If you’re craving that nostalgic, savory kick from your favorite fast-food spot, you’re in for a treat! This Taco Bell Chili Cheese Burrito: A Delicious and Affordable Treat takes everything you love about a classic cheesy burrito—rich ground beef, hearty beans, gooey cheddar, and just the right spice—and brings it right to your own kitchen table. It’s perfect for busy weeknights, fun family dinners, or anytime you want comfort food that doesn’t break the bank. Let’s bring back a cult favorite with every bite!

Ingredients You’ll Need
Creating the perfect Taco Bell Chili Cheese Burrito: A Delicious and Affordable Treat starts with simple pantry staples. Each ingredient works together to deliver bold flavor, melty cheese, and that perfect, satisfying texture.
- Ground Beef (1 pound): Opt for lean or regular—not only does it cook up juicy, but it also takes on all the rich, spicy flavors beautifully.
- Olive Oil (1 tablespoon): For sautéing the onions and garlic, giving them a subtle, lush depth.
- Small Onion, finely chopped (1): Onions lay the aromatic foundation and add a touch of sweetness.
- Garlic, minced (2 cloves): Brings a punchy, savory note—don’t skip it!
- Chili Beans or Refried Beans (1 can, 15 ounces): Either brings creaminess and heartiness; chili beans add a little extra flavor while refried beans keep it silky smooth.
- Tomato Sauce (1 can, 8 ounces): Adds tang and ties everything together in a saucy, luscious filling.
- Chili Powder (1 tablespoon): For that signature warm, smoky heat—key for authentic flavor.
- Cumin (1 teaspoon): Deep, earthy, and aromatic, cumin gives classic Mexican-inspired depth.
- Paprika (½ teaspoon): A little bit of this subtle spice brightens up the entire filling.
- Salt (½ teaspoon): Enhances every flavor, making sure nothing tastes flat.
- Black Pepper (¼ teaspoon): Adds gentle heat and rounds out the seasoning.
- Cheddar Cheese, shredded (1½ cups): The essential oozy, melty element—use sharp cheddar for maximum cheesy punch.
- Large Flour Tortillas (6): Soft and sturdy, perfect for wrapping up all that delicious filling with zero mess.
How to Make Taco Bell Chili Cheese Burrito: A Delicious and Affordable Treat
Step 1: Sauté the Aromatics
Start by heating olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Toss in the finely chopped onion—let it sizzle and soften for 2 to 3 minutes. Once the kitchen fills with that amazing aroma, stir in the minced garlic and cook for 30 seconds, just until fragrant. These first steps give the burrito its irresistible savory base.
Step 2: Brown the Beef
Add the ground beef to your skillet with the onions and garlic. Break it up as it cooks, making sure there are no big clumps. You want it browned and fully cooked, so the flavors mingle beautifully. Once done, drain any excess fat—this ensures your filling is rich, not greasy.
Step 3: Simmer the Filling
Now for the magic: stir in your can of chili beans (or refried beans), pour in the tomato sauce, add the chili powder, cumin, paprika, salt, and pepper. Mix everything together and let it simmer for 5 to 7 minutes. This thickens the filling and fuses every spice into a mouthwatering, savory blend that smells like heaven.
Step 4: Warm the Tortillas
Before assembling, quickly warm your flour tortillas—either in the microwave or a dry skillet. This makes them extra soft and flexible, which helps them wrap tightly around that cheesy, chili-packed filling without tearing.
Step 5: Assemble and Roll
Lay out each tortilla, spoon a generous amount of the chili mixture in the center, and sprinkle a big handful of shredded cheddar over the top. Roll up each burrito, tucking the edges in tightly to lock in all the warmth and gooey cheese. The trick is to keep everything snug so each bite is perfectly packed!
How to Serve Taco Bell Chili Cheese Burrito: A Delicious and Affordable Treat

Garnishes
Bring your Taco Bell Chili Cheese Burrito: A Delicious and Affordable Treat to life with a few simple garnishes. Think freshly chopped cilantro, a dollop of sour cream, or a scatter of green onions. Even a dash of hot sauce can brighten up each bite if you like an extra kick.
