My teenage son came home from Taco Bell one day absolutely raving about this thing called a Quesarito. He couldn’t stop talking about how it was like a burrito and a quesadilla had the most delicious baby ever.
I had no idea what he was talking about until he dragged me there the next week to try one. One bite and I understood the obsession. It’s basically a burrito wrapped in a cheese-filled tortilla instead of a regular one, creating these amazing layers of melted cheese throughout.
The problem was, at four dollars each, his new addiction was going to break the bank. That’s when I decided to figure out how to make them at home for a fraction of the cost.
After a few trial runs, I nailed it. Now I can make two of these for less than the price of one from the restaurant, and they taste just as good if not better.
What Is a Cheesy Quesarito?
Think of it as the ultimate fusion food: a burrito filling wrapped inside what’s essentially a quesadilla. Instead of using a plain tortilla, you create a cheese-filled tortilla shell that becomes the outer layer of your burrito.
The genius is in the layers. You get seasoned ground beef, fluffy rice, creamy nacho cheese sauce, and sour cream all wrapped up in that cheesy tortilla shell. Every bite has melted cheese mixed with all the classic burrito flavors.
It’s comfort food taken to the next level, and once you try it, regular burritos will never be quite the same.
Recipe Tips for Success
Use large flour tortillas that are fresh and pliable. Stiff or cracked tortillas will tear when you try to wrap them tightly.
Don’t overfill the quesarito or it will be impossible to wrap properly. Less is more when it comes to getting that perfect roll.
Toast it seam-side down first to help seal everything together. This prevents it from unrolling while you’re cooking the other side.
Let it rest for a minute after cooking before cutting. This helps all the melted cheese set up so it doesn’t ooze out everywhere.
What You’ll Need
Ground beef works perfectly here, and you only need half a pound to make two generous servings. The taco seasoning gives it that authentic fast-food flavor we’re all craving.
Cooked rice adds bulk and texture. Day-old rice actually works better than fresh because it’s less sticky and won’t make your filling too wet.
Nacho cheese sauce is key to getting that restaurant taste. You can find it in the chip aisle or make your own if you’re feeling ambitious.
Large flour tortillas are essential because you need enough surface area to wrap everything up properly. Don’t try to use small tortillas or it won’t work.
Step by Step Instructions
Step 1: Cook the Beef
Brown the ground beef in a skillet over medium heat, breaking it up as it cooks. Add the taco seasoning and follow package directions for water and cooking time.
Step 2: Warm the Tortillas
Heat your tortillas in a dry skillet or microwave until they’re warm and pliable. This makes them much easier to work with.
Step 3: Create the Cheese Layer
Sprinkle half the shredded cheddar cheese on one tortilla, leaving about an inch border around the edges. This will become your outer shell.
Step 4: Add the Fillings
On the same tortilla, spread the nacho cheese sauce over the shredded cheese. Add the cooked rice, seasoned beef, and dollops of sour cream in the center.
Step 5: Top and Wrap
Sprinkle the remaining shredded cheese over the filling, then carefully wrap the tortilla tightly, tucking in the sides as you roll.
Step 6: Toast Until Golden
Heat a clean skillet over medium heat. Place the wrapped quesarito seam-side down and cook for 2-3 minutes until golden brown. Flip carefully and cook the other side.
Step 7: Rest and Serve
Let it rest for about a minute, then cut in half diagonally to show off those beautiful layers.
Variations to Try
Add some diced jalapeños or hot sauce to the beef mixture if you want more heat. Black beans work great mixed in with the rice for extra protein and fiber.
Try different cheese combinations like pepper jack mixed with the cheddar for more flavor. You could even use a Mexican cheese blend.
Swap the ground beef for seasoned chicken, carnitas, or even seasoned black beans for a vegetarian version.
Add some diced tomatoes, lettuce, or onions for extra freshness and crunch.
Serving Suggestions
These are pretty substantial on their own, but they’re fantastic with a side of Mexican rice or refried beans if you’re feeding hungry teenagers.
Serve with extra sour cream, guacamole, or salsa on the side for dipping. The contrast of the warm, cheesy quesarito with cool toppings is perfect.
They also make great game day food cut into smaller pieces as appetizers.
Can I Make Substitutions?
You can use ground turkey or chicken instead of beef. Just make sure to season it well since these meats are milder than beef.
For the rice, Spanish rice or cilantro lime rice work beautifully. Even leftover fried rice can work in a pinch.
If you can’t find nacho cheese sauce, you can make a quick version by melting some American cheese with a splash of milk until smooth.
Corn tortillas won’t work for this recipe because they’re too small and not flexible enough for wrapping.
Here’s What Goes in Taco Bell Cheesy Quesarito
1/2 lb ground beef 1/2 packet taco seasoning 1/2 cup cooked rice 1/4 cup nacho cheese sauce 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese 2 large flour tortillas 2 tablespoons sour cream
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 10 minutes
Total Time: 20 minutes
Servings: 2
Calories: 430 per serving
This homemade Cheesy Quesarito proves you don’t need to hit the drive-through to satisfy those fast-food cravings. It’s the kind of recipe that turns a regular Tuesday night into something special.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I Make These Ahead of Time?
You can prep all the components ahead, but it’s best to assemble and cook them fresh. The tortillas get soggy if they sit too long with the fillings.
How Do I Keep Them from Falling Apart?
Make sure not to overfill them, and always toast seam-side down first. Letting them rest after cooking also helps everything set up.
Can I Freeze These?
They don’t freeze well because the tortillas get soggy when thawed. It’s better to freeze the seasoned beef separately and assemble fresh ones as needed.
What If I Don’t Have Nacho Cheese Sauce?
You can melt some American cheese with a little milk, or even use a cheese spread like Cheez Whiz in a pinch.
Can I Bake These Instead of Pan-Frying?
Yes! Bake at 400°F for about 10-12 minutes, flipping halfway through. They won’t get quite as crispy but they’ll still be delicious.
How Do I Get the Cheese Distribution Right?
Spread the shredded cheese all the way to the edges of the tortilla before adding other fillings. This ensures every bite has cheese.
