The Ultimate Copycat Taco Bell Chili Cheese Burrito Recipe You Need To Try Today

Recreate the iconic taste of the beloved Taco Bell favorite right in your own kitchen with this delicious homemade Copycat Taco Bell Chili Cheese Burrito recipe that perfectly captures those nostalgic flavors.

Introduction

If you’ve ever found yourself missing the classic Taco Bell Chili Cheese Burrito (once known as the “Chilito” to longtime fans), you’re not alone. This cult-favorite menu item has developed a passionate following since its heyday in the 1990s, and for good reason. There’s something magical about that perfect combination of seasoned beef, melty cheese, and mild chili sauce wrapped in a warm flour tortilla.

The good news? You don’t need to track down a rare Taco Bell location that still serves this legendary item. With our Copycat Taco Bell Chili Cheese Burrito recipe, you can recreate this iconic fast-food favorite right in your own kitchen—and dare we say, make it even better than the original! This homemade version captures all the flavors you remember but with fresher ingredients and customizable options to suit your taste preferences.

Whether you’re a longtime fan of this classic burrito or you’re curious to try a piece of Taco Bell history, this recipe delivers all that cheesy, beefy goodness you’re craving. The best part? It comes together in under 30 minutes, making it perfect for busy weeknights when you need a quick and satisfying meal. Let’s dive into making the ultimate Copycat Taco Bell Chili Cheese Burrito that will have everyone asking for seconds!

Ingredients

Ingredient	Amount
Ground beef (80/20 lean-to-fat ratio)	1 pound
Yellow onion, finely diced	1/2 cup
Garlic, minced	2 cloves
Tomato sauce	8 oz
Beef broth	1/2 cup
Chili powder	2 tablespoons
Ground cumin	1 tablespoon
Paprika	1 teaspoon
Dried oregano	1 teaspoon
Salt	1 teaspoon
Black pepper	1/2 teaspoon
Cornstarch	1 tablespoon
Water	2 tablespoons
Cheddar cheese, shredded	2 cups
Large flour tortillas (burrito size)	6
Vegetable oil for warming tortillas	1 tablespoon

Nutrition Facts

Nutrient	Amount per Serving
Calories	580
Total Fat	30g
Saturated Fat	14g
Cholesterol	95mg
Sodium	1250mg
Total Carbohydrates	42g
Dietary Fiber	3g
Sugars	2g
Protein	32g

Note: Nutrition information is calculated per burrito based on using all ingredients as listed above.

Preparation Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Meat Filling

1. Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat.
2. Add the ground beef and break it apart with a wooden spoon, cooking until it begins to brown (about 5 minutes).
3. Add the diced onions and continue cooking until the onions are translucent and the beef is fully browned (about 3-4 more minutes).
4. Add the minced garlic and cook for an additional 30 seconds until fragrant.
5. Drain excess fat from the pan, leaving about 1 tablespoon for flavor.

Step 2: Create the Chili Sauce

1. To the cooked meat mixture, add the tomato sauce, beef broth, chili powder, cumin, paprika, oregano, salt, and black pepper.
2. Stir well to combine all ingredients and bring to a simmer.
3. Reduce heat to low and let the mixture simmer for 10 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together.
4. In a small bowl, mix cornstarch with water to create a slurry.
5. Slowly add the cornstarch mixture to the simmering meat sauce, stirring constantly.
6. Continue cooking for 2-3 minutes until the sauce thickens to a chili-like consistency. The sauce should coat the back of a spoon but still be slightly runny.
7. Remove from heat and let cool slightly while preparing the tortillas.

Step 3: Assemble the Burritos

1. Heat a large, dry skillet over medium heat.
2. Lightly brush one side of a flour tortilla with vegetable oil.
3. Place the tortilla oil-side down in the skillet and warm for about 10 seconds.
4. Flip the tortilla and warm the other side for another 10 seconds until pliable.
5. Place the warmed tortilla on a clean work surface.
6. Add approximately 1/3 cup of the chili meat mixture to the center of the tortilla.
7. Sprinkle about 1/3 cup of shredded cheddar cheese over the meat.
8. Fold in the sides of the tortilla, then roll from the bottom up to form a burrito, tucking in the sides as you roll.
9. Repeat with remaining tortillas and filling.

Step 4: Final Touches

1. For the authentic Taco Bell experience, wrap each burrito in parchment paper or aluminum foil.
2. (Optional) Return the wrapped burritos to a warm skillet for 1-2 minutes per side to melt the cheese completely.
3. Let the burritos rest for 2 minutes before serving to allow the cheese to fully melt and the flavors to settle.

Serving Suggestions

Take your Copycat Taco Bell Chili Cheese Burrito experience to the next level with these perfect pairings:

• Serve with a side of homemade Spanish rice and refried beans for a complete Taco Bell-inspired meal
• Add a dollop of sour cream on the side for dipping
• Include a small bowl of extra cheese sauce for those who love extra cheesiness
• Pair with Mexican-style corn on the cob (elote) for a fresh contrast to the rich burrito
• Serve with a crisp, cold Mexican beer or horchata for the perfect beverage pairing
• Create a DIY burrito bar with the meat mixture, cheese, and warm tortillas so everyone can build their own

This recipe makes a fantastic main dish for casual family dinners, game day gatherings, or anytime you’re craving that classic fast food flavor but want the satisfaction of a homemade meal.

