If you have been missing the iconic flavor of the discontinued Taco Bell Meximelt, these Taco Bell Taco Melts are exactly what you need. This copycat recipe perfectly recreates the blend of seasoned ground beef, gooey melted cheese, and fresh pico de gallo inside a soft, steamed tortilla. It is the ultimate nostalgic treat for your next family Taco Tuesday.
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Why You Will Love This Recipe
This recipe brings back a fan-favorite menu item that disappeared in 2019, allowing you to enjoy that specific fast-food flavor in the comfort of your own kitchen. You will love how quickly these come together, taking less than 30 minutes from start to finish with simple pantry staples. Plus, by making them at home, you can use fresher ingredients and customize the level of cheese and spice to suit your personal preferences.
Ingredients for Taco Bell Taco Melts
- 1 pound lean ground beef
- 1 packet (1 ounce) taco seasoning
- 1/2 cup water
- 4 large flour tortillas (burrito sized)
- 2 1/2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/2 cup pico de gallo salsa (store-bought or homemade)
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Brown the Beef: Place the ground beef in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Cook until fully browned, then drain any excess grease from the pan.
- Season and Mash: Return the meat to the skillet and add the water and taco seasoning. To achieve that authentic Taco Bell texture, use a potato masher or meat chopper to break the beef into very fine crumbles.
- Simmer: Let the meat mixture simmer for 5 to 10 minutes until the water has reduced and the seasoning is well incorporated. Remove the skillet from the heat.
- Soften the Tortillas: Place a few damp paper towels on a plate, stack the flour tortillas on top, and cover them with more damp paper towels. Microwave for 15 to 20 seconds until they are soft and pliable.
- Assemble the Melts: Lay a warm tortilla flat. Layer approximately 1/8th of the cheese, 1/4th of the seasoned beef, 1/4th of the pico de gallo, and another 1/8th of the cheese.
- Roll and Steam: Fold in the ends of the tortilla and roll it up like a small burrito. Wrap the assembled melt in a damp paper towel.
- Final Melt: Microwave the wrapped melt for 15 to 30 seconds. This steams the tortilla and ensures the cheese is perfectly gooey and melted. Serve immediately.
Expert Tips for the Best Taco Melts
To get the most authentic experience, the texture of the meat is crucial. Using a potato masher while the beef simmers with the water and seasoning creates those tiny, uniform crumbles that Taco Bell is known for. Additionally, do not skip the damp paper towel step; steaming the tortilla is what differentiates a Taco Bell Taco Melt from a standard soft taco or burrito. For the best flavor, grate your own cheddar cheese from a block, as it melts much smoother than pre-shredded varieties that contain anti-clumping agents.
Variations and Substitutions
While the classic recipe calls for ground beef, you can easily substitute ground turkey or ground chicken for a leaner option. If you prefer a bit of heat, swap the cheddar cheese for pepper jack or add a few slices of pickled jalapeños inside the wrap. For those who want a crunchier texture, you can skip the final microwave steam and instead lightly toast the assembled melt in a dry skillet over medium heat until the exterior is golden brown.
Serving Suggestions
These Taco Bell Taco Melts are filling enough to stand on their own, but they pair beautifully with classic Mexican side dishes. Serve them alongside Mexican rice, refried beans, or a simple corn salad. You can also provide extra dipping options like sour cream, guacamole, or your favorite hot sauce to enhance the flavors.
Storage, Freezing, and Reheating
Store any leftover Taco Bell Taco Melts in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 to 4 days. Because this recipe uses fresh pico de gallo, freezing is not recommended as the tomatoes and onions in the salsa will become watery and mushy upon thawing. To reheat, wrap the melt in a damp paper towel and microwave for 30 to 45 seconds, or use an air fryer at 350 degrees Fahrenheit for 3 to 5 minutes to refresh the tortilla.
Nutrition Information
| Metric | Amount Per Serving |
| Calories | 549 kcal |
| Protein | 43 g |
| Total Fat | 32 g |
| Saturated Fat | 17 g |
| Carbohydrates | 21 g |
| Sodium | 979 mg |
| Fiber | 1 g |
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What exactly is a Meximelt?
A Meximelt is a classic Taco Bell menu item that combines the elements of a quesadilla and a soft taco. It features seasoned ground beef, a blend of melted cheeses, and fresh pico de gallo, all wrapped in a soft flour tortilla that has been steamed.
Why did Taco Bell stop selling the Meximelt?
Taco Bell removed the Meximelt from its permanent menu in 2019. This was part of a broader effort to simplify their menu and make operations more efficient, though it remains one of the most requested items for a potential comeback.
Can I make these ahead of time?
You can certainly prepare the seasoned ground beef in advance and store it in the fridge. However, for the best texture, it is recommended to assemble and steam the melts just before you plan to eat them so the tortilla stays soft and the pico de gallo remains fresh.
What was in the original Taco Bell version?
The original version used a three-cheese blend, seasoned ground beef, and their signature fiesta salsa (pico de gallo). This copycat recipe uses cheddar and fresh pico to achieve a nearly identical flavor profile.
Taco Bell Taco Melts
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Brown the Beef: Place the ground beef in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Cook until fully browned, then drain any excess grease from the pan.1 pound lean ground beef
- Season and Mash: Return the meat to the skillet and add the water and taco seasoning. To achieve that authentic Taco Bell texture, use a potato masher or meat chopper to break the beef into very fine crumbles.1 packet taco seasoning, 1/2 cup water
- Simmer: Let the meat mixture simmer for 5 to 10 minutes until the water has reduced and the seasoning is well incorporated. Remove the skillet from the heat.
- Soften the Tortillas: Place a few damp paper towels on a plate, stack the flour tortillas on top, and cover them with more damp paper towels. Microwave for 15 to 20 seconds until they are soft and pliable.4 large flour tortillas
- Assemble the Melts: Lay a warm tortilla flat. Layer approximately 1/8th of the cheese, 1/4th of the seasoned beef, 1/4th of the pico de gallo, and another 1/8th of the cheese.2 1/2 cups shredded cheddar cheese, 1/2 cup pico de gallo salsa
- Roll and Steam: Fold in the ends of the tortilla and roll it up like a small burrito. Wrap the assembled melt in a damp paper towel.
- Final Melt: Microwave the wrapped melt for 15 to 30 seconds. This steams the tortilla and ensures the cheese is perfectly gooey and melted. Serve immediately.