Copycat Taco Bell Cheesy Dipping Burrito Recipe

by Sandra
Copycat Taco Bell Cheesy Dipping Burrito Recipe

The culinary gods at Taco Bell have once again blessed us with a mouthwatering creation that is nothing short of a fiesta in your mouth: the Taco Bell Cheesy Dipping Burrito. Now, what if I told you that you could recreate this gooey, cheesy masterpiece right in the comfort of your kitchen? Yes, you heard that right!

How to make Taco Bell Cheesy Dipping Burrito

The Taco Bell Cheesy Dipping Burrito is a menu item that features a warm burrito filled with seasoned beef, cheese, and a creamy, cheesy sauce. What sets it apart is that the burrito is served with a side of warm cheese dipping sauce, which you can use to dip the burrito for extra cheesy flavor.

Ingredients

For the Burritos:

  • 1 lb of your preferred protein (ground beef, chicken, or a vegetarian alternative)
  • Taco seasoning (store-bought or homemade)
  • 4 large flour tortillas
  • 1 cup Mexican blend cheese, shredded
  • 1 cup nacho cheese sauce
  • 1/4 cup Avocado Ranch sauce or your choice of creamy dressing

For the Cheesy Glue:

  • 1/2 cup Mexican blend cheese, shredded
  • 1/4 cup nacho cheese sauce

Instructions

Prepare the Protein:

  1. Cook your protein of choice in a skillet over medium heat until it is well browned or thoroughly cooked. Make sure to break it up into crumbly pieces as it cooks.
  2. Drain any excess fat and return the protein to the skillet.
  3. Stir in the taco seasoning and water (in the quantity per the seasoning packet instructions) to the protein and simmer for 5 minutes until the mixture thickens. Remove from heat and set aside.

Assemble the Burritos:

  1. Warm the flour tortillas in the microwave for about 10-15 seconds to make them more pliable.
  2. Lay out the tortillas and divide the seasoned protein evenly amongst them, placing the mixture in a line along the center of each tortilla.
  3. Drizzle each with nacho cheese sauce and a generous sprinkle of shredded cheese.
  4. Carefully roll each tortilla into a tight burrito, folding in the sides first and then rolling up from the bottom to enclose the filling.

Make the Cheesy Glue:

  1. Blend half a cup of shredded cheese with a quarter cup of nacho cheese sauce in a small bowl until well mixed.

Prepare for Dipping:

  1. Place two burritos on a non-stick skillet or griddle over low heat.
  2. Carefully spread the cheesy glue mixture over the top of the burritos, essentially “gluing” them side by side with the cheese.
  3. Allow this to cook just long enough for the cheese to melt and create a crispy, golden-brown cheesy layer between them, akin to a quesadilla. This step imitates the crispy cheese on the exterior of Taco Bell’s Cheesy Dipping Burritos.
  4. Once the cheese is melted and the burritos are ‘stuck’ together, remove the connected burritos and repeat the process with the remaining pair.

Serving:

  1. Serve your homemade Cheesy Dipping Burritos with a side of Avocado Ranch sauce or your favorite dip, and enjoy the dripping, melty cheese as you pull the burritos apart.

Tips:

  • Protein Preparation: Consider trying different proteins to replicate a variety of flavors. Ground turkey, shredded pork, or even plant-based alternatives can be great substitutes.
  • Cheese Choices: The type of cheese you use can greatly impact the flavor. While a Mexican blend is suggested, try mixing in some sharp cheddar or Pepper Jack for an extra kick.
  • Getting that Crisp: Don’t rush the cheesy exterior. A low heat setting allows the cheese to get crispy without burning, giving you that signature Taco Bell texture.
  • Creative Dips: Don’t limit yourself to Avocado Ranch. Salsa, sour cream, or a spicy queso could provide a delightful dip that complements the burrito.
  • Healthier Alternatives: For a lighter option, you can choose whole wheat tortillas, lower-fat cheese, and a protein-rich filling like grilled chicken or beans.

