Taco Bell Chili Cheese Burrito

Craving that nostalgic Taco Bell Chili Cheese Burrito but want to make it at home This homemade version brings all the cheesy chili flavor straight to your kitchen and is perfect for family dinners or a fun weekend treat when you need something simple and comforting

The first time I made these my friends could not believe how close they tasted to the Taco Bell original and now they always request them when we have game nights

Ingredients

• Ground beef: Choose a good quality 80 20 blend for juiciness and flavor
• Yellow onion: Diced finely for a subtle sweet flavor and even texture in the chili
• Chili powder: Use a fresh bottle for maximum warmth and depth in the filling
• Cayenne pepper: Brings the heat so try to use a name brand for consistent spice
• Salt: Enhances all the savory notes
• Water: Needed for the chili to simmer and stay saucy look for filtered water if possible
• Cornstarch: Thickens the chili to the ideal burrito filling consistency pick non GMO if available
• Refried beans: Choose smooth no lumps they hold everything together and add richness
• Tomato paste: Gives tangy umami backnote look for deep red color in the can
• Cheddar cheese: Sharp cheddar adds strong cheesy flavor hand shreds melt best
• Flour tortillas: Wide 10 inch size gives room to fold without spillage choose fresh and soft

Step by Step Instructions

Brown the Beef and Onion:

In a large skillet set over medium high heat cook the ground beef and diced onion together for about eight to ten minutes Stir often and break up the meat completely You want the onions to soften and nearly disappear into the beef for the best texture Drain off any excess fat

Spice and Simmer:

Add chili powder cayenne pepper and salt directly to the meat Stir these spices in until every bit of beef is coated Immediately pour in two cups of water and bring the mixture to a gentle simmer Let it cook for a few minutes to let the flavors meld

Thicken the Filling:

In a small bowl vigorously mix the cornstarch with two tablespoons of water until perfectly smooth Pour it slowly into the skillet and stir constantly Keep the heat on low and simmer the mixture for several minutes until it thickens up to a hearty chili

Combine Beans and Tomato:

Add the entire can of refried beans and six tablespoons of tomato paste to the pan Mix everything thoroughly until there are no streaks Let it gently heat through so the flavors have a chance to blend

Add Cheese:

Sprinkle in one and a half cups of shredded cheddar cheese Stir until it melts completely making a creamy cheesy filling Keep over very low heat to stay warm until ready to assemble

Fill and Roll the Burritos:

Lay a tortilla on a flat surface Microwave the stack of tortillas for about fifteen seconds if they are stiff Place a generous pinch of shredded cheese in the center Spoon about a quarter to half cup of the chili cheese mixture over it Fold in the sides tightly and roll up into a log for a classic burrito shape

Serve and Enjoy:

Place burritos seam side down Serve as is or with toppings like sour cream and salsa They are delicious straight from the skillet

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I am always thrilled by the glorious stretch of fresh cheddar in these burritos and the first time my partner tried one at home he insisted I make double the batch next time because they were so craveworthy

Storage Tips

Keep leftover burritos in an airtight container in the fridge for up to four days For freezing cool completely wrap each tightly and use a freezer safe bag Label with the date for best results To reheat microwave wrapped in a damp towel until heated through

Ingredient Substitutions

Swap ground turkey for beef for a lighter option Try black beans instead of refried beans if you want more texture Use Monterey jack cheese if you prefer a mellower flavor For extra nutrition sneak in some diced bell pepper or even a handful of baby spinach

Serving Suggestions

Chili Cheese Burritos pair wonderfully with a big green salad crunchy tortilla chips or street style corn They are perfect party food and can be cut in half for sharing Serve with classic toppings like sour cream guac or pickled jalapenos

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Cultural Context

Better known as the Chilito in the nineties this burrito is iconic for its cheesy chili comfort and was a Taco Bell fan favorite Its return is often requested and making them at home brings a wave of nostalgia for many of us who grew up with fast food tacos as a treat

Frequently Asked Questions

→ What type of cheese works best for these burritos?

Cheddar cheese melts beautifully, but blends including mozzarella or pepper jack can add unique flavor and creamy texture.

→ Can the filling be made in advance?

Yes, you can prepare the filling ahead of time, refrigerate it, and reheat before assembling the burritos.

→ Are there vegetable additions that fit well?

Bell peppers, jalapenos, or even sautéed mushrooms make excellent additions to the filling for extra flavor and texture.

→ How can I freeze these for later?

Cool completely, then wrap each one in plastic and store in a freezer bag for up to three months. Reheat as needed.

→ What can I serve alongside?

Sour cream, salsa, tortilla chips, or a simple green salad make great accompaniments to balance the richness.