Taco Bell Beefy 5-Layer Burrito (Copycat Recipe)
Craving that cheesy, beefy, and creamy Taco Bell favorite? This homemade version of the Beefy 5-Layer Burrito is easier, more delicious, and better than fast food!
Are you a Taco Bell fan? Do you love their Beefy 5-Layer Burrito but wish you could enjoy it without the fast food guilt? Look no further! This copycat recipe delivers the same cheesy, beefy, and creamy goodness right from your own kitchen. It’s surprisingly simple to make, customizable, and much tastier than the fast food version. Plus, it’s perfect for meal prepping, family dinners, or satisfying that taco craving at any time of day. Keep reading to discover how to make this iconic burrito with layers of flavor and all the fixings you love!
Ingredients:
For the Beef Filling:
- 1 lb ground beef (use lean or regular based on preference)
- 2 tbsp Taco Bell-style taco seasoning (or store-bought seasoning for convenience)
- ½ cup water (to help make the sauce)
For the Nacho Cheese Sauce:
- ½ cup Velveeta cheese, cubed (for that smooth, creamy cheese texture)
- ¼ cup heavy cream or milk (for creaminess)
- ½ tsp taco seasoning (optional but adds extra flavor to your cheese sauce)
For Assembly:
- 5 large flour tortillas (burrito size)
- 5 small flour tortillas (soft taco size)
- ½ cup refried beans (canned or homemade, depending on your preference)
- ½ cup shredded cheddar cheese (adds the sharpness you love)
- ½ cup shredded Monterey Jack cheese (for that melt-in-your-mouth texture)
- ¼ cup sour cream (for a creamy, tangy finish)
Instructions:
Step 1: Cook the Beef
- Heat a skillet over medium-high heat and add the ground beef. Break it apart with a spatula as it cooks.
- Once the beef is browned, drain excess grease to avoid a greasy burrito.
- Stir in the taco seasoning and water, and let the mixture simmer for 5 minutes. Stir occasionally to make sure everything is well combined and thickened to the perfect consistency.
Step 2: Make the Nacho Cheese Sauce
- In a small saucepan, combine the Velveeta cheese cubes and heavy cream (or milk). Stir continuously over low heat until the cheese is fully melted and smooth.
- Add ½ tsp of taco seasoning (optional) for an extra flavor punch that will take the sauce to the next level.
- Once smooth and creamy, remove from heat and set aside.
Step 3: Heat the Refried Beans
- In a separate saucepan or microwave, warm the refried beans until they are soft and spreadable. This makes the beans easier to layer in your burrito and enhances the overall texture.
Step 4: Assemble the Burritos
- Place a large flour tortilla on a flat surface.
- Spread 2 tbsp of refried beans evenly across the center of the tortilla.
- Place a small flour tortilla on top of the beans. This is the first key step in achieving the signature “layer” in your burrito.
- Spread 2 tbsp of nacho cheese sauce on the small tortilla.
- Add ¼ cup of the seasoned beef over the cheese sauce.
- Sprinkle with shredded cheddar and Monterey Jack cheeses. The combination of these two cheeses gives that perfect melt and texture you crave.
- Top with a spoonful of sour cream for a creamy finish.
- Carefully fold in the sides of the burrito and roll it tightly to lock in all the layers.
Step 5: Serve & Enjoy!
- For a warm, toasty finish, wrap your burritos in foil and place them in a skillet or oven set to 350°F (175°C). Heat them for about 5 minutes to get a crispy outer layer while keeping everything inside perfectly warm.
Optional Add-Ons & Variations:
Want to customize your burrito even more? Here are some great variations and add-ons to consider:
- Spicy Kick? Add hot sauce, diced jalapeños, or even spicy taco seasoning to give your burrito the heat you desire.
- Guacamole Lover? Replace the sour cream with guacamole for a richer, creamier alternative.
- Extra Crunch? Add some crushed tortilla chips inside your burrito to give it that satisfying crunch.
- Protein Swap? Use shredded chicken or ground turkey instead of beef for a lighter option that still packs plenty of flavor.
Why You’ll Love This Homemade Taco Bell Beefy 5-Layer Burrito Recipe:
- Cheesy & Beefy: This burrito is the perfect combination of seasoned beef, melted cheese, creamy refried beans, and sour cream. It’s everything you love about Taco Bell’s Beefy 5-Layer Burrito, but with more flavor and a fresher taste.
- Customizable: Whether you like your burrito extra spicy, filled with guacamole, or with a crunchy texture from tortilla chips, this recipe lets you make the burrito exactly how you want.
- Quick & Easy: With just a few ingredients and steps, you can have a batch of these delicious burritos ready to enjoy in no time—perfect for busy weeknights or weekend get-togethers.
- Perfect for Meal Prep: Make a batch of these burritos ahead of time, and they’re perfect for lunches, dinners, or snacks throughout the week. Simply reheat and enjoy!
- Family-Friendly: This copycat Taco Bell recipe is a hit with kids and adults alike. It’s a fun, satisfying meal that’s sure to please everyone.
Storage Tips:
- Leftovers: Store any leftover burritos in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat them in the microwave or oven for a quick and tasty meal.
- Freezer-Friendly: These burritos freeze well! Wrap them in foil and store them in a freezer-safe container for up to 1 month. Reheat in the oven at 350°F until warmed through for a fresh, homemade taste.
Conclusion:
This Taco Bell Beefy 5-Layer Burrito (Copycat Recipe) is your ticket to enjoying one of Taco Bell’s most popular burritos right at home. Packed with seasoned beef, gooey nacho cheese, refried beans, and creamy sour cream, it’s a meal that’s sure to satisfy your cravings. With this simple and customizable recipe, you’ll be able to create delicious, cheesy, beefy burritos that are even better than the original. Perfect for dinner, meal prep, or any time you need a quick, tasty meal. Try it today and get ready to enjoy a homemade version of your Taco Bell favorite! Potsticker Soup with Mushrooms Bok Choy