How to Create the Perfect Taco Bell Beefy Melt Copycat

Meat Preparation

Achieving the perfect fine texture and seasoning balance that mimics the famous Taco Bell beef.

Sauce Development

Creating the signature sauce with the right balance of creaminess, tang, and spice.

Proper Assembly

Layering ingredients in the correct order to ensure even distribution of flavors in every bite.

Grilling Technique

Achieving the perfect golden exterior and completely melted interior without overfilling or leakage.

Baking Tips

For the most authentic taste, try to find queso quesadilla cheese to include in your cheese blend.

If you can't find nacho cheese sauce, you can make a quick version by melting 1/2 cup of Velveeta or American cheese with 2 tablespoons of milk and a dash of paprika.

For a closer Taco Bell meat texture, add 2-3 tablespoons of tomato sauce to your beef as it cooks.

Make sure to drain the fat from your beef well - Taco Bell's meat isn't greasy.

For a spicier version, add diced jalapeños or a pinch of cayenne pepper to the meat mixture.

Warming your tortillas for 10-15 seconds in the microwave before filling them will make them more pliable and less likely to tear.

If you're meal prepping, you can prepare the beef mixture and special sauce ahead of time and store them separately in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

For a lower-carb option, use low-carb tortillas or serve the filling in lettuce cups instead.

Taco Bell Beefy Melt Copycat

Name: Taco Bell Beefy Melt Copycat
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 25 min
Yield: 4 beefy melts
Cuisine: Mexican-American, Fast Food
Ingredients: 1 pound ground beef (80/20 blend); 1 packet taco seasoning (or 2 tablespoons homemade blend); 1/4 cup water; 4 large flour tortillas (10-inch); 2 cups Mexican cheese blend (cheddar, monterey jack, and queso quesadilla); 1/2 cup nacho cheese sauce; 1/4 cup sour cream; 2 tablespoons mayonnaise; 1 tablespoon ketchup; 1 teaspoon chili powder; 1/2 teaspoon cumin; 1/2 teaspoon paprika; 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder; 1/4 teaspoon onion powder; Cooking spray or vegetable oil; Hot sauce to taste (optional)

This copycat Taco Bell Beefy Melt recipe recreates the popular fast-food favorite at home with seasoned ground beef, melty cheese, and a soft flour tortilla. The combination of savory beef, three-cheese blend, and signature sauce delivers that unmistakable Taco Bell flavor experience but with the satisfaction of homemade quality. Perfect for quick lunches, late-night cravings, or anytime you want that familiar taste without leaving home.

Prep Time

10 Minutes

Cook Time

15 Minutes

Total Time

25 Minutes

Chef

JUE

Ingredients

Custard Cream

1 pound ground beef (80/20 blend)

1 packet taco seasoning (or 2 tablespoons homemade blend)

1/4 cup water

4 large flour tortillas (10-inch)

2 cups Mexican cheese blend (cheddar, monterey jack, and queso quesadilla)

1/2 cup nacho cheese sauce

1/4 cup sour cream

2 tablespoons mayonnaise

1 tablespoon ketchup

1 teaspoon chili powder

1/2 teaspoon cumin

1/2 teaspoon paprika

1/4 teaspoon garlic powder

1/4 teaspoon onion powder

Cooking spray or vegetable oil

Hot sauce to taste (optional)

Instructions

In a medium skillet over medium-high heat, brown the ground beef, breaking it up into small crumbles as it cooks, until no longer pink (about 5-7 minutes).

Drain excess fat from the pan, then add the taco seasoning and water. Stir well and simmer on low for 3-5 minutes until the mixture thickens. Remove from heat.

In a small bowl, make the special sauce by combining sour cream, mayonnaise, ketchup, chili powder, cumin, paprika, garlic powder, and onion powder. Mix until smooth and set aside.

Heat the nacho cheese sauce in a microwave-safe bowl for 30 seconds or until warm and easy to spread.

Lay out the flour tortillas on a clean work surface. Spread about 2 tablespoons of the special sauce on each tortilla, covering the entire surface.

Add approximately 1/4 of the seasoned beef mixture to the center of each tortilla, spreading it in a line across the middle but not all the way to the edges.

Drizzle 2 tablespoons of nacho cheese sauce over the beef on each tortilla.

Sprinkle 1/2 cup of the shredded Mexican cheese blend over each tortilla, covering the beef mixture.

Fold the bottom edge of each tortilla up and over the filling, then fold in the sides, and continue rolling away from you to form a burrito-style wrap.

Heat a large skillet or griddle over medium heat and lightly coat with cooking spray or a small amount of oil.

Place the wraps seam-side down on the heated surface and cook for 2-3 minutes until golden and crisp.

Carefully flip and cook for another 2-3 minutes until the other side is golden and the cheese inside is completely melted.

Remove from heat, let cool for 1 minute, then slice each melt diagonally and serve immediately with additional hot sauce if desired.

Taco Bell Beefy Melt Copycat

JUE

Essential Ingredients Selection

Creating Your Masterpiece

How to Create the Perfect Taco Bell Beefy Melt Copycat

Taco Bell Beefy Melt Copycat

Ingredients

Instructions