A Cheesy Quesarito is the perfect mashup of two favorite Tex-Mex staples: the cheesy quesadilla and the hearty burrito. It’s packed with flavorful seasoned beef, warm rice, zesty nacho cheese, and creamy sour cream, all wrapped up in a melty quesadilla instead of a regular tortilla. When I want something that feels indulgent, comforting, and filling, this recipe always hits the spot.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
I love how this Quesarito brings double the cheesy flavor with its gooey quesadilla outer shell and the rich nacho cheese inside. It’s a great recipe for weeknight dinners when I want something satisfying and full of flavor. Plus, it’s totally customizable — I can switch up the meat or toppings depending on what I have on hand. The crispy outside and warm, melty inside always make this a crowd-pleaser.
Ingredients
(Here’s a tip: Check out the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
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Large flour tortillas
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Shredded Mexican blend cheese
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Cooked white rice
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Ground beef
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Taco seasoning
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Nacho cheese sauce
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Sour cream
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Butter or oil (for toasting the quesadilla)
Directions
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I start by cooking the ground beef in a skillet over medium heat. Once it’s browned, I drain the excess grease and stir in taco seasoning with a little water. I let it simmer until thickened.
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In another pan, I lay a tortilla flat and sprinkle shredded cheese over one half. I fold it over and toast it in a lightly buttered skillet until both sides are golden and the cheese is melted — that’s my quesadilla “wrap.”
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I open the quesadilla back up carefully and layer cooked rice, seasoned beef, nacho cheese, and a dollop of sour cream in the center.
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Then I roll it up like a burrito — tuck the sides and roll tightly.
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I place the finished Quesarito back in the pan for a final toast, seam-side down, to help seal it all together.
Servings and timing
This recipe makes 2 large Quesaritos. It usually takes me about 10 minutes to prep everything and another 15 minutes to cook and assemble, so I have it ready in around 25 minutes.
Variations
I like swapping the ground beef with shredded chicken when I want a twist. For a vegetarian version, I replace the meat with seasoned black beans or grilled veggies. If I want extra heat, I mix jalapeños into the cheese or add spicy salsa before rolling. And when I’m craving crunch, crushed tortilla chips inside do the trick.
storage/reheating
To store leftovers, I wrap them in foil or place them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. When reheating, I like to use a skillet over low heat to bring back that crispy quesadilla texture. The microwave works too, but I cover it with a damp paper towel to keep the tortilla from drying out.
FAQs
What’s the best cheese for a Quesarito?
I go for a shredded Mexican blend or cheddar, but anything that melts well like Monterey Jack or mozzarella works great too.
Can I make this ahead of time?
Yes, I often prep the filling ahead and store it separately. Then I assemble and toast the Quesarito when I’m ready to eat for the best texture.
Do I need nacho cheese sauce?
It adds extra creaminess and flavor, but if I’m out of it, I use shredded cheese inside with a splash of milk or make a quick cheese sauce.
How do I keep the tortilla from tearing?
I warm the tortillas slightly before using them — either in the microwave or on a dry skillet — so they’re more flexible and less likely to rip.
Can I freeze Quesaritos?
I can! I wrap them tightly in foil, freeze them, and then reheat in the oven or skillet when I want a quick meal.
Conclusion
This Cheesy Quesarito is one of those comforting meals I keep coming back to. It’s packed with flavor, super customizable, and comes together pretty quickly. Whether I’m feeding myself or making a fun dinner for others, it always feels like a special treat.
Print
Cheesy Quesarito
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 2 large Quesaritos
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Tex-Mex
- Diet: Halal
Description
The Cheesy Quesarito is a fusion of a quesadilla and a burrito, filled with seasoned beef, rice, nacho cheese, and sour cream, all wrapped inside a cheesy, crispy quesadilla shell. It’s indulgent, flavorful, and totally satisfying.
Ingredients
- 2 large flour tortillas
- 1 cup shredded Mexican blend cheese
- 1 cup cooked white rice
- 1/2 lb ground beef
- 1 tablespoon taco seasoning
- 1/4 cup water
- 1/3 cup nacho cheese sauce
- 1/4 cup sour cream
- 1 tablespoon butter or oil (for toasting)
Instructions
- Cook ground beef in a skillet over medium heat until browned. Drain excess grease.
- Add taco seasoning and water to the beef. Stir and simmer until thickened. Set aside.
- In a separate skillet, place a tortilla flat and sprinkle shredded cheese over one half. Fold over and toast with butter or oil until golden and cheese is melted. Repeat for the second tortilla.
- Carefully open each quesadilla and layer with cooked rice, seasoned beef, nacho cheese sauce, and a spoonful of sour cream.
- Roll each quesadilla up burrito-style: tuck in the sides and roll tightly.
- Place the rolled Quesaritos seam-side down in the skillet to toast again and seal. Serve hot.
Notes
- Swap ground beef for shredded chicken, black beans, or grilled veggies for variations.
- Add jalapeños, salsa, or crushed tortilla chips for extra flavor or texture.
- Warm tortillas before use to prevent tearing.
- Store leftovers in foil or airtight container for up to 3 days.
- Reheat in skillet for crisp texture or microwave with a damp paper towel.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 Quesarito
- Calories: 590
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 850mg
- Fat: 32g
- Saturated Fat: 15g
- Unsaturated Fat: 14g
- Trans Fat: 0.5g
- Carbohydrates: 46g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 28g
- Cholesterol: 85mg
