The Ultimate Copycat Chili Cheese Burrito Recipe You’ll Adore

Taco Bell enthusiasts have long obsessed over the legendary chili cheese burrito, a fan-favorite menu item that disappeared from many locations.

This beloved chili cheese burrito recipe brings back the nostalgic flavors you remember, packed with hearty beef and melted cheese.

The combination of zesty chili and gooey cheese creates a mouthwatering comfort food that satisfies deep cravings.

Recreating this classic fast-food item at home means you can enjoy it whenever hunger strikes.

Spice lovers will appreciate the bold flavors that make this burrito so irresistible.

Each bite delivers a perfect balance of warmth and richness that transports you straight to fast-food heaven.

Prepare to master this copycat recipe and impress everyone at your next casual meal.

Why Copycat Chili Cheese Burrito Is Addictive

• Indulge Chocolate Lovers: A decadent dessert that combines the rich, fudgy goodness of brownies with a sweet cookie crust, guaranteed to satisfy intense chocolate cravings.
• Create Crowd-Pleasing Dessert: Perfect for gatherings, potlucks, and family celebrations where everyone can enjoy a delightful slice of sweet indulgence.
• Customize with Ease: Simple recipe allows quick modifications like adding chocolate chips, nuts, or extra peanut butter swirls to match personal taste preferences.
• No-Fuss Baking Experience: Straightforward instructions make this recipe accessible for bakers of all skill levels, from beginners to experienced home cooks.

Items To Have For Chili Cheese Burritos

• Ground Beef: A hearty protein that forms the foundation of the chili cheese filling.
• Diced Onions: Adds depth of flavor and aromatic base to the beef mixture.

• Chili Powder, Cayenne Pepper, Salt: Provide bold and warming spice profile to enhance the beef's taste.

• Tomato Paste: Adds rich tomato flavor and helps thicken the mixture.
• Refried Beans: Creates creamy texture and helps bind the filling together.
• Cornstarch: A natural thickener that helps create a smooth and consistent filling.
• Water: Used to create a smooth cornstarch mixture for thickening.

• Shredded Cheddar Cheese: Adds creamy, sharp flavor and melts beautifully into the filling.

• Tortillas: Soft, pliable vessels for holding the delicious chili cheese filling.

Burrito Assembly Steps You’ll Want To Know

Step 1: Brown the Beef

Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Toss in ground beef and diced onions.

Break apart the meat while cooking until it turns a rich brown color and looks perfectly crumbly. The onions will become translucent and fragrant during this process.

Step 2: Spice Up the Mixture

• Chili powder
• Cayenne pepper
• Salt

Stir thoroughly to coat every bit of beef with the zesty seasonings.

Step 3: Create a Hearty Base

• Tomato paste
• Refried beans

Mix everything until the mixture looks smooth and well-blended. The beans will add a creamy texture to the beef.

Step 4: Thicken the Filling

In a small bowl, whisk cornstarch with water until completely smooth. Pour this mixture into the skillet and cook for a few minutes.

The filling will become wonderfully thick and rich.

Step 5: Melt in the Cheese

Sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese into the beef mixture.

Stir until the cheese melts completely. Let the mixture simmer for 10 minutes, occasionally stirring to prevent sticking.

Step 6: Warm the Tortillas

Prepare tortillas by microwaving for 15 seconds or lightly dampening and heating on a skillet. This makes them soft and easy to roll.

Step 7: Roll the Burritos

Lay a tortilla on a clean surface. Sprinkle shredded cheese in the center.

Add a generous scoop of the beef and bean mixture. Fold the sides and roll into a perfect burrito shape.

Step 8: Serve and Enjoy

Repeat the rolling process with remaining tortillas and filling. Serve these mouthwatering chili cheese burritos immediately while they’re warm and delicious.

Tips and Reminders For Burrito Night Success

• Use a colander or paper towels to remove as much grease as possible, preventing soggy and heavy burritos.
• Adjust cayenne pepper according to heat preference, starting with less and adding gradually to control spiciness for all taste buds.
• Shred cheese fresh for better melting and smoother texture, avoiding pre-packaged shredded cheese with anti-caking agents.
• Wrap tortillas in slightly damp paper towel before microwaving to prevent dryness and create more pliable wrapping surface.
• Mash refried beans slightly before adding to create a more uniform and creamy filling that blends seamlessly with ground beef.

Different Fillings For Copycat Burrito Recipes

• Vegetarian Bean Burritos: Replace ground beef with plant-based crumbles or black beans for a meatless version that's packed with protein and flavor.
• Spicy Southwest Style: Add diced jalapeños, swap cayenne for chipotle powder, and include some diced green chiles to create a fiery southwestern kick.
• Lean Protein Option: Use ground turkey instead of beef for a lower-fat alternative that maintains the same delicious chili cheese profile.
• Gluten-Free Adaptation: Substitute corn tortillas for flour tortillas and verify that all spices and ingredients are certified gluten-free to accommodate dietary restrictions.

