
Missing Taco Bell's famous Chili Cheese Burrito? Make them at home! We've got a super tasty copycat with juicy beef, gooey cheese, and a rich chili mix. They're dead simple to whip up and way better than takeout.
WHAT YOU'LL NEED
- Ground Beef: Get 1 pound for the main protein base.
- Yellow Onion: Grab 1 medium one and dice it up for extra taste.
- Chili Powder: You'll want 3 tablespoons to nail that signature flavor.
- Cayenne Pepper: Just 1 teaspoon brings a nice kick.
- Salt: 1 teaspoon helps bring all the flavors together.
- Water: 2 cups to create the perfect sauce consistency.
- Cornstarch: 2 tablespoons makes everything nice and thick.
- Refried Beans: Grab a 16-ounce can for that smooth texture.
- Tomato Paste: One 6-ounce can adds depth and richness.
- Cheddar Cheese: Shred up 3 cups for that melty goodness.
- Flour Tortillas: You'll need 10 10-inch wraps to hold everything.
HOW TO MAKE IT
- Step 1:
- Fire up a big skillet to medium-high and toss in your beef and chopped onions. Cook until the meat turns brown.
- Step 2:
- Pour out any extra fat, then mix in your chili powder, cayenne, and salt until everything's coated.
- Step 3:
- Dump in the tomato paste and refried beans. Keep stirring until you've got a nice smooth mixture.
- Step 4:
- Mix cornstarch with 2 tablespoons water in a small cup, then pour it into your beef mix. Let it bubble away until it gets thicker.
- Step 5:
- Toss in all that shredded cheddar and stir until it disappears into melty goodness. Let everything simmer for 10 minutes, giving it a stir now and then.
- Step 6:
- Get your tortillas ready by zapping each one for 15 seconds or lightly wetting and heating them up.
- Step 7:
- Lay a tortilla flat, sprinkle some cheese in the middle, and scoop on 1/4 to 1/2 cup of your meat mix. Fold in the sides and roll it up tight.
- Step 8:
- Keep going until you've used everything up. Enjoy with some sour cream or salsa if you want.
How to Serve and Store
- These taste best right away while they're still piping hot. Try them with sour cream, fresh salsa, or chunky guacamole.
- Got extras? Wrap each burrito in aluminum foil or plastic and pop them in the fridge. They'll stay good for about 3 days.
- When you're hungry again, microwave them for 30-60 seconds or warm them in a 350°F oven for around 10 minutes.
Chef-Approved Tricks
- Gordon Ramsay says to skip pre-shredded cheese and grate your own cheddar for better melting and flavor.
- According to Rachael Ray, a little splash of hot sauce on top before eating makes these even tastier.
- Ina Garten thinks spending a bit more on fancy tomato paste makes the whole sauce taste way better.
MIX IT UP
- Try ground turkey or chicken instead of beef if you want something lighter.
- Toss in some black beans or sweet corn kernels for extra texture.
- Switch up the cheese - Monterey Jack or spicy pepper jack can give these a whole new flavor.