Recreate the iconic Taco Bell Quesarito in your own kitchen with our easy-to-follow recipe! Enjoy a delicious blend of seasoned beef, flavorful rice, creamy queso, tangy sour cream, and zesty chipotle sauce, all wrapped in a perfectly crisp quesadilla.
Bring Home the Taco Bell Quesarito Experience
What is a Taco Bell Quesarito, you ask? It’s a legendary, albeit elusive, menu item that Taco Bell has a history of both introducing and discontinuing, often leaving fans in a state of culinary suspense. Think of it as the best of both worlds: a quesadilla and a burrito combined into one glorious creation – hence the name, Quesarito! Is it rich and satisfying? Absolutely! Is it incredibly tasty? Without a doubt! But with Taco Bell’s ever-changing menu, you can eliminate the uncertainty and enjoy this fast-food favorite whenever you crave it by making it at home. And we dare to say, our homemade version tastes even better!
Your Quesarito Questions Answered:
Get creative with your fillings! Adding refried beans or black beans will make your Quesarito even more substantial and filling. If you’re craving a bit of spice, consider incorporating some diced jalapeños. For an extra touch of flavor just before serving, drizzle a bit more chipotle sauce over the top.
Not at all! Toasting is an optional step. Taco Bell grills their Quesaritos, but if you prefer to skip that step, feel free. It’s your Quesarito, so customize it to your liking!
If you’re unable to find creamy chipotle sauce at the store, don’t worry! It’s incredibly easy to make at home. Here’s what you’ll need:
Ingredients:
1 cup mayonnaise
2 chipotle peppers in adobo sauce
1 Tablespoon adobo sauce (from the can)
1 Tablespoon fresh lime juice
1 teaspoon garlic powder
½ teaspoon onion powder
¼ teaspoon salt
2–4 Tablespoons water (to thin to desired consistency)
Directions:
Combine mayonnaise, chipotle peppers, adobo sauce, lime juice, garlic powder, onion powder, and salt in a blender or food processor.
Blend until completely smooth.
Gradually add water, 1 Tablespoon at a time, until the sauce reaches your desired drizzling consistency.
Taste and adjust salt or lime juice as needed to achieve the perfect flavor.
Quesaritos pair perfectly with a variety of sides. We recommend trying them with homemade Taco Bell Nacho Fries for the ultimate fast-food feast! A refreshing salad or a hearty Taco Salad would also make excellent accompaniments.
Quesaritos are best enjoyed fresh, but if you happen to have leftovers, they can be stored for later. Wrap the leftover Quesaritos tightly in aluminum foil and refrigerate for up to 2 days. When you’re ready to reheat, warm them in a skillet over medium-low heat until heated through.
Quesarito Ingredients: What You’ll Need (Full Recipe Below)
- Ground Beef: Ground turkey or shredded chicken are delicious alternatives for a lighter option.
- Taco Seasoning: For the best flavor and control over ingredients, consider using Homemade Taco Seasoning, especially if you’re mindful of sodium intake. Alternatively, a low-sodium store-bought taco seasoning is also a great choice.
- Water: Essential for simmering the taco meat and allowing the flavors to meld together.
- Large Flour Tortillas: Opt for burrito-size tortillas for easy rolling. For a healthier twist, use low-carb tortillas or even lettuce wraps. Elevate your Quesarito by using Homemade Tortillas for an authentic flavor.
- Shredded Mexican Blend Cheese: A blend of cheddar, Monterey Jack, and other cheeses provides a rich, melty texture. If you prefer, you can use cheddar cheese exclusively.
- Cooked Seasoned Rice: Spanish rice or cilantro lime rice are both excellent choices. We like using Knorr Spanish Rice for convenience. For a homemade option, try our Homemade Spanish Style Rice (omit the meat) or our simple 3-Ingredient Mexican Rice.
- Nacho Cheese Sauce: Use your preferred nacho cheese sauce, whether it’s store-bought queso or Homemade Nacho Cheese Sauce. Alternatively, homemade Queso Dip adds a rich and flavorful touch.
- Sour Cream: If you’re not a fan of sour cream, Greek yogurt makes a suitable substitute. Mexican Crema is another delicious option, or you can simply omit it.
- Creamy Chipotle Sauce: Bottled taco sauce or chipotle mayo work well. For a truly homemade experience, use the Creamy Chipotle Sauce recipe from the FAQ section above.
Step-by-Step Guide: Making Your Own Taco Bell Quesarito
First, prepare the seasoned beef. In a skillet over medium-high heat, cook and crumble the ground beef until it’s fully cooked and no longer pink. Drain any excess grease and return the beef to the skillet. Add the taco seasoning and water, stir well, and simmer until the mixture thickens.
Next, create the cheesy quesadilla “shell.” Warm one of the flour tortillas in a separate skillet over medium heat. Sprinkle a generous handful of shredded cheese onto the tortilla, leaving about a 2-inch border around the edges. Top with a second tortilla and allow the cheese to melt and bind the two tortillas together into a cheesy quesadilla. Remove from the heat, and prepare for the final assembly!
Now, it’s time to load up your Quesarito. Add a line of seasoned rice, taco meat, nacho cheese sauce, sour cream, and chipotle sauce down the middle of the quesadilla. Roll it up tightly like a burrito, folding in the sides to secure the filling. Place the Quesarito seam-side down back into the warm skillet for 1–2 minutes to seal and lightly toast the outside. Slice in half, and serve warm! Enjoy your delicious homemade Taco Bell Quesarito!
Looking for More Delicious Mexican-Inspired Recipes?
- Copycat Taco Bell Enchirito Recipe
- Bring Back the Classic: Taco Bell Mexican Pizza
- Spice Up Your Life: Taco Bell Nacho Fries
- Fresh and Flavorful: Taco Bell Taco Salad
- Comfort Food Classic: Taco Bell Chili Cheese Burrito
