Taco Bell Inspired Beefy Melt Burrito

Instructions

1. Begin by heating a large skillet over medium-high heat. Once the skillet is hot, add the 1 lb of ground beef. Use a spatula or wooden spoon to break the beef into smaller pieces as it cooks. This will help the beef cook evenly and prevent large chunks from forming. Cook the beef for 5-7 minutes, or until it’s browned and fully cooked through. As the beef cooks, you’ll notice it releasing some fat—if you prefer a leaner filling, you can drain any excess fat at this point.
2. Once the beef is browned, sprinkle the entire packet of taco seasoning over the meat. Taco seasoning is what gives the beef that signature flavor, combining spices like cumin, chili powder, and garlic. Add the 1/2 cup of water to the skillet, stirring the mixture well to combine. The water will help dissolve the seasoning and create a flavorful sauce that coats the meat. Let the mixture simmer for 3-5 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld and the sauce to thicken. Stir occasionally to prevent the sauce from sticking to the bottom of the skillet.
3. While the beef mixture is simmering, prepare the tortillas. Warm 4 large flour tortillas in the microwave for about 20-30 seconds, or until they’re soft and pliable. This step ensures that the tortillas won’t crack or tear when you fold them around the filling. If you prefer, you can heat the tortillas in a dry skillet over medium heat for 30 seconds on each side, which will add a little extra toasty flavor to the burrito.
4. Once the beef is ready and the tortillas are heated, it’s time to assemble the burritos. Spoon a generous amount of the seasoned beef mixture onto the center of each tortilla. Be careful not to overfill, as this can make wrapping the burritos difficult. The beef should cover about the center third of the tortilla.
5. Next, add your desired toppings. Taco Bell’s Beefy Melt Burrito is known for its melty cheese, so top the beef with a handful of shredded cheddar or Mexican blend cheese. If you like extra cheese, feel free to add more. You can also add sour cream, shredded lettuce, or diced tomatoes for a fresh, creamy contrast to the savory beef. However, the cheese is the most essential element for recreating that « melt » effect.
6. Fold the sides of the tortilla in toward the center, then fold up the bottom, securing the filling inside. Roll the burrito tightly, making sure the edges are tucked in as you go to prevent any fillings from spilling out. The result should be a well-sealed, compact burrito.
7. For an extra touch of meltiness, you can place the rolled burritos back in the skillet. Heat the skillet over medium heat and cook each burrito for about 1-2 minutes per side, until the tortilla is golden brown and crispy. This step is optional, but it helps create that signature crispiness and ensures the cheese inside is extra melty. Flip the burritos gently with tongs to avoid spilling the filling.
   

   Serving Suggestions