Good Pairings For Chili Cheese Burritos

• Savor Spicy Beverage Companion: Ice-cold Mexican beer like Corona or Modelo Especial cuts through the rich, spicy flavors and cleanses the palate with its crisp, refreshing finish.
• Enhance Flavor Profile: Zesty guacamole adds creamy texture and cool contrast to the hot, cheesy burrito, balancing the intense spices and providing a smooth counterpoint.
• Cool Down with Salsa: Fresh pico de gallo brings bright, tangy notes that complement the hearty beef and bean mixture, adding a light, fresh element to the robust dish.
• Creamy Dipping Delight: Smooth sour cream or tangy Mexican crema helps temper the heat, providing a cooling effect and adding a luxurious, velvety layer to each bite.

How To Store Burritos For Next Day Lunch

• Store leftover chili cheese burrito filling in an airtight container for up to 4 days. Seal tightly to prevent moisture and odors from affecting the taste.
• Wrap individual burritos in plastic wrap, then aluminum foil. Freeze for maximum 2 months. Label with the date to track freshness.
• Place burrito on a microwave-safe plate. Heat for 1-2 minutes, turning halfway through to ensure even warming. Add a damp paper towel to prevent drying out.
• Warm burritos in a lightly oiled skillet over medium heat. Cook for 2-3 minutes on each side until heated through and crispy exterior develops.

FAQs

• Can I use ground turkey instead of ground beef?

Yes, ground turkey is a great lean alternative that works well in this recipe. Just make sure to cook it thoroughly and drain any excess fat.

• How spicy is this chili cheese burrito?

The recipe uses chili powder and a touch of cayenne, which provides a mild to moderate heat level. You can adjust the cayenne to increase or decrease spiciness according to your preference.

• Do I need any special equipment to make these burritos?

No special equipment is needed. A large skillet, small mixing bowl, and basic kitchen utensils are sufficient to prepare these delicious chili cheese burritos.

• Can I make the filling ahead of time?

Absolutely! You can prepare the beef and bean mixture in advance and store it in the refrigerator for 2-3 days. Simply reheat before assembling the burritos.

Copycat Chili Cheese Burrito Recipe

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4.7 from 33 reviews

• Total Time: 35 minutes
• Yield: 10 1x

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Description

Taco Bell’s legendary Chili Cheese Burrito sparks nostalgic cravings for Mexican-inspired comfort food with its hearty blend of melted cheese and zesty chili. Quick homemade ingredients deliver restaurant-quality satisfaction right in your kitchen, letting you savor this classic fast-food favorite without leaving home.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Meat and Protein:

• 1 pound (454 grams) ground beef
• 1 (16 ounces/454 grams) can refried beans
• 3 cups shredded cheddar cheese

Spices and Seasonings:

• 3 tablespoons chili powder
• 1 teaspoon cayenne pepper
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1 (6 ounces/170 grams) can tomato paste

Other Ingredients:

• 1 medium yellow onion, diced
• 2 cups water
• 2 tablespoons cornstarch
• 2 tablespoons water (for cornstarch mixture)
• 10 (10-inch) flour tortillas

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Instructions

1. Sizzle ground beef and onions in a large skillet over medium-high heat until meat browns and crumbles completely.
2. Remove excess grease from the skillet, then generously coat beef with chili powder, cayenne pepper, and salt for robust flavor.
3. Incorporate tomato paste and refried beans into the seasoned meat, mixing thoroughly until a uniform consistency develops.
4. Create a cornstarch slurry by whisking water and cornstarch together, then pour into the meat mixture to enhance thickness and texture.
5. Sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese into the beef mixture, stirring until cheese melts completely and blends seamlessly.
6. Allow the chili cheese filling to simmer for 10 minutes, occasionally stirring to prevent scorching and develop deeper flavors.
7. Soften tortillas by microwaving briefly or gently warming on a skillet to increase pliability and prevent cracking.
8. Layer tortillas with additional shredded cheese, then carefully spoon beef and bean mixture into the center.
9. Fold tortilla edges inward, creating a tight seal to prevent filling from escaping during rolling.
10. Roll each burrito compactly, ensuring a neat and secure wrap that holds the flavorful filling.
11. Serve immediately while warm, allowing the melted cheese and spicy filling to deliver maximum taste and enjoyment.

Notes

• Customize spice levels by adjusting cayenne pepper or adding hot sauce for heat-loving taste buds.
• Replace ground beef with ground turkey or plant-based crumbles for a leaner or vegetarian version.
• Use corn tortillas instead of flour for a gluten-free alternative that adds a subtle corn flavor.
• Prep ingredients ahead of time to make assembly quick and streamline the cooking process for busy weeknights.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 20 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner, Snacks
• Method: Sautéing
• Cuisine: Mexican-American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 10
• Calories: 427 kcal
• Sugar: 3 g
• Sodium: 680 mg
• Fat: 22 g
• Saturated Fat: 12 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 9 g
• Trans Fat: 0.5 g
• Carbohydrates: 35 g
• Fiber: 6 g
• Protein: 26 g
• Cholesterol: 55 mg