Beef Meximelt Cheesy Taco with Taco Seasoning – The Ultimate Cheesy Taco Meximelt Recipe
1. Cheesy Taco Meximelt
Taco night has become a staple in many households, and for good reason—it’s quick, customizable, and undeniably satisfying. But if you’re looking to take your taco recipes to the next level, the Beef Meximelt Cheesy Taco is the perfect way to do it. Combining savory ground beef, melty cheese, and a warm flour tortilla, this dish offers a nostalgic nod to classic Mexican dishes with a fast, flavorful twist.
The Cheesy Taco Meximelt draws inspiration from beloved Tex-Mex favorites, offering a combination of textures and flavors that hit every craving. From the perfectly seasoned beef to the gooey blend of cheddar and Monterey Jack cheese, each bite delivers rich satisfaction. This recipe captures the essence of a comfort food favorite while being easy enough to make in under 30 minutes.
Whether you’re recreating a restaurant-style dish or experimenting with your own twist on classic ground beef tacos, the Beef Meximelt stands out for its simplicity and flavor. Using ingredients like flour tortillas and a well-balanced taco seasoning mix, this dish is as much about ease as it is about taste. For background on the core ingredients, check out resources like Taco and Taco seasoning for a deeper understanding of their roots in Mexican cuisine.
If you’ve ever missed the discontinued fast food classic, this cheesy taco is your answer. Made fresh at home, it’s a guaranteed upgrade that offers room for personal flair while staying true to the flavors you love. Ready to bring the sizzle to your dinner table? This is the taco night upgrade you didn’t know you needed.
2. What is a Meximelt? Taco Bell Origins & Popularity
The Meximelt is a nostalgic menu item that gained a devoted following during its long run at Taco Bell. Known for its fusion of a soft taco and a quesadilla, the Beef Meximelt combined ground beef, melted cheese, and pico de gallo wrapped in a warm flour tortilla. It was simple yet satisfying—a perfect example of Americanized Mexican dishes tailored for fast food lovers.
Originally introduced in the late 1980s, the Meximelt quietly gained popularity as a hidden gem on the menu. Although it was not always advertised as prominently as tacos or burritos, those who discovered it appreciated the balance of spicy and creamy textures. It offered something slightly different from the standard taco: softer, cheesier, and more indulgent.
Unfortunately, the Meximelt was eventually discontinued, much to the disappointment of fans. Taco Bell never officially stated why, but many speculate it was due to a streamlined menu initiative. This left many home cooks searching for copycat taco recipes to recreate that classic flavor experience. Pinterest is full of inspiration, such as Homemade taco recipes and Cheesy beef recipes, making it easy to revive the dish in your own kitchen.
Today, the Cheesy Taco Meximelt continues to thrive in home kitchens thanks to its accessible ingredients and versatile nature. It’s a great example of how regional favorites and discontinued menu items can find new life through food blogs, recipe sites, and social sharing. By combining pantry staples like ground beef and cheese, and exploring dishes within Mexican cuisine, recreating your favorite restaurant dishes has never been easier.
3. Key Ingredients That Make It Crave-Worthy
The success of a truly irresistible Cheesy Taco Meximelt lies in the quality and balance of its ingredients. Each component plays a vital role in delivering flavor, texture, and that signature melt-in-your-mouth satisfaction. Whether you’re replicating the fast-food favorite or crafting your own version, understanding the ingredients is essential to getting it just right.
Ground Beef: Flavorful and Juicy
The heart of the Beef Meximelt is well-seasoned ground beef. Choose an 80/20 blend for optimal flavor and juiciness. Cooking the beef until it’s browned and slightly crispy adds texture, while draining the fat ensures it doesn’t overpower the dish.
To boost flavor, mix the beef with a quality taco seasoning and let it simmer. This step allows the spices—usually including cumin, paprika, garlic powder, and chili powder—to infuse deeply into the meat. For more details on preparation and composition, visit ground beef.
Taco Seasoning: Store-Bought vs. Homemade
Taco seasoning is a pantry hero. You can use a store-bought packet for convenience or whip up your own blend to control salt and spice levels. Homemade versions often include:
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Cumin
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Chili powder
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Paprika
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Garlic and onion powder
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Oregano
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Salt and pepper
This mix gives the Meximelt its warm, earthy profile. To explore its origins and ingredients, check out taco seasoning.
Cheese Combo: Cheddar and Monterey Jack
Cheese is what makes the Cheesy Taco Meximelt unforgettable. A mix of cheddar cheese and Monterey Jack offers the ideal balance of sharp flavor and creamy melt. Cheddar adds a tangy bite, while Monterey Jack provides a mild, buttery texture that melts beautifully.
