Taco Bell Cheesy Quesarito

Recipe Overview

• Yields: 4 large Quesaritos

• Prep Time: 20 minutes

• Cook Time: 25 minutes

• Total Time: 45 minutes

• Difficulty Level: Intermediate (Involves some multi-tasking and assembly technique)

• Intensity: Moderate. This recipe has several components, but they come together quickly. The key is organization (mise en place) before you start assembling.

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Ingredients

For the Seasoned Beef:

• 1 lb ground beef (80/20 lean-to-fat ratio works best for flavor)

• 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour

• 2 tablespoons chili powder

• 1 teaspoon paprika

• 1 teaspoon cumin

• ½ teaspoon garlic powder

• ½ teaspoon onion powder

• ¼ teaspoon dried oregano

• ½ teaspoon salt

• ¼ teaspoon black pepper

• ¾ cup water

For the Cilantro-Lime Rice:

• 1 cup long-grain white rice, cooked according to package directions (yields about 3 cups cooked rice)

• 2 tablespoons fresh cilantro, finely chopped

• 1 tablespoon fresh lime juice

• 1 teaspoon lime zest

• Pinch of salt

For the Creamy Chipotle Sauce:

• ½ cup sour cream

• 2 tablespoons mayonnaise

• 1-2 teaspoons chipotle in adobo sauce, finely minced (adjust for spice level)

• ½ teaspoon garlic powder

• ½ teaspoon lime juice

• Pinch of salt

For Assembly:

• 4 large (10-inch) burrito-size flour tortillas

• 4 small (6-inch) soft taco-size flour tortillas

• 2 cups shredded Monterey Jack cheese (or a Mexican blend)

• 1 cup reduced-fat sour cream (for serving)

• 1 cup your favorite salsa or pico de gallo (for serving)

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Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Components

This is the key to a smooth process. Get everything ready before you start heating the pans for assembly.

1. Make the Rice: Cook the white rice. While it’s still warm, fluff it with a fork and gently mix in the chopped cilantro, lime juice, lime zest, and a pinch of salt. Set aside, covered, to keep warm.

2. Cook the Seasoned Beef: In a skillet over medium-high heat, brown the ground beef, breaking it up into small pieces. Once fully cooked, drain any excess grease. Reduce the heat to low. Sprinkle the flour and all the spices (chili powder, paprika, cumin, garlic powder, onion powder, oregano, salt, pepper) over the beef. Stir constantly for 1 minute to cook the flour. Gradually stir in the ¾ cup of water. Simmer for 3-5 minutes until the mixture thickens. Remove from heat.

3. Make the Chipotle Sauce: In a small bowl, whisk together the sour cream, mayonnaise, minced chipotle, garlic powder, lime juice, and salt until smooth. Taste and adjust seasoning or spice level. Set aside.

Step 2: Assemble the Quesarito “Shell”

This is the signature step that makes a Quesarito a Quesarito.

1. Heat the Tortillas: Warm the large and small tortillas slightly in a microwave for 15-20 seconds or in a dry skillet. This makes them pliable and prevents tearing.

2. Create the Cheese Layer: Place one small (6-inch) tortilla on a clean surface. Sprinkle about ½ cup of shredded cheese evenly over the entire surface of the small tortilla, leaving a small border around the edge.

3. Fuse with the Large Tortilla: Carefully place one large (10-inch) tortilla directly on top of the cheese-covered small tortilla.

4. Cook the Quesadilla: Heat a large non-stick skillet or griddle over medium-low heat. Using a large spatula, carefully transfer the double-tortilla stack (cheese in the middle) to the hot skillet. Cook for 2-3 minutes, pressing down gently with the spatula, until the cheese has melted and the two tortillas are fused together. The bottom should be lightly golden. Carefully flip the entire thing and cook for another 1-2 minutes on the other side. Remove from the skillet and repeat with the remaining tortillas and cheese. You now have your Quesarito shells!

Step 3: Fill and Roll

Work quickly while the shells are still warm and pliable.

1. Layer the Fillings: Place a cooked Quesarito shell on your work surface with the smaller tortilla facing up. In the center of the small tortilla, create a vertical line of fillings in this order:

   • Bottom Layer: A generous spoonful of the seasoned beef.

   • Middle Layer: A large spoonful of the cilantro-lime rice.

   • Top Layer: A hearty drizzle of the creamy chipotle sauce.

   • (Optional: You can also add a sprinkle of extra cheese here for maximum meltiness.)

2. Fold and Roll: Fold the left and right sides of the large tortilla over the filling. Then, starting from the bottom (the side closest to you), tightly roll the tortilla up and away from you, creating a secure burrito. The melted cheese from the inner quesadilla will act as a glue to seal the burrito.

Step 4: Final Toast (Optional but Recommended)

1. Return the assembled Quesarito to the skillet, seam-side down. Toast over medium heat for 1-2 minutes per side, until the tortilla is crisp and golden brown in spots. This step enhances the flavor and ensures a perfect texture.

Step 5: Serve Immediately

1. Cut the Quesarito in half diagonally for presentation. Serve immediately with a side of sour cream and salsa for dipping.

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Nutrition Information

(Please note: This is an estimate based on the specific ingredients used. Values can vary significantly.)

Serving Size: 1 Quesarito (without extra sour cream or salsa for dipping)

• Calories: ~850 kcal

• Total Fat: 42g

  • Saturated Fat: 19g

• Cholesterol: 125mg

• Sodium: ~1450mg

• Total Carbohydrates: 75g

  • Dietary Fiber: 4g

  • Sugars: 5g

• Protein: 40g

Tips for a Lighter Version:

• Use 93% lean ground beef or ground turkey.

• Swap regular sour cream for Greek yogurt in the sauce and for serving.

• Use reduced-fat cheese.

• Increase the portion of rice and decrease the portion of beef slightly.

• Use low-carb or whole-wheat tortillas.

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The Last Bite

Making a Taco Bell Cheesy Quesarito at home is more than just a way to satisfy a craving; it’s a fun and rewarding culinary project. You gain complete control over the quality of ingredients and the ability to customize it to your heart’s content. Want to add black beans, jalapeños, or a different sauce? Go for it! This recipe is a template for your own cheesy, beefy masterpiece. So, gather your ingredients, embrace the process, and enjoy a fast-food icon that’s now a homemade triumph.