Recipe For Taco Bell Meximelt

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Craving that cheesy, melty Taco Bell classic? This recipe for Taco Bell Meximelt brings back every bite of flavor you remember right from your own kitchen. Made with seasoned beef, gooey cheese, and fresh pico de gallo, this copycat version nails it in under 30 minutes. It’s fast food nostalgia, home-style.

Close-up of Recipe For Taco Bell Meximelt sliced open
Sliced Meximelt showing melted cheese inside
Table of Contents

What is Taco Bell Meximelt

If you ever ordered late-night tacos in the ‘90s or early 2000s, chances are the Meximelt had a permanent spot on your tray. Taco Bell Meximelt was a soft flour tortilla packed with seasoned ground beef, a generous handful of melted cheese, and a scoop of fresh pico de gallo. It was warm, cheesy, slightly spicy, and incredibly simple but that’s what made it crave-worthy.

The Meximelt was one of Taco Bell’s longest-running sleeper hits, quietly sitting on menus for decades before it was quietly retired. It had the soft chew of a quesadilla with the bold bite of a taco a hybrid that fans swore by.

What made it special? No crunchy shell, no overload of toppings just perfectly seasoned meat and melty cheese wrapped in a steamy tortilla. This recipe for Taco Bell Meximelt brings back that same flavor, but even better. At home, you control the heat, the cheese, and the freshness of the pico. It’s fast food flavor, minus the drive-thru.

If you love recipes that balance comfort with a quick cook time, this one sits right up there with cozy dishes like Bayou Chicken Pasta and Beef Kelaguen, all of which deliver flavor without fuss.

Why You’ll Love This Copycat Recipe

There’s a reason the Taco Bell Meximelt had cult status. But once you make it at home, you might not miss the original. This version is every bit as melty, savory, and satisfying with fresher flavor and faster results.

It’s Better Than the Drive-Thru

No more wondering if it’s still on the menu. This copycat recipe for Taco Bell Meximelt gives you full control more meat, extra cheese, and pico made fresh. The tortillas are soft and warm, just like the original, and everything comes together in under 30 minutes.

Weeknight-Friendly and Crowd-Pleasing

Whether it’s a fast dinner or a game-day snack, these Meximelts are always a win. Kids love the cheesy beef filling, and adults can load them with heat or top with extras like Cocky Leeky Soup on the side for a full meal. You can make the pico ahead and prep the meat in minutes.

Want more comfort food shortcuts? You’ll also love the CR Chicks Smokey Pasta Recipe for another bold-flavored copycat.

How to Make

Quick Overview

This copycat recipe for Taco Bell Meximelt takes just 25 minutes from start to finish. It’s all about simple ingredients, minimal prep, and major comfort.

  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 15 minutes
  • Total Time: 25 minutes
  • Servings: 6 Meximelts

Ingredients

For the Beef Meximelts:

  • 1 pound ground beef
  • 2 tablespoons taco seasoning
  • 6 taco-sized flour tortillas
  • 2 cups Mexican shredded cheese blend
  • ¾ cup pico de gallo

For the Pico de Gallo:

  • 1 cup chopped tomato
  • 2 tablespoons finely chopped onion
  • 1 tablespoon lime juice
  • ¼ teaspoon salt
  • 1 tablespoon chopped cilantro
  • ½ jalapeño, seeded and finely chopped
Flat lay of Meximelt ingredients in bowls
Ingredients for making Taco Bell-style Meximelts

Step-by-Step

  1. Make the Pico de Gallo
    Combine chopped tomato, onion, lime juice, salt, cilantro, and jalapeño in a bowl. Stir gently and refrigerate until ready to use.
  2. Cook the Beef
    In a large skillet over medium heat, brown the ground beef. Break it into small crumbles as it cooks. Drain excess fat if needed, then stir in the taco seasoning with the water listed on the seasoning packet. Simmer until thickened.
  3. Warm the Tortillas
    Wrap the tortillas in a clean kitchen towel and microwave for 20 seconds until soft and pliable.
  4. Assemble the Meximelts
    Lay each tortilla flat. Add a layer of shredded cheese, then a scoop of taco meat, followed by a spoonful of fresh pico de gallo. Fold in the sides and roll it up like a burrito.
  5. Melt and Serve
    Wrap each Meximelt in a damp paper towel and microwave for 20 seconds to get that signature melt. Serve hot.

Looking for more throwback flavors? Try pairing this with the Taco Bell Dragon Fruit Freeze Recipe for the ultimate homemade fast food fix.

What to Serve Taco Bell Meximelt With

Meximelts are hearty and flavorful on their own, but a few simple sides can take them from a snack to a full-on meal.

Perfect Pairings for Your Plate

Serve your copycat Taco Bell Meximelt with:

  • Cilantro-lime rice or Spanish rice for a fresh, herby balance
  • Refried beans or black bean mash for a protein-packed extra
  • Crispy tortilla chips with salsa or queso for crunch on the side

These make weeknight dinners feel a little more like a fast food feast minus the guilt.

