If you love the idea of a quesadilla and a burrito coming together in one glorious bite, then you are going to adore this Homemade Quesarito Recipe. This dish combines the gooey, cheesy perfection of a quesadilla with the satisfying heartiness of a burrito, all wrapped up in a crispy, golden tortilla. Within just 20 minutes, you can whip up a meal that is both comfort food and a little bit indulgent, with layers of seasoned beef, melty cheeses, and creamy sauces that brighten every mouthful. Whether you’re feeding yourself or impressing friends, this recipe is a fun twist that delivers flavor, texture, and that irresistible quesarito charm.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This Homemade Quesarito Recipe relies on simple, pantry-friendly ingredients that come together beautifully to create a balanced, flavor-packed dish. Each item adds its own touch, from the richness of cheese to the zest and warmth of seasoned beef, making the final result anything but ordinary.
- 2 large flour tortillas: These provide the perfect sturdy foundation for folding and toasting.
- 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese: Adds a sharp, melty layer that holds everything together.
- 1/2 cup cooked white or Mexican rice: A soft, comforting texture that gives each bite substance.
- 1/2 cup seasoned ground beef: Brings savory depth and a satisfying protein punch.
- 1/4 cup nacho cheese sauce: Creamy and cheesy, giving an extra layer of decadence.
- 2 tbsp sour cream: Adds cool tanginess that balances richness.
- 1/4 cup shredded mozzarella or Mexican blend cheese: For extra gooeyness and flavor variety.
- 1 tbsp butter or oil (for toasting): Helps achieve that golden, crispy outer crust.
- Optional: hot sauce, chopped jalapeños, or guacamole: Customize the spice and freshness to your taste.
How to Make Homemade Quesarito Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Quesadilla Base
Start by laying one of the flour tortillas flat and sprinkling the shredded cheddar cheese evenly across it. This cheesy layer will melt and act as a glue when you place the second tortilla on top, creating a perfect quesadilla base.
Step 2: Toast the Quesadilla
Place the second tortilla on top of the cheese-covered one, gently pressing so it sticks together. Heat a large skillet over medium heat and add butter or oil. Toast the quesadilla for a few minutes on each side until the tortillas are golden brown and the cheese inside is wonderfully melted. Then, remove it from the heat.
Step 3: Add the Filling
Lay the toasted quesadilla flat and spoon the cooked rice in a horizontal line through the center. This soft layer creates that satisfying bite that’s key to the Homemade Quesarito Recipe.
Step 4: Layer the Toppings
Next, add the seasoned ground beef, pour on the smooth nacho cheese sauce, dollop with sour cream, and sprinkle the shredded mozzarella or Mexican blend cheese right on top. Feel free to add jalapeños, hot sauce, or guacamole here for an extra kick and fresh flavor.
Step 5: Fold and Roll
Fold the sides of the quesadilla inwards, then roll it tightly like a burrito, making sure the filling stays nicely contained.
Step 6: Crisp and Seal
Place the rolled quesarito seam-side down back in the skillet and toast for 1 to 2 minutes. This seals the seam and crisps up the exterior. Flip and toast the other side if you want an evenly crispy finish.
Step 7: Serve Hot and Sliced
Slice your delicious Homemade Quesarito Recipe in half and serve immediately while everything is warm and melty. Pair it with extra sour cream, salsa, or guacamole for dipping if you like.
How to Serve Homemade Quesarito Recipe
Garnishes
Fresh garnishes can elevate this dish to new heights. Fresh cilantro, finely chopped onions, or a squeeze of lime juice adds brightness. Thin slices of avocado or a sprinkle of chopped green onions complement the creamy and savory flavors beautifully.
Side Dishes
Since the Homemade Quesarito Recipe packs so much flavor and heft, lighter sides work best. A crisp side salad, some tangy pickled vegetables, or a little bowl of black beans balance out the richness perfectly. Corn chips with salsa or a fresh pico de gallo add a fun, crunchy contrast.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, try serving your quesarito in a mini skillet or wrapped tightly in parchment paper tied with a colorful string, perfect for a picnic or casual get-together. You could also make smaller “mini-quesaritos” for bite-sized appetizers that are sure to impress guests at your next gathering.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have leftovers, wrap them tightly in foil or plastic wrap and store in the refrigerator. They should stay good for up to 2 days while retaining most of their flavor and texture.
