Taco Bell Quesarito
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If you’re a fan of Taco Bell’s Quesarito, you’re in for a treat. This epic creation combines two beloved staples: the quesadilla and the burrito. The result? A cheesy, meaty, and absolutely irresistible fast-food favorite that you can now whip up in your own kitchen! Perfect for dinner, game nights, or whenever you’re craving a satisfying Tex-Mex feast, this homemade Quesarito recipe captures the essence of Taco Bell’s original while letting you customize every bite. Let’s cooking our Taco Bell Quesarito.

Ingredients

Quesadilla Layer

  • 2 large flour tortillas
  • 1 cup shredded cheese (cheddar, Monterey Jack, or a blend)
  • 1 tablespoon butter or oil (for toasting)

Filling

  • 1 cup cooked seasoned ground beef (or substitute with shredded chicken, pork, or plant-based crumbles)
  • 1 cup cooked rice (Mexican rice or cilantro-lime rice works best)
  • 1/2 cup refried beans
  • 1/4 cup sour cream
  • 1/4 cup nacho cheese sauce
  • 1 tablespoon taco seasoning (store-bought or homemade)

Optional Toppings

  • Shredded lettuce
  • Diced tomatoes
  • Jalapeños
  • Hot sauce or salsa

For Assembly

  • Foil or parchment paper (optional, for wrapping)

Instructions

1: Prepare the Filling

  1. Cook the Ground Beef: In a skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef until browned. Drain any excess grease, then stir in taco seasoning and 1/4 cup water. Let it simmer until the water evaporates and the meat is evenly seasoned.
  2. Cook the Rice: If you haven’t already, prepare your Mexican or cilantro-lime rice. This will serve as a hearty base for the filling.
  3. Heat the Refried Beans: Warm the refried beans in a small saucepan or microwave-safe dish until smooth and spreadable.

2: Make the Quesadilla

  1. Heat a non-stick skillet over medium heat.
  2. Place one flour tortilla in the skillet and sprinkle half the shredded cheese evenly across the surface.
  3. Top with the second tortilla and sprinkle the remaining cheese on top.
  4. Cook until the bottom tortilla is golden brown and the cheese starts to melt, about 2–3 minutes. Flip carefully and toast the other side for another 2–3 minutes. Remove from heat.

3: Assemble the Quesarito

  1. Lay your cheesy quesadilla flat on a clean surface.
  2. Spread a thin layer of refried beans in the center of the quesadilla.
  3. Add a generous layer of rice, followed by seasoned ground beef, nacho cheese sauce, and a dollop of sour cream.
  4. If desired, sprinkle on your favorite toppings like shredded lettuce, tomatoes, or jalapeños.

4: Roll It Up

  1. Fold in the sides of the quesadilla to encase the fillings.
  2. Starting from the bottom, roll tightly until fully wrapped.
  3. For extra authenticity, wrap your Quesarito in foil or parchment paper, burrito-style.

5: Heat and Serve

  1. For that signature Taco Bell warmth, place the wrapped Quesarito in a skillet over low heat for 1–2 minutes on each side or microwave for 30 seconds.
  2. Slice in half, serve with your favorite dips, and enjoy the cheesy, meaty goodness!

Tips

  • Cheese Choice: A blend of sharp cheddar and Monterey Jack adds depth of flavor, but feel free to experiment with pepper jack or mozzarella for a twist.
  • Spice Level: Add jalapeños, hot sauce, or a pinch of cayenne to the meat mixture for extra heat.
  • Prep Ahead: Cook the filling components (meat, rice, beans) ahead of time to streamline assembly.
  • Foil Wrap Trick: Wrapping your Quesarito in foil not only mimics Taco Bell’s presentation but also helps it hold its shape.

Storage Instructions

  • Refrigeration: Wrap leftover Quesaritos individually in foil or plastic wrap and store in an airtight container. They’ll stay fresh for up to 3 days.
  • Freezing: For longer storage, wrap each Quesarito in foil and then place them in a freezer-safe bag. Freeze for up to 2 months.
  • Reheating: Reheat in the oven at 350°F for 10–15 minutes or in the microwave for 1–2 minutes until heated through.

Variations

  1. Vegetarian Quesarito: Replace the ground beef with black beans, sautéed vegetables, or a plant-based protein alternative.
  2. Spicy Quesarito: Use spicy nacho cheese sauce and add extra chili flakes or diced habaneros to the filling.
  3. Chicken Quesarito: Swap out the beef for shredded rotisserie chicken or diced grilled chicken breast.
  4. Breakfast Quesarito: Fill it with scrambled eggs, breakfast sausage, hash browns, and cheese for a morning twist.

Nutrition Details (Approximate Per Serving)

  • Calories: 620
  • Protein: 25g
  • Carbohydrates: 55g
  • Fat: 30g
  • Fiber: 5g
  • Sodium: 1050mg

FAQ

Q: Can I use store-bought taco seasoning?
A: Absolutely! Store-bought taco seasoning works great. If you prefer a homemade version, combine chili powder, cumin, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, oregano, and salt.

Q: Can I make the Quesarito gluten-free?
A: Yes! Use gluten-free tortillas and ensure all other ingredients are gluten-free.

Q: How do I prevent the Quesarito from falling apart?
A: Be sure not to overfill and roll tightly. Wrapping it in foil or parchment paper helps maintain its shape.

Q: What sides go well with a Quesarito?
A: Pair it with tortilla chips, guacamole, salsa, or a fresh salad for a complete Tex-Mex feast.

the irresistible combination of flavors and textures with this homemade Taco Bell Quesarito. Once you try this DIY version, you’ll never look at fast food the same way again! 🌮