If you have ever craved that perfectly cheesy, flavorful fast food delight but wished you could make it at home, this Copycat Chili Cheese Burrito Recipe is your new best friend. It combines juicy, seasoned ground beef with hearty refried beans, all wrapped in a soft flour tortilla and generously topped with melted cheddar cheese. Each bite is a harmonious blend of comforting textures and bold spices that bring that familiar, crave-worthy taste right to your kitchen. This recipe is not only incredibly satisfying but also simple, making it a fantastic choice for a quick dinner or a fun weekend treat with family and friends.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering the right ingredients is the first step toward achieving that authentic fast food flavor with a homemade twist. Each component plays its part: from the perfectly seasoned beef to the creamy refried beans and the melted cheddar that binds it all together, every ingredient contributes essential taste, texture, and color to your Copycat Chili Cheese Burrito Recipe.
- Vegetable oil (1 tablespoon): For sautéing the beef without overpowering its natural flavor.
- Ground beef (1/2 pound): Provides the hearty, savory base that makes the burrito filling so satisfying.
- Salt (1/2 teaspoon): Enhances all the spices and intensifies the beef’s natural taste.
- Black pepper (1/4 teaspoon): Adds a subtle kick of heat and depth.
- Garlic powder (1/2 teaspoon): Brings warmth and a gentle earthiness to the meat.
- Onion powder (1/2 teaspoon): Offers a mild sweetness that balances the spices perfectly.
- Chili powder (1 tablespoon): The star spice that infuses the dish with classic chili flavor and color.
- Ground cumin (1/2 teaspoon): Gives a smoky, slightly nutty undertone that is essential in southwestern cuisine.
- All-purpose flour (1 tablespoon): Helps thicken the chili sauce for the perfect burrito filling consistency.
- Water (1/2 cup): Blends the ingredients into a rich sauce that coats the beef and beans beautifully.
- Canned refried beans (1/2 cup): Adds creamy texture and boosts the filling’s heartiness.
- Shredded cheddar cheese (1 cup): Melts into every bite, bringing gooey, cheesy goodness that you’ll love.
- Large flour tortillas, 10-inch (4): Soft, warm, and pliable to hold all the delicious fillings safely inside.
How to Make Copycat Chili Cheese Burrito Recipe
Step 1: Brown the Beef
Start by heating the vegetable oil in a skillet over medium heat to create the perfect cooking environment. Then add the ground beef, breaking it up with a spatula as it cooks until nicely browned. This step creates the flavor foundation for the entire burrito and ensures a juicy, tender result. Drain any excess fat to keep the filling from becoming greasy.
Step 2: Season the Meat
Sprinkle in salt, black pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, chili powder, and ground cumin. Stir well to coat every bit of beef with this flavorful blend of spices. This mixture is what makes the Copycat Chili Cheese Burrito Recipe taste just like the real deal, rich with smoky, spicy notes balanced by meal-friendly warmth.
Step 3: Thicken the Filling
Sprinkle the flour over the meat and stir for about one minute. This little trick helps thicken the mixture, giving you a chunky chili-style texture that holds together well inside the tortilla. Next, slowly pour in the water and stir continuously until the sauce thickens to a luscious consistency.
Step 4: Add Refried Beans
Reduce the heat to low and fold the creamy refried beans into your chili mixture. Keep stirring until everything is hot and beautifully combined. These beans add that smooth richness and a hearty texture that’s essential to truly replicate the burrito you love from your favorite fast food spot.
Step 5: Prepare the Tortillas
While the filling simmers, warm your flour tortillas either in a dry skillet or the microwave until they’re soft and easy to roll. Pliable tortillas make wrapping the burrito much simpler and prevent any cracking or tearing when you fill them.
Step 6: Assemble the Burritos
Divide the chili and bean mixture evenly between the tortillas, spooning it into the center. Generously sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese over the warm filling so it starts to melt. Fold in the sides and roll each tortilla tightly to seal in all that deliciousness.
How to Serve Copycat Chili Cheese Burrito Recipe
Garnishes
Fresh garnishes can turn a great dish into an extraordinary one. Top your burritos with diced fresh tomatoes, chopped cilantro, or a dollop of sour cream to add creaminess and a fresh burst of flavor. A drizzle of hot sauce or pickled jalapeños brings an extra punch that complements the cheesy chili filling perfectly.
