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Detailed cross-section of a Copycat Taco Bell Beefy Melt Burrito with visible beef crumbles and gooey cheese.

Copycat Taco Bell Beefy Melt Burrito: The Ultimate Crunchy, Cheesy Guide

Recreate the iconic Taco Bell Beefy Melt Burrito at home with seasoned beef, gooey nacho cheese, orange Mexican rice, and those signature crunchy red tortilla strips, all wrapped in a perfectly toasted flour tortilla.
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 25 minutes
Total Time 40 minutes
Servings: 4 burritos
Course: Dinner, Lunch
Cuisine: Mexican-American
Calories: 620
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

Main Ingredients
  • 1 lb Ground Beef 80/20 lean recommended
  • 4 large Flour Tortillas 10-inch size
  • 1 cup Nacho Cheese Sauce Heated
  • 1.5 cups Cooked Mexican Rice Seasoned and orange-tinted
  • 1/2 cup Sour Cream Full-fat
  • 1 cup Red Tortilla Strips Crunchy
  • 2 tbsp Taco Seasoning Homemade or store-bought

Equipment

  • 1 Cast-Iron Skillet For browning beef and toasting burritos
  • 1 Saucepan For steaming Mexican rice

Instructions
 

Prepare the Components
  1. In a skillet over medium-high heat, brown the ground beef until small crumbles form and a deep golden crust appears. Drain fat, add taco seasoning and 1/4 cup water, and simmer until glossy.
  2. Cook long-grain rice with tomato paste and broth until fluffy and orange.
Assembly and Toasting
  1. Place rice, beef, nacho cheese, sour cream, and red tortilla strips in the center of a warmed tortilla.
  2. Fold into a tight burrito. Place seam-side down on a hot dry skillet and press with a spatula until the exterior is toasted and shows light char marks.

Notes

Warming the tortilla makes it easier to fold without tearing.
Add the red strips last to keep them crunchy against the warm ingredients.
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