Copycat Taco Bell Stacker Recipe

If you’ve ever found yourself craving the mouthwatering layers of the Taco Bell Stacker but wished you could whip it up in the comfort of your kitchen, you’re in luck! I’ve taken it upon myself to crack the code on creating this cheesy, beefy delight.

How to make Taco Bell Stacker

The Taco Bell Stacker is a menu item consisting of a flour tortilla filled with layers of ingredients such as seasoned beef, melted cheese, and a creamy sauce, typically wrapped in a stack of two or three tortillas.

Ingredients:

• 4 large flour tortillas: Choose burrito-sized for the best results.
• 1 lb ground beef—For a lighter option, you can substitute this with ground turkey or a plant-based meat alternative.
• 2 cups shredded Mexican cheese blend: This typically includes cheeses like cheddar, Monterey Jack, and asadero.
• 1/2 cup Nacho Cheese sauce: You can buy this pre-made or make your own.
• 1 package taco seasoning—For a homemade version, use a blend of cumin, chili powder, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, and salt.
• Optional toppings: diced tomatoes, sliced jalapeños, chopped onions, sour cream, or any of your favorite taco toppings.

Instructions:

Cook the Meat:

1. In a skillet over medium heat, brown the ground beef until fully cooked. Drain any excess grease.
2. Stir in the taco seasoning (add water if required by your taco seasoning instructions) and simmer for a few minutes until everything is well combined and flavorful. Set aside.

Prepare the Tortillas:

1. Lay out the large flour tortillas on a clean surface.
2. Spread a thin layer of Nacho Cheese sauce over each tortilla, leaving about an inch around the edges.

Add the Cheese and Beef:

1. Sprinkle a quarter of the shredded cheese on one-half of each tortilla.
2. Add a layer of the cooked seasoned beef over the cheese.

Fold and Grill:

1. Carefully fold the tortillas in half over the filling, pressing gently to seal.
2. Heat a large skillet or griddle over medium heat. Place the folded tortillas on the skillet and press down lightly with a spatula to ensure good contact with the heat.
3. Cook each side until golden brown and the cheese inside is melted, about 2-3 minutes per side.
4. Cut each Stacker in half or serve whole. Garnish with your chosen toppings and serve hot.

Tips for the Perfect Taco Bell Stacker:

• Cheese Matters: A blend of cheeses can give you a more authentic and richer taste.
• Spice it Up: Feel free to adjust the amount and type of taco seasoning to match your spice preference. Adding smoked paprika can offer a slightly smoky flavor.
• Grilling: If you have a panini press, it works wonderfully for getting that perfect crisp and even melting of the cheese.
• Batch Preparation: Assemble all your Stackers before you start grilling so you can cook them back-to-back and serve them warm.

What to serve with

Serving your homemade Taco Bell Stacker with complementary sides can turn it into a satisfying meal. Here are some delicious and fitting options to consider, ranging from traditional Mexican side dishes to lighter, more refreshing choices:

Traditional Mexican Sides

• Mexican Rice: Mexican rice is a flavorful side dish. It is tomato-based and often includes vegetables like peas and carrots. It pairs wonderfully with the flavors of the Stacker.
• Refried Beans: Creamy refried beans are a staple in Mexican cuisine and add a lovely texture contrast to the crispy Stacker. You can opt for either traditional pinto or black beans.
• Corn on the Cob: Give it a Mexican twist by making elote—grilled corn slathered in mayo, cotija cheese, chili powder, and lime. It’s a deliciously tangy and spicy complement.

Salads

• Cilantro Lime Coleslaw: A light, zesty coleslaw with lime juice and fresh cilantro can add a crunchy freshness to balance the hearty Stacker.
• Avocado Salad: Cubed avocados, cherry tomatoes, onion, and cucumber dressed with olive oil and lemon juice make a refreshing side that complements the richness of the Stacker.

Finger Foods

• Chips and Salsa: A no-fuss side, crispy tortilla chips accompanied by homemade or store-bought salsa is a great appetizer.
• Jalapeño Poppers: If you’re in the mood for something cheesy and a bit spicy, jalapeño poppers are a hot, crispy option that blends seamlessly with the flavors of the Stacker.

Beverages

• Agua Fresca: Beverages like agua de jamaica (hibiscus water), horchata, or tamarindo are refreshing and pair nicely with spicy foods, making them perfect for accompanying the Stacker.
• Mexican Beer or Margaritas: For adults, a cold Mexican beer or a tangy margarita can beautifully complement the spices and flavors of the meal.