Learn more about the melting qualities of these cheeses here:
A 1:1 ratio is best for even melting, and shredding the cheese yourself ensures smoother texture and better melt compared to pre-shredded varieties.
Toppings: Tomatoes and Onions
For brightness and freshness, diced tomatoes and finely chopped onions are essential. They cut through the richness of the cheese and beef, adding crunch and a fresh pop of acidity. For extra flavor, consider quick-pickling the onions or using fresh pico de gallo.
Flour Tortillas: Soft and Foldable
Using soft, pliable flour tortillas helps wrap all the goodness without tearing. They’re larger and more flexible than corn tortillas, making them ideal for folding like a burrito and sealing on a skillet. For more background on tortillas, visit Tortilla.
You can also check Pinterest boards like Easy taco night ideas for creative tortilla uses and wrap hacks.
3.1 Why Cheddar and Monterey Jack Are the Best Cheeses for Melting
The hallmark of a true Cheesy Taco Meximelt is the gooey, irresistible pull of melted cheese. Choosing the right cheese isn’t just about taste—it’s about how well it melts, stretches, and binds the flavors together. That’s why cheddar and Monterey Jack are the gold standard for this dish.
Cheddar cheese, particularly mild or medium sharp, brings a rich, tangy depth that complements the seasoned ground beef. Its firm structure allows it to shred easily, and when melted, it becomes creamy but still flavorful. You can learn more about its origins and characteristics at Cheddar cheese.
Monterey Jack, on the other hand, is known for its smooth texture and high moisture content, which makes it one of the best cheeses for melting. Its mild flavor balances out the sharpness of cheddar, creating a creamy, luscious filling. Explore its melting qualities here: Monterey Jack cheese.
The two together form a melt-friendly duo:
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Cheddar = Flavor depth + structure
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Monterey Jack = Creaminess + smooth melt
This pairing melts beautifully inside the warm flour tortilla, binding the taco ingredients into a cohesive, craveable package. It’s the combination that gives the Beef Meximelt its signature cheesy interior and slight crispiness when seared in a skillet.
If you’re hosting a DIY taco night, this combo works well in everything from tacos to quesadillas, making it a staple in many Mexican dishes. Boards like Homemade taco recipes also showcase how versatile this cheese mix can be.
3.2 Alternatives for Cheese Lovers (Queso, Pepper Jack, etc.)
If you’re looking to experiment or add a new twist to your Cheesy Taco Meximelt, there are plenty of cheese alternatives that offer different levels of spice, creaminess, and meltability. Whether you’re upping the heat or dialing up the richness, the cheese can dramatically shift the flavor profile.
Here are some popular options:
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Queso Blanco: A creamy, mild Mexican cheese that melts well and offers a delicate flavor. Ideal for a smoother bite with less sharpness.
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Pepper Jack: For a spicy kick, Pepper Jack is a go-to. Infused with jalapeños and peppers, it adds heat without sacrificing melt quality.
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Mozzarella: Known for its stretch, mozzarella can be added for texture. It’s milder than cheddar or Monterey Jack, making it a neutral base.
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Oaxaca Cheese: Similar to mozzarella in stretch but with a slightly saltier profile, it’s a traditional Mexican cheese perfect for melting.
These cheese swaps are ideal for customizing your taco recipes based on preference. Just remember to maintain a good melt ratio—high-moisture cheeses can get greasy if overused.
Need more inspiration? Browse Pinterest for ideas like Cheesy beef recipes that use unique cheeses in creative ways. No matter what blend you choose, cheese remains the star of the Meximelt experience.
4. Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions
1. Brown the Ground Beef
Start by heating a skillet over medium heat. Add 1 lb of ground beef and cook until fully browned, breaking it apart with a spatula as it cooks. Drain any excess grease to avoid soggy tortillas.
2. Season the Beef
Sprinkle in 1 packet of taco seasoning and add ½ cup of water. Stir to combine and simmer for about 5 minutes, or until the mixture thickens and the seasoning is fully absorbed.
3. Warm the Tortillas
While the beef simmers, warm 6 small flour tortillas in a dry skillet or microwave. Warming makes them easier to fold without cracking.
4. Assemble the Tacos
Lay each tortilla flat and spoon a generous line of seasoned beef down the center. Top with a mix of 1 cup shredded cheddar and 1 cup shredded Monterey Jack cheese. Add ½ cup diced tomatoes and ¼ cup finely chopped onions.
5. Fold the Tortillas
Fold each tortilla like a burrito: tuck in the sides and roll tightly. This seals in the fillings and helps the cheese melt evenly.
6. Finish on the Skillet
Place the folded tacos seam-side down in a preheated skillet over medium heat. Cook for 1–2 minutes per side, pressing slightly to create a golden, crispy outer layer while the cheese inside melts.
