If you have been craving the classic flavor of the discontinued Meximelt, these Taco Bell Taco Melts are the perfect solution. This copycat recipe recreates that iconic blend of seasoned beef, melted cheese, and fresh pico de gallo right in your own kitchen. It is a nostalgic, delicious, and easy-to-make meal that is perfect for any Taco Tuesday or quick weeknight dinner.
Table of Contents
Why You Will Love This Recipe
You will love these Taco Bell Taco Melts because they bring back a fan-favorite menu item that is no longer available at the restaurant. By making them at home, you can use higher-quality ingredients while maintaining that signature fast-food flavor. They are incredibly fast to assemble, taking only about 25 minutes from start to finish. Plus, the combination of the steamed, soft flour tortilla with gooey melted cheese and the bright crunch of fresh pico de gallo creates the ultimate texture that satisfies every Mexican food craving.
Ingredients
- 1 pound lean ground beef (or ground turkey for a lighter option)
- 1 packet (1 ounce) taco seasoning
- 1/2 cup water
- 4 large flour tortillas (burrito sized)
- 2 1/2 cups shredded cheddar cheese (or a Mexican blend)
- 1/2 cup fresh pico de gallo
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Begin by browning the ground beef in a large skillet over medium-high heat. As it cooks, crumble the meat thoroughly. Once fully cooked, drain any excess grease from the pan.
- Return the skillet to the heat and add the water and the taco seasoning. For that authentic Taco Bell texture, use a potato masher or meat chopper to mash the beef into very fine crumbles while it simmers.
- Let the meat simmer for 5 to 10 minutes until the water has reduced and the seasoning is well incorporated into the beef. Remove the skillet from the heat.
- Prepare the tortillas for rolling by placing a stack of four tortillas between damp paper towels. Microwave them for about 15 to 20 seconds until they are soft and pliable.
- Assemble the Taco Bell Taco Melts by layering each tortilla with a portion of cheese, followed by the seasoned beef, a spoonful of pico de gallo, and a final sprinkle of cheese.
- Tuck in the ends of the tortilla and roll it tightly like a small burrito.
- To achieve the signature steamed finish, wrap each assembled melt in a damp paper towel and microwave for 15 to 30 seconds until the cheese is perfectly melted and the tortilla is soft.
Expert Tips / Pro Tips
To get the most authentic experience, the texture of the beef is key. Using a potato masher to break the ground beef into tiny, uniform crumbles helps mimic the exact mouthfeel of the original Taco Bell filling. Another great tip is the steaming method. Wrapping the finished product in a damp paper towel before the final microwave session ensures the tortilla stays soft and doesn’t get chewy or hard. If you prefer a bit of a crunch, you can skip the microwave at the end and lightly toast the rolled melts in a dry skillet over medium heat for 1-2 minutes per side.
Variations & Substitutions
While the classic recipe calls for ground beef, you can easily substitute ground turkey or even plant-based crumbles for a vegetarian version. If you want a bit more heat, swap the mild cheddar cheese for pepper jack or add a few slices of canned jalapeños inside. For those who do not have fresh pico de gallo on hand, a thick chunky salsa can work in a pinch, though it will change the texture slightly. You can also experiment with different tortilla sizes; street taco-sized tortillas make for great “mini” melts for appetizers.
Serving Suggestions
These Taco Bell Taco Melts are a complete meal on their own, but they pair beautifully with a side of Mexican rice or seasoned black beans. For the full restaurant experience at home, serve them with a side of sour cream, guacamole, or a variety of hot sauces. If you are looking for a lighter side, a simple cilantro lime slaw adds a nice acidic crunch that cuts through the richness of the melted cheese and beef.
Storage, Freezing & Reheating
You can store any leftover Taco Bell Taco Melts in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 3 to 4 days. When you are ready to eat them, simply wrap them in a damp paper towel again and microwave for 30 to 45 seconds. We do not recommend freezing these once they are fully assembled because the fresh pico de gallo contains tomatoes and onions that can become watery and mushy upon thawing. If you wish to meal prep, freeze the seasoned beef separately and assemble fresh when ready to serve.
Nutrition Information
| Nutrient | Amount Per Serving |
|---|---|
| Calories | 549 kcal |
| Protein | 43 g |
| Total Fat | 32 g |
| Saturated Fat | 17 g |
| Carbohydrates | 21 g |
| Fiber | 1 g |
| Sugar | 4 g |
| Sodium | 979 mg |
FAQ
What is a Taco Bell Taco Melt?
A Taco Bell Taco Melt, also famously known as a Meximelt, is a hybrid between a soft taco and a quesadilla. It consists of seasoned beef, melted cheese, and pico de gallo wrapped in a steamed flour tortilla.
Why did Taco Bell stop selling the Meximelt?
Taco Bell removed the Meximelt from its menu in 2019 as part of a major menu simplification. However, because it uses standard ingredients, it remains one of the most popular items to recreate at home.
Can I make these in an air fryer?
Yes! If you prefer a crispy version of the Taco Bell Taco Melt, you can place the assembled rolls in an air fryer at 350 degrees Fahrenheit for 3 to 5 minutes until the exterior is golden brown.
What kind of cheese is best for this recipe?
Taco Bell traditionally used a three-cheese blend. For this copycat recipe, shredded cheddar or a Mexican blend works best for achieving that gooey, melted consistency.
Taco Bell Taco Melts
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Begin by browning the ground beef in a large skillet over medium-high heat. As it cooks, crumble the meat thoroughly. Once fully cooked, drain any excess grease from the pan.1 pound lean ground beef
- Return the skillet to the heat and add the water and the taco seasoning. For that authentic Taco Bell texture, use a potato masher or meat chopper to mash the beef into very fine crumbles while it simmers.1 packet taco seasoning, 1/2 cup water
- Let the meat simmer for 5 to 10 minutes until the water has reduced and the seasoning is well incorporated into the beef. Remove the skillet from the heat.
- Prepare the tortillas for rolling by placing a stack of four tortillas between damp paper towels. Microwave them for about 15 to 20 seconds until they are soft and pliable.4 large flour tortillas
- Assemble the Taco Bell Taco Melts by layering each tortilla with a portion of cheese, followed by the seasoned beef, a spoonful of pico de gallo, and a final sprinkle of cheese.2 1/2 cups shredded cheddar cheese, 1/2 cup fresh pico de gallo
- Tuck in the ends of the tortilla and roll it tightly like a small burrito.
- To achieve the signature steamed finish, wrap each assembled melt in a damp paper towel and microwave for 15 to 30 seconds until the cheese is perfectly melted and the tortilla is soft.