Name: Taco Bell Quesarito Cheesy Recipe
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 50 min
Cuisine: Tex-Mex
Ingredients: 1 pound ground beef; 1/4 cup water; 1 tablespoon taco seasoning; 2 tablespoons olive oil; 1/4 cup onion, chopped; 1 1/2 cups uncooked white rice; 2 cups chicken broth; 1 cup chunky salsa; 1 teaspoon garlic salt; 1 teaspoon cumin; 1/2 cup sour cream; 2 teaspoons chipotle sauce from can of adobo peppers; 1 teaspoon chili powder; 1/2 teaspoon sugar; 1/2 teaspoon salt; 1/2 teaspoon cumin; 1/2 teaspoon paprika; 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder; 1/4 teaspoon onion powder; 8 flour tortillas, burrito size; 1 cup nacho cheese sauce; 2 cups shredded Mexican cheese blend; 1/2 cup sour cream; 1 tablespoon olive oil

Jump to Recipe·5.2 from 23 reviews

If you’ve ever found yourself dreaming about Taco Bell Quesarito Cheesy, you’re in for a treat! This homemade version bundles savory taco beef, ultra-creamy nacho cheese, bold chipotle sauce, and zesty Spanish rice in a toasted tortilla. Every bite is an irresistible combo of melt-in-your-mouth cheese and a hit of Tex-Mex spirit—just like grabbing your favorite “secret menu” splurge but even fresher. If you’re craving authentic flavors and gooey comfort, this Taco Bell Quesarito Cheesy has your name written all over it.

Taco Bell Quesarito Cheesy Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

What makes this Taco Bell Quesarito Cheesy so special is the simple but thoughtful layering of ingredients. Each element brings its own punch—rich, seasoned beef, spicy creamy sauce, fluffy rice, and a whole lot of cheese!

Ground Beef: The cornerstone of that classic taco flavor and heartiness in each bite.
Water: Helps blend the seasonings into the beef for extra juiciness.
Taco Seasoning: Brings the beef alive with essential Tex-Mex spices.
Olive Oil (for Rice): Gives the rice a beautiful golden start and a subtle smoothness.
Onion: Sweetens and flavors the rice base for a more vibrant taste.
White Rice: Absorbs all those wonderful flavors and forms a satisfying layer.
Chicken Broth: Makes the rice extra savory, infusing every grain with depth.
Chunky Salsa: Brightens the rice with a kick of tomato and pepper flavor.
Garlic Salt: Gives a punch of flavor that makes both the rice and meat sing.
Cumin: Lends a rich, earthy aroma to both the rice and the chipotle sauce.
Sour Cream (for Sauce): Delivers velvety creaminess that mellows out heat.
Chipotle Sauce from Adobo Peppers: Adds smoky, spicy depth to the creamy chipotle sauce.
Chili Powder, Sugar, Salt, Paprika, Garlic Powder, Onion Powder: The perfect spice squad that plays off the cheese and beef beautifully, rounding out the chipotle sauce.
Flour Tortillas (Burrito Size): Soft and sturdy: just what you need to hug all those glorious layers.
Nacho Cheese Sauce: The ooey-gooey element that takes Quesarito Cheesy over the top.
Shredded Mexican Cheese Blend: Melts down to goo, lending even more cheesiness inside.
Sour Cream (for Assembling): Offers extra coolness and balance to every cheesy bite.
Olive Oil (for Searing): Helps crisp up the outside of each burrito, locking in all that melty magic.

How to Make Taco Bell Quesarito Cheesy

Step 1: Prepare the Taco Meat

This step is all about building that flavor-packed base! Start by browning the ground beef in a skillet over medium-high heat, crumbling it up as it cooks. Once there’s no pink left, stir in your taco seasoning with a splash of water. Let it simmer for a few minutes so the spices really soak in—trust me, this is what makes your Taco Bell Quesarito Cheesy taste restaurant-level good.

Step 2: Cook the Spanish Rice

While the beef is cooking, get your Spanish rice going. In a large skillet, sauté the chopped onion in olive oil until soft and fragrant. Add the uncooked rice, stirring until it starts to toast and turn golden. Then pour in chicken broth, salsa, garlic salt, and cumin. Cover and let it gently simmer until all the liquid absorbs, making every grain rich and flavorful. This extra effort sets your Taco Bell Quesarito Cheesy apart from any takeout burrito.

