Taco Bell Beefy Melt Burrito

As seen in: Evening Meals That Deliver Results

Indulge in a satisfying blend of tender seasoned ground beef, creamy refried beans, and fluffy Mexican rice, layered with crunchy corn chips for extra texture. Melted cheese dip and a generous sprinkling of shredded cheese create a velvety richness, complemented by a cool dollop of sour cream. Wrapped snugly in a warm flour tortilla and toasted to a golden crisp, each bite delivers both softness and a satisfying crunch. Enjoy with salsa on the side for added zest and savor a true comfort food experience packed with bold, familiar flavors.

Sarah Crisp
Contributed By Sarah Crisp
Last modified on Mon, 16 Jun 2025 01:43:26 GMT
A burrito with beef and cheese. Save This
A burrito with beef and cheese. | cookrisp.com

This beefy melt burrito is the ultimate crave-worthy comfort food and brings all the flavor and texture of your favorite Taco Bell classic right to your kitchen. It is loaded with seasoned beef, creamy cheese, refried beans, and a crunch of corn chips all wrapped up in a warm tortilla. Every bite has bold flavor, melty cheese, and layered textures that make these burritos irresistible for anyone who loves a hearty Tex-Mex meal at home.

I first tackled this recipe after a road trip with friends and we were all surprised how close it tasted to the real thing. Now we look forward to making these for Saturday movie nights and everyone builds their own.

Ingredients

  • Lean ground beef: Brings rich savory base and soaks up all seasoning flavors. Look for meat with a bright red color and minimal fat for the best texture
  • Taco seasoning: Adds smoky spiciness. A quality packet or homemade blend with cumin and chili powder works great
  • Water or beef broth: Helps keep the filling juicy and allows the seasoning to coat evenly. Use broth for extra flavor if available
  • Refried beans: Creamy base that holds everything together. Opt for low-fat or traditional depending on your preference
  • Cooked Mexican rice: Provides fluff and a mild backdrop. Use leftover rice or prepare fresh and make sure it is not hard or clumpy
  • Large flour tortillas: Essential for wrapping all of the hearty filling. Choose thick and pliable tortillas so they do not tear
  • Fritos or Doritos corn chips: Deliver the signature crunch. Pick fresh chips with strong crunch and bold flavor
  • Cheese dip: Offers ultimate meltiness. Use a smooth processed cheese sauce for that authentic melt
  • Shredded Mexican cheese blend: Brings layers of gooeyness. Choose fresh pre-shredded or grate your own for best melt
  • Sour cream: Adds a cooling creaminess
  • Salsa: Lifts everything with freshness and a touch of acidity

Step-by-Step Instructions

Cook the Beef Mixture:
Brown the ground beef in a sauté pan over medium heat by breaking it up into small bits and cooking until no pink is visible. Stir in the taco seasoning and water or broth to coat every piece. Let it bubble for about one minute then mix in the refried beans until smooth. Add a splash of water if the mixture looks too dense
Warm the Rice and Tortillas:
Make sure your Mexican rice is hot and fluffy. If it is cold from the fridge reheat it until steaming. Microwave the tortillas for about thirty seconds until they are soft and bendable so they don’t tear when folding
Assemble Each Burrito:
Lay a warm tortilla on your work surface. Spoon on generous helpings of the beef and bean mixture then a layer of rice right over the top. Next sprinkle some corn chips for that crunch followed by a drizzle of hot cheese dip. Add a handful of the shredded cheese and a dollop of sour cream to finish
Roll Up the Burrito:
Fold the two sides of the tortilla in toward the center then roll it up tightly from one end so everything gets enclosed in the wrap. Repeat for each burrito you are making
Toast for Crispiness:
Set the filled burrito seam-side down in a dry nonstick pan over medium heat. Press a bit and toast each side for a couple of minutes until the exterior is golden and crisp
Serve and Enjoy:
Slice the burrito in half if you like and serve with extra salsa on the side for dipping and fresh flavor
A burrito with beef and cheese. Save This
A burrito with beef and cheese. | cookrisp.com

The Mexican rice brings a gentle warmth and color to the burrito that makes it look and taste restaurant-worthy My family’s favorite ingredient is the cheese dip because it turns every bite into a creamy melty treat we can never get enough of The crunch from the chips brings back great memories of sharing big platters of loaded burritos during late-night game days

Storage Tips

For best results assemble burritos just before serving so chips do not go soft If storing wrap each burrito tightly in plastic or foil Keep in the fridge for up to five days For freezing freeze without chips as they lose their crunch Wrap tightly and keep for up to three months Reheat in microwave or oven until hot in the center