What to serve with

Serving your homemade Taco Bell Cheesy Dipping Burrito is just the climax of this culinary delight; what truly turns it into a feast are the sides and accompaniments you choose to elevate the main dish.

Sides

  • Cilantro Lime Rice: A refreshing and zesty side that balances the richness of the Taco Bell Cheesy Dipping Burrito. Cook basmati rice and while still warm, stir in chopped cilantro, lime juice, and a pinch of salt.
  • Black or Refried Beans: A staple in Mexican cuisine, beans are a great side dish that adds fiber and protein to your meal. For extra flavor, garnish with a dollop of sour cream and a sprinkle of shredded cheese.
  • Mexican Street Corn (Elote): Grilled corn slathered with a mix of mayonnaise, cotija cheese, lime juice, and chili powder. This side dish brings a sweet, tangy, and spicy flavor that contrasts beautifully with the Taco Bell Cheesy Dipping Burrito.
  • Chips and Guacamole: No Mexican meal is complete without chips and guac. Mash ripe avocados and mix with lime juice, diced onions, tomatoes, cilantro, and seasonings for a fresh side that adds texture and freshness.

Salads

  • Avocado Tomato Salad: This light and healthy side salad combines diced avocados, cherry tomatoes, red onion, and cucumber with a lime and olive oil dressing, providing a crisp and refreshing contrast to the cheesy burritos.
  • Taco Salad: Prepare a deconstructed version of the burrito filling over a bed of lettuce. Top with slices of avocado, sour cream, crushed tortilla chips, and a sprinkle of cheese for a crunchy and light side.
  • Additional Toppings and Sauces: Having a variety of toppings and sauces allows everyone to customize their burrito experience. Offer bowls of diced tomatoes, sliced jalapenos, shredded lettuce, and chopped onions. Don’t forget a selection of sauces like hot sauce, salsa verde, and Queso sauce for added heat and flavor.

Drinks

  • Margaritas or Sangria: For the adults, a batch of fresh margaritas or sangria complements the flavors of the meal and adds a festive touch to your dining experience.
  • Horchata or Agua Fresca: Offer a refreshing, traditional Mexican drink like horchata (a sweet rice milk beverage) or agua fresca (fresh water flavored with fruit, like watermelon, cucumber, or lime) to refresh the palate and balance the meal’s flavors.

Desserts

  • Churros with Chocolate Sauce: End your meal on a sweet note with crispy churros dipped in warm chocolate sauce, a delightful contrast to the savory main dish.
  • Sopapillas: Light and fluffy fried pastries drizzled with honey or sprinkled with cinnamon sugar, sopapillas are a simple yet satisfying way to wrap up your feast.

Ingredients Substitutes

Creating a Taco Bell Cheesy Dipping Burrito at home can be fun and rewarding, especially when you can customize the ingredients to your taste or dietary needs.

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For the Tortilla

  • Gluten-Free Option: Use gluten-free tortillas made from corn or a gluten-free flour blend.
  • Low-Carb/Keto Option: Choose low-carb tortillas or large lettuce leaves for a fresh, crunchy alternative.

For the Meat Filling

  • Ground Beef Substitute: Ground turkey or chicken are great lean alternatives that still absorb the flavors well. For a vegetarian option, try using quinoa, lentils, or a meat substitute like Beyond Meat or textured vegetable protein (TVP).
  • Seasoning Adjustments: If you’re out of taco seasoning or wish to reduce sodium, mix equal parts of ground cumin, chili powder, garlic powder, onion powder, and a pinch of salt and black pepper.

For the Cheese Sauce

  • Dairy-Free Cheese: There are several excellent dairy-free cheese sauce products on the market, or you can make your own using soaked cashews, nutritional yeast, garlic, and turmeric blended until smooth.
  • Pre-made Salsa Con Queso Alternative: In a pinch, a jar of pre-made salsa con queso can substitute for homemade cheese sauce.

