Copycat Taco Bell Chili Cheese Burrito (2024)

Save time and money by making this copycat chilito recipe! You can control exactly what goes into your burrito for a smarter and healthier dish than what you'd get in the drive-thru.

• Ground Beef: I like to use lean ground beef as a base.
• Yellow Onion: Adds a nice complex and savory flavor.
• Seasonings: A combination of chili powder, cayenne pepper, and salt provide lots of warmth.
• Cornstarch: Helps thicken the beef mixture.
• Refried Beans: For some extra protein and a nice filling addition to the beef.
• Tomato Paste: Gives the beef filling an extra meaty flavor and some subtle sweetness.
• Shredded Cheese: I use shredded cheddar cheese, but other varieties would also work well.
• Tortillas: Burrito size flour tortillas work best for these chilitos.

Recipe Tips

• To make sure the tortillas don't break while wrapping up your burrito, warm them for 15 seconds in the microwave first.
• For a lighter version of these burritos, use ground chicken or ground turkey instead.
• You can add more veggies like bell peppers or jalapeno peppers to the filling.
• Cheddar cheese works well, but you can also use pepper jack, mozzarella cheese, or a shredded Mexican blend.

Recipe FAQ's

• 1 pound ground beef
• 1 medium yellow onion diced
• 3 tablespoons chili powder
• 1 teaspoon cayenne pepper
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 2 cups water plus 2 tablespoons
• 2 tablespoons cornstarch
• 1 16 ounce can refried beans
• 1 6 ounce can tomato paste about 6 tablespoons
• 3 cups cheddar cheese
• 10 10 inch flour tortillas

• Heat a large skillet on medium high heat add the ground beef and cook until browned. Drain the extra fat and add the chili powder, cayenne and salt and give it a stir. Add u=ibn the water.

• In a small bowl add the cornstarch and 2 tablespoons of water together and mix, stir that into the meat mixture, and let it come to a simmer to thicken.

• Add in the refried beans, tomato paste, and stir until combined.

• Add in 1 1/2 cups of cheese and mix until melted.

• Place a tortilla on a cutting board (warm the tortillas in the microwave for 15 seconds to soften if needed) and add a pinch of shredded cheese followed by 1/4-1/2 cup meat mixture.

• Fold in the sides and roll the tortilla over into a log.

• Serve with sourcream and salsa if desired!

Use cheddar cheese, mozzarella, pepper jack, or a Mexican blend.

Add more vegetables like bell peppers or jalapeno peppers.

For more flavor, add onion powder, garlic powder, cumin, or paprika.

Freezer directions: Yes, let the burritos cool completely. Wrap each burrito into plastic wrap and, place them into a large ziplock freezer bag and freeze for up to 3 months.