Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Taco Bell’s Quesarito is a fan favorite, and for good reason! Here’s why you’ll love this homemade version:

Crispy and Cheesy: The combination of a quesadilla shell with a flour tortilla makes this dish perfectly crispy and cheesy on the outside.
Customizable: Whether you like ground beef, chicken, or beans, you can easily adjust the filling to suit your preferences.
Easy to Make: You don’t need to wait in line—just make it at home with simple ingredients in no time.
Satisfying: With hearty ingredients like seasoned beef, rice, and creamy sauce, this is a filling meal everyone will enjoy.
Family-Friendly: This dish is a hit with both kids and adults, making it perfect for busy weeknights or casual dinners.

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Taco seasoning (or homemade)
1 lb ground beef (or substitute with ground turkey or chicken)
1 cup rice (white or Mexican rice)
1/2 onion, chopped
1 tbsp olive oil
1 1/2 cups chicken broth
1/2 cup salsa
1/2 tsp garlic salt
1/2 tsp cumin
4 large flour tortillas (burrito size)
1 cup nacho cheese sauce
1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese
Sour cream
Chipotle sauce

Directions

Cook the Ground Beef: In a large skillet, cook the ground beef over medium-high heat until no longer pink. Stir in taco seasoning and water according to the seasoning package instructions.
Prepare the Rice: In a separate pan, sauté chopped onion in olive oil over medium heat for about 5 minutes, until tender. Add rice and cook, stirring frequently, until slightly browned. Stir in chicken broth, salsa, garlic salt, and cumin. Cover and simmer for 20 minutes, or until the liquid is absorbed.
Assemble the Quesaritos: Lay the tortillas flat. Spread nacho cheese sauce on 4 of the tortillas, leaving a small border around the edges. Sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese on top.
Layer the Ingredients: Place the second tortilla on top of the cheese-topped one, pressing gently to stick them together. On this new tortilla, layer the seasoned beef and rice mixture.
Add Sauces: Drizzle sour cream and chipotle sauce over the beef and rice.
Cook and Serve: Fold the tortillas carefully to close the Quesarito. Heat a pan over medium heat and grill the Quesarito for 2-3 minutes on each side, until the outside is golden and crispy. Slice and serve!

Servings and Timing

Servings: 4
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Total Time: 30 minutes

Variations

Meat Choices: You can switch the ground beef for ground turkey, chicken, or even steak.
Vegetarian Version: Add refried beans instead of meat, or try a combination of grilled veggies and rice.
Add Lime: For an extra burst of flavor, squeeze fresh lime juice on top of the Quesarito before serving.
Extra Spice: If you love spicy food, add jalapeños or a hot sauce of your choice to the filling.

Storage/Reheating

Storing: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days.
Reheating: To reheat, place the Quesarito in a skillet over medium heat for 2-3 minutes per side, or use the microwave for 1-2 minutes.

FAQs

1. Can I make this Quesarito without meat?

Yes, substitute the meat with refried beans or grilled vegetables for a delicious vegetarian version.

2. Can I use flour tortillas instead of the quesadilla base?

Yes, you can use regular flour tortillas, but the quesadilla shell adds extra flavor and crunch.

3. How do I make this dish spicier?

Add jalapeños or a spicy hot sauce to the inside of the Quesarito for an extra kick.

4. Can I use store-bought rice for this recipe?

Yes, you can use pre-cooked or instant rice as a time-saver, but homemade rice adds great flavor to the dish.

5. What’s the best way to store leftover Quesarito?

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days.

6. Can I make the Quesarito with chicken instead of beef?

Absolutely! Ground chicken works just as well and adds a lighter flavor.

7. Can I freeze this recipe?

Yes, you can freeze the assembled Quesarito before grilling. Wrap each one tightly in foil or plastic wrap and freeze for up to 2 months.

8. How do I make the rice more flavorful?

Using chicken broth instead of water and adding seasonings like cumin and garlic salt will elevate the flavor of the rice.

9. Can I use different cheese?

Yes, try Monterey Jack, pepper jack, or a blend of cheeses for a different taste.

10. How long should I grill the Quesarito?

Grill the Quesarito for 2-3 minutes on each side, or until the outside is golden and crispy.

Conclusion

Making Taco Bell’s Quesarito at home is easier than you think, and it’s the perfect combination of cheesy, crispy, and flavorful ingredients. With this recipe, you can enjoy your favorite fast food in the comfort of your home, and customize it to your liking. Whether you make it with beef, chicken, or beans, it’s sure to become a family favorite. Try it today!

Taco Bell Quesarito

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Craving Taco Bell’s Quesarito? This homemade copycat recipe brings all the cheesy, crispy, and flavorful goodness straight to your kitchen! Packed with seasoned beef, rice, nacho cheese, and creamy sauces, it’s an easy-to-make, customizable meal that’s perfect for busy nights. Whether you prefer beef, chicken, or beans, you can make this fan-favorite Quesarito just the way you like it!

Author: Amy
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Total Time: 30 minutes
Yield: 4 servings
Category: Main Dish, Tex-Mex
Method: Grilling, Sautéing
Cuisine: Tex-Mex, American

Instructions

Cook the Ground Beef: In a large skillet, cook ground beef over medium-high heat until no longer pink. Stir in taco seasoning and water according to seasoning instructions.
Prepare the Rice: Sauté chopped onion in olive oil over medium heat for 5 minutes. Add rice and cook until slightly browned. Stir in chicken broth, salsa, garlic salt, and cumin. Cover and simmer for 20 minutes until liquid is absorbed.
Assemble the Quesaritos: Lay tortillas flat. Spread nacho cheese sauce on 4 tortillas, leaving a small border. Sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese on top of the sauce.
Layer the Ingredients: Place a second tortilla on top, press gently, and then layer with the seasoned beef and rice mixture.
Add Sauces: Drizzle sour cream and chipotle sauce over the beef and rice.
Cook and Serve: Carefully fold the tortillas, heat a pan over medium heat, and grill the Quesarito for 2-3 minutes per side until crispy and golden. Slice and serve!

Notes

Customize with different meats (chicken, turkey, or steak) or make it vegetarian by adding refried beans or grilled veggies.

Spice it up by adding jalapeños or your favorite hot sauce to the filling.

For a burst of fresh flavor, squeeze lime juice on top before serving.