasoned beef, creamy sour cream, rice, and melted cheese—all wrapped in a crispy quesadilla shell—this recipe is sure to become a regular on your dinner table. Customize it with your favorite toppings, serve it with sides, and get ready for a meal that’ll leave everyone asking for more!

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