Okay, gather ’round, friend! Let’s talk about the Taco Bell Beef Burrito. You know, the one that’s a total classic and always hits the spot? I’ve been making my own version at home for years, ever since I tried to recreate that perfect flavor that’s oh-so-good. It started with a serious craving one night when the kids were little and getting out to get one was just NOT happening. So, I dove into my pantry, determined to make my own Taco Bell Beef Burrito.
What I love about this Taco Bell Beef Burrito recipe is that it’s so adaptable. You can adjust the spice level to your liking, add extra cheese, or even throw in some rice. I’ve even made a vegetarian version with lentils instead of beef, and it was surprisingly good! Plus, it’s way cheaper than ordering takeout, and you know exactly what’s going into your food. And honestly, I love that my kids ask for this, because I can sneak in a bit of extra veggies!
This beefy burrito recipe has honestly saved me on so many nights when I just didn’t have the energy to cook something complicated. The best part? My version tastes even better than the original, if I do say so myself! So, are you ready to learn how to make your very own, crave-worthy Taco Bell Beef Burrito at home? I promise, it’s easier than you think, and your family will thank you for it!
Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need to whip up these delicious burritos. Remember, the quality of your ingredients matters, so choose wisely! Don’t be afraid to experiment with different types of cheese or toppings to find your perfect combination.
- 1 pound ground beef (I always use 80/20 for the best flavor for my Taco Bell Beef Burrito.)
- 1 packet Taco Seasoning (When making Taco Bell Beef Burrito, you can find this at any grocery store.)
- 1/2 cup water (Here’s a Taco Bell Beef Burrito trick I learned from my mom: A little extra water keeps the beef moist.)
- 1 (15 ounce) can refried beans (I prefer the vegetarian kind – it’s smoother!)
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese (Or your favorite cheese! Monterey Jack is great, too.)
- 6 large flour tortillas (The burrito size ones!)
- Optional toppings: Sour cream, salsa, chopped onions, lettuce (Whatever your family likes!)
- 1 teaspoon cumin (Adds a nice earthy flavor)
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/4 teaspoon onion powder
How to Make – Step-by-Step
Follow these simple steps to create your own Taco Bell Beef Burrito at home. Don’t be afraid to get creative and adjust the recipe to your liking. Cooking should be fun, so relax and enjoy the process!
- Brown the ground beef: In a large skillet over medium-high heat, brown the ground beef. Drain off any excess grease. Don’t worry if your Taco Bell Beef Burrito filling seems a little greasy at first – draining the beef will take care of it. I learned the hard way with Taco Bell Beef Burrito that you have to drain the grease or the tortillas will get soggy. In my kitchen, Taco Bell Beef Burrito usually takes me about 10-15 minutes to brown the beef.
- Add seasoning and water: Stir in the taco seasoning, cumin, garlic powder, onion powder, and water. Bring to a simmer and cook for 5-7 minutes, or until the water is absorbed and the beef is nicely seasoned. I usually set a timer while the Taco Bell Beef Burrito is cooking so I don’t forget about it.
- Warm the tortillas: While the beef is simmering, warm the tortillas. You can do this in the microwave for a few seconds each, or in a dry skillet over medium heat. This will make them more pliable and prevent them from tearing when you roll them. This little trick, which I learned from my grandma, is a game changer.
- Assemble the burritos: Lay a tortilla flat on a clean surface. Spread a layer of refried beans down the center, followed by a generous amount of seasoned beef and shredded cheese. I like to leave about an inch of space on each end for folding. Your Taco Bell Beef Burrito should smell like seasoned beef and warm tortillas at this point.
- Fold the burritos: Fold in the sides of the tortilla, then fold up the bottom over the filling. Roll tightly to form a burrito. Don’t worry if your Taco Bell Beef Burrito isn’t perfectly shaped – they’ll still taste amazing!
- Optional: Brown the burritos: For extra flavor and texture, you can brown the burritos in a dry skillet over medium heat for a minute or two per side, until lightly golden brown. I do this sometimes if I have a few extra minutes.
- Serve: Serve your Taco Bell Beef Burrito immediately with your favorite toppings.
While the Taco Bell Beef Burrito is cooking, I usually chop up some lettuce and tomatoes, or set out bowls of salsa and sour cream. It makes the whole process feel more like a fun family meal. This easy beef burrito recipe is something my whole family can agree on! Sometimes I will add some rice to the ground beef mixture if I am looking to add more of a filler.
Serving Suggestions
Presentation is key! Make your Taco Bell Beef Burrito experience even better with these serving suggestions. Think about the colors and textures you can add to make the meal more appealing.
Side Dishes
The kids love our Taco Bell Beef Burrito when I cut them in half and serve them with a side of tortilla chips and salsa. It’s like a mini fiesta! My go-to side dishes that pair with Taco Bell Beef Burrito are Mexican rice, a simple salad, or even just some sliced avocado. They complement the flavors perfectly and make it a complete meal.
Occasions
This Taco Bell Beef Burrito is perfect for a quick weeknight dinner, a casual get-together with friends, or even a fun weekend lunch. I’ve even packed them in lunchboxes for the kids (and myself!) on occasion. For Taco Bell Beef Burrito presentation tips, I like to arrange the burritos on a platter and garnish them with chopped cilantro and a dollop of sour cream. It makes them look extra appetizing.