For the Rice

  • Low-Carb Option: Cauliflower rice is a fantastic low-carb substitute for regular rice. Season it in the same way you would the traditional cilantro lime rice for a similar flavor profile.
  • Rice Unavailability: Quinoa or couscous can be used as alternatives, cooked and mixed with lime and cilantro.

For Beans

  • Black Beans Substitute: Pinto beans or red kidney beans can work as alternatives if black beans are unavailable. For a different texture, refried beans are also a flavorful option.

For Sour Cream

  • Dairy-Free Option: Coconut milk-based or cashew-based sour creams are great vegan alternatives. Greek yogurt can also be a healthier substitute for sour cream if dairy is not an issue.

For Salsa and Sauces

  • Homemade Options: If you don’t have salsa, a quick mix of chopped tomatoes, onions, cilantro, lime juice, and salt can substitute. For a homemade hot sauce, blend some dried chilies, garlic, vinegar, and salt.

For Vegetables & Toppings

  • Lettuce Substitute: Any leafy green, like spinach or arugula, can replace lettuce for a similar crunch.
  • Tomato Substitute: In recipes, red bell peppers can sometimes substitute tomatoes for color and sweetness or use canned diced tomatoes if fresh ones aren’t available.

Final Thoughts

Give these homemade Taco Bell Cheesy Dipping Burrito a try and see if they satisfy your Taco Bell cravings, all from the comfort of your own kitchen.

More Taco Bell Recipes:

Copycat Taco Bell Cheesy Dipping Burrito Recipe

Taco Bell Cheesy Dipping Burrito

Serves: 4 Prep Time: Cooking Time:
Nutrition facts: 480 calories 25 grams fat
Rating: 5.0/5
( 1 voted )

Ingredients

For the Burritos:

  • 1 lb of your preferred protein
  • Taco seasoning (store-bought or homemade)
  • 4 large flour tortillas
  • 1 cup Mexican blend cheese, shredded
  • 1 cup nacho cheese sauce
  • 1/4 cup Avocado Ranch sauce 

For the Cheesy Glue:

  • 1/2 cup Mexican blend cheese, shredded
  • 1/4 cup nacho cheese sauce

Instructions

Prepare the Protein:

  1. Cook your protein of choice in a skillet over medium heat until it is well browned or thoroughly cooked. Make sure to break it up into crumbly pieces as it cooks.
  2. Drain any excess fat and return the protein to the skillet.
  3. Stir in the taco seasoning and water (in the quantity per the seasoning packet instructions) to the protein and simmer for 5 minutes until the mixture thickens. Remove from heat and set aside.

Assemble the Burritos:

  1. Warm the flour tortillas in the microwave for about 10-15 seconds to make them more pliable.
  2. Lay out the tortillas and divide the seasoned protein evenly amongst them, placing the mixture in a line along the center of each tortilla.
  3. Drizzle each with nacho cheese sauce and a generous sprinkle of shredded cheese.
  4. Carefully roll each tortilla into a tight burrito, folding in the sides first and then rolling up from the bottom to enclose the filling.

Make the Cheesy Glue:

  1. Blend half a cup of shredded cheese with a quarter cup of nacho cheese sauce in a small bowl until well mixed.

Prepare for Dipping:

  1. Place two burritos on a non-stick skillet or griddle over low heat.
  2. Carefully spread the cheesy glue mixture over the top of the burritos, essentially “gluing” them side by side with the cheese.
  3. Allow this to cook just long enough for the cheese to melt and create a crispy, golden-brown cheesy layer between them, akin to a quesadilla. This step imitates the crispy cheese on the exterior of Taco Bell’s Cheesy Dipping Burritos.
  4. Once the cheese is melted and the burritos are 'stuck' together, remove the connected burritos and repeat the process with the remaining pair.

Serving:

  1. Serve your homemade Cheesy Dipping Burritos with a side of Avocado Ranch sauce or your favorite dip, and enjoy the dripping, melty cheese as you pull the burritos apart.

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