Name: Taco Bell Quesarito Cheesy
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 35 min
Total time: 55 min
Cuisine: Mexican
Ingredients: 450 g ground beef; 60 ml water; 15 g taco seasoning; 30 ml olive oil; 40 g onion, chopped; 300 g uncooked white rice; 480 ml chicken broth; 240 g chunky salsa; 5 g garlic salt; 5 g ground cumin; 120 g sour cream; 10 ml chipotle sauce from adobo peppers; 2.5 g chili powder; 2.5 g sugar; 2.5 g salt; 2.5 g paprika; 1 g garlic powder; 1 g onion powder; 8 flour tortillas (burrito size, approximately 25 cm); 240 ml nacho cheese sauce; 200 g shredded Mexican cheese blend; 120 g sour cream; 15 ml olive oil

Introduction to Taco Bell Quesarito Cheesy

Hey there, fellow busy bees! If you’ve ever craved that delicious Taco Bell Quesarito Cheesy but don’t have the time to run out, I feel you! This homemade version is here to save the day, offering a quick solution for those hectic evenings when you need something comforting and satisfying. With its hearty filling of beef, cheese, and flavorful rice all wrapped up in warm tortillas, it’s a dish that’s sure to impress your loved ones. So, grab your apron, and let’s make this Mexican delight right in your kitchen!

Why You’ll Love This Taco Bell Quesarito Cheesy

This Taco Bell Quesarito Cheesy recipe is not just about taste—it’s about ease and speed, too! As a busy mom, I appreciate a meal that comes together in just over 50 minutes, perfect for weeknight dinners. The layers of cheesy goodness and seasoned beef create a flavor explosion that’s sure to please even the pickiest eaters. Plus, you can customize it just the way you like!

Ingredients for Taco Bell Quesarito Cheesy

Gathering the right ingredients is half the fun! For this scrumptious Taco Bell Quesarito Cheesy, you’ll need a mix of fresh and flavorful staples to create a dish everyone will love. The essential components include:

Ground Beef: This is the heart of your Quesarito! Choose lean beef for a healthier option, or substitute with turkey for a lighter protein.
Taco Seasoning: Adds that zesty kick. You can use store-bought or make your own blend if you’re feeling adventurous.
Olive Oil: Ideal for sautéing your veggies and browning the beef. Feel free to swap it with canola oil if needed.
Chopped Onion: Provides sweetness and depth. You can use yellow or white onions, or even green onions for a fresher taste.
White Rice: The base for that delicious filling. For a quicker alternative, consider using instant rice.
Chicken Broth: Adds moisture and flavor to the rice. Vegetable broth works too, especially for a vegetarian version.
Chunky Salsa: Brings in freshness and a little heat! Use your favorite jar or make your own for a personal touch.
Sour Cream: This creamy addition balances out spice. Greek yogurt can be a lighter substitute.
Chipotle Sauce: For that smoky flavor. Add more if you like it spicy, or replace it with hot sauce if that’s what you have.
Cheese Blend: Shredded Mexican cheese is the perfect melter, but any cheese you love will do!
Flour Tortillas: Burrito-sized and perfect for wrapping the goodness inside. Whole wheat options are fabulous if you prefer a healthier choice.

For the exact quantities, check the end of the article where I’ve included a handy printable version. Let’s get cooking!

How to Make Taco Bell Quesarito Cheesy

Step 1: Cook the Ground Beef

Start by browning the ground beef in a skillet over medium-high heat. Break it apart with a spatula as it cooks, ensuring there’s no pink meat left. This takes about 5-7 minutes.

Once the beef is fully cooked, sprinkle in the taco seasoning and add the water. Stir well to coat the meat. Let it simmer uncovered for about 3-5 minutes until the liquid is absorbed. The aroma will get your taste buds dancing!

Step 2: Prepare the Spanish Rice

In a separate large skillet, heat some olive oil over medium heat. Toss in the chopped onion and sauté until it turns translucent. This should take around 5 minutes. The sweetness of the onion really brightens the dish!

Next, stir in the uncooked white rice. Toss it frequently until it’s lightly toasted. Then, add the chicken broth, chunky salsa, garlic salt, and ground cumin. Carefully reduce the heat, cover it up, and let it simmer for about 20 minutes. You’ll end up with fluffy, flavorful rice!

Step 3: Mix the Chipotle Sauce

While your rice is cooking, let’s mix that delicious chipotle sauce! In a small bowl, combine sour cream, chipotle sauce, chili powder, sugar, salt, cumin, paprika, garlic powder, and onion powder. Whisk everything together until you get a smooth blend. This sauce adds a rich and smoky kick that you won’t want to skip!

