Copycat Taco Bell Hot Cheeto Burrito Recipe

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Let me introduce you to the fiery fusion of spice, crunch, and comfort food, the Taco Bell Hot Cheeto Burrito. Whether you’re a die-hard Taco Bell superfan or just someone curious about the hype around Flamin’ Hot Cheetos, this burrito recipe is about to become your new obsession.

How to make a Taco Bell Hot cheeto Burrito

Taco Bell’s Hot Cheeto Burrito sounds like a dare between friends that went surprisingly right. This fiery creation is a burrito stuffed with seasoned beef, nacho cheese, warm rice, and the pièce de résistance: a crunchy avalanche of Flamin’ Hot Cheetos.

Ingredients

• 1 cup seasoned ground beef (or ground turkey/chicken)
• Optional seasoning: Taco Bell seasoning packet or your own blend (cumin, chili powder, garlic powder, paprika, salt).
• 1/2 cup cooked rice (Mexican rice or plain white rice works great for this recipe)
• 1/2 cup refried beans (or black beans, if preferred)
• 1/3 cup nacho cheese sauce (store-bought or homemade)
• 1/4 cup shredded cheddar cheese (or a cheese blend)
• 1/4 cup sour cream
• 1/4 cup diced tomatoes or pico de gallo for freshness (optional)
• 1/4 cup shredded lettuce (optional, for crunch)
• Large flour tortillas (burrito size)
• 1 cup Flamin’ Hot Cheetos (crushed for easier distribution, with extra for garnish)

Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Ground Beef

1. Heat a skillet over medium heat and cook the ground beef until fully browned and no longer pink.
2. Add Taco Bell seasoning (or your homemade spice mix) to the meat and stir well, ensuring the seasoning coats every bite.
3. Remove from heat and set aside.

Step 2: Cook the Rice and Beans

1. If using Mexican rice, follow the package instructions or make your own by adding a tablespoon of tomato paste and seasoning to white rice while cooking.
2. Heat the refried beans in a small pan or microwave until warm and spreadable.

Step 3: Melt the Nacho Cheese

1. Use store-bought nacho cheese, heating according to package instructions, or create a simple cheese sauce (melt butter, add flour, then whisk in milk and shredded cheese until smooth).

Step 4: Assemble the Burrito

1. Warm the tortilla: Heat a large flour tortilla in a dry pan or microwave for about 10 seconds to make it pliable for rolling.
2. Layer the fillings: Start by spreading the refried beans in the center of the tortilla. Add a scoop of the seasoned beef, followed by rice, nacho cheese sauce, shredded cheddar, sour cream, diced tomatoes (optional), and shredded lettuce (optional).
3. Add the crunch: Sprinkle a generous amount of crushed Flamin’ Hot Cheetos over the fillings. You want enough to add that iconic crunch and spice in every bite.
4. Roll the burrito: Fold in the sides of the tortilla, then roll from the bottom, tucking the filling as you go to create a tight, seamless burrito.

Step 5: Heat and Serve

1. Optional: To crisp up the tortilla for extra flavor and texture, place the rolled burrito seam-side down in a lightly greased skillet and cook over medium heat for 2–3 minutes per side until golden brown.
2. Slice the burrito in half and serve with additional Flamin’ Hot Cheetos on the side or as a garnish on top.

Tips for the Perfect Hot Cheeto Burrito

• Don’t skimp on the crunch: Crushed Flamin’ Hot Cheetos work best because they distribute evenly. To crush them, place them in a ziplock bag and roll over them with a rolling pin.
• Experiment with textures: Add chopped jalapeños, avocado slices, or crispy tortilla strips for extra flavor and variety.
• Control the heat: If the Flamin’ Hot Cheetos are too spicy, swap out half for regular crunchy Cheetos or tone things down by adding more sour cream.
• Go bold on sauce: Feel free to drizzle extra nacho cheese or Taco Bell’s signature hot sauces inside the burrito for added zest.
• Make it vegetarian: Skip the meat and double up on the beans and a hearty serving of rice, while keeping all the spices and toppings.

What to serve with

The Taco Bell Hot Cheeto Burrito is bold, flavorful, and spicy on its own, but pairing it with the right sides and accompaniments can elevate the meal into a full-on fiesta.

1. Chips and Dips

Complement the crunch of Flamin’ Hot Cheetos with some classic chips and flavorful dips. These pairings add more variety to the spread while balancing the bold heat of the Taco Bell Hot Cheeto Burrito.

• Guacamole: The creamy smoothness of guacamole can counteract the spice of the Taco Bell Hot Cheeto Burrito. Make it fresh with avocados, lime juice, cilantro, garlic, onions, and a pinch of salt.
• Salsa: Serve a mild or spicy salsa, depending on your flavor preference. Try pico de gallo for a fresh touch, or a rich roasted tomato salsa for depth.
• Queso Dip: A warm bowl of cheesy queso is a perfect match for tortilla chips or even extra Hot Cheetos.
• Creamy Ranch or Sour Cream Dip: If you’re looking for balance to combat the heat, these mellow dips work wonders.

2. Fresh Mexican Salad

A bright, crisp salad can lighten the meal and provide a refreshing contrast to the richness of the Taco Bell Hot Cheeto Burrito.

