If you crave that nostalgic, cheesy, and slightly spicy bite from Taco Bell’s famous Chili Cheese Burrito, you’re in for a treat! This copycat recipe brings all those Tex-Mex flavors straight to your kitchen, combining seasoned ground beef, melted cheddar, and rich beans wrapped in a soft flour tortilla. It’s a comforting classic for busy weeknights, easy lunches, or anytime you’re hit with a Taco Bell Chili Cheese Burrito craving.
Making your own Chili Cheese Burrito means you get to control the ingredients, spice level, and enjoy a hot, melty masterpiece that tastes just like the original – or maybe even better! Plus, it’s a budget-friendly meal that the whole family will love. For more hearty Tex-Mex favorites, see our meat and sauce recipes for even more delicious inspiration!
Table of Contents
How to make Chili Cheese Burrito
This recipe is as easy as browning ground beef, stirring together a robust homemade chili, and rolling it all up with refried beans and plenty of cheese. Plus, you can prep the chili filling in advance and have burritos ready in minutes whenever the craving hits. Great for meal-prep, quick dinners, and game day feasts alike.
Nutrition facts
Each Chili Cheese Burrito (serving size: 1 burrito using 10-inch tortilla) contains approximately:
- Calories: 520
- Fat: 23g
- Carbohydrates: 52g
- Protein: 27g
- Fiber: 8g
Exact values may vary based on brands and portion sizes. For more nutrition info, browse our burger and fried-dish guides!
Ingredients
- 1 pound ground beef — 🛒 Buy on Amazon
- 1 medium yellow onion, diced — 🛒 Buy on Amazon
- 3 tablespoons chili powder — 🛒 Buy on Amazon
- 1 teaspoon cayenne pepper — 🛒 Buy on Amazon
- 1 teaspoon salt — 🛒 Buy on Amazon
- 2 cups water, divided — 🛒 Buy on Amazon
- 2 tablespoons cornstarch — 🛒 Buy on Amazon
- 1 (16-ounce) can refried beans — 🛒 Buy on Amazon
- 1 (6-ounce) can tomato paste (about 6 tablespoons) — 🛒 Buy on Amazon
- 3 cups shredded cheddar cheese — 🛒 Buy on Amazon
- 10 (10-inch) flour tortillas — 🛒 Buy on Amazon
Tools you’ll need
- Large skillet
- Wooden spoon or spatula
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Small bowl (to make chili paste)
- Chef’s knife and cutting board
- Large plate or tray (to assemble burritos)
Instructions
- 1. Sauté the Beef & Onion: In a large skillet over medium heat, brown the ground beef with the chopped onion for 5-7 minutes until no longer pink. Drain fat, if desired.
- 2. Make the Chili Paste: In a small bowl, whisk together chili powder, cayenne pepper, salt, tomato paste, and 2 tablespoons water until smooth.
- 3. Add Beans & Paste: Stir the chili paste and refried beans into the cooked beef mixture. Mix well.
- 4. Simmer: Add remaining water and cornstarch. Stir and let simmer for 10-15 minutes, stirring occasionally, until thick and saucy.
- 5. Warm Tortillas: Heat tortillas in the microwave or on a hot skillet until soft and pliable.
- 6. Assemble Burritos: Spoon a generous portion of chili beef mixture down the center of a tortilla, top with shredded cheddar cheese.
- 7. Roll & Serve: Fold sides over, roll up tight, and place seam side down. Serve hot, optionally topped with extra cheese or favorite toppings!
What to serve with
Drinks: Pair your Chili Cheese Burrito with a refreshing homemade drinks like Horchata, classic iced tea, or even a zesty homemade margarita for an authentic Taco Bell experience.
Sides: Round out your meal with crispy tortilla chips, seasoned Mexican rice, or a tangy avocado salsa. A fresh green salad with creamy cilantro dressing balances out the rich flavors nicely.
Extras: Don’t forget classic garnishes like sour cream, diced fresh tomatoes, or even a few jalapeño slices for extra heat.
Variations
- Spicy Version: Add more cayenne or a few dashes of hot sauce to the filling for an extra kick.
- Vegetarian: Swap the ground beef for plant-based crumbles or extra refried beans.
- Loaded Style: Amp it up with sautéed peppers, olives, or a scoop of chunky salsa inside your burrito.
- Cheese Lovers: Use a blend of cheddar, Monterey Jack, and pepper jack for the ultimate melt.
Ingredient Substitutes
- Original Ingredient: Ground Beef
- Substitutes: Ground turkey, ground chicken, plant-based crumbles
- Original Ingredient: Refried Beans
- Substitutes: Black beans (mashed), pinto beans, or vegetarian refried beans
- Original Ingredient: Cheddar Cheese
- Substitutes: Monterey Jack, Mexican blend, vegan cheese
- Original Ingredient: Tomato Paste
- Substitutes: Tomato sauce (reduce water), crushed tomatoes (drain before using)
- Original Ingredient: Flour Tortillas
- Substitutes: Whole wheat tortillas, gluten-free tortillas, low-carb wraps
- Original Ingredient: Yellow Onion
- Substitutes: White onion, red onion, or shallots
- Original Ingredient: Chili Powder
- Substitutes: Taco seasoning, chipotle powder, ancho chili powder
Ingredients
1 pound ground beef
1 medium yellow onion, diced
3 tablespoons chili powder
1 teaspoon cayenne pepper
1 teaspoon salt
2 cups water, divided
2 tablespoons cornstarch
1 (16-ounce) can refried beans
1 (6-ounce) can tomato paste (about 6 tablespoons)
3 cups shredded cheddar cheese
10 (10-inch) flour tortillas
Instructions
In a large skillet over medium heat, brown the ground beef with diced onion. Drain excess fat if desired.
In a small bowl, whisk together chili powder, cayenne, salt, tomato paste, and 2 tablespoons water.
Add chili paste and refried beans to skillet. Stir well.
Add remaining water and cornstarch to the skillet. Simmer for 10-15 minutes, stirring occasionally, until thickened.
Warm tortillas until soft.
Spoon a generous amount of chili mixture onto each tortilla and top with shredded cheese.
Roll up burritos tightly, folding in the sides, then serve hot.
