If you have ever craved that irresistibly cheesy, flavorful delight from your local fast-food joint, you’re in for a treat with this Taco Bell Meximelts Recipe. It combines seasoned ground beef, melty Mexican blend cheese, and a fresh dollop of pico de gallo all wrapped in soft flour tortillas, delivering a warm, comforting experience that is both satisfying and easy to make right in your own kitchen. The beauty of this dish lies in its simplicity and the perfect harmony of textures and tastes that will keep you coming back for more.
Ingredients You’ll Need
These ingredients are simple staples, but each plays a crucial role in creating the delicious layers of flavor and texture that define this dish. From the savory seasoned beef to the fresh pico de gallo, every component shines through.
- 1 lb ground beef: Use fresh, lean ground beef for the best flavor and texture.
- 1 packet taco seasoning: Adds the classic, bold Mexican-inspired spices essential for authentic seasoning.
- 2/3 cup water: Helps the seasoning blend become saucy and coats the beef beautifully.
- 8 small flour tortillas (soft taco size): The soft wrap that holds everything together with a gentle chew.
- 1 1/2 cups shredded Mexican blend cheese or Monterey Jack: Provides that gooey, melt-in-your-mouth element crucial to this recipe.
- 1/2 cup pico de gallo: Fresh, zesty, and brightens every bite with crisp tomatoes, onions, and cilantro.
How to Make Taco Bell Meximelts Recipe
Step 1: Cook and Season the Ground Beef
Start by heating a large skillet over medium heat and browning the ground beef, breaking it apart as it cooks. Once fully cooked, drain any excess grease to keep your Meximelts flavorful but not greasy. Then, stir in the taco seasoning packet and water, allowing the mixture to simmer gently for about 5 minutes until the sauce thickens and the beef gets coated in that vibrant, savory seasoning.
Step 2: Prepare the Tortillas
To prevent any cracking or breaking when folding, warm your flour tortillas in a dry skillet or microwave until they are soft and pliable. This step ensures that when you add the filling and fold, each tortilla wraps perfectly around the layers without tearing.
Step 3: Assemble the Meximelts
Lay each warm tortilla flat and spoon a hearty layer of the seasoned beef onto its center. Next, sprinkle generously with shredded cheese because, let’s be honest, you can never have too much cheese here. Finally, add a spoonful of fresh pico de gallo on top for a refreshing contrast. Fold the tortillas tightly to encase all that goodness.
Step 4: Melt the Cheese and Warm Through
Place each filled tortilla seam-side down in a skillet set to low heat and cover it with a lid. Cook for 1 to 2 minutes on each side, allowing the cheese to melt fully while keeping the tortilla soft and warm. Cooking slowly at low heat is key for the authentic, tender texture that makes this Taco Bell Meximelts Recipe so comforting and perfect.
How to Serve Taco Bell Meximelts Recipe
Garnishes
Add a sprinkle of freshly chopped cilantro or a dollop of sour cream to enhance the brightness and creaminess. A few jalapeño slices can add a welcome kick if you like a bit of spice to balance the richness.
Side Dishes
This dish pairs wonderfully with simple sides like crispy tortilla chips and guacamole or a fresh Mexican-style street corn salad. These sides add crunch and freshness, complementing the melty and savory Meximelts.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, serve the Meximelts sliced into bite-sized pieces on a platter as a finger food for parties. Alternatively, wrap them tightly with foil and cut them in half diagonally to showcase the layers — great for a vibrant lunchbox surprise or casual gathering.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover Meximelts can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Keep them tightly wrapped to maintain softness of the tortillas and prevent the cheese from drying out.
Freezing
If you want to keep these longer, freeze the assembled but uncooked Meximelts by wrapping each tightly in foil and placing them in a freezer bag. They’ll last well up to 2 months. To cook, simply thaw overnight in the fridge before heating as directed.
Reheating
For best results, reheat leftover or thawed Meximelts in a covered skillet over low heat. This method revives the melty cheese and keeps the tortillas tender. Avoid the microwave if possible, as it can make the tortillas chewy or tough.
FAQs
Can I use ground turkey instead of ground beef?
Absolutely! Ground turkey is a lighter alternative and works perfectly with the taco seasoning, giving you a similar flavorful experience.
Is it necessary to cook the Meximelts with the lid on?
Yes, covering the skillet traps heat and helps the cheese melt evenly while keeping the tortillas soft and warm without crisping too much.
Can I make these gluten-free?
Simply swap the flour tortillas for gluten-free tortillas, and you’ll enjoy the same delicious Taco Bell Meximelts Recipe without gluten concerns.
How spicy is this recipe? Can I adjust the heat?
The spice level depends on the taco seasoning used and the pico de gallo. To add more heat, incorporate a splash of hot sauce or chopped jalapeños into the filling or garnish.
What’s the best cheese option for this dish?
Mexican blend or Monterey Jack cheese melts beautifully and adds a creamy flavor that balances the seasoned beef perfectly, which is why these cheeses are ideal for the Taco Bell Meximelts Recipe.
Final Thoughts
There’s something incredibly satisfying about recreating your favorite fast-food classics at home, especially when it means enjoying fresh ingredients and customizing every bite. I wholeheartedly encourage you to try this Taco Bell Meximelts Recipe—it’s cozy, cheesy, and bursting with flavor, making it a new favorite you’ll want to make again and again.
Print
Taco Bell Meximelts Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Mexican-American
Description
This Taco Bell Meximelts copycat recipe offers a deliciously cheesy and savory Mexican-American dish featuring seasoned ground beef melted with Mexican blend cheese in soft flour tortillas. Perfect for a quick and satisfying main course, these Meximelts are cooked on the stovetop to achieve a warm, melty, and soft texture reminiscent of the original Taco Bell favorite.
Ingredients
Beef Mixture
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 packet taco seasoning
- 2/3 cup water
Assembly
- 8 small flour tortillas (soft taco size)
- 1 1/2 cups shredded Mexican blend cheese or Monterey Jack cheese
- 1/2 cup pico de gallo
Instructions
- Cook the Beef: In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef until browned and fully cooked, breaking it up with a spoon as it cooks. Once cooked, drain the excess grease.
- Simmer with Seasoning: Add the taco seasoning and water to the cooked beef. Stir well to combine and simmer for 5 minutes until the mixture thickens and the flavors meld.
- Warm Tortillas: Heat the flour tortillas in a dry skillet or microwave until they become soft and pliable for easy folding.
- Assemble Meximelts: Place a spoonful of the seasoned beef on the center of each tortilla. Top with a generous amount of shredded cheese and a spoonful of pico de gallo. Fold the tortillas tightly around the filling.
- Melt Cheese on Stovetop: Place the filled tortillas seam-side down in a skillet over low heat. Cover with a lid and cook for 1 to 2 minutes on each side, allowing the cheese to fully melt and the tortillas to warm without becoming crispy.
- Serve: Remove from heat and serve the Meximelts immediately while warm and gooey.
Notes
- Keep the heat low while melting the cheese to ensure the tortillas remain soft rather than crispy for an authentic texture.
- You can substitute ground turkey for ground beef as a leaner option.
- Add a splash of hot sauce to the beef mixture or on top for extra heat if desired.
