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If you’ve been craving the classic Taco Bell Chili Cheese Burrito, also known as the famous Chilito, you’re going to love this homemade version. Packed with seasoned ground beef, refried beans, melted cheddar cheese, and just the right amount of spice, this Chili Cheese Burrito recipe delivers all the nostalgic flavors you remember without a trip through the drive-thru.
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Pin ItMy family has been enjoying these Chili Cheese Burritos for years, and they remain one of our favorite easy dinners. They’re filling, budget-friendly, and always a hit whether we’re watching the big game, hosting friends, or simply trying to get dinner on the table on a busy weeknight.
Back in high school and for a short time afterward, I worked at Taco Bell. I spent plenty of time preparing menu favorites and getting familiar with the flavors customers loved most. One item people still talk about today is the famous Chilito, Taco Bell’s beloved Chili Cheese Burrito.
If you grew up in the 1990s, chances are you remember it too. Over the years, rumors circulated that the name was changed because of its Spanish meaning. Whether that’s true or not, it became one of Taco Bell’s most talked-about menu items and still has a loyal fan base today.
The good news is that making a homemade Chili Cheese Burrito is incredibly easy. This version features a thick, hearty beef-and-bean filling with plenty of melted cheddar cheese and a mild kick from chili powder, jalapeños, and cayenne pepper. If you like things hotter, simply add extra cayenne or additional jalapeños to suit your taste.
Whether you’re looking for a Taco Bell copycat recipe, a satisfying ground beef dinner, or a crowd-pleasing game day recipe, these Chili Cheese Burritos are sure to become a family favorite.
Table of Contents
- What Is a Chili Cheese Burrito?
- ❤️ Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Key Ingredients
- Ingredients & Substitutions
- Variations
- Tips for Best Results
- FAQs
- How to Store Chili Cheese Burritos
- How to Make Chili Cheese Burritos
- If You Enjoyed Chili Cheese Burritos
- 📌 Save This Recipe
- Chili Cheese Burrito Recipe
- 🍽️ Other Recipes You May Enjoy
What Is a Chili Cheese Burrito?
A Chili Cheese Burrito is a warm flour tortilla filled with thick beef chili and melted cheese. Taco Bell’s version became famous for its simple ingredients, comforting flavor, and portable convenience.
Many longtime Taco Bell fans still refer to the Chili Cheese Burrito by its original name, the Chilito. While menu offerings have changed over the years, this classic beef-and-bean burrito remains a nostalgic favorite for many people.
❤️ Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Tastes like the classic Taco Bell Chili Cheese Burrito many of us remember.
- Made with simple pantry staples and affordable ingredients.
- Ready in about 35 minutes.
- Perfect for game day, busy weeknights, or casual family dinners.
- Easy to customize with your favorite toppings and spice level.
- Freezer-friendly for meal prep and make-ahead lunches.
Key Ingredients
NOTE: This section highlights ingredients used in the recipe. Find the full printable recipe in the recipe card below.
Ground Beef
Lean ground beef forms the hearty foundation of the chili filling and provides rich, savory flavor.
Refried Beans
Refried beans help create the thick, creamy texture that makes a great Chili Cheese Burrito. They also add extra protein and help stretch the filling.
Tomato Paste
Tomato paste adds concentrated flavor and helps create the rich chili base.
Chili Powder
Chili powder delivers classic chili flavor without overwhelming heat.
Cheddar Cheese
Freshly shredded cheddar cheese melts into the filling, creating that signature cheesy texture.
Flour Tortillas
Large burrito-sized tortillas make it easy to wrap and serve these homemade Chili Cheese Burritos.
Ingredients & Substitutions
NOTE: This section suggests substitutions. Find the full printable recipe in the recipe card below.
- lean ground beef – substitute with ground turkey, ground chicken, or plant-based ground meat
- onion – yellow or white onion works best
- tomato paste – no substitution recommended
- distilled white vinegar – substitute with apple cider vinegar
- chili powder – adjust to taste for more or less heat
- salt – adjust to taste
- garlic powder – substitute with freshly minced garlic
- cayenne pepper – reduce or omit for a milder burrito
- jarred jalapeño slices – substitute with fresh jalapeños
- water – no substitution recommended
- refried beans – use traditional or vegetarian refried beans
- cornstarch – substitute with all-purpose flour slurry if needed
- cheddar cheese – substitute with Monterey Jack, Colby Jack, or a Mexican cheese blend
- large flour tortillas – use your favorite burrito-sized tortillas
- additional onion and cheddar cheese for serving – customize with your favorite toppings
Variations
- Make It Spicier – Add extra cayenne pepper, diced jalapeños, or hot sauce.
