Are you longing for the irresistible flavors of Taco Bell Meximelts? Look no further! With our simple and delectable recipe, you can recreate the magic of these cheesy delights right in your own kitchen. Packed with savory ground beef, gooey melted cheese, and zesty Pico de Gallo, these Meximelts are guaranteed to be a hit with your loved ones. The best part? They’re quick to whip up, taking just 25 minutes from start to finish. Get ready to tantalize your taste buds with this homemade twist on a Taco Bell classic!
Ingredients:
- 1 pound ground beef
- 2 tablespoons taco seasoning
- 6 taco-sized flour tortillas
- 2 cups Mexican shredded cheese blend
- ¾ cup Pico de Gallo
Pico de Gallo:
- 1 cup tomato, chopped
- 2 tablespoons onion, finely chopped
- 1 tablespoon lime juice
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- 1 tablespoon chopped cilantro
- ½ jalapeno, seeded and chopped
Directions:
- Prepare the flavorful Pico de Gallo by combining chopped tomato, onion, lime juice, salt, cilantro, and jalapeno in a bowl. Mix well and refrigerate until ready to use.
- Brown the ground beef in a large skillet over medium heat. Break it into small pieces as it cooks. Once browned, add the taco seasoning and water according to the package instructions. Stir well and let the mixture simmer until the sauce thickens.
- While the beef simmers, warm the flour tortillas in a towel for about 20 seconds, making them pliable and easy to handle.
- Now, it’s time to assemble your Meximelts! Lay out each tortilla and layer on a generous portion of shredded cheese, followed by the cooked ground beef, and a spoonful of Pico de Gallo.
- Fold in the sides of each tortilla and roll them up tightly, resembling a burrito.
- To finish, wrap each Meximelt in a damp paper towel and microwave for 20 seconds. This will melt the cheese and warm the filling to perfection.
- Once heated, remove your Meximelts from the microwave and serve immediately, optionally garnished with extra Pico de Gallo for an added burst of flavor.
Serving and Storage Tips:
- Serving Suggestions: Serve your homemade Taco Bell Meximelts hot and fresh for the best taste and texture. They make a fantastic main dish for dinner alongside your favorite sides like Spanish rice, refried beans, or a crisp salad. Alternatively, slice them into smaller portions for a delightful appetizer or party snack.
- Garnish with Fresh Ingredients: For an extra burst of flavor and visual appeal, garnish your Meximelts with additional Pico de Gallo before serving. Freshly chopped cilantro, a squeeze of lime juice, or a dollop of sour cream can also enhance the presentation and taste.
- Customize to Taste: Feel free to customize your Meximelts according to your preferences. Add extra toppings like sliced avocado, diced green chilies, or black olives for more variety. You can also adjust the level of spiciness by increasing or decreasing the amount of jalapeno in the Pico de Gallo or using a spicier taco seasoning.
- Storage Instructions: If you have any leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2-3 days. To reheat, simply microwave them for a short time until warmed through. Note that the texture may change slightly upon reheating, but they will still be delicious.
- Freezing Option: Meximelts can also be frozen for future enjoyment. Wrap them individually in plastic wrap or aluminum foil, then place them in a freezer-safe bag or container. They can be stored in the freezer for up to 1-2 months. To thaw and reheat, let them defrost in the refrigerator overnight before microwaving or reheating in the oven.
Variations:
- Vegetarian Meximelts: Substitute the ground beef with cooked black beans or crumbled tofu seasoned with taco seasoning for a delicious vegetarian version. You can also add sautéed vegetables like bell peppers, onions, and mushrooms for extra flavor and texture.
- Chicken Meximelts: Instead of ground beef, use shredded cooked chicken seasoned with taco seasoning. You can use leftover rotisserie chicken or cook chicken breasts in a skillet or slow cooker until tender. Shred the chicken and proceed with assembling the Meximelts as usual.
- Seafood Meximelts: Get creative and try a seafood twist by using cooked shrimp or fish as the filling. Season the seafood with a blend of chili powder, cumin, and lime juice for a zesty kick. Top with shredded cheese and Pico de Gallo before rolling up the tortillas.
- Breakfast Meximelts: Transform Meximelts into a satisfying breakfast option by filling them with scrambled eggs, crispy bacon or sausage, and shredded cheese. Add diced potatoes or hash browns for extra heartiness. Serve with salsa or hot sauce for an extra morning kick.
- Vegan Meximelts: Make a vegan-friendly version by using plant-based ground meat alternatives or seasoned lentils as the filling. Opt for dairy-free shredded cheese and skip the traditional Pico de Gallo if it contains animal products. Instead, top with avocado slices, salsa, or a drizzle of dairy-free sour cream.
- Cheesy Meximelt Dip: Turn Meximelts into a crowd-pleasing dip by chopping them into bite-sized pieces and layering them in a baking dish. Cover with additional shredded cheese and bake until bubbly and golden brown. Serve with tortilla chips or vegetable sticks for dipping.
FAQs:
- Can I use corn tortillas instead of flour tortillas for Meximelts? Yes, you can use corn tortillas if you prefer. However, flour tortillas are typically used for their soft and pliable texture, which makes them easier to roll and fold.
- How can I make Meximelts less spicy? To reduce the spiciness, you can use less jalapeno in the Pico de Gallo or omit it altogether. You can also choose a mild taco seasoning or add less of it to the ground beef.
- Can I make Meximelts ahead of time? Meximelts are best enjoyed fresh, but you can prepare the components ahead of time and assemble them just before serving. Keep the cooked ground beef, shredded cheese, and Pico de Gallo refrigerated until you’re ready to assemble and heat the Meximelts.
- What can I substitute for Pico de Gallo if I don’t have it? If you don’t have Pico de Gallo, you can use store-bought salsa as a convenient alternative. Choose your preferred level of spiciness and chunkiness to suit your taste.
- Can I freeze Meximelts? Yes, you can freeze Meximelts for future use. Wrap them tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil, then place them in a freezer-safe bag or container. They can be stored in the freezer for up to 1-2 months. Thaw them in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.
- How do I reheat leftover Meximelts? To reheat leftover Meximelts, simply microwave them for a short time until warmed through. Alternatively, you can reheat them in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10-15 minutes or until heated to your liking.
- Can I make Meximelts without a microwave? Yes, you can heat Meximelts in a preheated oven instead of using a microwave. Wrap them in foil and bake at 350°F (175°C) for about 10-15 minutes or until the cheese is melted and the filling is heated through.
- What can I serve with Meximelts? Meximelts pair well with a variety of side dishes such as Spanish rice, refried beans, guacamole, or a crisp green salad. You can also serve them with tortilla chips and salsa for a complete meal.
- Are Meximelts gluten-free? Meximelts can be made gluten-free by using gluten-free flour tortillas and ensuring that the taco seasoning used is gluten-free as well. Always check the labels of packaged ingredients to verify their gluten-free status.
- Can I make Meximelts without cheese? While cheese adds a deliciously gooey texture to Meximelts, you can omit it if desired or substitute it with a dairy-free cheese alternative for a vegan-friendly version. The other ingredients will still provide plenty of flavor and satisfaction.
In just 25 minutes, you can indulge in the mouthwatering taste of homemade Taco Bell Meximelts. Whether it’s for dinner or a crowd-pleasing appetizer, these cheesy delights are sure to satisfy. So gather your ingredients and get cooking – your taste buds will thank you!