Name: Copycat Taco Bell Chili Cheese Burrito Recipe
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 45 min
Total time: 1 h 5 min
Yield: 10 servings
Ingredients: 1 lb ground beef; 1 medium yellow onion, diced; 3 tbsp chili powder; 1 tsp cayenne pepper; 1 tsp salt; 2 cups water; 2 tbsp cornstarch; 2 tbsp cold water; 1 can refried beans (16 oz); 1 can tomato paste (6 oz); 3 cups cheddar cheese, shredded; 10 large flour tortillas (10-inch)

Copycat Taco Bell Chili Cheese Burrito. Ah, the mere mention of it brings back a flood of fast-food memories, doesn’t it? That unmistakable, deeply savory chili paired with gooey, melted cheese, all wrapped up in a warm tortilla – it’s a flavor combination that has captivated taste buds for generations. What is it about this humble burrito that makes it so utterly irresistible? Perhaps it’s the perfect harmony of textures and tastes: the hearty chili, the sharp tang of the cheese, and the soft embrace of the tortilla. It’s comfort food at its finest, a quick and satisfying meal that feels both nostalgic and incredibly delicious. Today, we’re diving deep to recreate that iconic experience right in your own kitchen, capturing every nuanced flavor and texture that makes the Copycat Taco Bell Chili Cheese Burrito a beloved classic. Get ready to experience pure, unadulterated, cheesy, chili-fueled bliss!

Ingredients:

1 lb ground beef
1 medium yellow onion, diced
3 tbsp chili powder
1 tsp cayenne pepper
1 tsp salt
2 cups water
2 tbsp cornstarch
2 tbsp cold water
1 can refried beans (16 oz)
1 can tomato paste (6 oz)
3 cups cheddar cheese, shredded
10 large flour tortillas (10-inch)

Preparing the Chili Base

Browning the Beef and Onions

The foundation of our Copycat Taco Bell Chili Cheese Burrito is a rich, savory chili. To start, grab a large skillet or Dutch oven and place it over medium-high heat. Add your 1 pound of ground beef to the hot pan. As the beef begins to cook and brown, use a spatula or spoon to break it up into smaller crumbles. Once the beef is about halfway cooked through, add your diced medium yellow onion to the skillet. Continue to cook, stirring occasionally, until the beef is fully browned and no pink remains, and the onions are softened and translucent. This step is crucial for developing deep flavor. Drain off any excess grease from the skillet – you don’t want a greasy chili base.

Building the Chili Flavor

Now it’s time to infuse our beef and onion mixture with those classic chili flavors. Sprinkle the 3 tablespoons of chili powder evenly over the browned beef and onions. Add the 1 teaspoon of cayenne pepper for a touch of heat, and don’t forget the 1 teaspoon of salt to enhance all the other flavors. Stir everything together well, allowing the spices to toast for about a minute. This brief toasting really awakens the aromas and flavors of the chili powder and cayenne.

Simmering the Chili

Pour in the 2 cups of water into the skillet. Stir everything to combine, scraping up any flavorful browned bits from the bottom of the pan. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to low, cover the skillet, and let it simmer gently for at least 15 minutes. This simmering time allows the flavors to meld together beautifully and the beef to become tender. While the chili is simmering, you can prepare the cornstarch slurry. In a small bowl, whisk together the 2 tablespoons of cornstarch and 2 tablespoons of cold water until you have a smooth, lump-free mixture. This will be our thickening agent.

Thickening the Chili

After the chili has simmered for 15 minutes, remove the lid. Give it a good stir. Slowly pour in the cornstarch slurry while stirring constantly. Continue to cook and stir the chili for another 2-3 minutes, or until it has thickened to your desired consistency. It should be thick enough to coat the back of a spoon but not so thick that it’s paste-like. Now, stir in the entire 6 oz can of tomato paste. Mix it in thoroughly until it’s completely incorporated. The tomato paste adds a wonderful depth of flavor and richness to the chili. Continue to cook for another 5 minutes, stirring occasionally, to allow the tomato paste to cook down slightly and its flavors to meld.

Assembling the Burritos

Warming the Refried Beans and Cheese

While your chili is finishing up, it’s time to get our other components ready. Open the 16 oz can of refried beans. You can warm these gently in a small saucepan over low heat, stirring occasionally, or you can microwave them in a microwave-safe bowl until heated through. You’ll also want to have your 3 cups of shredded cheddar cheese ready. For easy assembly, you can place it in a bowl. Having the cheese readily available is key to that iconic melted goodness.

Preparing the Tortillas

Take your 10 large flour tortillas. For best results and to make them pliable for rolling, it’s a good idea to warm them slightly. You can do this one at a time in a dry skillet over medium heat for about 20-30 seconds per side, until they are soft and flexible. Alternatively, you can wrap them in a damp paper towel and microwave them for about 30 seconds. This step prevents the tortillas from cracking when you roll them up.

The Filling and Rolling Process

Now for the fun part – assembling your Copycat Taco Bell Chili Cheese Burritos! Lay a warmed tortilla flat on a clean surface. Spoon a generous amount of your prepared chili onto the center of the tortilla, leaving some space around the edges for rolling. Next, add a dollop of the warmed refried beans on top of the chili. Don’t go overboard with the fillings, or it will be difficult to roll. Sprinkle a good amount of the shredded cheddar cheese over the chili and beans. Now, to roll: fold in the sides of the tortilla over the filling, then fold up the bottom edge and roll it tightly towards the top, creating a sealed burrito. Repeat this process for all your tortillas and fillings.

Grilling or Heating the Burritos

To get that signature slightly crispy exterior and perfectly melted cheese, you have a couple of options. You can place the burritos seam-side down in a lightly greased skillet over medium heat and cook for a few minutes per side until golden brown and heated through. Alternatively, you can place them on a baking sheet and bake them in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10-15 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and gooey and the tortillas are slightly crisp. This final step is what truly elevates these from just burritos to Copycat Taco Bell Chili Cheese Burritos!

Conclusion:

There you have it! You’ve now mastered the art of creating your very own Copycat Taco Bell Chili Cheese Burrito right in your own kitchen. This recipe aims to capture that unmistakable savory, cheesy, and slightly spicy flavor profile that makes this fast-food favorite so addictive. The key to achieving that authentic taste lies in the combination of well-seasoned ground beef, our speedy chili sauce, and of course, plenty of melty cheddar cheese, all wrapped up in a warm tortilla. We’ve made it as straightforward as possible, ensuring even novice cooks can achieve delicious results.

For an even more authentic experience, consider serving your Copycat Taco Bell Chili Cheese Burrito with a side of tortilla chips and salsa, or even some seasoned rice. Don’t be afraid to experiment with variations! You could add a dollop of sour cream, some chopped onions, or even a sprinkle of jalapeños for an extra kick. We truly hope you enjoy making and sharing this delightful treat with friends and family. Happy cooking!

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can I make the chili sauce ahead of time?

Absolutely! The chili sauce for this Copycat Taco Bell Chili Cheese Burrito can be made a day or two in advance and stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator. This will save you time when you’re ready to assemble your burritos. Just reheat it gently on the stovetop or in the microwave before using.

What kind of tortilla is best for this burrito?

We recommend using standard 8-inch or 10-inch flour tortillas. They are pliable enough to wrap securely around the filling without breaking, and they warm up nicely, which is essential for that cozy, comforting burrito experience. You can warm them slightly in a dry skillet or microwave them for a few seconds before filling.