- Use Ground Turkey – Ground turkey or ground chicken works well as a lighter option.
- Make It Vegetarian – Use vegetarian refried beans and your favorite meat substitute.
- Smothered Chili Cheese Burritos – Place assembled burritos in a baking dish, top with enchilada sauce and additional cheese, then bake until hot and bubbly.
- Add More Toppings – Try sour cream, diced tomatoes, shredded lettuce, sliced olives, guacamole, or pico de gallo.
Tips for Best Results
- Warm the tortillas before filling to prevent cracking.
- Drain excess grease from the beef if necessary.
- Allow the filling to thicken completely before assembling the burritos.
- Shred your own cheese for the smoothest melting texture.
- Avoid overfilling the tortillas to make rolling easier.
- Serve immediately for the best texture and flavor.
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FAQs
Yes! While every copycat recipe is a little different, this homemade Chili Cheese Burrito was inspired by the classic Taco Bell Chili Cheese Burrito that many people remember and love.
The Chilito was the original name for Taco Bell’s Chili Cheese Burrito. Although the name changed over the years, many longtime fans still refer to it as a Chilito today.
Yes. Wrap each burrito individually in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer-safe bag or container for up to 3 months.
As written, this recipe is mildly spicy. You can easily adjust the cayenne pepper and jalapeños to make them milder or hotter.
Absolutely. Prepare the filling up to 3 days ahead and refrigerate until you’re ready to assemble the burritos.
Cheddar cheese provides the most classic flavor, but Monterey Jack, Colby Jack, or a Mexican blend are all excellent choices.
Yes. Ground turkey and ground chicken both work well in this recipe.
Continue simmering until the mixture reduces properly, then add the cornstarch slurry and cook until thickened.
How to Store Chili Cheese Burritos
Store leftover Chili Cheese Burritos in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
For best results, keep fresh toppings separate until serving.
These homemade Chili Cheese Burritos also freeze exceptionally well, making them a great meal-prep option for busy weeks.
How to Make Chili Cheese Burritos
NOTE: This section includes a step-by-step guide. Find the full printable recipe in the recipe card below.
This Taco Bell Chili Cheese Burrito copycat recipe comes together in one skillet and takes about 35 minutes from start to finish.
Quick steps:
- Brown the ground beef and onion.
- Add the tomato paste, vinegar, seasonings, jalapeños, and water. Simmer until reduced.
- Stir in the refried beans and cook until heated through.
- Whisk together the cornstarch and cold water. Stir into the chili mixture and cook until thickened.
- Remove from heat and stir in the cheddar cheese.
- Fill warm tortillas, roll, and serve.
If You Enjoyed Chili Cheese Burritos
If you loved these Chili Cheese Burritos, you have to try my Bacon & Egg Breakfast Burritos – they’re the perfect way to wrap up all your favorite morning flavors in one handheld meal. And if you’re a fan of loaded burritos in general, my 7 Layer Burrito is absolutely packed with flavor and makes a great lunch or easy weeknight dinner.
Since this recipe features a homemade chili filling, you might also want to bookmark my White Chicken Chili – it’s a lighter, creamy twist on classic chili that’s always a crowd-pleaser, especially on game day. And if you’re looking for something fun to set out alongside these burritos for a party spread, my Dill Pickle Wrap Dip disappears fast every single time!
Love the chili-cheese combo? Then you absolutely need to check out my Chili Cheese Tater Tot Casserole – it uses that same irresistible flavor pairing and is the ultimate comfort food bake the whole family will go crazy for.
📌 Save This Recipe
Love Taco Bell’s famous Chili Cheese Burrito? Save this homemade copycat recipe for the next time you’re craving a nostalgic favorite. Made with seasoned beef, refried beans, and melted cheddar cheese, these burritos are easy, satisfying, and perfect for feeding a hungry crowd.
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Pin It
Chili Cheese Burrito
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Equipment
- large skillet
- mixing bowl (small)
- whisk or fork
Ingredients
- 1 pound lean ground beef
- ¼ cup onion, finely chopped
- 1 can tomato paste, (6 oz.)
