Restaurant Clicks

25 Copycat Taco Bell Recipes You Can Make at Home

Taco Bell cravings don’t always happen at the best times, like after you’ve already changed into your pajamas. Luckily, you can make pretty much every Taco Bell menu item at home. In fact, we’ve compiled 25 of our favorite copycat Taco Bell recipes you can make at home. From their fan-favorite menu items to crunchy tacos and loaded burritos (with drinks and desserts), we’ve got you covered. You can make most of these with simple ingredients you can find at the grocery store, and they only take about 30 minutes. We saved the most popular for last, so keep scrolling to see what our #1 copycat recipe is!

25. Copycat Cinnamon Twists

Taco Bell’s Cinnamon Twists are not made from tortillas, as they are made with a type of dried wheat pasta called duros. These tube-shaped pasta pieces fry up in seconds and become light and crispy. You can find duros at grocery stores or online for just a few bucks. Simply fry them up in small batches and roll in cinnamon sugar while they’re still warm so that the cinnamon sugar coating sticks. These homemade Cinnamon Twists are just as crispy, light, and sweet as the original!

Copycat Taco Bell Cinnamon Twists

Prep Time 5 minutes
Cook Time 5 minutes
Total Time 10 minutes

Ingredients
  

Method
 

  1. Mix sugar and cinnamon in a large bowl.
  2. Heat oil to 375°F in a deep pot.
  3. Fry duros in small batches for 5 to 10 seconds, until puffed.
  4. Drain on paper towels for a few seconds.
  5. Toss in cinnamon sugar while still warm.
  6. Serve right away.

24. Copycat Baja Blast Freeze

If you’re missing Taco Bell’s Baja Blast Freeze, there’s no need to wait for happy hour! All you need is a bottle of Mountain Dew Baja Blast, an ice cube tray, and a blender. This homemade Baja Blast Freeze tastes just like the real thing, being equally refreshing with just the right amount of sweet and tangy tropical lime flavor. It’s the perfect way to cool off on a hot afternoon, and it would be a delicious accompaniment to any of these homemade Taco Bell favorites!

Copycat Taco Bell Baja Blast Freeze

Prep Time 5 minutes
Freeze Time 8 hours

Ingredients
  

  • 4 cups Mountain Dew Baja Blast divided
  • 1 tablespoon lime juice optional

Method
 

  1. Let 3 cups of soda sit open for 15 minutes to lose some fizz.
  2. Pour it into ice cube trays.
  3. Freeze overnight.
  4. Add frozen cubes to a blender.
  5. Pour in the remaining 1 cup soda and lime juice.
  6. Blend until thick and slushy.
  7. Serve right away with a straw.

23. Copycat Caramel Apple Empanadas

Taco Bell’s Caramel Apple Empanadas have made several comebacks throughout the years, so we totally get the hype behind these sweet little pastries! This homemade version uses a simple pie crust and a cinnamon apple and caramel filling. Simply spoon the filling into the pie crust and fold into a half moon shape before frying in oil until bubbly and golden brown. Be sure to roll the empanadas in cinnamon sugar immediately after frying. These Caramel Apple Empanadas have a crispy exterior and gooey sweet apple and caramel filling that’s just like the Taco Bell original!

Copycat Taco Bell Caramel Apple Empanadas

Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 15 minutes
Total Time 35 minutes

Ingredients
  

Filling:
  • 2 tablespoons butter
  • 2 apples medium (peeled and diced small)
  • 1/4 cup brown sugar
  • 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
  • 1 teaspoon cornstarch
  • 1 tablespoon water
  • 1/4 cup caramel sauce
Empanadas:

Method
 

For the filling:
  1. Melt butter in a skillet over medium heat.
  2. Add apples, brown sugar, and cinnamon.
  3. Cook 5 minutes until soft.
  4. Mix cornstarch and water, then stir it in.
  5. Cook 1 minute until thick.
  6. Stir in caramel sauce and cool completely.
For the empanadas:
  1. Cut 8 (5 inch) rounds from the crusts, re-rolling scraps as needed.
  2. Spoon 2 tablespoons filling onto each round.
  3. Fold in half and crimp edges with a fork.
  4. Heat oil to 350°F.
  5. Fry 2 to 3 minutes per side until golden.
  6. Toss in cinnamon sugar while hot.

22. Copycat Cheesy Fiesta Potatoes

Taco Bell discontinued their Cheesy Fiesta Potatoes in 2020, but after receiving backlash from their customers, they brought them back! No wonder, as these seasoned crispy cubed potatoes smothered in nacho cheese sauce and topped with a dollop of sour cream are absolutely delicious. For this homemade version, cubed russet potatoes are seasoned with paprika and garlic before being baked until crispy. Top with a homemade cheese sauce and dollop of sour cream, and you’ll have a batch of Cheesy Fiesta Potatoes that tastes just like the original. These make a great side dish or can even be a meatless main!

