Cheesy Quesarito 🧀🔥 – The Ultimate Quesadilla-Burrito Fusion
What happens when you take the cheesy, golden crisp goodness of a quesadilla and wrap it around the hearty, flavorful filling of a burrito? You get the Quesarito – a mouthwatering Mexican-inspired creation that’s as indulgent as it is satisfying. With smoky chipotle sauce, perfectly seasoned beef, and layers of melted cheese, this recipe is a game-changer for taco night 🌮✨.
We’ll walk you through every step – from choosing the right cheese to folding your masterpiece – with expert tips from Bobby Flay, Ree Drummond, and Gordon Ramsay. Plus, we’ve included a complete nutrition table, health tips, and answers to the most common Quesarito questions.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- ✅ Gooey melted cheese inside and out
- ✅ Smoky chipotle kick
- ✅ Great for weeknight dinners or game-day feasts
- ✅ Easy to customize with your favorite fillings
Ingredients – What You’ll Need & Why
🥩 Ground Beef – 1 lb
The hearty foundation of your Quesarito. Choose 80/20 beef for the perfect balance of juiciness and flavor.
🌮 Taco Seasoning – 1 Packet
Brings bold, savory spices that infuse the beef with classic Tex-Mex flavor. You can make your own with chili powder, cumin, paprika, and garlic powder.
🫓 Large Flour Tortillas – 6 (Burrito Size)
They need to be big enough to wrap the filling and fold without tearing.
🧀 Shredded Cheese – 3 Cups
A blend of cheddar and Monterey Jack melts beautifully and gives that perfect cheesy pull.
🌶 Chipotle Sauce – ½ Cup
Smoky and slightly spicy, it ties the whole flavor profile together. You can use store-bought or homemade.
🍚 Cooked Rice – 2 Cups
Fluffy rice adds texture and absorbs the chipotle sauce, making every bite flavorful.
🫘 Refried Beans – 1 Cup
Gives your Quesarito extra creaminess and depth.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1 – Cook the Beef
In a skillet over medium heat, brown the ground beef until fully cooked. Drain excess fat, then stir in taco seasoning with ½ cup water. Let simmer for 5 minutes.
Step 2 – Prepare the Filling
In a bowl, mix cooked rice with chipotle sauce. Warm the refried beans in a small saucepan or microwave.
Step 3 – Build the Quesarito
- Place 1 tortilla in a skillet over medium heat.
- Sprinkle a generous layer of cheese over half the tortilla.
- Once melted, place another tortilla on top to form a quesadilla.
- On top of the quesadilla, add a line of beef, beans, and rice mixture.
- Fold sides in, then roll tightly like a burrito.
Step 4 – Seal & Serve
Return the wrapped Quesarito to the skillet, seam-side down, to crisp up and seal. Cut in half and serve hot with salsa, sour cream, or guacamole 🥑.
Chef Tips from the Experts
- Bobby Flay: “Grill the outside of your Quesarito after wrapping for a smoky char.”
- Ree Drummond: “Prep the fillings ahead so assembling is quick and stress-free.”
- Gordon Ramsay: “Season every layer – rice, beans, and meat – to avoid bland bites.”
Health & Safety Considerations
- Cook beef to an internal temperature of 160°F (71°C) to ensure safety.
- Use separate utensils for raw and cooked meat to avoid cross-contamination.
- If making ahead, store in the fridge and reheat to at least 165°F before serving.
Nutrition & Health Benefits
| Ingredient | Serving Size | Calories | Protein (g) | Fat (g) | Carbs (g) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Ground Beef (80/20) | 4 oz | 287 | 19 | 23 | 0 |
| Flour Tortilla | 1 large (71g) | 220 | 6 | 5 | 36 |
| Shredded Cheese | ½ cup (56g) | 224 | 14 | 18 | 2 |
| Chipotle Sauce | 2 tbsp | 60 | 0 | 4 | 5 |
| Total per Quesarito | 1 | 791 | 39 | 50 | 43 |
Serving Suggestions
Pair with Mexican Street Corn 🌽, Homemade Guacamole 🥑, or a crisp Cilantro-Lime Salad 🥗 for a complete meal.
Frequently Asked Questions
- Can I make a vegetarian Quesarito? Yes, replace beef with grilled veggies or plant-based crumbles.
- What’s the best cheese to use? A cheddar-Monterey Jack blend is perfect for melting.
- Can I use corn tortillas? Not recommended – they’re less flexible and more likely to tear.
- How do I make it spicier? Add jalapeños or use a hot chipotle sauce.
- Can I freeze Quesaritos? Yes, wrap tightly and freeze for up to 2 months.
- How do I reheat them? Oven at 350°F for 15 minutes, or skillet over medium heat.
- Can I add lettuce and tomato? Yes, but add them after cooking to keep them fresh.
- What kind of rice works best? Cilantro-lime rice adds brightness.
- Can I make this low-carb? Use low-carb tortillas and cauliflower rice.
- Is this recipe gluten-free? Only if you use gluten-free tortillas and seasonings.
Final Thoughts
The Cheesy Quesarito is a flavor-packed, indulgent meal that merges the best parts of two Mexican favorites. With smoky chipotle heat, melty cheese, and hearty beef, it’s the kind of dish that turns an ordinary dinner into a fiesta 🎉🌯🧀.
