Cheesy Taco Bell Quesarito

Summary

The Cheesy Taco Bell Quesarito is a revolutionary fusion food that layers a cheese quesadilla as the outer wrap for a fully loaded burrito. This recipe recreates the beloved fast-food item with seasoned ground beef, Spanish rice, three-cheese blend, fresh lettuce, diced tomatoes, and creamy sauces. The result is a substantial, satisfying meal that combines the best of both quesadillas and burritos in one handheld package.

Equipment

• Large skillet or frying pan
• Medium saucepan for rice
• Large flour tortillas (10-12 inch)
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Sharp knife
• Cutting board
• Cheese grater (if using block cheese)
• Small mixing bowls
• Spatula
• Kitchen tongs
• Aluminum foil for wrapping

Ingredients

For the Quesadilla Base:

• 4 large flour tortillas (10-12 inch)
• 2 cups shredded Mexican cheese blend
• 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
• 2 tablespoons butter

For the Seasoned Beef:

• 1 pound ground beef (80/20)
• 1 packet taco seasoning
• 2/3 cup water
• 1 tablespoon olive oil

For the Spanish Rice:

• 1 cup long-grain white rice
• 2 cups chicken broth
• 1/4 cup tomato sauce
• 1/2 teaspoon cumin
• 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
• Salt to taste

For Assembly:

• 1 cup shredded lettuce
• 1 large tomato, diced
• 1/2 cup sour cream
• 1/4 cup nacho cheese sauce
• 2 tablespoons chipotle mayo
• 1/4 cup diced onions (optional)

Instructions

1. Prepare the Spanish Rice: In a medium saucepan, combine rice, chicken broth, tomato sauce, cumin, and garlic powder. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 18-20 minutes until rice is tender and liquid is absorbed. Fluff with a fork and season with salt.
2. Cook the Seasoned Beef: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add ground beef and cook, breaking it apart with a spatula, until browned and cooked through, about 6-8 minutes. Drain excess grease. Add taco seasoning packet and water, stir well, and simmer for 3-4 minutes until sauce thickens.
3. Make the Quesadillas: Heat a large skillet over medium heat. Place one tortilla in the pan and sprinkle with 3/4 cup mixed cheese blend. Top with second tortilla and cook for 2-3 minutes until bottom is golden. Carefully flip and cook another 2-3 minutes until cheese is melted and tortilla is crispy. Repeat for second quesadilla.
4. Prepare Fresh Ingredients: While quesadillas cool slightly, dice tomatoes, shred lettuce, and prepare all sauces in separate bowls.
5. Assemble the Quesarito: Place warm quesadilla on a flat surface. Spread a line of nacho cheese sauce and chipotle mayo down the center. Add 1/2 cup Spanish rice, 1/2 cup seasoned beef, lettuce, tomatoes, and a dollop of sour cream.
6. Wrap the Quesarito: Fold in the sides of the quesadilla first, then roll tightly from bottom to top, ensuring all filling stays contained. Wrap in aluminum foil to hold shape and serve immediately.

Notes

The key to a perfect Cheesy Taco Bell Quesarito is maintaining the right temperature throughout assembly. Keep all components warm but not hot to prevent the cheese from becoming too melted and difficult to handle. If quesadillas become too crispy, they may crack during rolling, so aim for a golden exterior with a pliable texture. The Spanish rice should be slightly firm to provide good texture contrast against the soft tortilla and melted cheese. Don’t overfill the quesarito, as this makes rolling difficult and can cause bursting during eating.

Tips for Success

Start with room temperature tortillas to prevent cracking during the quesadilla-making process. Keep cooked components warm in low oven (200°F) while preparing other ingredients. Use a combination of cheeses for optimal melting and flavor – Mexican blend provides good melt while cheddar adds sharpness. Don’t skip draining the beef grease, as excess fat will make the quesarito soggy. Work quickly during assembly while ingredients are still warm but not steaming hot. Practice the rolling technique with a practice tortilla first if you’re unsure about the wrapping method.

Additional Tips and Variations

Protein Variations: Substitute ground beef with seasoned chicken, carnitas, or black beans for vegetarian option. Grilled steak strips work excellent for a premium version.

Cheese Options: Try pepper jack for heat, queso blanco for authenticity, or sharp cheddar for extra flavor. A four-cheese Mexican blend creates the most authentic taste.

Rice Alternatives: Use cilantro-lime rice, dirty rice, or even cauliflower rice for lower carb option.

Sauce Combinations: Mix sriracha with mayo for spicy kick, add avocado crema for richness, or use salsa verde instead of tomato-based sauces.

Make-Ahead Tips: Prepare rice and beef mixture up to 2 days ahead. Make quesadillas morning of serving and reheat gently before assembly.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q: Can I make this recipe vegetarian? A: Absolutely! Replace ground beef with seasoned black beans, refried beans, or plant-based meat substitute. The rest of the recipe remains the same.

Q: Why does my quesadilla break when rolling? A: This usually happens when tortillas are too cold or overcooked. Use room temperature tortillas and don’t make quesadillas too crispy. They should be golden but still pliable.

Q: Can I prep ingredients ahead of time? A: Yes! Cook rice and beef mixture 1-2 days ahead. Store separately and reheat before assembly. Make quesadillas same day for best texture.

Q: How do I prevent soggy quesaritos? A: Drain ground beef thoroughly, don’t oversauce, and avoid adding too many wet ingredients like tomatoes. Serve immediately after assembly.

Q: What’s the best cheese for melting? A: Mexican cheese blend or Monterey Jack melt smoothly. Avoid pre-shredded cheese with anti-caking agents if possible, as freshly grated melts better.

Conclusion

This homemade Cheesy Taco Bell Quesarito recipe proves that restaurant favorites can be successfully recreated in your own kitchen with even better results. By controlling ingredients and customizing flavors, you create a superior version that satisfies cravings while accommodating personal preferences. The combination of crispy-yet-tender quesadilla exterior with the hearty burrito filling creates a perfect balance of textures and flavors that make this dish truly special. Whether you’re feeding a crowd or treating yourself to comfort food, this Cheesy Taco Bell Quesarito delivers the ultimate fusion food experience that’s both impressive and surprisingly achievable for home cooks of all skill levels.