7. Serve
Remove from skillet and serve hot. Optional toppings include salsa, hot sauce, or sour cream for added flavor.
For more meal ideas that enhance taco night, explore Easy taco night ideas to expand your dinner rotation.
4.1 How to Warm and Fold Tortillas for the Perfect Wrap
Properly handling tortillas ensures your Cheesy Taco Meximelt doesn’t fall apart when you bite into it. Cold tortillas are prone to cracking, so here’s how to get them just right.
Warming methods:
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Skillet: Heat each tortilla in a dry skillet for 20–30 seconds per side. This creates a soft, pliable wrap with a light toast.
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Microwave: Stack tortillas with a damp paper towel and microwave for 20–30 seconds. This method keeps them soft but less crisp.
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Oven: Wrap a stack of tortillas in foil and warm at 350°F for 10 minutes.
Folding tips:
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Place fillings slightly off-center to make rolling easier.
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Fold in the sides first to keep the filling inside.
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Then, roll up from the bottom, pressing gently to seal.
Practicing the fold ensures each bite has the perfect ratio of ground beef, cheese, and toppings without spills.
4.2 Best Skillet Technique for Melting Cheese and Sealing Wrap
Sealing the Meximelt in the skillet not only gives it a crisp texture but also ensures the melted cheese binds the fillings together. Use a non-stick or cast iron skillet for best results.
Tips for skillet sealing:
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Preheat the skillet before adding the wraps—this prevents sticking and uneven cooking.
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Cook seam-side down first to seal the fold.
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Press with a spatula for even browning and to help the cheese spread.
Avoid overcooking, which can dry out the wrap or burn the bottom before the cheese fully melts. Aim for a golden-brown finish with a soft center.
5. Customizing Your Cheesy Taco Meximelt
One of the biggest benefits of this taco recipe is its flexibility. You can tweak the ingredients to suit your taste preferences or dietary needs.
Spicy additions:
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Jalapeños or serrano peppers for extra heat
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A drizzle of hot sauce or chipotle mayo
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Swap regular cheese with Pepper Jack or habanero cheddar
Add-ons for more texture or flavor:
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Black beans or refried beans for added creaminess
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Avocado slices or guacamole
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Sweet corn, cilantro, or lime for brightness
Vegetarian swaps:
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Use plant-based ground beef or sautéed mushrooms
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Substitute beans or lentils for the protein
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Add grilled peppers and onions for a fajita-style twist
Gluten-free option:
Use gluten-free tortillas, and ensure the taco seasoning is free from wheat-based fillers.
For more personalized versions, check out boards like Homemade taco recipes to discover exciting variations.
6. Nutritional Breakdown (Per Serving)
While this dish is comfort food at heart, knowing the nutritional details can help you make informed choices or adapt the recipe for your needs.
Estimated values per Meximelt (1 serving):
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Calories: 360–420
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Protein: 18–22g
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Fat: 22–26g
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Carbohydrates: 25–30g
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Fiber: 2–3g
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Sodium: 700–900mg
Healthier modifications:
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Use lean ground beef (93/7) or ground turkey
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Choose low-fat cheese or reduce the amount used
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Opt for whole wheat or low-carb tortillas
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Load up on veggies for volume and fiber
If you’re counting macros or meal-prepping, this recipe can be easily adapted for balance and nutritional goals.
7. Serving Suggestions: What to Pair with Meximelts
A Cheesy Taco Meximelt is satisfying on its own, but the right sides and pairings can complete the meal and elevate your taco night experience.
Perfect side dishes:
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Mexican Rice: Fluffy and tomato-flavored, it balances the richness of the Meximelt
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Refried Beans: Creamy, filling, and traditional
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Street Corn (Elote): Grilled corn slathered with mayo, lime, cheese, and chili powder
Dips and sauces:
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Salsa Verde or Roja: Adds freshness and spice
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Queso Dip: For extra cheesiness
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Sour Cream or Crema: Cool and creamy balance
Drink pairings:
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Horchata: A cinnamon-infused rice milk drink
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Margaritas: Classic pairing for taco night
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Sparkling water or soda: For a simple refreshment
Mix and match these ideas to create a complete and crowd-pleasing taco spread.
8. Storage & Reheating Tips
If you have leftovers—or are meal-prepping for the week—the Beef Meximelt stores and reheats well with a few tips.
Storage:
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Wrap cooled Meximelts individually in foil or airtight containers
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Store in the refrigerator for up to 3 days
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Freeze for up to 1 month for longer storage
Reheating:
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Skillet: Best for keeping the tortilla crisp. Reheat on medium heat for 3–4 minutes per side
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Oven: Wrap in foil and bake at 350°F for 10–15 minutes
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Microwave: Use for convenience, but expect a softer tortilla. Heat for 60–90 seconds
Avoid overcooking, which can make the tortilla chewy and the filling dry.
