Taco Bell Chili Cheese Burrito Recipe

I find nothing beats a warm, cheesy, and savory meal after a long day, especially when it’s quick and easy to make. Our homemade taco bell chili cheese burrito recipe is truly a weeknight hero, bringing that beloved comfort food right to your kitchen. It’s perfect for busy parents or students needing a hearty meal that saves money compared to the drive-thru. Get ready to enjoy the satisfying aroma and taste of a classic, right at home!

Ingredient Essentials for Your Homemade Chili Cheese Burrito

Core Ingredients & Measurements

Crafting the perfect homemade taco bell chili cheese burrito recipe starts with quality ingredients. Here’s what you’ll need:

• Lean ground beef or turkey: 450 g (1 lb) for a hearty base. (Use ground turkey for a lighter, high-protein option.)
• Taco seasoning or chili seasoning packet: 1 (35 g / 1.25 oz) packet, to bring all those classic Tex-Mex flavors.
• Water: 240 mL (1 cup), helps the seasoning blend into a rich chili consistency.
• Large flour tortillas: 8 (25 cm / 10-inch) tortillas, essential for a good roll and satisfying wrap. (Ensure they’re pliable to prevent tearing.)
• Shredded sharp cheddar cheese: 240 g (2 cups), for that gooey, melty goodness. (Or a cheddar/Monterey Jack blend if you prefer.)
• Finely diced yellow onion: 30 g (1/4 cup) (optional), adds a subtle bite and aromatic depth to the chili.

Premium Upgrades & Smart Substitutions

Want to upgrade your taco bell chili cheese burrito recipe? Consider these:

• Grass-fed ground beef for richer flavor and nutrients.
• Organic flour tortillas for a cleaner option.
• Low-carb or whole wheat tortillas for diet goals.
• Dairy-free shredded cheese or plant-based ground meat for specific diets.
• Make your own chili seasoning blend (paprika, cumin, chili powder, onion powder, garlic powder).

Notes on Sourcing

Finding quality ingredients can truly make a difference. Look for fresh tortillas in the bakery section of your grocery store; they often have a better texture. If possible, consider buying your ground beef from a local butcher for superior quality and flavor, ensuring a premium base for your taco bell chili cheese burrito recipe.

Step-by-Step Cooking Process for the Chili Cheese Burrito

Cook the Chili

Getting the chili right is key to an authentic taco bell chili cheese burrito recipe flavor. Follow these simple steps:

1. In a large 10-inch skillet, brown the ground beef over medium-high heat for 5-7 minutes, breaking it up with a spoon until it’s fully cooked and losing its pink color. Drain any excess grease.
2. Stir in the taco or chili seasoning and 1 cup of water. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer, then reduce the heat to low. Let it cook for 8-10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the liquid has mostly absorbed and the chili thickens to a satisfying consistency. If your chili seems too dry, a splash of beef broth can bring it back to life.

Assemble Your Burritos

1. Warm your flour tortillas for flexibility. Microwave a stack of 4-6 for 30 seconds, or heat each in a dry skillet (15-20 seconds per side) until soft. This prevents tearing during assembly.
2. Lay a warm tortilla flat. Spoon about 1/2 to 3/4 cup (120-150 g) of hot chili down the center, leaving space at the ends. I always make sure the chili is just warm enough to melt the cheese as I roll.
3. Sprinkle generously with about 1/4 cup (30 g) of shredded sharp cheddar cheese over the chili.
4. Fold in the short sides of the tortilla, then tightly roll it up from the bottom. This creates a compact and secure taco bell chili cheese burrito recipe.

Heat & Serve

1. Place assembled burritos seam-side down on a dry skillet over medium heat. Cook for 2-3 minutes per side, pressing gently. The tortilla will turn golden and crisp; the cheese inside will melt and bubble.

Quick Hacks & Avoid Mistakes

• Meal Prep: Make the chili ahead of time and refrigerate it. This makes assembly even faster on a busy weeknight.
• Filling: Avoid overfilling the tortillas. Too much filling will make them difficult to roll neatly and might burst during heating.
• Tortillas: Always ensure your tortillas are warm and pliable before rolling. Cold tortillas can crack and tear, making assembly frustrating.

Best Occasions & Serving Suggestions for Chili Cheese Burritos

Where It Fits

This taco bell chili cheese burrito recipe is ideal for quick weeknight dinners. It’s also great for office lunches or casual game day gatherings.

Serving Ideas

Serve with a simple side salad, tortilla chips, or refried beans. Offer sour cream, hot sauce, or pickled jalapeños as toppings.

Storage & Reheating Guidance

• Store cooled burritos, wrapped in foil, in the fridge for 3-4 days or freeze for 2-3 months.
• Reheat from fridge: microwave for 1-2 min or oven at 350°F (175°C) for 10-15 min.
• For frozen burritos, bake at 375°F (190°C) for 20-25 min until heated through.

Functional Benefits of This Homemade Chili Cheese Burrito Recipe

This homemade chili cheese burrito recipe provides lasting energy and is satisfying. It’s family-friendly and adaptable for healthy dinner recipes, whether for weight loss meal prep or gluten-free options.

Budget & Time Efficiency: Master Your Chili Cheese Burrito Meal

This homemade chili cheese burrito recipe is both quick and cost-effective. Prep takes ~15 minutes, cooking ~20 minutes. It costs around $2.50 per serving, much less than takeout. Batch cook extra burritos for meal prep savings!

Ingredient Shopping & Premium Picks for Your Burritos

Source most items at supermarkets; a local butcher offers higher quality ground beef. Organic ground beef is a premium option. Fresh tortillas from a local Mexican grocery can elevate the experience.

Advanced Tips & Adaptations

Upgrade chili flavor with smoked paprika or a dash of Worcestershire sauce. For adult palates, fresh cilantro or a squeeze of lime juice can brighten things. Adapt this taco bell chili cheese burrito recipe for allergies with dairy-free cheese or gluten-free tortillas.

FAQs

Can this taco bell chili cheese burrito recipe be prepped ahead for the week?

Yes, the chili can be made up to 3 days ahead. I find refrigerating assembled burritos, then heating them, maintains the best texture for quick meals whenever you need them.

Where can I find taco bell chili cheese burrito recipe ingredients online?

Most major online grocery delivery services, like Instacart or Amazon Fresh, carry all necessary ingredients. This makes sourcing incredibly convenient for busy lifestyles.

What’s the healthiest substitute for the beef in this taco bell chili cheese burrito recipe?

Lean ground turkey or chicken are excellent healthy substitutes to reduce fat content. For a plant-based option, use 1 pound of a plant-based crumble instead of beef.

Is this recipe good for weight loss diets?

Absolutely! It can be. For weight loss meal prep, use lean ground meat, low-carb tortillas, and reduce the amount of cheese. This creates a satisfying, lighter high-protein meal.

How do I prevent my burritos from getting soggy?

Ensure your chili isn’t too wet before assembly and avoid overfilling. For best texture, assemble and heat your burritos just before eating.

Can I freeze assembled taco bell chili cheese burrito recipe burritos?

Yes, you can! Wrap each cooled burrito tightly in foil, then place them in a freezer-safe bag. They’ll keep for 2-3 months, perfect for quick, hearty meals.

This homemade taco bell chili cheese burrito recipe brings comfort, flavor, and convenience straight to your table, fitting perfectly into your healthy eating goals. Pin this easy family-friendly recipe for quick meals and add it to your weekly meal plan today!

Print