Step 4: Prepare the Tortillas

To soften the tortillas, wrap them in a damp paper towel and microwave them for 30 seconds. This step makes them easier to work with. Meanwhile, gently heat the nacho cheese sauce in the microwave until it’s nice and pourable. The melted cheese is the magic touch!

Step 5: Assemble the Quesaritos

Now it’s assembly time! Start by spreading a layer of nacho cheese sauce over four of the tortillas. Make sure to leave a bit of a border around the edges. Then, evenly distribute the shredded Mexican cheese blend over the cheese sauce.

Place another tortilla on top of each, pressing gently to seal. On the top tortilla, add a generous portion of that flavorful taco meat and Spanish rice. Drizzle some chipotle sauce and a bit of sour cream on top. Then, fold the sides inward and roll them tightly into burritos. Doesn’t that look festive?

Step 6: Cook the Quesaritos

Heat a little olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Place each burrito seam-side down in the skillet. Cook for about 2-3 minutes per side until they turn a lovely golden brown and crisp. The crunch really elevates the whole dish!

Serve these Taco Bell Quesarito Cheesy delights immediately, and watch everyone dig in. You’ll feel like a kitchen superstar!

Tips for Success

Use lean ground beef or turkey for a healthier option.
Don’t skip toasting the rice—this enhances its flavor.
Microwave tortillas in batches to keep them warm and pliable.
Experiment with different salsas for unique tastes.
Make extra chipotle sauce for dipping; it’s delicious!

Equipment Needed

Skillet: A non-stick skillet works wonders for browning and cooking.
Microwave: Essential for softening tortillas and heating nacho cheese.
Mixing bowl: Perfect for combining your chipotle sauce ingredients.
Spatula: Ideal for breaking apart the ground beef while cooking.
Measuring cups and spoons: Useful for precise ingredient amounts.

Variations

Vegetarian Quesarito: Swap the ground beef for black beans or lentils. Add extra veggies like bell peppers or corn for a colorful twist.
Spicy Kick: Mix in diced jalapeños or use a spicy salsa to ramp up the heat. Consider adding more chipotle sauce for smokiness!
Cheesy Delight: Incorporate additional types of cheese, like Pepper Jack or Monterey Jack, for a richer flavor profile.
Cauliflower Rice: For a lower-carb option, replace the white rice with cauliflower rice to keep that filling texture.
Gluten-Free Wrap: Use gluten-free tortillas if you need to cater to gluten-sensitive diets; they work just as wonderfully!

Serving Suggestions

Pair your Taco Bell Quesarito Cheesy with a fresh side salad for a refreshing crunch.
Serve with chips and guacamole for that classic Mexican touch.
A chilled margarita or iced tea makes a delightful drink choice.
Garnish with fresh cilantro or sliced jalapeños for a pop of color.

FAQs about Taco Bell Quesarito Cheesy

Can I make Taco Bell Quesarito Cheesy ahead of time?

Absolutely! You can prepare the filling and sauces earlier in the day. Just assemble before cooking for that fresh-out-of-the-pan taste. Refrigerate any extras for the next day!

What can I use instead of ground beef?

If beef isn’t your thing, turkey, chicken, or even plant-based meats work perfectly. Consider using black beans or lentils for a hearty vegetarian option, too!

How do I store leftovers?

Store leftover Taco Bell Quesarito Cheesy in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. Just reheat in the microwave or skillet when you’re ready to enjoy again!

Is Taco Bell Quesarito Cheesy freezer-friendly?

You bet! Wrap the assembled burritos in plastic wrap and freeze. When you’re ready, thaw and then bake or pan-fry until warmed through for a quick meal!

What sides pair well with this dish?

For a well-rounded meal, serve your Quesarito with a fresh salad, chips and salsa, or even some creamy guacamole. It makes for a satisfying spread!

Final Thoughts

Creating a Taco Bell Quesarito Cheesy at home is more than just following a recipe; it’s about savoring the joy of cooking and sharing those warm, comforting flavors with family. This dish transforms busy nights into delightful dining experiences, where the hustle melts away with every cheesy, beefy bite. I love how versatile this recipe is—you can adapt it to fit any palate or preference, making it a go-to for our household! So, gather your loved ones, roll up your sleeves, and dive into this delicious adventure. Trust me, you’ll be thanked with smiles all around!