• Mexican Street Corn Salad (Elote Salad): Toss charred corn with mayonnaise, cotija cheese, chili powder, lime juice, and cilantro for a flavorful salad that complements the Taco Bell Hot Cheeto Burrito’s spice.
• Simple Mexican Slaw: Shredded cabbage, carrots, lime juice, and a touch of cumin make this a refreshing addition to the meal.
• Avocado Salad: Toss diced avocado with tomatoes, onions, lime, and cilantro for a creamy side dish.

Ingredients Substitutes

If you’re excited to make the Taco Bell Hot Cheeto Burrito but don’t have access to certain ingredients or are looking for alternatives to fit your dietary needs or taste preferences, don’t worry!

1. Flamin’ Hot Cheetos Substitutes

Flamin’ Hot Cheetos are the heart of this burrito, but if you’re searching for a substitute due to availability or preference, here are some options:

• Spicy Chips/Snacks: Use alternative spicy chips like Takis (spicy rolled tortilla chips with a tangy kick), spicy Doritos, or spicy potato chips.
• Homemade Crunchy Topping: Toast crushed tortilla chips or pita chips in the oven and toss them with chili powder, paprika, and lime juice to replicate both the crunch and kick of Hot Cheetos.
• No Spice Option: If you prefer less heat, use regular Cheetos, tortilla chips, or even pretzels for a crunchy texture without the bold spice.

2. Ground Beef Substitutes

Seasoned ground beef is a classic filling, but there are plenty of alternatives to suit your taste, diet, or lifestyle:

• Ground Turkey or Chicken: Swap ground beef for ground turkey or ground chicken for a leaner protein option. Season them just as you would beef for that Tex-Mex flavor.
• Plant-Based Meat Alternatives: Use vegetarian crumbles or brands like Impossible Meat or Beyond Meat for a vegan or vegetarian-friendly burrito that mimics ground beef’s texture.
• Pulled Protein: Shredded chicken, turkey, pork, or beef make great alternatives and can be seasoned with taco spices for extra flavor.

3. Rice Alternatives

Rice is a standard filling in burritos, but there are plenty of other options if you’re looking for substitutions:

• Cauliflower Rice: Use cauliflower rice for a low-carb option. Season it with taco spices or lime juice to add flavor.
• Quinoa: A protein-rich grain that’s a perfect substitute for rice while adding a hearty texture.
• Couscous: Light and fluffy, couscous works well as a replacement for rice. Add a Mexican spin by tossing it with lime juice, cilantro, and spices.

4. Refried Bean Substitutes

Refried beans add creamy texture, but there are other options if you prefer not to use them, or can’t find them:

• Canned Black Beans or Pinto Beans: Mash black beans or pinto beans with a little olive oil, garlic, and seasoning to create a quick spread.
• Hummus: If you’re experimenting with flavors, spicy roasted red pepper hummus can be used in place of beans for a unique twist.

5. Tortilla Alternatives

Don’t worry if you don’t have traditional flour tortillas—you can experiment with other wraps:

• Corn Tortillas: These are naturally gluten-free and offer a more authentic Mexican flavor.
• Lettuce Wraps: For a healthier and low-carb option, use large romaine lettuce leaves or collard green wraps to wrap the burrito contents.
• Gluten-Free Tortillas: Many stores sell gluten-free tortillas made from almond flour, cassava flour, or coconut flour.
• Flatbread or Naan: Not traditional, but soft flatbread or naan can make a delicious burrito wrap.

6. Nacho Cheese Sauce Substitutes

Nacho cheese sauce gives this burrito its rich, gooey flavor. If you don’t have access to store-bought nacho cheese, try these substitutes:

• Cheese Sauce from Scratch: Make a quick homemade version using butter, flour, milk, and shredded cheddar cheese. Add chili powder, garlic powder, and paprika for extra flavor.
• Shredded Cheese: If you don’t have nacho cheese sauce, sprinkle shredded cheese into the burrito and microwave or bake it until it melts.
• Vegan Cheese Sauce: Use a plant-based alternative if needed, such as cashew cheese sauce or store-bought vegan cheese. This works well for dairy-sensitive diets.

7. Sour Cream Alternatives

Sour cream adds creaminess and offsets spicy flavors. If you’re out of sour cream or need a substitution, try these options:

• Plain Greek Yogurt: Thick and tangy, Greek yogurt is an excellent substitute that also adds a protein boost.
• Avocado Crema: Blend ripe avocados with lime juice and a little sour cream or yogurt (or leave out altogether for a dairy-free option) to create a creamy topping with less tang.
• Vegan Sour Cream: Many brands like Tofutti, Kite Hill, and Forager make dairy-free alternatives to sour cream.

8. Shredded Cheddar Cheese Alternatives

If you don’t have shredded cheddar, there are plenty of other cheese types that can work with this recipe:

• Mexican Cheese Blend: This blend often includes cheddar, Monterey Jack, and queso quesadilla cheese, and is readily available at most grocery stores.
• Pepper Jack Cheese: For an extra spicy kick, substitute cheddar with shredded pepper jack cheese.
• Vegan Cheese: Choose from plant-based cheese brands for a non-dairy alternative.

Final Thoughts

And there you have it—a smoky, cheesy, crunchy, delicious Taco Bell Hot Cheeto Burrito that tastes just like it came straight out of your favorite fast-food joint, but with a personalized twist!

More Taco Bell Recipes:

• Copycat Taco Bell Street Tacos Recipe
• Copycat Taco Bell Stackers Recipe
• Copycat Taco Bell Dulce de Leche Recipe