Indulge in the irresistible taste of Taco Bell’s iconic Frito Burrito from the comfort of your own kitchen with this mouthwatering recipe. Bursting with seasoned ground beef, Mexican rice, gooey nacho cheese sauce, and crunchy Fritos corn chips, all wrapped snugly in a warm flour tortilla, this homemade version is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. Quick to prepare and loaded with flavor, it’s the perfect solution for satisfying your cravings on busy weeknights or for adding some fun to your weekend meals.
Ingredients:
- 3 cups cooked Mexican rice (see tips)
- 1 tablespoon unsalted butter
- ½ cup chopped yellow onion
- 1 ½ pounds lean ground beef
- ½ cup water
- 1-ounce packet of taco seasoning
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- 15 ounces can Ready-to-Use Nacho Cheese sauce (warmed according to can directions)
- 1 ½ cups Fritos Original corn chips
- 6 large flour tortillas (burrito size)
Directions:
- Prepare Mexican Rice: Cook the Mexican rice according to the package instructions. While the rice is cooking, proceed to prepare the ground beef and other filling ingredients.
- Saute Onions and Beef: In a large skillet over medium-high heat, melt unsalted butter and sauté chopped onions for 1-2 minutes until softened. Add lean ground beef to the skillet and cook for 7-8 minutes until browned and fully cooked. Drain any excess fat.
- Season the Beef: Reduce the heat to medium-low and add water, taco seasoning packet, salt, and black pepper to the ground beef. Stir well to ensure all beef is coated in the seasoning. Cook for an additional 4-5 minutes until the liquids have reduced and the beef is thoroughly seasoned. Remove from heat.
- Assemble the Burritos: Lay one flour tortilla onto a plate. In the bottom third of the tortilla, spread ½ cup of prepared Mexican rice into an even layer. Top the rice with ½ cup of seasoned ground beef, followed by 1½-2 tablespoons of warmed nacho cheese sauce, and a generous handful of Fritos corn chips.
- Fold and Roll: Avoid overfilling the tortilla. Fold the bottom portion of the tortilla up and over the filling, then fold both sides inwards to enclose the filling. While holding the folded sides, gently roll the tortilla up from the bottom, rolling towards the top until the filling is fully enclosed.
Prep Time: 10 minutes | Cooking Time: 20 minutes | Total Time: 30 minutes | Servings: 6
Serving and Storage Tips:
- Enjoy Freshly Made: Serve your homemade Taco Bell Frito Burritos immediately for the best flavor and texture. Pair them with your favorite sides like salsa, guacamole, or sour cream for a complete meal experience.
- Wrap for On-the-Go: If you’re packing burritos for lunch or a picnic, wrap each one individually in foil or parchment paper to keep them warm and contained. This also makes them easier to transport and eat on the move.
- Reheat with Care: To reheat leftover burritos, wrap them in a damp paper towel and microwave for 1-2 minutes until heated through. Alternatively, you can reheat them in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10-15 minutes, or until warm.
- Storage: Store any leftover burritos in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2-3 days. For longer storage, wrap each burrito tightly in plastic wrap and foil, then freeze for up to 1-2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
- Garnish Creatively: Customize your burritos with additional toppings like diced tomatoes, shredded lettuce, sliced jalapeños, or chopped cilantro for added freshness and flavor.
Variations:
- Vegetarian Option: Substitute the ground beef with black beans, seasoned tofu, or sautéed vegetables for a meat-free alternative.
- Spicy Kick: Amp up the heat by adding diced green chilies, hot sauce, or chopped fresh jalapeños to the filling mixture.
- Cheesy Twist: Experiment with different types of cheese such as shredded cheddar, pepper jack, or queso fresco for extra cheesy goodness.
- Breakfast Burrito: Transform these burritos into a delicious breakfast option by adding scrambled eggs, crispy bacon, and diced potatoes to the filling.
