Irresistible Taco Bell Quesarito Recipe

Are you craving the nostalgic comfort of a Taco Bell Quesarito but find yourself missing it from the menu? Don’t worry, because I’ve got you covered with this delicious copycat recipe that will have you savoring every cheesy, flavorful bite right in the comfort of your own home.

This Taco Bell Quesarito recipe is a labor of love that stemmed from a family’s dedication to recreating a beloved menu item that mysteriously disappeared. With a cheesy quesadilla hugging seasoned beef, Spanish rice, and that signature chipotle sauce, this homemade version has won over even the toughest critics. The best part? You have full control over the cheese ratio, making it even better than the original in the eyes of many, including picky teenagers and discerning parents alike.

Gather your loved ones for a fun “quesarito night” and let everyone customize their creations with different variations of proteins, spice levels, and fillings. These quesaritos are not only a delightful meal option for weekend dinners but also make for a crowd-pleasing party appetizer when made in smaller portions. So, roll up your sleeves, get those tortillas crispy, and indulge in a homemade Taco Bell Quesarito experience that’s sure to become a family favorite in no time!

Quick Benefits

• Customizable: Easily adjust ingredients to cater to different tastes and preferences
• Cost-effective: Making these at home saves money compared to ordering from a restaurant
• Fun and interactive: Perfect for family cooking nights or gatherings with the option to create different variations
• Comforting and satisfying: A delicious, cheesy, and flavorful meal that brings back nostalgic memories

Why You’ll Love This Irresistible Taco Bell Quesarito Recipe Recipe

• Customizable: You can tailor this recipe to suit your preferences by adjusting the fillings, spice level, or cheese ratio to make it perfect for you.
• Family-Friendly: It’s a hit with both kids and adults, making it a great option for family meals or gatherings.
• Budget-Friendly: Making these at home can save you money compared to ordering takeout, and you can control the quality of ingredients.
• Versatile: You can switch up the proteins and ingredients to create different variations, such as vegetarian or breakfast versions, to keep things interesting.
• Crispy and Cheesy: The combination of a crispy exterior and gooey melted cheese in each bite is incredibly satisfying.
• Easy to Reheat: While best eaten fresh, leftovers can be stored and easily reheated in the oven for a quick and delicious meal.
• Perfect for Parties: Make mini versions for appetizers or serve them at gatherings for a fun and interactive meal option that everyone will love.

Ingredients for Irresistible Taco Bell Quesarito Recipe

Taco Meat

• 1/4 cup water
• 1 tablespoon taco seasoning
• 1 lb ground beef

Spanish Rice

• 2 cups chicken broth
• 1 cup chunky salsa
• 1 teaspoon garlic salt
• 1 1/2 cups uncooked white rice
• 1/4 cup onion, chopped
• 1 teaspoon ground cumin
• 2 tablespoons olive oil

Chipotle Sauce

• 2 teaspoons chipotle sauce from adobo peppers
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon ground cumin
• 1/4 teaspoon onion powder
• 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon chili powder
• 1/2 teaspoon paprika
• 1/2 teaspoon sugar
• 1/2 cup sour cream

Assembly

• 1 tablespoon olive oil for cooking
• 1 cup nacho cheese sauce
• 1/2 cup sour cream
• 8 burrito-size flour tortillas
• 2 cups shredded Mexican cheese blend

How to Make Irresistible Taco Bell Quesarito Recipe

Step 1: Cook Taco Meat

1. In a large skillet over medium-high heat, cook and crumble ground beef until no longer pink. Stir in taco seasoning and water. Cook uncovered for 3-5 minutes until flavors combine and liquid reduces. Remove from heat.

Step 2: Make Spanish Rice

Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Sauté chopped onion until tender, about 5 minutes. Stir in rice and cook until it starts to brown, stirring frequently.

Step 3: Finish the Rice

Combine chicken broth, salsa, garlic salt, and cumin in a pot. Simmer covered on low heat for 20 minutes until rice is tender and liquid is absorbed. Set aside.

Step 4: Prepare Chipotle Sauce

Combine sour cream, chipotle sauce, chili powder, sugar, salt, cumin, paprika, garlic powder, and onion powder in a small bowl, whisking until smooth. Set aside.

Step 5: Warm Tortillas

Wrap tortillas in damp paper towels and microwave for 30 seconds until warm and flexible. Microwave nacho cheese sauce until smooth.

Step 6: Create Cheese Layer

Spread nacho cheese sauce on 4 tortillas, leaving a 1-inch border. Sprinkle shredded Mexican cheese over the sauce. Top with remaining 4 tortillas and press gently to seal.

Step 7: Add Fillings

Spread taco meat and Spanish rice on each double-tortilla quesadilla. Drizzle with chipotle sauce and sour cream before serving.

Step 8: Roll the Quesaritos

Fold the sides of the tortillas, then roll tightly from bottom to top like a burrito to enclose the filling.