Copycat Taco Bell Cheesy Fiesta Potatoes

Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Total Time 40 minutes

Ingredients
  

Potatoes:
Nacho Cheese Sauce:
  • 1 tablespoon butter
  • 1 tablespoon all-purpose flour
  • 3/4 cup milk
  • 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
  • 1/4 teaspoon chili powder
For Serving:
  • 1/4 cup sour cream

Method
 

For the potatoes:
  1. Heat oven to 425°F.
  2. Toss potatoes with oil and seasonings.
  3. Spread on a sheet pan in one layer.
  4. Bake 25 to 30 minutes, flipping halfway, until crispy.
For the nacho cheese sauce:
  1. Melt butter in a small saucepan over medium heat.
  2. Whisk in flour for 1 minute.
  3. Slowly whisk in milk and simmer until slightly thick.
  4. Stir in cheddar and chili powder until smooth.
To serve:
  1. Drizzle cheese sauce over the potatoes.
  2. Top with sour cream.

21. Copycat Spicy Potato Soft Taco

This veggie-packed taco may be one of Taco Bell’s more affordable options, but that doesn’t mean it’s not just as tasty as the rest of the menu! The crispy, seasoned potatoes combined with cheddar cheese, lettuce, and chipotle sauce in a soft, warm tortilla make this one a vegetarian favorite (although plenty of non-vegetarians enjoy this taco, too!). The potatoes in this homemade Spicy Potato Soft Taco are made just like the Cheesy Fiesta Potatoes, so you can double the recipe and make both! This easy Spicy Potato Soft Taco is the perfect meal on a budget.

Copycat Taco Bell Spicy Potato Soft Taco

Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Total Time 40 minutes

Ingredients
  

Potatoes:
Chipotle Sauce:
  • 1/4 cup mayonnaise
  • 1/4 cup sour cream
  • 1 tablespoon adobo sauce from canned chipotle peppers
  • 1 teaspoon lime juice
  • 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
Tacos:
  • 8 flour tortillas 6 inch
  • 1 cup shredded lettuce
  • 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese

Method
 

For the potatoes:
  1. Heat oven to 425°F.
  2. Toss potatoes with oil and seasonings.
  3. Spread on a sheet pan in one layer.
  4. Bake 25 to 30 minutes, flipping halfway, until crispy.
For the chipotle sauce:
  1. Stir all sauce ingredients together.
For the tacos:
  1. Warm tortillas in the microwave for 20 seconds.
  2. Fill with potatoes.
  3. Drizzle with chipotle sauce.
  4. Top with lettuce and cheddar.

20. Copycat Bean Burrito

Taco Bell’s Bean Burrito is made of creamy refried beans, cheddar cheese, diced onions, and red sauce all wrapped up in a soft flour tortilla. You can make a dozens of these copycat bean burritos at home using affordable ingredients! Make a big batch and freeze some for later. To recreate Taco Bell’s recipe, thin out refried beans with a bit of water for extra smoothness and make a simple Taco Bell red sauce copycat recipe.

Copycat Taco Bell Bean Burrito

Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 15 minutes
Total Time 25 minutes

Ingredients
  

Red Sauce:
  • 8 ounce tomato sauce (1 can)
  • 1/4 cup water
  • 1 teaspoon chili powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon ground cumin
  • 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1/4 teaspoon onion powder
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt
  • 1 teaspoon white vinegar
Burritos:
  • 16 ounce refried beans (1 can)
  • 2 tablespoons water
  • 4 flour tortillas (10 inch)
  • 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
  • 1/4 cup diced white onion

Method
 

For the red sauce:
  1. Add all sauce ingredients to a small saucepan.
  2. Simmer 10 minutes, stirring often.
For the burritos:
  1. Warm beans with water, stirring until smooth.
  2. Warm tortillas in the microwave for 20 seconds.
  3. Spread beans down the center of each.
  4. Top with red sauce, cheddar, and onion.
  5. Fold in the sides and roll up.

19. Copycat Chili Cheese Burrito

Known fondly as the “Chilito” by Taco Bell die-hard fans, this cult-favorite item features a simple combination of flavors that’s stood the test of time: a flour tortilla stuffed with shredded cheddar and beefy chili, rolled up, and steamed so the cheese melts. The chili is thick enough to hold together, so it won’t spill out of your burrito. This Copycat Chili Cheese Burrito recipe is a breeze, especially when made in a batch. It’s simmered with chili powder, beef, tomato sauce, and more.

Copycat Taco Bell Chili Cheese Burrito

Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Total Time 40 minutes

Ingredients
  

Chili:
  • 1 pound ground beef
  • 1 can tomato sauce (8 ounce)
  • 1/2 cup water
  • 1 tablespoon chili powder
  • 1 teaspoon ground cumin
  • 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1 tablespoon cornstarch
Burritos:
  • 4 flour tortillas (10 inch)
  • 1 1/2 cups shredded cheddar cheese

Method
 

For the chili:
  1. Brown beef in a skillet, breaking it into small crumbles.
  2. Drain the fat.
  3. Stir in remaining chili ingredients.
  4. Simmer 20 minutes until thick.
For the burritos:
  1. Heat oven to 300°F.
  2. Warm tortillas in the microwave for 20 seconds.
  3. Spoon chili down the center and top with cheddar.
  4. Fold in the sides and roll up.
  5. Wrap each in foil.
  6. Bake 5 minutes to melt the cheese.

