Cheesy Taco Bell Quesarito: The Ultimate Homemade Copycat Recipe

If you’re a fan of Taco Bell, chances are the Quesarito holds a special place in your heart. It’s cheesy, creamy, spicy, and indulgent—everything you want in late-night comfort food. Unfortunately, Taco Bell has rotated it in and out of its menu, leaving fans craving it when it disappears.

The good news? You don’t have to wait for Taco Bell to bring it back. With this step-by-step recipe, you can recreate a homemade Cheesy Taco Bell Quesarito that tastes just as good—if not better—than the fast-food original.

This article will walk you through the ingredients, preparation, and pro tips to make this mouthwatering quesarito in your own kitchen. We’ll also cover common questions people ask (like “What’s in a Taco Bell Quesarito?” or “How do you reheat a quesarito without losing flavor?”).

What Is a Cheesy Taco Bell Quesarito?

The Quesarito is essentially a hybrid between a quesadilla and a burrito. Taco Bell launched it in 2014, and it quickly became a cult favorite. The name itself is a mash-up: quesa- (for quesadilla) + -rito (for burrito).

What makes it special is the layer of melted cheese wrapped inside a warm flour tortilla, which holds the seasoned beef, seasoned rice, chipotle sauce, and sour cream. The double layer of tortilla and cheese gives it a gooey, grilled exterior while keeping the filling hot and flavorful inside.

Why Make a Homemade Cheesy Quesarito?

There are several reasons to skip the drive-thru and make your own:

• Control the Ingredients – Choose high-quality beef, fresh veggies, and your favorite cheese blend.

• Customize to Your Taste – Adjust spice levels, swap proteins (chicken, turkey, or beans), or make it vegetarian.

• Save Money – One homemade batch makes six hearty quesaritos, costing much less than ordering multiple at Taco Bell.

• Healthier Option – By controlling oil, sodium, and sauces, you can enjoy the indulgence without the guilt.

Ingredients for the Cheesy Taco Bell Quesarito

Here’s what you’ll need to bring this masterpiece to life:

Meat Filling

• 1 pound ground beef

• 1 packet taco seasoning

Spanish Rice

• 1 cup white rice

• 2 cups chicken broth

• 1 cup chunky salsa

• 1/2 onion, chopped

• 1 tablespoon olive oil

• 1 teaspoon cumin

• 1 teaspoon garlic salt

Chipotle Cream Sauce

• 1 cup sour cream

• 2 chipotle peppers in adobo sauce

• 1 tablespoon adobo sauce

• 1 teaspoon chili powder

• 1/2 teaspoon sugar

• 1/4 teaspoon salt

• 1 teaspoon cumin

• 1/4 teaspoon paprika

• 1/4 teaspoon onion powder

Cheese Blend

• 2 cups shredded Mexican cheese blend

• 1 cup nacho cheese sauce

Assembly

• 6 large flour tortillas

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Beef Filling

In a skillet over medium-high heat, cook the ground beef, breaking it up with a spatula until browned. Drain any excess fat. Add the taco seasoning along with 2/3 cup of water. Stir and simmer for 5 minutes until the mixture thickens.

Step 2: Cook the Spanish Rice

In another skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Sauté the chopped onion until soft and fragrant, about 2 minutes. Add the rice, stirring for 2–3 minutes to toast slightly. Pour in chicken broth, salsa, garlic salt, and cumin. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat, cover, and simmer for 20 minutes. Once cooked, fluff with a fork.

Step 3: Make the Chipotle Cream Sauce

In a mixing bowl, combine sour cream, chipotle peppers, adobo sauce, chili powder, sugar, salt, cumin, paprika, and onion powder. Blend or whisk until smooth. This smoky, tangy sauce ties all the flavors together.

Step 4: Prep the Tortillas and Cheese

Wrap the tortillas in a damp paper towel and microwave for 20–30 seconds to soften. Warm the nacho cheese sauce until creamy and hot.

Step 5: Assemble the Quesarito

• Spread 2–3 tablespoons of nacho cheese sauce on half of each tortilla.

• Sprinkle shredded Mexican cheese blend evenly on top.

• Add a scoop of seasoned beef, Spanish rice, and a drizzle of chipotle cream sauce.

• Fold the sides inward and roll tightly into a burrito shape.

Step 6: Grill for Perfection

Heat a skillet with a touch of olive oil. Place the burritos seam-side down and toast for 2–3 minutes per side until golden brown and crispy.

Step 7: Serve and Enjoy

Slice each burrito in half. Serve immediately with extra chipotle sauce, salsa, or sliced jalapeños for an extra kick.

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People Also Ask (PAA) About the Cheesy Taco Bell Quesarito

1. What’s in a Cheesy Taco Bell Quesarito?

The classic Taco Bell Quesarito is made with seasoned beef (or chicken), seasoned rice, nacho cheese, shredded cheese, chipotle sauce, and sour cream—all wrapped in a cheesy quesadilla-style tortilla.

2. Can I make a vegetarian version of the Quesarito?

Absolutely! Substitute the beef with black beans, refried beans, or grilled veggies. The Spanish rice, cheese, and chipotle sauce pair perfectly with plant-based proteins.

3. How do I reheat a Quesarito without making it soggy?

The best method is to reheat it in a skillet or air fryer. Heat over medium for 3–4 minutes per side until warmed through and crispy again. Avoid microwaving, as it makes the tortilla chewy.

4. What cheese does Taco Bell use in the Quesarito?

Taco Bell uses a three-cheese blend (cheddar, mozzarella, and Monterey Jack) along with creamy nacho cheese sauce. For your homemade version, a Mexican cheese blend works perfectly.

5. Can I freeze homemade Quesaritos?

Yes! Wrap each quesarito tightly in foil and place in a freezer-safe bag. They’ll keep for up to 2 months. Reheat in the oven at 375°F for about 20 minutes.

Pro Tips for the Best Homemade Quesarito

1. Toast the burrito last minute – This keeps the tortilla crisp while the cheese inside stays gooey.

2. Don’t overfill – Too much filling will make it hard to roll, and it may burst while toasting.

3. Use warm tortillas – Cold tortillas are more likely to crack and tear.

4. Double the chipotle sauce – It’s that good. Make extra to drizzle on top.

5. Experiment with proteins – Ground turkey, shredded chicken, or even steak strips can take this recipe to another level.

Variations You’ll Love Cheesy Taco Bell Quesarito

• Spicy Quesarito – Add jalapeños, extra chipotle peppers, or hot sauce.

• Chicken Quesarito – Swap beef for shredded chicken with fajita seasoning.

• Low-Carb Quesarito – Use low-carb tortillas or lettuce wraps for a lighter version.

• Breakfast Quesarito – Replace beef with scrambled eggs, sausage, and potatoes.

Why This Copycat Recipe Beats the Drive-Thru

While Taco Bell’s Quesarito is undeniably tasty, making it at home gives you:

• Bigger portions

• Better ingredients

• Custom spice levels

• No waiting in line

Plus, your kitchen will smell incredible as the beef sizzles, rice cooks, and cheese melts.

Final Thoughts Cheesy Taco Bell Quesarito

The Cheesy Taco Bell Quesarito is a fast-food legend, but now you don’t have to wait for Taco Bell to bring it back. With seasoned beef, smoky chipotle cream sauce, fluffy Spanish rice, and layers of melty cheese, this homemade recipe delivers on flavor, texture, and indulgence.

Whether you’re cooking for your family, hosting a game night, or simply treating yourself, this copycat quesarito is guaranteed to satisfy cravings. Make a batch, freeze a few, and you’ll always have comfort food ready when the mood strikes.

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