The Taco Bell Quesarito is a cheesy, flavorful fusion of a quesadilla and a burrito, combining melty cheese, seasoned beef, and zesty rice in one indulgent wrap. This homemade version lets you recreate the fast-food favorite right in your kitchen, with the same bold flavors and gooey texture.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Homemade goodness: Skip the drive-thru and make it fresh at home with simple ingredients.
- Customizable: Tailor the fillings to your preferences, from meat to vegetarian options.
- Easy and fun: Perfect for a family dinner or a weekend treat.
- Budget-friendly: Use pantry staples and leftovers for a cost-effective meal.
Ingredients
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
- Large flour tortillas
- Shredded cheddar cheese or Mexican cheese blend
- Ground beef or chicken, cooked and seasoned with taco seasoning
- Cooked rice
- Nacho cheese sauce
- Sour cream
- Chipotle sauce (store-bought or homemade)
- Optional toppings: diced tomatoes, shredded lettuce, or guacamole
Directions
- Prepare the fillings: Cook and season the ground beef or chicken with taco seasoning. Set aside. Heat the cooked rice and mix it with a drizzle of chipotle sauce for added flavor.
- Assemble the quesadilla base: Heat a large skillet over medium heat. Place a tortilla in the skillet and sprinkle shredded cheese evenly over it. Add another tortilla on top and heat until the cheese melts, flipping once.
- Build the quesarito: Place the quesadilla on a clean surface. Layer seasoned meat, rice, nacho cheese sauce, sour cream, and any optional toppings down the center.
- Roll it up: Fold in the sides of the tortilla, then roll it tightly into a burrito.
- Heat to seal: Place the rolled quesarito back into the skillet, seam side down. Heat for 1–2 minutes on each side until golden brown and sealed.
- Serve: Slice in half and serve hot with your favorite dipping sauces.
Servings and Timing
- Servings: Makes 4 quesaritos
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 20 minutes
Variations
- Vegetarian option: Replace meat with black beans, refried beans, or sautéed veggies.
- Spicy twist: Add jalapeños or use spicy chipotle sauce for extra heat.
- Low-carb version: Use low-carb tortillas and cauliflower rice.
- Breakfast quesarito: Substitute meat with scrambled eggs and breakfast sausage.
- Loaded quesarito: Add extra fillings like pico de gallo, guacamole, or shredded lettuce.
Storage/Reheating
- Storage: Wrap leftovers in aluminum foil or plastic wrap and refrigerate for up to 2 days.
- Reheating: Reheat in a skillet over medium heat or in an air fryer for a crispy exterior. Avoid microwaving, as it may make the tortilla soggy.
FAQs
Can I use store-bought taco seasoning?
Yes, store-bought taco seasoning works well, but feel free to make your own with chili powder, cumin, paprika, and garlic powder.
What’s the best cheese to use?
A Mexican blend or cheddar cheese melts beautifully and provides great flavor.
Can I make these ahead of time?
Yes, assemble the quesaritos and refrigerate them. Heat them in a skillet or oven just before serving.
How do I make homemade chipotle sauce?
Blend mayo, sour cream, chipotle peppers in adobo sauce, lime juice, and spices for a quick, creamy chipotle sauce.
Can I freeze quesaritos?
Yes, wrap them individually in foil or plastic wrap and freeze. Thaw in the fridge before reheating.
How do I keep the tortillas from tearing?
Warm the tortillas in the microwave or a skillet before assembling to make them more pliable.
Can I substitute the nacho cheese sauce?
Yes, use shredded cheese or queso dip if you prefer.
Are quesaritos spicy?
They have a mild kick from the chipotle sauce, but you can adjust the spice level to your liking.
What type of rice works best?
Fluffy white rice or seasoned Mexican rice works great for this recipe.
What sides go well with a quesarito?
Serve with chips and salsa, guacamole, or a simple side salad.
Conclusion
Recreating the Taco Bell Quesarito at home is easy and satisfying. This cheesy, flavorful dish combines the best of quesadillas and burritos, making it a fun and customizable meal for any occasion. Whether you stick to the classic fillings or put your spin on it, this recipe will have everyone asking for seconds!
PrintTaco Bell Quesarito Recipe
The Quesarito is Taco Bell’s indulgent mash-up of a quesadilla and a burrito. It features seasoned beef, warm nacho cheese, seasoned rice, and tangy chipotle sauce wrapped in a layer of melted cheese sandwiched between two tortillas. Here’s how to recreate it at home!
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 2 Quesaritos 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Skillet
- Cuisine: Tex-Mex
Ingredients
For the Quesarito:
- 2 large flour tortillas
- 1 cup shredded Mexican cheese blend (or cheddar and Monterey Jack)
- 1 cup seasoned taco beef (store-bought seasoning or homemade, see below)
- 1/2 cup cooked seasoned rice (see instructions)
- 1/4 cup nacho cheese sauce (store-bought or homemade)
- 1/4 cup sour cream
- 2 tbsp chipotle sauce (store-bought or homemade, see below)
For the Seasoned Rice:
- 1 cup cooked white rice
- 1/2 tsp chili powder
- 1/4 tsp garlic powder
- 1/4 tsp onion powder
- 1/4 tsp cumin
- Salt, to taste
For Homemade Taco Seasoning (Optional):
- 1 tbsp chili powder
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder
- 1/2 tsp onion powder
- 1/2 tsp smoked paprika
- 1/4 tsp cumin
- 1/4 tsp oregano
- Salt and pepper, to taste
For Homemade Chipotle Sauce (Optional):
- 1/4 cup mayonnaise
- 1 tbsp sour cream
- 1 tsp adobo sauce (from canned chipotle peppers)
- 1/4 tsp smoked paprika
- 1/4 tsp garlic powder
Instructions
1. Prepare the Fillings:
- Seasoned Beef: Cook ground beef in a skillet over medium heat. Add taco seasoning and a splash of water. Cook until thickened.
- Seasoned Rice: Mix the cooked rice with chili powder, garlic powder, onion powder, cumin, and salt. Adjust seasoning to taste.
- Chipotle Sauce (if making): Whisk together all ingredients in a small bowl until smooth.
2. Assemble the Quesarito:
- Heat one tortilla on a dry skillet over medium heat. Sprinkle the shredded cheese evenly across the surface.
- Top with the second tortilla, pressing gently. Cook for 1-2 minutes until the cheese melts and binds the tortillas together. Flip and cook the other side for 1 minute.
3. Add the Fillings:
- Spread nacho cheese sauce in the center of the top tortilla.
- Layer the seasoned beef, seasoned rice, a drizzle of chipotle sauce, and a dollop of sour cream.
4. Roll the Quesarito:
- Fold the sides of the tortilla inward, then roll it tightly into a burrito shape.
- Place the rolled Quesarito seam-side down on the skillet for 1-2 minutes to seal the edges and warm through.
5. Serve:
- Slice the Quesarito in half and serve warm with extra chipotle sauce or salsa on the side.
Notes
- Vegetarian Option: Substitute beef with seasoned black beans or plant-based ground meat.
- Make Ahead: Prepare the seasoned beef, rice, and sauces in advance. Assemble and heat just before serving.
- Customization: Add guacamole, pico de gallo, or shredded lettuce for extra flavor.