Pro Tips

Follow these professional tips to ensure your Copycat Taco Bell Chili Cheese Burrito turns out perfectly every time:

• Meat selection matters: For the most authentic texture and flavor, use 80/20 ground beef. The fat content helps recreate that distinctive Taco Bell taste. For a leaner option, you can use 90/10, but the flavor won’t be quite the same.
• Don’t skip the simmering: Allowing the meat and spices to simmer together is crucial for developing that distinctive chili flavor. If you have extra time, let it simmer for up to 20 minutes.
• Cheese choice: While standard cheddar works great, using a combination of cheddar and Monterey Jack creates an even more authentic cheese pull.
• Tortilla technique: Warming the tortillas properly is essential for easy rolling and the perfect texture. A slightly warm tortilla is much more pliable and less likely to tear.
• Batch cooking: This chili meat mixture freezes beautifully. Make a double batch and freeze half for an even quicker meal next time. Simply thaw, reheat, and assemble fresh burritos.
• Resting period: Let the assembled burritos rest for 2-3 minutes before serving. This allows the cheese to fully melt and the flavors to meld together.
• Portion control: Use a measuring cup for the filling to ensure consistent burritos that aren’t overstuffed, which makes them difficult to roll and eat.

Variations

Customize your Copycat Taco Bell Chili Cheese Burrito with these delicious variations:

Spicy Version

• Add 1-2 diced jalapeños to the meat mixture
• Include 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper to the spice blend
• Use pepper jack cheese instead of cheddar
• Serve with hot sauce on the side

Vegetarian Option

• Substitute the ground beef with plant-based meat alternative
• Or use 2 cups of cooked lentils mixed with finely chopped mushrooms
• Use vegetable broth instead of beef broth
• Add 1/2 cup black beans for extra protein and texture

Breakfast Burrito Twist

• Add scrambled eggs to the filling
• Include breakfast sausage or bacon bits
• Use a mix of cheddar and Monterey Jack cheese
• Serve with salsa and avocado slices

Deluxe Version

• Add a layer of refried beans before the meat mixture
• Include diced tomatoes and shredded lettuce
• Top with a dollop of guacamole and sour cream
• Sprinkle with sliced black olives

Low-Carb Alternative

• Use large lettuce leaves instead of tortillas
• Serve the meat and cheese over cauliflower rice
• Add extra vegetables like bell peppers and zucchini to the meat mixture
• Top with avocado for healthy fats

Each of these variations keeps the essential character of the Copycat Taco Bell Chili Cheese Burrito while offering new flavor dimensions to explore!

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Can I make the chili beef mixture ahead of time? A: Absolutely! The chili beef mixture can be made up to 3 days ahead and stored in the refrigerator. In fact, the flavors often develop and improve overnight. Simply reheat before assembling your burritos.

Q: How can I store leftover burritos? A: Wrap assembled burritos individually in aluminum foil and refrigerate for up to 3 days. To freeze, wrap in foil, then place in a freezer bag for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.

Q: What’s the best way to reheat these burritos? A: For refrigerated burritos, reheat in a 350°F oven for 15-20 minutes while still wrapped in foil. For a crispy exterior, unwrap and place under the broiler for 1-2 minutes. Microwaving works too (2 minutes on 50% power), but the texture won’t be as good.

Q: Can I use ground turkey instead of beef? A: Yes! Ground turkey is a great lower-fat alternative. Add an extra tablespoon of oil when cooking and consider increasing the beef broth by 2 tablespoons for moisture and flavor.

Q: What makes this different from a regular beef and cheese burrito? A: The key to the authentic Copycat Taco Bell Chili Cheese Burrito is the specific chili seasoning blend and the saucy consistency of the meat. Regular burritos often have drier, differently seasoned meat and additional fillings like rice and beans.

Q: My sauce is too thin. How can I thicken it? A: If your sauce needs thickening, make another cornstarch slurry with 1 teaspoon cornstarch and 1 tablespoon cold water. Add gradually while the mixture simmers until you reach your desired consistency.

Q: How spicy is this recipe? A: As written, this recipe has a mild-to-medium heat level, similar to the original Taco Bell version. Adjust the chili powder up or down to suit your preference.

Conclusion

There’s something truly satisfying about recreating your favorite fast food classics at home, and this Copycat Taco Bell Chili Cheese Burrito recipe definitely delivers all the nostalgic flavors you remember with the added benefits of fresher ingredients and customizable options. Whether you’re a longtime fan of the original or discovering this cult classic for the first time, these homemade burritos are sure to become a regular in your meal rotation.

The beauty of mastering this recipe is that you can enjoy these delicious burritos anytime the craving strikes, without having to track down a Taco Bell location that still carries them. Plus, making them at home means you can adjust the seasonings, cheese amount, and even portion size to perfectly suit your preferences.

We’d love to hear how your Copycat Taco Bell Chili Cheese Burrito turned out! Did you follow the recipe exactly or try one of our variations? Share your experience in the comments below or tag us in your food photos on social media. And don’t forget to check out www.dailymeatrecipe.com for more delicious meat recipes that bring your favorite restaurant flavors home! From classic comfort foods to innovative new dishes, we’re your go-to source for all things meat-related in the kitchen.

Happy cooking, and enjoy your homemade taste of Taco Bell nostalgia!