If you’ve ever visited Taco Bell, there’s a good chance you’ve fallen in love with one of their most iconic creations: the Quesarito. This irresistible hybrid combines the melty cheesiness of a quesadilla with the hearty satisfaction of a burrito. The result? A warm, gooey, flavor-packed roll that is creamy, spicy, savory, and comforting all at once.
While many fast-food items come and go, the Quesarito has remained a fan-favorite—so popular, in fact, that people worldwide try to recreate it at home. Fortunately, making your own Cheesy Taco Bell Quesarito is easier than you think, and the result is even more flavorful and customizable than the original.
In this detailed recipe article, you’ll learn everything you need to know—from the essential ingredients to the complete preparation method, expert cooking tips, variations, calorie information, and more. Whether you’re a dedicated Taco Bell enthusiast or simply craving an ultra-cheesy, satisfying wrap, this guide will help you make the perfect Quesarito right in your kitchen.
What Exactly Is a Quesarito?
The Quesarito is one of Taco Bell’s most indulgent innovations. It cleverly combines:
- A quesadilla (a tortilla stuffed with melted cheese)
- A burrito (a larger tortilla filled with meat, rice, creamy sauce, and toppings)
What makes it special is the layering:
- A warm cheese-filled quesadilla wrapped around…
- A classic burrito-style filling, usually consisting of seasoned beef, seasoned rice, chipotle sauce, and sour cream.
This double-layer technique gives the Quesarito its signature texture:
soft, cheesy, gooey, warm, flavorful, and comforting on every bite.
Ingredients for Homemade Cheesy Taco Bell Quesarito
Below is the complete and detailed ingredient list to recreate this restaurant-style favorite at home.
For the Quesadilla Outer Layer
- 2 large flour tortillas (burrito-sized, 10–12 inches)
- 2 cups shredded cheese (Mexican blend, cheddar, or Monterey Jack)
- 1–2 tbsp butter (optional, for browning the tortillas)
For the Seasoned Beef Filling
- 450 g (1 lb) ground beef
- 1 tbsp vegetable oil
- 1 packet taco seasoning (or homemade seasoning: chili powder, cumin, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, oregano)
- 1/3 cup water
For the Taco Bell–Style Seasoned Rice
- 1 cup long-grain white rice
- 2 cups chicken broth or water
- 1 tbsp tomato paste
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder
- 1/2 tsp cumin
- 1/4 tsp paprika
- Salt, to taste
Chipotle Creamy Sauce (Copycat)
- 1/2 cup sour cream
- 2 tbsp mayonnaise
- 1–2 tsp chipotle in adobo finely minced
- 1/4 tsp garlic powder
- 1/4 tsp smoked paprika
- Pinch of salt
This sauce is key—it gives the Quesarito its signature smoky heat.
Additional Fillings
- 1/2 cup sour cream
- 1/2 cup shredded cheese (extra, for inside the burrito)
Preparation Time
| Step | Time |
|---|---|
| Preparing seasoned beef | 10 minutes |
| Preparing rice | 15–18 minutes |
| Mixing chipotle sauce | 3 minutes |
| Assembling quesadillas | 5 minutes |
| Rolling and heating quesaritos | 5–7 minutes |
| Total Time | ≈ 40–45 minutes |
This recipe is quick and suitable for weeknight cooking.
How to Make Cheesy Taco Bell Quesarito (Step-by-Step Instructions)
Follow this method carefully for the most accurate and delicious copycat version.
Step 1: Cook the Seasoned Beef
- Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat, add oil.
- Add the ground beef and cook until browned, breaking it apart with a wooden spoon.
- Drain excess fat.
- Add taco seasoning and water.
- Simmer for 2–3 minutes until thickened.
- Set aside.
Tip: Taco Bell uses fine, small-ground beef. For a similar texture, break the beef into very tiny pieces while cooking.
Step 2: Prepare Taco Bell–Style Seasoned Rice
- Rinse rice under cold water until the water runs clear.
- In a saucepan, combine rice, broth or water, tomato paste, garlic powder, cumin, paprika, and salt.
