If you’ve ever pined for Taco Bell Meximelts after they vanished from the menu, you’re not alone—and you’re in luck! This copycat recipe captures everything you loved about the classic: saucy ground beef, melty cheddar jack, and salsa all snug in a warm, soft tortilla. The result is a savory, cheesy, and beautifully satisfying snack or weeknight dinner. Recreating Taco Bell Meximelts at home is not only quick and easy, but honestly, it’s a little bit magical. It’s one of those meals that disappears faster than you’d believe, so let’s dig into all the tasty details!
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of Taco Bell Meximelts lies in their simplicity—each ingredient truly shines and brings something special to the party! Don’t be tempted to skip a thing, because every element is vital to recreating this legendary treat.
- Ground Beef: Choose lean ground beef for hearty flavor and just the right texture. Drain well for a better bite.
- Taco Seasoning Mix: This is truly the secret spice blend that brings classic Taco Bell flavor into your kitchen—don’t hold back on the seasoning!
- Water: Helps the seasoning mix meld with the beef, turning those spices into a delicious, saucy coating.
- Flour Tortillas (soft taco size): Soft, flexible tortillas are the essential wrap for keeping your Meximelts together and dreamy.
- Shredded Cheddar Jack Cheese: This combo melts perfectly to create that signature gooey cheese pull—don’t skimp for optimal meltiness.
- Pico de Gallo or Fresh Salsa: Just a spoonful brings juicy freshness and vibrant flavor to every bite—choose mild salsa for true Taco Bell Meximelts taste.
- Sour Cream or Hot Sauce (optional): Add a creamy or spicy flourish when serving to make each Meximelt your own.
How to Make Taco Bell Meximelts
Step 1: Brown the Beef
Start by heating a large skillet over medium heat and tossing in the ground beef. Let the sizzle sound be your inspiration! Break the beef up as it cooks for even browning, stirring occasionally, until no longer pink—this usually takes about 6 to 8 minutes. Once cooked through, drain off any excess grease to keep your Taco Bell Meximelts tidy and not greasy.
Step 2: Season and Simmer
Sprinkle in your taco seasoning mix and pour the water right into the skillet. Stir everything together so the seasoning coats every crumb of beef. Reduce the heat just a tad, then let the mixture simmer for 3 to 4 minutes until thickened slightly and wonderfully aromatic. This step ensures the filling is never dry and perfectly spiced, just the way Taco Bell Meximelts should be.
Step 3: Warm Up Your Tortillas
No one wants a stiff wrap! To make the tortillas soft and pliable, warm them in a dry skillet for about 20 seconds per side or stack them and microwave for 30 seconds covered with a damp towel. This helps prevent tearing and gives you the perfect blanket for your cheesy, beefy goodness.
Step 4: Assemble the Meximelts
Lay a warm tortilla flat and spoon a few generous tablespoons of the seasoned beef straight down the center. Sprinkle with a healthy handful of cheddar jack cheese, then top with a spoonful of pico de gallo or salsa. The cheese and salsa should be evenly distributed so every bite delivers the classic Taco Bell Meximelts experience.
Step 5: Roll and Melt
Fold one side of the tortilla over your scrumptious filling, then gently roll it up tight. Do this for every tortilla, then individually wrap each Meximelt in foil or parchment so they hold their shape. Pop them into the microwave for 20 to 30 seconds so the cheese gets unbelievably gooey and melty—this is the magic step for true Taco Bell Meximelts!
Step 6: Serve It Up
Unwrap your piping hot Meximelts and serve them immediately. If you like, spoon on some cool sour cream or your favorite hot sauce for a bit of extra zest. Sit back and get ready for nostalgia in every bite!
How to Serve Taco Bell Meximelts
Garnishes
Add a wonderful finishing touch to your Taco Bell Meximelts with a dollop of sour cream, a sprinkle of chopped cilantro, or a drizzle of your preferred hot sauce. Even a dash of diced onions or a little shredded lettuce on the side enhances their flavor and presentation.
Side Dishes
Pair your Taco Bell Meximelts with a simple side of tortilla chips and guacamole, zesty Mexican rice, or even a fun street corn salad. These sides round out your meal and keep the Tex-Mex flavors going strong!