Sauces and Dips to Level It Up

A side of sour cream, guacamole, or creamy chipotle sauce adds even more Taco Bell-inspired flair. For a cozy combo, pair it with soup favorites like Medieval Times Tomato Bisque or hearty Vomacka Soup. Both balance the cheesy richness with comforting warmth.

Top Tips for Perfecting the Copycat

You don’t need special tools or skills to nail this recipe, but a few smart tricks make all the difference between good and authentic Meximelt flavor.

Get the Beef Just Right

Use lean ground beef (85/15 works best) to avoid greasy filling. As it browns, break it down finely so it closely matches Taco Bell’s crumbly texture. Be sure to simmer it fully with taco seasoning until most of the liquid is absorbed but the meat is still moist.

Steam, Don’t Toast

To replicate the Meximelt’s iconic soft, melty finish, wrap each filled tortilla in a damp paper towel and microwave briefly. This steams the tortilla, melts the cheese evenly, and locks everything in without drying it out. It’s the exact method Taco Bell used behind the scenes.

Bonus tip: For large batches, wrap the filled Meximelts in foil and warm them in a low oven just like you would with Australian Meat Pasties, keeping them warm and melty for everyone.

Storing and Reheating Tips

Got leftovers? No problem. Meximelts reheat beautifully with just a little care.

How to Store Meximelts

Wrap each fully assembled and cooked Meximelt in foil or plastic wrap and store in an airtight container. They’ll stay fresh in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

For freezing, let them cool completely. Wrap tightly in foil, then place in a freezer-safe bag. They’ll keep for up to 2 months without losing flavor.

Reheating for Best Results

Microwave one at a time, wrapped in a damp paper towel, for 45–60 seconds until hot and melty. If frozen, thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.

Avoid dry reheating steam is key! Just like reheating the Cransational Chicken Salad toppings, the goal is moisture without sogginess.

FAQs

What was in the Meximelt at Taco Bell?

The original Taco Bell Meximelt included seasoned ground beef, melted three-cheese blend, and fresh pico de gallo, all wrapped in a soft flour tortilla. No lettuce, no sauces just warm, cheesy goodness.

How to get a Meximelt at Taco Bell?

Taco Bell removed the Meximelt from their menu, but you can request a soft taco with extra cheese and pico de gallo to mimic it. Better yet, use this recipe for Taco Bell Meximelt and enjoy the original flavor anytime.

What’s on the 80s Meximelt?

The 1980s version of the Meximelt was nearly identical to later versions soft flour tortilla, seasoned beef, cheddar cheese, and fresh pico. It was beloved for its simplicity and gooey texture.

What is a Meximelt made of?

A Meximelt is made from a soft taco shell filled with ground beef, shredded Mexican cheese, and pico de gallo. It’s then steamed or microwaved to achieve that signature meltiness. This copycat recipe for Taco Bell Meximelt sticks to those same simple roots.

The Meximelt may be gone from the Taco Bell menu, but thanks to this recipe, it’s back in your kitchen and better than ever. From the gooey cheese to the steamy tortilla, everything about this homemade version hits the nostalgic spot. Whether you’re recreating a late-night bite or introducing it to someone new, this dish never disappoints.

For the full Taco Bell-inspired meal, pair your Meximelt with a refreshing Taco Bell Dragon Fruit Freeze to really complete the vibe. And if you try it, I’d love to see your creations tag us on Facebook or Pinterest and let the Meximelt live on!

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Close-up of Recipe For Taco Bell Meximelt sliced open

Recipe For Taco Bell Meximelt


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  • Author: Ella Dawson
  • Total Time: 25 minutes
  • Yield: 6 Meximelts 1x

Description

A fast and flavorful copycat recipe for Taco Bell Meximelt featuring seasoned beef, fresh pico de gallo, and melty cheese all wrapped in a soft flour tortilla.


Ingredients

Scale

1 pound ground beef

2 tablespoons taco seasoning

6 taco-sized flour tortillas

2 cups Mexican shredded cheese blend

¾ cup Pico de Gallo

Pico de Gallo:

1 cup tomato, chopped

2 tablespoons onion, finely chopped

1 tablespoon lime juice

¼ teaspoon salt

1 tablespoon chopped cilantro

½ jalapeño, chopped


Instructions

  1. Make the pico de gallo: Toss all pico ingredients together and refrigerate.
  2. Brown the beef in a skillet and add taco seasoning with water.
  3. Warm tortillas in microwave for 20 seconds in a towel.
  4. Fill each tortilla with cheese, beef, and pico.
  5. Fold and wrap like a burrito.
  6. Wrap in a damp paper towel and microwave 20 seconds to melt.

Notes

Use lean ground beef for the best texture. Fresh pico adds a brighter taste than jarred salsa. For a heat boost, leave the jalapeño seeds in.

  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 15 minutes
  • Category: Dinner
  • Method: Stovetop, Microwave
  • Cuisine: American, Copycat

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 Meximelt
  • Calories: 485
  • Sugar: 2g
  • Sodium: 788mg
  • Fat: 29g
  • Saturated Fat: 14g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 12g
  • Trans Fat: 1g
  • Carbohydrates: 18g
  • Fiber: 2g
  • Protein: 35g
  • Cholesterol: 116mg

Essential Kitchen Tools for This Recipe:

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