- 2 teaspoons distilled white vinegar
- ¼ cup chili powder
- 2 teaspoons salt
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon cayenne pepper
- 2 tablespoons jarred jalapeño slices, minced
- 2¼ cups water
- 1 can refried beans, (16 oz.)
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch
- ¼ cup cold water
- 2 cups Cheddar cheese, shredded (8 oz.)
- 8 burrito-size flour tortillas, warmed
Additional ingredients for serving
- Finely chopped onion, cheddar cheese
Instructions
- In a large skillet over medium-high heat, cook the ground beef and onion, breaking up the meat as it cooks, until the beef is no longer pink. Drain any excess grease if needed.1 pound lean ground beef, ¼ cup onion
- Stir in the tomato paste, vinegar, chili powder, salt, garlic powder, cayenne pepper, jalapeños, and 2¼ cups water. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat slightly and simmer for 8-10 minutes, or until the liquid has reduced by about half.1 can tomato paste, 2 teaspoons distilled white vinegar, ¼ cup chili powder, 2 teaspoons salt, 1 teaspoon garlic powder, ½ teaspoon cayenne pepper, 2 tablespoons jarred jalapeño slices, 2¼ cups water
- Stir in the refried beans and cook, stirring frequently, for about 4 minutes, or until heated through and well combined.1 can refried beans
- In a small bowl, whisk together the cornstarch and ¼ cup cold water until smooth. Stir the mixture into the skillet and cook for 1-2 minutes, or until the chili thickens.1 tablespoon cornstarch, ¼ cup cold water
- Remove the skillet from the heat and stir in the shredded cheddar cheese until melted and fully incorporated.2 cups Cheddar cheese
- Spoon about ¾-1 cup of the chili mixture onto the center of each warmed tortilla. Top with additional onion and cheese, if desired.8 burrito-size flour tortillas, Finely chopped onion, cheddar cheese
- Fold in the sides of the tortilla, then roll tightly burrito-style. Serve immediately.
Notes
🥡 STORAGE
- Store leftover Chili Cheese Burritos in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
- Store fresh toppings separately for the best texture.
♨️ REHEATING
- Microwave individual burritos for 1-2 minutes, or until heated through.
- Reheat in a 350°F oven for 15-20 minutes.
- Warm in a skillet over medium heat until heated through and lightly crisped on the outside.
- Reheat frozen burritos after thawing overnight in the refrigerator for the best results.
❄️ FREEZING
- Wrap each burrito individually in plastic wrap and place in a freezer-safe bag or container.
- Freeze for up to 3 months.
- Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating, or reheat directly from frozen, which will require additional cooking time.
💡 TIPS FOR BEST RESULTS
- Warm the tortillas before filling to prevent cracking.
- Drain excess grease from the beef if necessary.
- Allow the filling to thicken completely before assembling the burritos.
- Shred your own cheese for the smoothest melting texture.
- Avoid overfilling the tortillas to make rolling easier.
- Serve immediately for the best texture and flavor.
🍳 ALTERNATE COOKING METHODS
- Prepare the filling up to 3 days ahead and refrigerate until ready to assemble.
- Turn the burritos into smothered burritos by placing them in a baking dish, topping with enchilada sauce and additional cheese, then baking at 350°F until hot and bubbly.
- Use ground turkey or ground chicken instead of beef for a lighter version.
♻️ LEFTOVERS
- Chop leftover burritos and use them as a filling for quesadillas.
- Serve leftover filling over tortilla chips for quick chili cheese nachos.
- Spoon the filling over baked potatoes for an easy second meal.
📝 NOTES
- This recipe is inspired by the classic Taco Bell Chili Cheese Burrito, also known as the Chilito.
- Adjust the cayenne pepper and jalapeños to make the filling milder or spicier.
- Freshly shredded cheese melts more smoothly than pre-shredded cheese.
- The filling can be made ahead and refrigerated for up to 3 days before assembling the burritos.
Nutrition
Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.
🍽️ Other Recipes You May Enjoy
If you enjoyed this recipe, here are a few more reader-favorite recipes from Love Bakes Good Cakes you may want to try next.
Easy to make and delicious.
This Chili Cheese Burrito looks absolutely delicious! I can’t wait to try making it at home. The combination of flavors is mouthwatering, and I love how easy you made the recipe. Thanks for sharing!
I tried the Chili Cheese Burrito recipe and it was a hit at our dinner! The combination of flavors was amazing, and it was so easy to make. Thanks for sharing this delicious recipe!