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Taco Bell Taco Melts

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.
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 10 minutes
Total Time 25 minutes
Servings: 4 melts
Course: Dinner, Main Course
Cuisine: American, Mexican
Calories: 549

Ingredients
  

  • 1 pound lean ground beef or ground turkey for a lighter option
  • 1 packet taco seasoning 1 ounce
  • 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

Equipment

  • Large Skillet
  • Potato Masher

Method
 

  1. 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
  2. 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
  3. 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.
  4. 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
  5. 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
  6. Tuck in the ends of the tortilla and roll it tightly like a small burrito.
  7. 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.

Notes

Use a potato masher to break the ground beef into tiny, uniform crumbles to mimic the authentic Taco Bell texture. Wrapping the finished product in a damp paper towel before microwaving ensures the tortilla stays soft.