Cheesy Double Beef Burritos are a favorite among Taco Bell aficionados and comfort food enthusiasts alike. I’ve been on a mission to recreate this beloved fast-food staple in my own kitchen, and let me tell you, the results are absolutely divine!
Table of Contents
How to Make Cheesy Double Beef Burrito
The Cheesy Double Beef Burrito from Taco Bell is a hearty menu item that includes a double portion of seasoned beef, seasoned rice, and nacho cheese sauce, complemented by Fiesta strips and a three-cheese blend all wrapped in a warm flour tortilla.
Ingredients:
For the Beef:
- 1 pound (about 450g) ground beef
- 1 tablespoon taco seasoning (store-bought or homemade)
- 1/2 cup water
For the Rice:
- 1 cup long-grain white rice
- 2 cups water
- A pinch of salt
- 1 tablespoon butter
- 1 teaspoon lime juice
- 1 tablespoon finely chopped cilantro
For Assembly:
- 4 large flour tortillas (10 inches in diameter)
- 1 cup nacho cheese sauce (homemade or store-bought)
- 1 cup shredded three-cheese blend (cheddar, Monterey Jack, and mozzarella)
- 1/2 cup sour cream (reduced-fat or full-fat)
- 1/2 cup Fiesta Salsa (or any salsa of your preference)
- Optional: Diced tomatoes, shredded lettuce, and sliced jalapeños for extra toppings
Instructions:
Preparing the Beef:
- Heat a large skillet over medium heat. Add the ground beef, breaking it apart with a spoon.
- Cook the beef until it’s no longer pink, about 5-7 minutes. Drain any excess grease.
- Sprinkle the taco seasoning over the cooked beef, add 1/2 cup of water, and stir well.
- Reduce the heat to low and let simmer for about 10 minutes until the beef is flavorful and the water has evaporated.
Cooking the Rice:
- Rinse the rice under cold water until the water runs clear to remove excess starch.
- In a medium saucepan, bring 2 cups of water to a boil. Add a pinch of salt and the rice.
- Reduce the heat to low, cover the pan, and simmer for 18 minutes.
- Remove the pan from the heat and let it stand, covered, for 5 minutes.
- Fluff the rice with a fork, then stir in the butter, lime juice, and chopped cilantro.
Assembling the Burrito:
- Warm the flour tortillas in a microwave or on a skillet to make them pliable.
- Spread a layer of nacho cheese sauce down the center of each tortilla.
- Add a generous scoop of the seasoned beef on top of the cheese.
- Spoon some cilantro lime rice over the beef.
- Add a layer of the shredded three-cheese blend.
- Dollop sour cream over the cheese, followed by the Fiesta Salsa.
- If using, add any additional toppings like diced tomatoes, shredded lettuce, or sliced jalapeños.
- Fold the sides of the tortilla inward, then roll up tightly from the bottom to enclose all the fillings.
Tips for the Perfect Cheesy Double Beef Burrito:
- Consider adding chili powder or diced jalapeños to the beef mixture for an extra kick.
- Briefly heat the filled burritos seam-side down in a skillet before serving to achieve a gooey, melty texture.
- Feel free to customize the burrito with your favorite toppings and extras. The beauty of homemade is making it exactly how you like it!
- If you’re aiming for an even creamier burrito, consider blending the sour cream with a bit of lime juice and chopped cilantro for a zesty sour cream sauce.
What to serve with
Serving the perfect side dishes with your Cheesy Double Beef Burrito can elevate the entire dining experience, transforming an ordinary meal into an extraordinary feast.
1. Guacamole: A creamy, zesty guacamole made from ripe avocados mixed with lime juice, salt, diced tomatoes, onions, and cilantro is the perfect cool and refreshing contrast to the hearty, meaty burrito.
2. Corn Salsa: A fresh corn salsa, combining sweet corn kernels with diced red onions, jalapeños, cilantro, and a squeeze of lime, adds a delightful crunch and a burst of freshness that cuts through the richness of the burrito.
3. Mexican Rice: While the burrito itself contains rice, a side of Mexican rice flavored with tomato, garlic, and onions, and flecked with peas and carrots, can offer a slightly tangy and aromatic accompaniment.
4. Refried Beans: Refried beans are a classic side dish that pairs beautifully with burritos. They offer a creamy, savory element that complements the burrito’s textures and flavors. Consider black beans simmered with garlic, onions, and spices for a lighter version.
5. Grilled Corn on the Cob: Grilled until slightly charred, then seasoned with lime, salt, and chili powder (or slathered in a creamy cotija cheese sauce), corn on the cob provides a smoky sweetness and a bit of drama to your burrito meal.
6. Cilantro Lime Coleslaw: A crisp, refreshing coleslaw made with shredded cabbage, carrots, and a generous amount of chopped cilantro, dressed in a light lime vinaigrette, can add a crunchy, tangy counterpoint to the burrito.
7. Tortilla Chips and Salsa: No Mexican-inspired meal is complete without a basket of crispy tortilla chips accompanied by various salsas—ranging from mild to fiery. It’s a simple yet satisfying addition that makes a great appetizer.