Ingredient Substitutions

Swap in ground turkey or chicken for a lighter filling For vegetarian simply skip the meat and add extra beans or roasted veggies like bell peppers and onions Different cheese blends or mild cheddar work in place of Mexican blend Tortilla chips can substitute corn chips if needed

A burrito with rice and beef. Save This
A burrito with rice and beef. | cookrisp.com

Serving Suggestions

Pair with a tangy lime slaw or a side of guacamole Set up a burrito bar so everyone can add their own extras Slice and serve as mini wraps for party platters Fresh chopped jalapenos or pickled onions add a bright kick on top

Common Queries

→ What kind of cheese works best for a beefy melt burrito?

A Mexican cheese blend melts well and adds flavor, but cheddar or Monterey Jack are great alternatives.

→ How do I keep the chips crispy inside the burrito?

Assemble the burritos just before serving to prevent moisture from softening the chips.

→ Can I substitute chicken for the ground beef?

Yes, cooked shredded or ground chicken can be used with similar seasonings for a poultry variation.

→ How should leftovers be stored and reheated?

Wrap tightly in plastic and foil, refrigerate up to 5 days or freeze without chips. Reheat in microwave or oven.

→ What makes the outer tortilla crisp?

Toasting the assembled burrito in a dry pan gives the tortilla a golden, crispy texture and extra flavor.

Taco Bell Beefy Melt Burrito

Layers of seasoned beef, beans, rice, and cheese wrapped in a warm, crisped tortilla. Satisfying and flavorful.

Preparation Time
15 Minutes Required
Cooking Duration
15 Minutes Required
Overall Time
30 Minutes Required
Contributed By: Sarah Crisp

Recipe Type: Dinner Victories

Skill Level: Moderate

Cuisine Type: Mexican

Serving Size: 4 Number of Servings

Dietary Preferences: ~

What You’ll Need

→ Main Components

01 450 g lean ground beef
02 1 packet (28 g) taco seasoning
03 60 ml water or beef broth
04 240 g refried beans
05 340 g cooked Mexican rice
06 4 large flour tortillas
07 100 g Fritos or Doritos corn chips

→ Toppings

08 240 ml cheese dip, warmed
09 110 g shredded Mexican cheese blend
10 120 ml sour cream
11 Salsa, to serve

Steps to Follow

Step 01

Brown the lean ground beef in a sauté pan over medium heat, breaking apart the meat into small pieces until fully cooked and no longer pink. Add the taco seasoning and water or broth, stirring to combine. Cook for 1 minute, then fold in the refried beans. Adjust consistency with additional water if the mixture is too thick.

Step 02

Cook the Mexican rice if not already prepared, or reheat pre-cooked rice until warmed through. Heat the flour tortillas in the microwave for 30 seconds until pliable.

Step 03

Lay a warmed tortilla flat on a work surface. Spoon several tablespoons of the beef and bean mixture into the center, followed by several tablespoons of rice. Top with corn chips, a generous spoonful of warmed cheese dip, shredded Mexican cheese blend, and a spoonful of sour cream.

Step 04

Fold the sides of the tortilla toward the center and roll tightly from one end to enclose the filling. Repeat with each tortilla and remaining filling.

Step 05

For a crisp outer texture, place the assembled burritos seam-side down in a dry pan over medium heat and cook for 1–2 minutes per side until golden brown.

Step 06

Serve the burritos immediately with salsa on the side, if desired.

Additional Notes

  1. For best texture, assemble burritos just before serving so the chips remain crisp.
  2. To store, wrap burritos individually in plastic wrap and foil. Refrigerate up to 5 days or freeze up to 3 months, omitting chips if freezing to maintain texture.
  3. Reheat chilled burritos in the microwave, oven, or stovetop until heated throughout.
  4. Toast assembled burritos in a dry pan for extra flavor and a crisp exterior.
  5. Prepare extra Mexican rice or refried beans in advance and freeze to save time on future preparations.

Tools to Have

  • Sauté pan
  • Microwave
  • Dry pan
  • Plastic wrap and foil (for storage)

Allergen Information

Double-check ingredients for allergens, and seek medical guidance if necessary.
  • Dairy
  • Gluten (from flour tortillas)

Nutrition Info (Per Serving)

These figures are estimates and shouldn’t replace professional health advice.
  • Calories Per Serving: 550
  • Fat Content: 22 grams
  • Carbohydrates: 58 grams
  • Protein Amount: 23 grams