Copycat Taco Bell Chili Cheese Burrito Recipe (The

Name: Copycat Taco Bell Chili Cheese Burrito Recipe (The Chilito)
Prep time: 5 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 20 min
Yield: 6 servings
Cuisine: Mexican
Ingredients: 450g lean ground beef (85/15); 28g Taco Bell taco seasoning packet; 35g chili seasoning mix packet & 2 tbsp all-purpose flour; 225g tomato sauce & 1.5 cups water + 1 can refried beans (optional for texture); 225g sharp cheddar cheese, finely shredded; 6 tortillas flour tortillas, warmed

Jump to Recipe Step-by-Step

Every reliable kitchen repertoire needs a dependable crowd-pleaser like this Copycat Taco Bell Chili Cheese Burrito Recipe (The Chilito). Built around lean beef, taco bell taco seasoning packet and chili seasoning mix packet & 2 all-purpose flour, this dish comes together smoothly in 20 min, delivering deep comfort, savory depth, and effortless weeknight satisfaction.

Ingredients

6 servings

1 lb lean ground beef (85/15)
1 packet Taco Bell taco seasoning packet
1 packet chili seasoning mix packet & 2 tbsp all-purpose flour
1 can (8 oz) tomato sauce & 1.5 cups water + 1 can refried beans (optional for texture)
2 cups sharp cheddar cheese, finely shredded
6 large (10-inch) flour tortillas, warmed

Step-by-Step Instructions

Brown ground beef in a saucepan over medium heat, using a potato masher to break meat into uniform tiny grains; drain grease.

Stir in flour, taco seasoning, chili seasoning, tomato sauce, and water. Bring to a boil, reduce heat, and **simmer for 8 to 10 minutes** until thick, smooth, and saucy.

Place ½ cup warm chili and ⅓ cup shredded cheddar in the center of each warm tortilla. Roll tightly into burritos. Microwave for 20 seconds to melt cheese completely into the chili!

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Chef Amara’s Kitchen Secrets & Pro Tips

Mash Beef with Potato Masher: Authentic Taco Bell chili has an ultra-fine, smooth texture without large meat chunks.
Flour Thickener: Simmering flour with tomato sauce creates the velvety, clingy chili consistency that makes the Chilito legendary.

1. Let the Meat Rest Before Slicing: Transfer cooked meat to a cutting board for 5–10 minutes before carving. Resting allows tight muscle fibers to relax and redistribute savory juices evenly throughout the cut. 2. Grate Cheese Fresh from the Block: Pre-shredded cheeses are treated with anti-caking starches that impede smooth melting. Freshly shredded cheese dissolves seamlessly into velvety sauces without graininess. 3. Chef's Kitchen Secret: Mash Beef with Potato Masher: Authentic Taco Bell chili has an ultra-fine, smooth texture without large meat chunks.

Chef’s Cooking Guide & FAQs

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Troubleshooting & Quick Fixes

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What if the Sauce for Copycat Taco Bell Chili Cheese Burrito Recipe (The Chilito) Separates or Feels Greasy?: If a dairy or emulsion sauce breaks, immediately take the pan off direct heat. Vigorously whisk in a tablespoon of hot water, broth, or cream until the velvety sheen re-emulsifies.
How to Rescue a Dish That Tastes Overly Salty?: Dilute with additional unsalted liquid (broth, cream, or water), or splash in a small touch of acid like fresh lemon juice or vinegar to soften sharp salinity.

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Storage, Freezing & Reheating Guidelines

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Keep meat and vegetable fillings separate from tortillas in airtight containers in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat fillings in a hot skillet with a splash of broth to retain juicy moisture. Freezes well for up to 2 months.

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Frequently Asked Questions

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Q: Can I make this vegetarian or plant-based? A: Yes! Substitute black beans, pinto beans, roasted sweet potatoes, or sautéed mushrooms for the meat component.

Q: What cheese works best? A: Authentic Cotija or Queso Fresco provides crumbly, salty tang. For melting, Queso Oaxaca or Monterey Jack is ideal.

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Kitchen Notes & Discussion

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Nutrition Facts

Per serving (1 of 6)

380 Calories

32g Carbs 12% DV

22g Protein 44% DV

18g Fat 23% DV

2g Fiber 7% DV

840mg Sodium 37% DV

Carbs 34% Protein 23% Fat 43%

*Percent Daily Values (% DV) are based on a 2,000-calorie reference diet (USDA FoodData Central).

Quick Info

Cuisine Mexican
Dietary Comfort Food
Total Time 20 min
Yield 6 servings

Chef Amara

Passionate home cook & certified chef behind YumAroma. Every recipe is tested 3+ times for perfection.

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Copycat Taco Bell Chili Cheese Burrito Recipe (The Chilito)

Ingredients

Step-by-Step Instructions

Brown & Finely Break Down Beef (8 Min)

Simmer Smooth Chilito Chili Gravy (10 Min)