- Tex-Mex Fusion: Incorporate Tex-Mex ingredients like black olives, corn kernels, or diced avocado for a flavorful twist.
- BBQ Twist: Infuse your Frito Burritos with a barbecue flavor by substituting the taco seasoning with barbecue seasoning and adding a drizzle of your favorite barbecue sauce to the filling. You can also include ingredients like grilled onions, diced barbecue chicken, or pulled pork for a smoky twist.
- Breakfast-for-Dinner Burritos: Turn these burritos into a satisfying breakfast-for-dinner option by filling them with scrambled eggs, crispy hash browns, cooked breakfast sausage or bacon, and shredded cheese. Serve with a side of salsa or hot sauce for an extra kick.
- Seafood Sensation: Experiment with seafood filling by replacing the ground beef with seasoned shrimp, crab meat, or fish. Add ingredients like diced avocado, mango salsa, and shredded cabbage for a fresh and flavorful seafood-inspired burrito.
- Vegan Delight: Make these burritos vegan-friendly by swapping the ground beef with seasoned tofu or tempeh crumbles. Load them up with sautéed veggies like bell peppers, onions, and mushrooms, along with vegan cheese or avocado for creaminess.
- Greek Fusion: Give your Frito Burritos a Mediterranean twist by using Greek-inspired ingredients. Fill them with cooked gyro meat or grilled chicken, tzatziki sauce, diced cucumbers, tomatoes, and feta cheese. Serve with a side of Greek salad or hummus for a complete meal.
- Buffalo Chicken Bliss: Transform these burritos into a spicy buffalo chicken delight by tossing shredded cooked chicken with buffalo sauce before adding it to the filling. Pair it with creamy ranch or blue cheese dressing, diced celery, and shredded lettuce for a flavor-packed experience.
- Pizza-Inspired Creation: Channel the flavors of your favorite pizza toppings by filling the burritos with marinara sauce, cooked Italian sausage or pepperoni, sautéed bell peppers and onions, and shredded mozzarella cheese. Serve with a side of garlic butter for dipping.
FAQs :
- Can I use store-bought Mexican rice instead of cooking it from scratch? Yes, you can save time by using pre-cooked or instant Mexican rice. Just follow the package instructions to prepare it before assembling your burritos.
- Can I make these burritos ahead of time and freeze them? Absolutely! Prepare the burritos as instructed, then wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and foil before freezing. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
- How can I make these burritos healthier? To make a healthier version, use lean ground turkey or chicken instead of beef, opt for whole wheat tortillas, and load up on veggies for added nutrition.
- Can I use a different type of cheese sauce? Yes, feel free to use your favorite cheese sauce or even shredded cheese melted over the filling for a gooey, cheesy finish.
- Can I make these burritos gluten-free? Yes, use gluten-free tortillas and ensure that all other ingredients, including the taco seasoning and nacho cheese sauce, are certified gluten-free.
- What can I serve with these burritos? These burritos pair well with a side of Mexican-style rice, refried beans, or a crisp green salad for a complete meal.
- Can I customize the filling to suit my taste preferences? Absolutely! Feel free to adjust the seasoning, add more or less cheese sauce, or incorporate additional toppings to customize the burritos according to your liking.
- Are these burritos kid-friendly? Yes, kids love the combination of flavors and textures in these burritos. You can even involve them in the assembly process for a fun cooking activity.
- Can I make a smaller batch of burritos? Yes, you can easily halve the recipe to make a smaller batch of burritos if needed. Just adjust the quantities of ingredients accordingly.
- Can I use a different type of corn chips? Absolutely! Feel free to use your favorite brand or flavor of corn chips, or even try using tortilla strips or crushed tortilla chips for a different texture.
Experience the unbeatable flavor and convenience of Taco Bell’s Frito Burrito right in your own kitchen. With simple ingredients and easy steps, you can enjoy this delicious treat whenever the craving strikes.