Creative Ways to Present
Set up a build-your-own Taco Bell Meximelts bar at a party, offering different salsas, extra melted cheese, and more toppings. Or cut the Meximelts into smaller pieces and arrange them on a platter for a festive appetizer spread—grab-and-go Tex-Mex never looked this good!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you find yourself with extra Taco Bell Meximelts (a rare and beautiful thing), wrap them tightly in foil or airtight containers and refrigerate. They’ll stay tasty and satisfying for up to 3 days.
Freezing
To make ahead for the future, prepare and assemble your Taco Bell Meximelts but skip the final microwaving step. Wrap each tightly in plastic wrap and then foil, then freeze. They’ll keep well in the freezer for up to 2 months. Grab one whenever you need a quick, cheesy lunch!
Reheating
To reheat refrigerated Meximelts, microwave them wrapped for 30 to 45 seconds until warm and the cheese is melty again. If frozen, thaw overnight in the fridge for best results, then heat as above. For a crispy touch, unwrap and finish in a hot skillet for 1 minute per side.
FAQs
Can I use ground turkey instead of beef?
Absolutely! Ground turkey makes a lighter but still delicious alternative in Taco Bell Meximelts. Just be sure to season it well and don’t overcook, so it stays juicy.
How can I make it spicier?
If you’re craving heat, swap in hot salsa for the mild, add diced jalapeños, or serve with extra hot sauce. Pepper jack cheese is also a great way to infuse some extra zing into your Meximelts.
What’s the best cheese blend for Taco Bell Meximelts?
Cheddar jack cheese nails the classic flavor and creates amazing meltiness. If you want to experiment, a mix of cheddar, Monterey Jack, and mozzarella works beautifully.
How do I keep my tortillas from breaking?
Always warm your tortillas before filling! This makes them soft and pliable, preventing any unfortunate splits or leaks when you roll up your Taco Bell Meximelts.
Can I make Taco Bell Meximelts vegetarian?
Yes, you can substitute the seasoned beef with black beans, refried beans, or even a meatless crumbles product. Just season it well to replicate that signature flavor.
Final Thoughts
There’s something incredibly satisfying about pulling a hot, cheesy Taco Bell Meximelt straight from your kitchen and sharing it with friends or family. If you’re ready for a comfort food classic that’s quick to make and loaded with nostalgia, it’s time to give these Taco Bell Meximelts a try. Once you’ve tasted one, I promise they’ll become a go-to treat in your home too!
Print
Taco Bell Meximelts Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Yield: 8 Meximelts
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Tex-Mex
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
Recreate the delicious Taco Bell Meximelts at home with this easy copycat recipe. Flavorful seasoned ground beef, melted cheese, and fresh pico de gallo wrapped in warm flour tortillas make for a satisfying Tex-Mex meal.
Ingredients
Seasoned Beef:
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 packet taco seasoning mix
- 2/3 cup water
Assembly:
- 8 small flour tortillas (soft taco size)
- 1 1/2 cups shredded cheddar jack cheese
- 1/2 cup pico de gallo or finely chopped fresh salsa
- Optional: sour cream or hot sauce for serving
Instructions
- Cook the Beef: In a skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef until browned and fully cooked, about 6–8 minutes. Drain excess grease.
- Season the Beef: Add taco seasoning and water, then simmer for 3–4 minutes until thickened.
- Prepare Tortillas: Warm the tortillas until soft and pliable.
- Assemble Meximelts: Place seasoned beef, cheese, and pico de gallo down the center of each tortilla. Fold and roll tightly.
- Melt the Cheese: Wrap Meximelts in foil or parchment, then microwave for 20–30 seconds to melt the cheese.
- Serve: Enjoy warm Meximelts with sour cream or hot sauce if desired.
Notes
- For a closer Taco Bell flavor, use mild salsa and cheddar jack cheese.
- You can prep and wrap these ahead, then heat before serving.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 meximelt
- Calories: 290
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 580mg
- Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 7g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 20g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 17g
- Cholesterol: 45mg