Step 3: Whip Up the Cheesy Chipotle Sauce

Bring out that tangy, smoky chipotle flavor by simply whisking together sour cream, chipotle sauce, and all those magic spices (chili powder, cumin, paprika, garlic powder, and more). Yes, this takes just a couple of minutes, but it’s the secret to that signature Taco Bell Quesarito Cheesy kick!

Step 4: Layer and Roll the Quesaritos

This is where the magic happens! Warm your tortillas (a microwave and damp towel work wonders), then spoon nacho cheese onto four tortillas, sprinkle with shredded cheese, and top each cheesy base with a second tortilla. Layer on the beef and Spanish rice, drizzle with chipotle sauce and a little extra sour cream, and roll it all into a fat, cozy burrito. You’ll see why everyone raves about Taco Bell Quesarito Cheesy when you bite in!

Step 5: Toast and Serve

Heat a clean skillet with a touch of olive oil and let each burrito sizzle until golden and slightly crispy—this step adds the ultimate finish. Each Taco Bell Quesarito Cheesy is now sealed, gooey, and ready for that perfect Instagram-worthy cheese pull. Serve them hot, and watch the cheesy goodness disappear in minutes.

How to Serve Taco Bell Quesarito Cheesy

Garnishes

Give each Taco Bell Quesarito Cheesy a little extra flair with toppings like fresh cilantro, sliced jalapeños, or a dusting of paprika. A squeeze of lime or a scoop of pico de gallo brightens it up just like your favorite restaurant version.

Side Dishes

Pair your Taco Bell Quesarito Cheesy with crunchy tortilla chips, a bowl of guacamole, or a tangy corn salad. Mexican street corn (elote) or crispy fries always turn this meal into a true dine-in experience at home.

Creative Ways to Present

Turn the Taco Bell Quesarito Cheesy into a party platter by slicing each burrito into thirds and arranging them on a big tray with dipping sauces. Or, wrap them in foil for a picnic-style feast and watch everyone’s faces light up when they unwrap their cheesy surprise.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you have any Taco Bell Quesarito Cheesy leftovers, wrap each burrito tightly in foil or plastic wrap and tuck them into an airtight container. They’ll keep in the fridge for up to three days, and the flavors only get more delicious as they sit together.

Freezing

You can absolutely freeze Taco Bell Quesarito Cheesy for future cravings. Wrap each one individually in foil, then place them in a freezer-safe bag or container. They’ll keep well for up to two months. Perfect for those late-night snack attacks or fuss-free lunches!

Reheating

To reheat, unwrap and microwave for a minute or two, or pop into a toaster oven or skillet for a crispy finish. If reheating from frozen, let your Taco Bell Quesarito Cheesy thaw in the fridge overnight for the best texture, then warm through as desired.

FAQs

Can I use ground turkey instead of beef?

Absolutely! Ground turkey works beautifully as a leaner option. Just be sure to season generously, since turkey takes on flavor well. Either way, the Taco Bell Quesarito Cheesy is packed with satisfaction.

How spicy is the chipotle sauce?

The chipotle sauce in this Taco Bell Quesarito Cheesy recipe is mildly spicy with just enough kick to keep it interesting. Feel free to add more chipotle adobo if you love extra heat, or tone it down if spicy isn’t your thing.

Can I use pre-made rice?

Yes! Using store-bought Spanish rice can save time on busy nights. Just make sure it’s flavorful, since it’s a key layer in the Taco Bell Quesarito Cheesy experience. Homemade is worth it if you can, but shortcuts are welcome here!

What other cheeses could I use?

If you want to get creative with your Taco Bell Quesarito Cheesy, try Monterey Jack, cheddar, or pepper jack for even more gooey goodness. Just aim for good “meltability.”

Can I make this recipe vegetarian?

Easily! Swap the beef for seasoned black beans or a plant-based crumble, and use vegetable broth in the rice. You’ll still capture all the cheesy, saucy, and spicy magic of the Taco Bell Quesarito Cheesy without any meat.

Final Thoughts

If there’s ever been a homemade meal worth craving, the Taco Bell Quesarito Cheesy is it. With its melty, tangy, spicy layers and all those craveable textures, this is comfort food at its most fun. Give it a try—you’ll be hooked after the first cheesy, saucy, beefy bite!