Step 9: Cook Until Golden

In a large skillet over medium-high heat, heat olive oil. Cook each quesarito seam-side down for 2-3 minutes per side until golden brown and crispy.

Step 10: Serve Hot

Allow to cool off the heat for 1-2 minutes before slicing. Serve promptly while the cheese is melted and the exterior is crispy.

Storage Tips

After cooking the Taco Bell Quesaritos, it is best to serve them immediately while they are still hot and the cheese is melted inside. To store any leftovers, place them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. When ready to eat again, reheat the Quesaritos in a 350-degree oven for about ten minutes to help restore the crispiness. While the microwave can be used for a quick reheating option, it may not maintain the desired crispy exterior texture as effectively as the oven.

The versatility of this dish allows for various modifications to suit different preferences. Consider using different proteins like chicken, carnitas, or black beans for alternative versions. For those who enjoy spicy flavors, adding jalapeños to the meat mixture or using pepper jack cheese can provide an extra kick. To create breakfast Quesaritos, swap the beef and rice for scrambled eggs and breakfast sausage. Additionally, for a kid-friendly option, omit the chipotle sauce and use mild taco meat with just cheese. These customizable variations make the Quesaritos a versatile and enjoyable meal for different occasions.

Ingredient Substitutions

For a healthier twist, consider swapping the ground beef with ground turkey or chicken. Both options are leaner alternatives that still provide great flavor when seasoned with taco seasoning. Vegetarians can substitute the meat with plant-based crumbles or black beans for a protein-packed vegetarian version.

To cater to different dietary preferences, you can make this recipe gluten-free by using corn tortillas instead of flour tortillas. Corn tortillas can provide a delicious flavor and texture variation to the dish. Additionally, for a lactose-free or vegan option, you can use dairy-free cheese and sour cream alternatives. These substitutions allow those with dietary restrictions to enjoy the flavors of a quesarito while accommodating their needs.

Serving Suggestions

For a fun and interactive meal, set up a DIY Quesarito Bar for your next gathering. Prepare all the components – seasoned beef, Spanish rice, chipotle sauce, cheese, and tortillas – and let your guests assemble their own quesaritos with their favorite fillings. Provide a variety of toppings like jalapeños, diced tomatoes, shredded lettuce, and avocado slices for a personalized touch. This customizable experience will be a hit with both kids and adults, allowing everyone to create their perfect quesarito.

To elevate your Taco Bell quesaritos, serve them with a side of homemade salsa fresca and a dollop of creamy guacamole. The freshness of the salsa and the richness of the guacamole will complement the savory and cheesy flavors of the quesaritos perfectly. Add a refreshing pitcher of margaritas or a cold Mexican beer to round out the meal and create a festive fiesta atmosphere. This combination of flavors and textures will transport your taste buds to a delicious Mexican-inspired feast that will have everyone coming back for seconds.

FAQs for Irresistible Taco Bell Quesarito Recipe

Can I make this recipe vegetarian?

Yes, you can easily make this recipe vegetarian by substituting the ground beef with black beans or other plant-based protein alternatives. You can also skip the meat altogether and focus on cheesy and flavorful fillings like seasoned rice, beans, and vegetables.

How can I adjust the spice level of this recipe?

To adjust the spice level of the quesarito, you can control the amount of chipotle sauce, chili powder, and jalapeños you use. For a milder version, reduce or omit the chipotle sauce and use less chili powder. If you prefer it spicier, increase the amounts of these ingredients or add extra jalapeños to the filling.

Can I make these quesaritos in advance for a party?

While these quesaritos are best enjoyed fresh and hot, you can prepare the components in advance and assemble them just before serving. Cook the meat, prepare the rice, and shred the cheese ahead of time. When ready to serve, assemble the quesaritos, cook them, and serve immediately for the best taste and texture.

How can I prevent the quesaritos from falling apart during cooking?

To prevent the quesaritos from falling apart during cooking, make sure not to overfill them with ingredients. Leave some space around the edges to facilitate rolling. Additionally, ensure that the pan is heated to the right temperature – too high can burn the tortillas, while too low can result in soggy quesaritos. Properly rolling and sealing them will also help maintain their shape during cooking.

Conclusion

As you embark on your own Taco Bell Quesarito-making journey, remember that practice makes perfect. Don’t be discouraged by any initial mishaps – we’ve all been there trying to perfect a new recipe. With a bit of patience and a willingness to adjust based on your preferences, you’ll soon be savoring your own homemade Quesaritos that rival the ones from your favorite fast-food joint.

Whether you’re recreating beloved meals that have disappeared from menus or simply exploring new culinary adventures, the joy of cooking and sharing delicious food with loved ones is truly special. The Taco Bell Quesarito recipe is just one example of how a little kitchen experimentation can lead to memorable meals and bonding moments. So gather your family and friends, get creative with your fillings, and enjoy the process of making and devouring these flavorful Quesaritos together. Happy cooking and may your Taco Bell Quesaritos always be a hit at your table!