Side Dishes
Pair your burritos with classic Mexican-inspired sides. Spanish rice, refried beans, or a crisp green salad all play beautifully off the hearty, cheesy main event. For a quick fix, even a side of tortilla chips with salsa or guacamole adds fun flavor and crunch.
Creative Ways to Present
Turn your Taco Bell Chili Cheese Burrito: A Delicious and Affordable Treat into a crowd-pleaser by serving it party-style—slice them in half and arrange on a platter, or wrap individually in foil for grab-and-go meals. For a twist, smother with extra cheese and bake until bubbly for a chili cheese “wet burrito” experience.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Got extra burritos? Wrap each in foil or plastic wrap and store in the fridge for up to three days. The flavors actually deepen overnight, so reheated burritos taste just as fantastic—maybe even better!
Freezing
One reason the Taco Bell Chili Cheese Burrito: A Delicious and Affordable Treat wins every time? It’s super freezer-friendly. Wrap each cooled burrito tightly in foil and then pop them in a zip-top bag. They’ll keep for up to three months—perfect for meal-prep or last-minute cravings.
Reheating
For best results, unwrap and microwave your burrito (covered with a damp paper towel) for 2 to 3 minutes until steaming hot. Or, reheat in the oven, still wrapped in foil, at 350°F for about 15 minutes. Either method turns out warm, cheesy, and just as delicious as day one.
FAQs
Can I make this burrito vegetarian?
Absolutely! Swap the ground beef for plant-based crumbles or even extra beans. You’ll still get all the signature flavors that make the Taco Bell Chili Cheese Burrito: A Delicious and Affordable Treat so crave-worthy.
How spicy is this recipe?
It’s mild and kid-friendly, but you can kick up the heat by adding hot sauce, diced jalapeños, or extra chili powder. Customize it to your perfect spice level!
What’s the best way to reheat a frozen burrito?
Take a frozen burrito out of the freezer, unwrap any plastic, and either microwave it in a damp paper towel or heat in the oven at 350°F (wrapped in foil). Both methods will yield a hot, melty filling—basically just like fresh.
Can I use ground turkey instead of beef?
Sure thing! Ground turkey is a fantastic lighter swap for beef and still picks up all the wonderful flavors in the Taco Bell Chili Cheese Burrito: A Delicious and Affordable Treat.
Can I prepare the filling ahead of time?
Yes! The beef and bean mixture can be made up to two days in advance. Keep it chilled in an airtight container, then simply heat and assemble your burritos when you’re ready to serve.
Final Thoughts
Now that you have all the tips and steps, there’s no reason not to treat yourself and your family to a batch of Taco Bell Chili Cheese Burrito: A Delicious and Affordable Treat at home. It’s comforting, customizable, and oh-so-satisfying—give it a try tonight and create your own flavor memories!
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Taco Bell Chili Cheese Burrito: A Delicious and Affordable Treat Recipe
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 6 burritos 1x
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
Learn how to make a delicious and cost-effective version of Taco Bell’s Chili Cheese Burrito at home with this easy recipe.
Ingredients
Ground Beef Mixture:
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 can (15 ounces) chili beans or refried beans
- 1 can (8 ounces) tomato sauce
- 1 tablespoon chili powder
- 1 teaspoon cumin
- ½ teaspoon paprika
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
Additional Ingredients:
- 1 ½ cups shredded cheddar cheese
- 6 large flour tortillas
Instructions
- Prepare Ground Beef Mixture: Heat olive oil in a skillet, sauté onion, add garlic, brown ground beef, drain excess fat. Stir in beans, tomato sauce, spices, simmer.
- Assemble Burritos: Warm tortillas, spoon chili mixture, sprinkle with cheese, roll tightly.
- Serve: Enjoy warm or wrap in foil for later.
Notes
- Substitute ground beef with turkey or plant-based crumbles
- For extra spice, add hot sauce or jalapeños
- Freeze burritos individually for convenient reheating
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Mexican-American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 burrito
- Calories: 410
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 710mg
- Fat: 21g
- Saturated Fat: 9g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 34g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 24g
- Cholesterol: 55mg