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This Beef Meximelt Cheesy Taco recipe captures all the comforting flavors of a fast-food favorite with fresh ingredients and comes together in just twenty minutes. With seasoned beef, gooey cheese, and zesty pico de gallo all wrapped in a gently steamed tortilla, these are perfect for busy nights or casual dinners with friends.
I still remember the first time I tried this at home my kitchen filled with the smell of browned beef and melty cheese and now it is a regular request whenever friends drop by for movie night.
Ingredients
- Lean ground beef: gives you rich flavor with less unwanted grease Choose eighty five percent lean for best taste and less mess
- Taco seasoning: brings spice and warmth Use a trusted store brand or make a homemade blend for more control
- Water: helps blend the seasoning and keeps the beef juicy
- Large flour tortillas: hold everything together Choose soft tortillas with no cracks for easy rolling
- Mexican cheese blend: melts smoothly Look for fresh pre grated cheese for quick assembly or grate your own for extra freshness
- Pico de gallo salsa: adds freshness and zing Pick one with ripe tomatoes and lots of cilantro for bright flavor
Step by Step Instructions
- Brown the Beef:
- Cook the ground beef in a large pan over medium heat Stir and break it up constantly until all sides are browned and no pink remains This should take about five to seven minutes Once browned carefully drain away any excess grease then return the beef to the pan This step adds the base flavor for the filling
- Season and Simmer:
- Sprinkle the taco seasoning evenly over the browned beef Add the water and thoroughly mash the meat with a fork or potato masher to create fine crumbles Turn the heat to medium high and bring everything to a gentle boil Then reduce heat to low and let it simmer gently uncovered for five to ten minutes until the mixture is thickened and flavors are blended Stir occasionally so nothing sticks to the pan Remove from heat when saucy
- Soften the Tortillas:
- Take all the flour tortillas and wrap them loosely in a damp paper towel Place them in the microwave and heat for fifteen to twenty seconds This makes tortillas soft flexible and less likely to crack during assembly
- Assemble the Meximelts:
- Lay one warm tortilla flat Spoon a generous line of the seasoned beef mixture down the center Sprinkle a big handful of cheese directly on the hot beef so it starts to melt Top with a couple of spoonfuls of fresh pico de gallo Fold in the short ends then roll tightly into a burrito shape Repeat with all tortillas for even assembly
- Melt and Warm:
- Wrap each rolled meximelt in a fresh damp paper towel and place back in the microwave Heat for about fifteen seconds This last burst melts the cheese even more and steams the tortilla for that signature soft texture
- Serve and Enjoy:
- Transfer the warm meximelts to a plate and serve right away They are best eaten hot with fresh salsa or your favorite dipping sauce nearby
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I always look forward to adding extra pico de gallo because its freshness lifts the whole dish Sometimes my kids help by mixing up the salsa and it becomes a family activity Everyone gets excited to customize their own meximelt and those moments always make dinner more memorable
Storage Tips
Leftover meximelts keep well in the fridge wrapped tightly for up to three days To reheat just wrap in a new damp paper towel and microwave on medium for thirty seconds or until heated through For best results avoid freezing as tortillas may turn gummy
Ingredient Substitutions
Swap ground beef for ground turkey or chicken if you like a lighter flavor Use pepper jack cheese if you prefer more spice Canned tomato salsa works in place of pico de gallo if fresh is not available For gluten free diets try corn tortillas though they will need careful heating to stay pliable
Serving Suggestions
Pair your beef meximelts with tangy guacamole and crunchy tortilla chips for a balanced plate For a lighter side add a quick salad of chopped romaine lime and avocado My favorite way is to serve them with a big pitcher of lime agua fresca
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A Little History
The meximelt started out as a restaurant mashup crossing the comfort of a soft taco with the oozy cheese of a quesadilla This homemade version gets its charm from using real cheese and fresh salsa plus the ritual of softening the tortillas makes each one truly comforting
Frequently Asked Questions
- → How do I prevent tortillas from tearing?
Microwave tortillas wrapped in a damp paper towel before filling. This keeps them pliable and less likely to break.
- → Can I use a different cheese blend?
Yes, try Cheddar, Monterey Jack, or any melty cheese to suit your preference for flavor and texture.
- → What's the best way to reheat leftovers?
Wrap each taco in a damp paper towel and microwave for 20 seconds, or reheat in a covered skillet until warmed through.
- → Is it possible to make this dish ahead?
Prepare the beef filling in advance and refrigerate. Assemble and heat tortillas just before serving for best texture.
- → Can ground turkey be substituted for beef?
Yes, ground turkey can be used as a lighter option, and still works well with taco seasoning and cheese blend.