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Taco Bell Chili Cheese Burrito copycat recipe is loaded with ground beef, refried beans, cheese, and spices. You'll love this hearty and filling chilito as a quick dinner or filling lunch.
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Save time and money by making this copycat chilito recipe! You can control exactly what goes into your burrito for a smarter and healthier dish than what you'd get in the drive-thru.
Why This Recipe Works
If you're looking for a homemade substitute for the classic Taco Bell chili cheese burrito, this is a great way to prepare it in your own kitchen. Super easy to make and packed with flavor and filling ingredients, perfect for the freezer. Serve it with this Chunky Guacamole Recipe!
Fans of this handheld comfort food will also love these Slow Cooker Smothered Chicken Burritos or a Loaded Breakfast Burrito.
Ingredients Needed
- Ground Beef: I like to use lean ground beef as a base.
- Yellow Onion: Adds a nice complex and savory flavor.
- Seasonings: A combination of chili powder, cayenne pepper, and salt provide lots of warmth.
- Cornstarch: Helps thicken the beef mixture.
- Refried Beans: For some extra protein and a nice filling addition to the beef.
- Tomato Paste: Gives the beef filling an extra meaty flavor and some subtle sweetness.
- Shredded Cheese: I use shredded cheddar cheese, but other varieties would also work well.
- Tortillas: Burrito size flour tortillas work best for these chilitos.
How to Make this Chili Cheese Burrito
- Step 1: Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat and add the ground beef and diced onions. Cook until browned.
- Step 2: Drain any excess fat and add the seasonings. Stir to combine.
- Step 3: Once the seasoning is evenly distributed, add the tomato paste and refried beans to the meat mixture.
- Step 4: Combine the cornstarch and water and add to the mixture. Heat until thickened, then fold in the shredded cheddar cheese.
- Step 5: Place a single tortilla on a clean working surface, then add a bit of cheese.
- Step 6: Add about 1/4 to 1/2 cup of the meat mixture on top of the cheese.
- Step 7: Fold in the sides of the tortilla, then roll into a burrito.
- Step 8: Repeat with the rest of the filling and tortillas. Serve with sour cream and salsa if desired.
Recipe Tips
- To make sure the tortillas don't break while wrapping up your burrito, warm them for 15 seconds in the microwave first.
- For a lighter version of these burritos, use ground chicken or ground turkey instead.
- You can add more veggies like bell peppers or jalapeno peppers to the filling.
- Cheddar cheese works well, but you can also use pepper jack, mozzarella cheese, or a shredded Mexican blend.
Recipe FAQ's
Can burrito filling be made ahead of time?
Yes, make your filling ahead of time and keep it in an airtight container in the fridge for 3 to 4 days. Microwave it or reheat it in a skillet over medium heat before making burritos.
Can you make burritos ahead of time?
You can also prepare your burritos ahead of time for an easy dinner or meals on the go throughout the week! Wrap each burrito in plastic wrap or aluminum foil and keep them in the fridge, or pop them in the freezer if you need them to last longer. Reheat in the oven for best results, but you can also microwave them if you're in a time crunch.
Can these be frozen?
Yes, let the burritos cool completely. Wrap each burrito into plastic wrap and, place them into a large ziplock freezer bag and freeze for up to 3 months.
More Copycat Recipes
- Copycat Panera Broccoli Cheese Soup
- Copycat Garlic Parmesan Buffalo Wild Wings Recipe
- Copycat IHOP Pancakes Recipe
- Starbucks Espresso Brownie Copycat Recipe
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Copycat Taco Bell Chili Cheese Burrito
Wendie
This copycat version of the Taco Bell Chili Cheese Burrito is so easy to make right in your kitchen and can be customized exactly to your liking!
5 from 1 vote
Print Recipe Pin Recipe Save Recipe
Prep Time 10 minutes mins
Cook Time 20 minutes mins
Total Time 30 minutes mins
Course Entrees
Cuisine Mexican
Servings 10 burritos
Calories 359 kcal
Ingredients
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 medium yellow onion diced
- 3 tablespoons chili powder
- 1 teaspoon cayenne pepper
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 2 cups water plus 2 tablespoons
- 2 tablespoons cornstarch
- 1 16 ounce can refried beans
- 1 6 ounce can tomato paste about 6 tablespoons
- 3 cups cheddar cheese
- 10 10 inch flour tortillas
Instructions
Heat a large skillet on medium-high heat add the ground beef and diced onion and cook until browned. Drain the extra fat and add the chili powder, cayenne, and salt, and stir it. Add in the water.
In a small bowl add the cornstarch and 2 tablespoons of water together and mix, stir that into the meat mixture, and let it come to a simmer to thicken.
Add in the refried beans, tomato paste, and stir until combined.
Add in 1 1/2 cups of cheese and mix until melted.
Place a tortilla on a cutting board (warm the tortillas in the microwave for 15 seconds to soften if needed) and add a pinch of shredded cheese followed by 1/4-1/2 cup meat mixture.
Fold in the sides and roll the tortilla over into a log.
Serve with sourcream and salsa if desired!
Notes
Use cheddar cheese, mozzarella, pepper jack, or a Mexican blend.
Add more vegetables like bell peppers or jalapeno peppers.
For more flavor, add onion powder, garlic powder, cumin, or paprika.
Freezer directions: Yes, let the burritos cool completely. Wrap each burrito into plastic wrap and, place them into a large ziplock freezer bag and freeze for up to 3 months.
Nutrition
Serving: 1burritoCalories: 359kcalCarbohydrates: 18gProtein: 18gFat: 23gSaturated Fat: 11gPolyunsaturated Fat: 2gMonounsaturated Fat: 7gTrans Fat: 1gCholesterol: 66mgSodium: 745mgPotassium: 237mgFiber: 2gSugar: 1gVitamin A: 1134IUVitamin C: 0.2mgCalcium: 300mgIron: 2mg
Keyword beef burrito, burrito, chili cheese burrito, copycat recipe, taco bell
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