Side Dishes
Pair your Copycat Chili Cheese Burrito Recipe with simple, crowd-pleasing sides such as crispy tortilla chips with salsa or guacamole. Classic Mexican rice or a crisp green salad can balance out the richness, making your meal well-rounded and satisfying.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, slice your burrito into pinwheels for a party platter or serve it alongside a small cup of warm queso for dipping. Wrapping the burritos in foil not only keeps them warm but also gives that authentic fast food vibe that makes each bite feel like a special treat.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you find yourself with leftover burritos, wrap them tightly in plastic wrap or store them in an airtight container in the fridge. They’ll keep well for up to three days, making them a convenient and delicious option for next-day meals.
Freezing
These burritos freeze wonderfully. Wrap each one individually in foil and place them in a freezer-safe bag. This way, they can be frozen for up to two months. When you want a quick meal, just thaw overnight in the fridge or reheat directly from frozen.
Reheating
To reheat, unwrap the burrito and place it on a baking sheet in a 350°F oven for 15-20 minutes until heated through, or microwave it for 1-2 minutes if you’re short on time. Reheating carefully preserves the melty cheese and moist filling that make this Copycat Chili Cheese Burrito Recipe so crave-worthy.
FAQs
Can I use a leaner meat instead of ground beef?
Absolutely! You can swap ground beef for ground turkey or chicken to make a leaner version. Just keep the same spice amounts to maintain that rich, bold flavor.
Is there a vegetarian option for this recipe?
Definitely! Replace the ground beef with extra refried beans or a plant-based ground meat alternative. Add some sautéed veggies like bell peppers and onions to boost flavor and texture.
How can I make this burrito spicier?
Simply add your favorite hot sauce, diced green chiles, or extra chili powder to the filling. Even a pinch of cayenne pepper can turn up the heat without overpowering the other flavors.
What kind of cheese works best?
Sharp cheddar is classic and gives the best melt and flavor, but you can experiment with Monterey Jack or a Mexican cheese blend for varying tastes and textures.
Can I make these burritos ahead for a party?
Yes! Prepare and assemble the burritos a few hours in advance, keep them wrapped in foil, and warm them just before your guests arrive. They’re perfect for feeding a crowd with minimal last-minute effort.
Final Thoughts
This Copycat Chili Cheese Burrito Recipe is a total winner that will have you skipping the drive-thru and cooking up a fast food favorite right at home. It’s simple, flavorful, and comforting all in one bite. I truly hope you give it a try and love it as much as I do — your kitchen will thank you!
Print
Copycat Chili Cheese Burrito Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 4 burritos
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Mexican-American
- Diet: Kid-Friendly
Description
This Copycat Chili Cheese Burrito recipe recreates the classic fast food favorite with a rich chili-style beef and bean filling wrapped in a warm flour tortilla and topped with melted cheddar cheese. Perfect for a quick, satisfying meal reminiscent of Taco Bell’s cheesy beef burrito, it combines seasoned ground beef, refried beans, and savory spices for a deliciously hearty burrito that’s easy to prepare at home.
Ingredients
Meat and Seasoning
- 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
- 1/2 pound ground beef
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 tablespoon chili powder
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cumin
Thickening and Liquids
- 1 tablespoon all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup water
Beans and Cheese
- 1/2 cup canned refried beans
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
Wrap
- 4 large flour tortillas (10-inch size)
Instructions
- Cook the Ground Beef: Heat the vegetable oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add the ground beef and cook until browned, breaking it up with a spatula as it cooks. Drain excess fat if necessary to reduce greasiness.
- Season the Meat: Sprinkle salt, black pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, chili powder, and ground cumin over the browned beef. Stir well to evenly coat the meat with the spices, developing the signature chili flavor.
- Thicken the Mixture: Sprinkle the all-purpose flour over the seasoned beef and stir continuously for about 1 minute. This helps to thicken the sauce that will form in the next step.
- Add Water and Form Sauce: Pour the water into the skillet and stir until a thick chili-style sauce forms, coating the beef mixture nicely. Reduce the heat to low to maintain gentle simmering.
- Add Refried Beans: Stir in the canned refried beans until fully combined with the beef and chili sauce. Heat the mixture through until piping hot, ensuring flavors meld together.
- Warm the Tortillas: Heat the flour tortillas in a dry skillet or microwave just until they become pliable and easy to roll without cracking.
- Assemble the Burritos: Spoon an even amount of the chili and bean mixture into the center of each tortilla. Sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese on top of the filling.
- Roll the Burritos: Fold in the sides of each tortilla and roll tightly to enclose the filling. Serve warm immediately or wrap in foil to keep them heated.
Notes
- For extra flavor, add a dash of hot sauce or a spoonful of diced green chiles to the chili mixture.
- Substitute ground turkey for a leaner protein option.
- These burritos freeze well. Wrap individually in foil and reheat in the oven or microwave when ready to eat.