Desserts

• Churros: End your meal on a sweet note with churros served with a chocolate dipping sauce.
• Tres Leches Cake: This moist, milky cake is light and serves as a delightful dessert after a meal rich in flavors.

Ingredients Substitutes

Creating a Taco Bell Stacker at home allows for customization, not just in terms of flavors but also in adapting the recipe to dietary restrictions, allergies, or simply based on what ingredients you have.

For The Flour Tortillas:

• Gluten-Free: Opt for gluten-free tortillas available in many supermarkets.
• Corn Tortillas: If you prefer the taste of corn or need a gluten-free option and can’t find suitable tortillas, you can use corn tortillas, though they’re smaller and may alter the texture.
• Lettuce Wraps: For a low-carb, keto-friendly version, use large lettuce leaves as wraps.

For The Ground Beef:

• Ground Turkey or Chicken: These leaner meat options work well as substitutes, though they may have a slightly different flavor profile.
• Vegetarian/Vegan Grounds: Many plant-based meat substitutes are available that mimic the texture of ground beef. For a vegetarian or vegan version, these can be seasoned in the same way as beef.
• Lentils: Cooked lentils can also be a flavorful, high-protein alternative to ground beef. Make sure to season well.

For The Cheese:

• Dairy-Free Cheese: If you’re lactose intolerant, vegan, or avoiding dairy for other reasons, there are many plant-based cheeses that melt well and can be used in place of traditional cheese.
• Different Types of Cheese: While Taco Bell typically uses a cheddar blend, you can experiment with other types like Monterey Jack, Colby, or even a Mexican cheese blend for different flavors.

Taco Seasoning:

• Homemade Blend: If you don’t have taco seasoning, you can make your own by mixing chili powder, garlic powder, onion powder, crushed red pepper flakes, dried oregano, paprika, ground cumin, salt, and black pepper.
• Alternative Seasonings: For a different flavor profile, consider using Cajun seasoning or a simple mix of salt, pepper, and garlic powder.

For The Sauce:

• Substitute for Chipotle Sauce: If the original Taco Bell sauce isn’t available or you prefer something different, you can use any hot sauce, mayonnaise mixed with smoked paprika, or a store-bought chipotle sauce as an alternative.
• Yogurt-Based Sauces: For a healthier option, mix Greek yogurt with lime juice and chipotle powder or smoked paprika for a creamy, spicy sauce.

Final Thoughts

With these instructions and tips, you can enjoy the delicious taste of a Taco Bell Stacker from your kitchen. Feel free to add or adjust ingredients based on what you and your family prefer, making each Stacker uniquely yours! 

More Taco Bell Recipes:

• Homemade Taco Bell Crunchwrap Supreme Recipe
• Taco Bell Gluten-Free Chicken Nuggets Recipe
• Copycat Taco Bell Sauce Recipe
• Copycat Taco Bell Seasoning Recipe
• Taco Bell Chicken Nuggets Sauce Recipe

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Taco Bell Stacker

Rating: 5.0/5

( 1 voted )

Serves: 4 Prep Time: 10 Minutes Cooking Time: 25 Minutes 25 Minutes Nutrition facts: 400 calories 18 grams fat

Ingredients

• 4 large flour tortillas
• 1 lb ground beef
• 2 cups shredded Mexican cheese blend
• 1/2 cup Nacho Cheese sauce
• 1 package taco seasoning
• Optional toppings: diced tomatoes, sliced jalapeños

 

Instructions

Cook the Meat:

 

• In a skillet over medium heat, brown the ground beef until fully cooked. Drain any excess grease.

• Stir in the taco seasoning (add water if required by your taco seasoning instructions) and simmer for a few minutes until everything is well combined and flavorful. Set aside.

 

Prepare the Tortillas:

1. Lay out the large flour tortillas on a clean surface.
2. Spread a thin layer of Nacho Cheese sauce over each tortilla, leaving about an inch around the edges.

Add the Cheese and Beef:

1. Sprinkle a quarter of the shredded cheese on one-half of each tortilla.
2. Add a layer of the cooked seasoned beef over the cheese.

Fold and Grill:

1. Carefully fold the tortillas in half over the filling, pressing gently to seal.
2. Heat a large skillet or griddle over medium heat. Place the folded tortillas on the skillet and press down lightly with a spatula to ensure good contact with the heat.
3. Cook each side until golden brown and the cheese inside is melted, about 2-3 minutes per side.
4. Cut each Stacker in half or serve whole. Garnish with your chosen toppings and serve hot.