9. Making It for a Crowd: Taco Bar Idea
Planning a party or family gathering? The Cheesy Taco Meximelt is a fantastic base for a DIY taco bar that allows everyone to customize their own wrap.
Prep-ahead tips:
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Cook a large batch of ground beef ahead of time
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Set out various cheeses, toppings, and sauces
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Warm tortillas and keep them wrapped in foil to stay soft
Toppings station:
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Shredded lettuce, tomatoes, onions
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Jalapeños, hot sauce, sour cream
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Guacamole, beans, corn, lime wedges
Pro tip: Offer cheese varieties like Monterey Jack, cheddar, and queso blanco so guests can mix and match to their taste.
This setup keeps guests engaged and ensures everyone gets exactly what they like.
10. Common Mistakes to Avoid
Even with a simple recipe, a few mistakes can affect the final result. Here’s what to watch out for:
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Overstuffing the tortillas: Makes folding difficult and causes fillings to spill
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Skipping the beef drain: Leads to soggy, greasy tacos
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Using cold tortillas: Causes cracking when folding
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Burning the wrap: Skillet too hot before cheese melts inside
Avoid these common errors to ensure your Cheesy Taco Meximelt comes out perfect every time.
11. FAQs – People Also Ask
Q1: What is the difference between a taco and a Meximelt?
A taco usually features crispy or soft shells filled with meat and toppings. A Meximelt is a soft flour tortilla filled with ground beef and melted cheese, then heated to fuse the flavors—closer to a quesadilla-taco hybrid.
Q2: How do you keep cheese melted in a taco?
Use high-moisture melting cheeses like Monterey Jack. Wrapping and skillet-heating helps trap steam inside, allowing the cheese to melt completely.
Q3: Can I use corn tortillas instead of flour?
Yes, but they’re smaller and less pliable. Flour tortillas are better for folding and skillet-sealing without breaking.
Q4: What cheese melts best in tacos?
Cheddar, Monterey Jack, Oaxaca, and Queso Blanco all melt well and complement Mexican dishes.
Q5: Is taco seasoning the same as fajita seasoning?
Not exactly. Taco seasoning tends to be spicier with more chili powder, while fajita seasoning has more cumin and garlic.
Q6: How do I make this dish vegetarian or vegan?
Swap beef with black beans, lentils, or a meat alternative. Use plant-based cheese for a vegan version.
Q7: Can I freeze cheesy taco wraps?
Yes, wrap them tightly and freeze for up to a month. Reheat in the oven or skillet for best results.
Q8: What toppings go well with cheesy tacos?
Sour cream, salsa, lettuce, tomatoes, guacamole, and hot sauce are all excellent options.
Beef Meximelt Cheesy Taco with Taco Seasoning
Turn any night into taco night with this Beef Meximelt Cheesy Taco—a melty, savory fusion of seasoned ground beef, cheddar, Monterey Jack, and fresh toppings wrapped in a soft flour tortilla. Sealed in a skillet for extra crispness and gooey melt, this dish is inspired by nostalgic fast-food favorites but made better at home. Whether you’re hosting a taco bar or meal-prepping for the week, this quick and craveable recipe is your go-to comfort food with a Mexican cuisine twist.
Ingredients
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 packet taco seasoning mix
- ½ cup water
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 cup shredded Monterey Jack cheese
- ½ cup diced tomatoes
- ¼ cup finely chopped onions
- 6 small flour tortillas
- Optional: hot sauce, sour cream, or salsa for serving
Instructions
In a skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef until browned. Drain excess grease.
Add taco seasoning and water to the beef. Stir to combine and simmer for about 5 minutes until thickened.
Warm tortillas in a skillet or microwave until soft and pliable.
Place a spoonful of seasoned beef down the center of each tortilla.
Top with a mix of cheddar and Monterey Jack cheese, then add diced tomatoes and chopped onions.
Fold each tortilla like a burrito, tucking in the sides and rolling it up.
Heat a clean skillet over medium heat. Place each wrapped taco seam-side down and cook for 1–2 minutes per side until golden and the cheese is melted.
Serve warm with your favorite toppings.
Notes
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For extra spice, add chopped jalapeños or use Pepper Jack cheese.
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Avoid overstuffing to ensure easy folding and proper melting.
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Store leftovers wrapped in foil and reheat in a skillet for best texture.
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Use freshly shredded cheese for optimal melt.
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Double the batch and freeze for future taco nights.
