This chili cheese burrito is a fun twist on the classic fast-food favorite! With warm tortillas, hearty chili, and gooey cheese, it’s sure to please everyone in the family.
Making this at home is a breeze! I love how I can add my favorite toppings, like sour cream or jalapeños. And let’s be honest, who doesn’t love a cheesy burrito? 🤗
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Ground Beef: This is the heart of your burrito. You can use other meats like ground turkey or chicken if you prefer a leaner option. For a vegetarian twist, try using lentils or a mix of black beans and mushrooms!
Chili Beans: Look for canned chili beans for convenience. If you want to make it from scratch, you can combine cooked pinto beans or black beans with some spices. Just remember to add a bit of sauce to keep it flavorful!
Cheddar Cheese: Sharp cheddar adds a nice kick, but you can substitute it with Monterey Jack, pepper jack for some heat, or even a dairy-free cheese option to suit dietary needs.
Flour Tortillas: If you’re avoiding gluten, corn tortillas work well as a substitute. Just make sure to warm them up properly so they don’t break when rolling!
How Do I Make Sure My Burritos Don’t Fall Apart?
Keeping your burrito intact is all about the rolling technique. Here’s how to get it just right:
- Warm your tortillas before filling them to make them soft and flexible.
- Don’t overfill the tortilla. Just enough chili and cheese that you can still fold it without making a mess.
- After adding your filling, fold the sides in first, then roll from the bottom up. Tuck as you go to create a tight wrap.
- Seam side down on the skillet will help the burrito stay closed while you heat it!
Practice makes perfect, so don’t worry if it’s a little tricky at first. You’ll get the hang of it in no time!
Easy Taco Bell Style Chili Cheese Burrito
Ingredients:
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1/2 cup onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 (15 oz) can chili beans, undrained
- 1 cup tomato sauce
- 1 tbsp chili powder
- 1 tsp ground cumin
- 1/2 tsp smoked paprika
- 1/2 tsp oregano
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 4 large flour tortillas (10-inch)
- 2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese
- Optional garnishes: sliced jalapeños, sour cream, tortilla chips
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe will take about 30 minutes from start to finish. You’ll spend around 10 minutes preparing the ingredients and cooking the chili mixture, followed by another 5-10 minutes assembling the burritos. The final cooking time is just a couple of minutes to warm everything up. So, in no time, you’ll have delicious burritos ready to enjoy!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Brown the Beef and Onions:
In a large skillet over medium heat, add the ground beef and finely chopped onions. Cook them together until the beef is browned and the onions have softened, which should take about 6 to 8 minutes. Make sure to drain any excess fat from the skillet to keep your burritos from getting greasy.
2. Add Garlic and Seasonings:
Once the beef is cooked, toss in the minced garlic and give it a stir. Let it cook for about 1 more minute until it becomes fragrant. This adds a lovely flavor to your filling!
3. Mix in the Chili Ingredients:
Now it’s time to bring in the party! Stir in the chili beans (don’t drain them!), tomato sauce, chili powder, ground cumin, smoked paprika, oregano, and season with salt and pepper. Mix everything well and reduce the heat to low. Let it simmer for about 10 minutes. This will allow the flavors to meld together beautifully.
4. Prepare the Tortillas:
While your chili is simmering, warm the flour tortillas in a dry skillet or microwave for a few seconds to make them flexible. This step is key to prevent them from cracking when you roll them up!
5. Assemble the Burritos:
Spoon a good amount of the chili mixture into the center of each tortilla. Then, generously sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese over the top while the mixture is still warm; this will help the cheese melt deliciously.
6. Roll Them Up:
Now, fold the sides of the tortilla in, and then roll it tightly from the bottom to the top to form your burrito. Make sure it’s snug to keep all the deliciousness inside!
7. Final Heating:
If you want a crispy finish, place the burritos seam side down in a dry skillet over medium heat. Cook them for 1-2 minutes on each side until they are golden brown and the cheese is beautifully melted.
8. Serve and Enjoy!
Your tasty Taco Bell-style chili cheese burritos are ready to go! Serve them hot with optional garnishes like sour cream, sliced jalapeños, and some crunchy tortilla chips on the side for added fun. Enjoy your meal!
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Can I Use a Different Type of Meat?
Absolutely! Ground turkey, chicken, or even a plant-based meat substitute work well in this recipe. If you’re going vegetarian, try using black beans or lentils for a hearty filling!
How Can I Make This Recipe Spicier?
If you like a little heat, add some diced jalapeños to the chili mixture or sprinkle crushed red pepper flakes when cooking. You can also use spicy chili beans or hotter varieties of pepper jack cheese for an extra kick!
What’s the Best Way to Reheat Leftover Burritos?
The best way to reheat these burritos is in the oven! Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C), wrap the burritos in aluminum foil, and heat for about 15-20 minutes until warmed through. You can also microwave them, but be careful not to overheat, as this can make the tortilla tough.
Can I Freeze These Burritos?
Yes, these burritos freeze very well! Wrap each burrito tightly in plastic wrap and then in aluminum foil to protect from freezer burn. They can be frozen for up to 3 months. To reheat, thaw in the fridge overnight and then warm them in the oven or microwave.