8. Churros or Flan for Dessert: Finish off the meal with something sweet. Churros, deep-fried until golden and tossed in cinnamon sugar, or flan, a silky caramel-topped custard, provide a delightful end to a memorable meal.
Ingredients Substitutes
When making a Cheesy Double Beef Burrito, you might need to substitute certain ingredients due to dietary restrictions, personal taste preferences, or simply because you don’t have them on hand.
1. Ground Beef
Substitutes: For a lighter or vegetarian-friendly version, you can substitute ground beef with ground turkey, chicken, or even a plant-based alternative like textured vegetable protein (TVP) or beyond meat.
2. Cheese
Substitutes: For the cheese, try using different types of melting cheeses like Monterey Jack, Gouda, or mozzarella if you don’t have the usual cheddar. Vegan cheese alternatives can be used for those avoiding dairy.
3. Flour Tortillas
Substitutes: For a gluten-free option, use corn tortillas, although they may not hold as much filling. Whole wheat tortillas are a healthier alternative with more fiber.
4. Rice
Substitutes: Quinoa, cauliflower rice, or brown rice can replace white rice for added nutrition. These alternatives can alter the taste and texture, so season accordingly.
5. Beans
Substitutes: If your burrito calls for black beans, you could substitute pinto beans, kidney beans, or even lentils. Refrying any of these options will still give you that creamy texture.
6. Sour Cream
Substitutes: Greek yogurt is a great alternative to sour cream. It maintains the tangy flavor while offering more protein. Dairy-free alternatives, like soy or coconut-based “sour creams,” are available for lactose intolerant or vegans.
7. Salsa
Substitutes: If you don’t have salsa, you can mix diced tomatoes with some chopped onion, cilantro, jalapeño, and lime juice to make a quick Pico de Gallo. Tomatillo salsa can be used for a tangier flavor, or a splash of hot sauce for the heat.
8. Seasoning
Substitutes: If you don’t have a pre-made taco or fajita seasoning, make your own with a blend of cumin, chili powder, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, oregano, and salt. Adjust the ratios to your preference.
9. Lettuce
Substitutes: For added nutrition, try romaine, spinach, or any dark leafy greens instead of iceberg. Cabbage can also add a nice crunch.
10. Guacamole
Substitutes: If avocados are unavailable or too expensive, consider a simple mashed pea or asparagus guacamole, which can mimic the texture and color. These might not replicate the taste perfectly but can be seasoned similarly with lime and garlic for a pleasing effect.
11. Onion
Substitutes: If you’re out of fresh onion, try using onion powder or jarred onions. For those who dislike the taste, consider using fennel bulb or celery for the crunch.
12. Cilantro
Substitutes: If you or someone you’re serving is one of the people to whom cilantro tastes like soap, substitute it with parsley, chervil, or clipped fresh dill, though the flavor profile will be different.
Final Thoughts
There you have it—the ultimate guide to creating the most delicious Cheesy Double Beef Burrito at home. This recipe guarantees a meal that’s not just fulfilling but also brimming with the flavors of your favorite fast-food indulgence.
More Burrito Recipes:

Ingredients
For the Beef:
- 1 pound (about 450g) ground beef
- 1 tablespoon taco seasoning
- 1/2 cup water
For the Rice:
- 1 cup long-grain white rice
- 2 cups water
- A pinch of salt
- 1 tablespoon butter
- 1 teaspoon lime juice
- 1 tablespoon finely chopped cilantro
For Assembly:
- 4 large flour tortillas (10 inches in diameter)
- 1 cup nacho cheese sauce
- 1 cup shredded three-cheese blend
- 1/2 cup sour cream (reduced-fat or full-fat)
- 1/2 cup Fiesta Salsa
- Optional: Diced tomatoes
Instructions
Preparing the Beef:
- Heat a large skillet over medium heat. Add the ground beef, breaking it apart with a spoon.
- Cook the beef until it's no longer pink, about 5-7 minutes. Drain any excess grease.
- Sprinkle the taco seasoning over the cooked beef, add 1/2 cup of water, and stir well.
- Reduce the heat to low and let simmer for about 10 minutes until the beef is flavorful and the water has evaporated.
Cooking the Rice:
- Rinse the rice under cold water until the water runs clear to remove excess starch.
- In a medium saucepan, bring 2 cups of water to a boil. Add a pinch of salt and the rice.
- Reduce the heat to low, cover the pan, and simmer for 18 minutes.
- Remove the pan from the heat and let it stand, covered, for 5 minutes.
- Fluff the rice with a fork, then stir in the butter, lime juice, and chopped cilantro.
Assembling the Burrito:
- Warm the flour tortillas in a microwave or on a skillet to make them pliable.
- Spread a layer of nacho cheese sauce down the center of each tortilla.
- Add a generous scoop of the seasoned beef on top of the cheese.
- Spoon some cilantro lime rice over the beef.
- Add a layer of the shredded three-cheese blend.
- Dollop sour cream over the cheese, followed by the Fiesta Salsa.
- If using, add any additional toppings like diced tomatoes, shredded lettuce, or sliced jalapeños.
- Fold the sides of the tortilla inward, then roll up tightly from the bottom to enclose all the fillings.