Freezing
This Homemade Quesarito Recipe freezes well, making it convenient for busy days. Wrap each quesarito carefully in plastic wrap and then foil to prevent freezer burn, and freeze for up to 1 month.
Reheating
To reheat, unwrap and place the quesarito in a skillet over low-medium heat to regain that crispy exterior and warm filling, about 3 to 5 minutes per side. Avoid microwaving if you want to keep the toastiness intact, but microwave reheating works in a pinch.
FAQs
Can I make this recipe vegetarian?
Absolutely! Swap the seasoned ground beef for sautéed mushrooms, black beans, or even seasoned tofu for a satisfying vegetarian version of the Homemade Quesarito Recipe.
What kind of cheese works best?
Cheddar and mozzarella or a Mexican cheese blend melt beautifully and add great flavor. Feel free to experiment with pepper jack for a spicy kick or even a little cotija sprinkled on top after cooking.
How spicy is this recipe?
The base recipe is mild, but you can easily customize the heat by adding jalapeños, hot sauce, or a spicy salsa according to your taste.
Can I use tortillas other than flour?
Flour tortillas are ideal for folding and crisping without breaking, but you can try large corn tortillas if you handle them gently, though they’re less pliable and may need warming before folding.
Is the recipe freezer-friendly?
Yes, you can freeze prepared quesaritos wrapped well, and reheat them later with excellent results, perfect for meal prepping or busy nights.
Final Thoughts
This Homemade Quesarito Recipe is a joyous blend of comfort and creativity that’s easy to make and delightful to eat. It’s perfect for anyone craving cheesy, crispy, satisfying food with simple ingredients and minimal fuss. Give it a try—once you have that first warm, melty bite, you’ll want to make it again and again!
Print
Homemade Quesarito Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Yield: 1 serving
- Category: Lunch
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Mexican-American
Description
This Homemade Quesarito is a delicious fusion of a quesadilla and a burrito, featuring melted cheddar cheese between two tortillas, filled with seasoned ground beef, rice, nacho cheese sauce, sour cream, and a blend of cheeses. Toasted to crispy perfection on a skillet, this handheld meal is perfect for a quick and satisfying lunch or dinner.
Ingredients
For the Quesarito:
- 2 large flour tortillas
- 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/2 cup cooked white or Mexican rice
- 1/2 cup seasoned ground beef (or beef of choice)
- 1/4 cup nacho cheese sauce
- 2 tbsp sour cream
- 1/4 cup shredded mozzarella or Mexican blend cheese
- 1 tbsp butter or oil (for toasting)
- Optional: hot sauce, chopped jalapeños, or guacamole
Instructions
- Prepare the base: Lay one flour tortilla flat on a clean surface and evenly sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese across the entire surface to ensure a cheesy base.
- Make the cheese quesadilla: Place the second tortilla on top of the first, gently pressing down to slightly seal the edges. Heat a large skillet over medium heat and add butter or oil. Place the quesadilla in the skillet and toast until the cheese melts and the tortillas turn golden brown on both sides. Remove the quesadilla from the skillet and set aside.
- Add the fillings: Place the toasted quesadilla flat on a surface. In the center, make a horizontal line with the cooked rice. Layer the seasoned ground beef on top of the rice, followed by the nacho cheese sauce, sour cream, and the shredded mozzarella or Mexican blend cheese. Add optional extras like hot sauce, chopped jalapeños, or guacamole if desired.
- Roll the quesarito: Fold the sides of the quesadilla inwards over the filling, then tightly roll it from one end to the other like a burrito, ensuring the fillings stay inside securely.
- Toast the rolled quesarito: Return the rolled quesarito to the skillet seam-side down. Toast for 1–2 minutes to seal the seam and create a crispy exterior. Flip and toast the other side if you prefer extra crispiness.
- Serve: Remove from heat, slice the quesarito in half, and serve hot with extra sour cream, dipping sauces, or your favorite toppings.
Notes
- Use cooked rice that is cooled or at room temperature to prevent the quesarito from becoming soggy.
- Adjust the heat setting to medium-low if cheese melts too quickly or tortillas brown too fast.
- For a vegetarian version, substitute seasoned ground beef with beans or sautéed vegetables.
- Adding fresh toppings like guacamole or pico de gallo after cooking enhances flavor and texture.
- Use butter for a richer flavor or oil for a lighter option when toasting.