Leftovers and Variations
If you have extra Taco Bell Beef Burrito, they’re great for leftovers! You can reheat them in the microwave, oven, or even in a skillet. I’ve also chopped them up and added them to salads or omelets. Speaking of variations, I’ve tried adding black beans, corn, or even diced jalapenos to my Taco Bell Beef Burrito. It’s a fun way to experiment with different flavors and customize them to your liking. The link to this sweet potato taco bowl is also really great.
My friends always ask for this Taco Bell Beef Burrito recipe whenever I make it for them. They can’t believe how easy it is to make at home! They always say they prefer my beefy burrito recipe to the original! It makes me so happy to share this family favorite with others.
Frequently Asked Questions
Got questions? I’ve got answers! Here are some common questions about making the Taco Bell Beef Burrito.
Q: Can I use a different type of meat for this Taco Bell Beef Burrito?
A: Absolutely! Ground turkey or chicken would work great. Just make sure to adjust the cooking time accordingly. You know what I do when my Taco Bell Beef Burrito filling is a little dry? I add a splash of beef broth or tomato sauce.
Q: How can I make this Taco Bell Beef Burrito spicier?
A: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper to the beef mixture or use a spicier taco seasoning. You can also add some chopped jalapenos or a dash of hot sauce to your Taco Bell Beef Burrito. My family prefers a milder version, so I usually leave out the extra spice.
Q: Can I make this Taco Bell Beef Burrito ahead of time?
A: Yes, you can assemble the burritos ahead of time and store them in the refrigerator until you’re ready to bake them. Just wrap them tightly in plastic wrap to prevent them from drying out. I often prep my Taco Bell Beef Burrito in the morning before work, and then just bake them when I get home.
Q: What’s the best way to reheat these Taco Bell Beef Burrito?
A: You can reheat them in the microwave, oven, or in a skillet. If microwaving, wrap the burrito in a damp paper towel to prevent it from drying out. In the oven, bake at 350°F until heated through. I’ve made the mistake with Taco Bell Beef Burrito of microwaving them for too long and they exploded!
Q: Can I freeze these Taco Bell Beef Burrito?
A: Yes, these burritos freeze well. Wrap them individually in plastic wrap and then place them in a freezer bag. They can be stored in the freezer for up to 2-3 months. To reheat, thaw them in the refrigerator overnight and then bake or microwave until heated through. I learned that tip about Taco Bell Beef Burrito from a reader who freezes them for her kids’ lunches!
Q: Can I add rice to these Taco Bell Beef Burrito?
A: Definitely! Cooked rice is a great addition to these burritos. Just add it to the beef mixture before assembling the burritos. We’ve tried it with both white and brown rice, and both were delicious with the Taco Bell Beef Burrito.
Q: Can I make a vegetarian version of this Taco Bell Beef Burrito?
A: Absolutely! Substitute the ground beef with lentils or black beans. You can also add some diced vegetables, such as bell peppers or corn. I’ve had feedback about my Taco Bell Beef Burrito that adding bell peppers gives them a nice sweetness!
My Final Thoughts
This Taco Bell Beef Burrito recipe is more than just a meal to me – it’s a symbol of family dinners, quick weeknight solutions, and happy memories. I can’t tell you how many times this recipe has saved the day!
My Taco Bell Beef Burrito Pro Tips:
- Don’t overfill the burritos: It will be hard to roll them, and the filling will spill out!
- Warm the tortillas: This is key to preventing them from tearing.
- Use good quality cheese: It makes a big difference in the flavor.
I’ve tried so many variations of this Taco Bell Beef Burrito recipe over the years. Sometimes I add a layer of guacamole, other times I’ll throw in some pickled onions for a tangy kick. My son loves his with extra cheese, while my daughter prefers hers with lots of sour cream. And if you are looking to make a bigger Taco Bell style dinner you can try to make the beef using this recipe :easy Taco Bell meat recipe.
No matter how you make it, I hope this Taco Bell Beef Burrito recipe brings as much joy to your family as it has to mine. Don’t be afraid to experiment and make it your own! Happy cooking! You should try to make this easy beef burrito recipe for dinner tonight! Now you know everything about Taco Bell Beef Burrito!
5-Star Taco Bell Beef Burrito: Easy & Yummy!
Craving a Taco Bell Beef Burrito? This easy and yummy recipe lets you recreate this classic at home with simple ingredients and minimal effort, guaranteeing a 5-star burrito experience!
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Skillet
- Cuisine: Mexican
Ingredients
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 packet taco seasoning
- 1/2 cup water
- 1 (15 ounce) can refried beans
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/2 cup sour cream
- 1/4 cup diced onion
- 4 large flour tortillas
Instructions
- In a large skillet, brown ground beef over medium-high heat. Drain off any excess grease.
- Stir in taco seasoning and water. Bring to a simmer and cook for 5-7 minutes, or until the liquid has reduced.
- Warm refried beans in a saucepan or microwave.
- Warm flour tortillas according to package directions.
- To assemble the burritos, spread a layer of refried beans on each tortilla. Top with seasoned beef, cheddar cheese, sour cream, and diced onion.
- Fold in the sides of the tortilla and roll up tightly.
- Serve immediately and enjoy!
Notes
For an extra kick, add a dash of hot sauce to your burrito. You can also add rice, lettuce, or tomatoes to customize it to your liking.