- Bring to a boil, then cover and reduce heat to low.
- Cook for 15 minutes or until fluffy.
- Remove from heat and fluff with a fork.
This rice adds body and absorbs the sauces perfectly.
Step 3: Mix the Chipotle Sauce
- Combine sour cream, mayonnaise, chipotle peppers, garlic powder, smoked paprika, and salt.
- Adjust heat to taste—more chipotle for spicy, more mayo for milder.
- Chill until needed.
Step 4: Prepare the Quesadilla Tortilla Layer
This is the signature step that gives the Quesarito its name.
- Heat a skillet over medium heat.
- Place a flour tortilla on the pan.
- Sprinkle 1 cup of shredded cheese evenly across the surface.
- Top with the second tortilla.
- Brown for 1–2 minutes on each side until cheese melts.
You now have a large double-layer cheese quesadilla.
Repeat for the second Quesarito.
Step 5: Assemble the Quesarito Burrito
In the center of the quesadilla, add the following in order:
1. A generous spoonful of seasoned rice
This builds the necessary structure.
2. A large scoop of seasoned beef
Warm, juicy, and savory—the core of the burrito.
3. A drizzle of creamy chipotle sauce
This gives that Taco Bell signature flavor.
4. A spoon of sour cream
Adds creaminess and cools the heat.
5. Extra shredded cheese
Because you can never have too much cheese in a Quesarito!
Step 6: Wrap the Quesarito
- Fold the sides inward.
- Roll tightly from bottom to top.
- Tuck tightly to prevent spillage.
A firm roll is essential to keep layers intact.
Step 7: Toast the Quesarito
Place the rolled Quesarito seam-side down on a skillet:
- Heat for 1–2 minutes per side
- Until lightly golden and the cheese fully melts
This gives the burrito structure and seals everything inside.
Expert Tips for the Perfect Quesarito
1. Use burrito-sized tortillas
Smaller tortillas won’t hold everything.
2. Shred your own cheese
Freshly grated cheese melts more smoothly.
3. Warm tortillas before filling
Makes them easier to roll and prevents tearing.
4. Add sauce in moderation
Too much sauce causes the burrito to leak.
5. Don’t skip the final toasting
It enhances flavor and improves texture.
Flavor Variations
Extra Cheesy Quesarito
- Mix mozzarella + cheddar + Monterey Jack
- Add a cheese sauce drizzle inside
Spicy Volcano Quesarito
- Add jalapeños
- Use hot taco seasoning
- Increase chipotle sauce heat
California-Style Quesarito
- Add guacamole
- Add pico de gallo
- Use cilantro-lime rice instead of tomato rice
Veggie Quesarito
Swap beef for:
- Seasoned black beans
- Spicy potatoes
- Grilled peppers & onions
Chicken Quesarito
Replace beef with:
- Shredded chipotle chicken
- Grilled fajita chicken
- Crispy popcorn chicken for crunch
Storage and Reheating
Refrigeration
- Store in airtight containers for up to 3 days.
Freezing
- Wrap tightly in foil and freeze up to 2 months.
Reheating
- Oven: 180°C (350°F) for 10–12 minutes
- Air fryer: 6–8 minutes
- Avoid microwaving if possible—it makes tortillas soggy
Calories (Per Quesarito)
A typical homemade Quesarito contains:
- Calories: 720–940
- Protein: 30–40 g
- Carbs: 60–75 g
- Fat: 40–55 g
Calorie count varies depending on the amount of cheese, tortilla size, and sauces used.
What to Serve With Your Quesarito
- Chips & salsa
- Mexican street corn (Elote)
- Refried beans
- Guacamole & tortilla chips
- Fresh salad
- Roasted peppers
- Salsa verde
Final Thoughts
The Cheesy Taco Bell Quesarito is one of the most irresistible creations ever introduced by Taco Bell, and making it at home gives you the chance to enjoy an even fresher, more flavorful, and customizable version. This recipe brings together the melty goodness of a quesadilla, the bold seasoning of Taco Bell beef, and the comforting familiarity of a burrito—all rolled into one unforgettable wrap.