18. Copycat Nacho Fries

These Nacho Fries are now a Taco Bell permanent menu item, but that doesn’t mean you can’t make your own! Simply season some frozen fries (we like to use the air fryer or oven to cook ours) with paprika, onion powder, chili powder, garlic, and a little cayenne. The key to making these fries is the dipping sauce. This easy copycat Taco Bell nacho cheese sauce recipe comes together in 5 minutes with melted butter, cheddar cheese, and milk. Yum!

Copycat Taco Bell Nacho Fries

Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes

Ingredients
  

Fries:
  • 1 bag frozen French fries (26 ounce)
  • 1 teaspoon paprika
  • 1 teaspoon chili powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper
  • 1/4 teaspoon sugar
Nacho Cheese Sauce:
  • 1 tablespoon butter
  • 1 tablespoon all-purpose flour
  • 3/4 cup milk
  • 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
  • 1/4 teaspoon chili powder

Method
 

For the fries:
  1. Bake or air fry fries according to the bag directions.
  2. Mix paprika, chili powder, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, cayenne, and sugar in a small bowl.
  3. Toss hot fries with the seasoning.
For the nacho cheese sauce:
  1. Melt butter in a small saucepan over medium heat.
  2. Whisk in flour for 1 minute.
  3. Slowly whisk in milk.
  4. Simmer until slightly thick.
  5. Stir in cheddar and chili powder until smooth.
  6. Serve fries with warm cheese sauce.

17. Copycat Meximelt

This fan-favorite Taco Bell item has returned to the menu before, but you can also recreate it at home. Luckily, you don’t have to wait for the Copycat Meximelt. It’ll be done shortly! The soft flour tortilla is stuffed with melty three cheese blend, seasoned ground beef, and fresh pico de gallo, then rolled and steamed until the cheese is extra gooey and melty. For best results, wrap your homemade Meximelts in foil for a few minutes to replicate the steamed, Taco Bell texture.

Copycat Taco Bell Meximelt

Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 15 minutes
Total Time 25 minutes

Ingredients
  

Seasoned Beef:
  • 1 pound ground beef
  • 1 tablespoon chili powder
  • 1 teaspoon ground cumin
  • 1 teaspoon paprika
  • 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper
  • 1 tablespoon cornstarch
  • 2/3 cup water
Meximelts:
  • 4 flour tortillas (8 inch)
  • 1 cup shredded Mexican three cheese blend
  • 1/2 cup pico de gallo

Method
 

For the seasoned beef:
  1. Brown beef in a skillet, breaking it into small crumbles.
  2. Drain the fat.
  3. Stir in spices, cornstarch, and water.
  4. Simmer 5 minutes until thick.
For the Meximelts:
  1. Heat oven to 300°F.
  2. Warm tortillas in the microwave for 20 seconds.
  3. Add beef, cheese, and pico de gallo to the center of each.
  4. Roll up like a burrito.
  5. Wrap each in foil.
  6. Bake 5 minutes to steam and melt the cheese.

16. Copycat Double Decker Taco

Taco Bell has brought back the Double Decker Taco several times for short runs, but now you don’t have to wait for its return, thanks to this copycat recipe. The soft flour tortilla is slathered with refried beans and stuffed with a crunchy beef taco. It may sound odd at first, but the beans basically act as glue, holding the taco shell inside even after the first bite. You’ll get all of the Double Decker’s iconic crunch in every bite. Make a batch of seasoned beef, warm up some refried beans, and these tacos are ready in minutes.

Copycat Taco Bell Double Decker Taco

Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 15 minutes
Total Time 25 minutes

Ingredients
  

Seasoned Beef:
  • 1 pound ground beef
  • 1 tablespoon chili powder
  • 1 teaspoon ground cumin
  • 1 teaspoon paprika
  • 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper
  • 1 tablespoon cornstarch
  • 2/3 cup water
Tacos:
  • 8 crunchy taco shells
  • 8 flour tortillas (6 inch)
  • 1 cup refried beans warmed
  • 1 cup shredded lettuce
  • 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese

Method
 

For the seasoned beef:
  1. Brown beef in a skillet, breaking it into small crumbles.
  2. Drain the fat.
  3. Stir in spices, cornstarch, and water.
  4. Simmer 5 minutes until thick.
For the tacos:
  1. Warm flour tortillas in the microwave for 20 seconds.
  2. Spread 2 tablespoons beans over each.
  3. Press a taco shell into the beans and wrap the tortilla around it.
  4. Fill with beef, lettuce, and cheddar.

15. Copycat Enchirito

This long time favorite limited-time Taco Bell menu item was voted back onto the menu in 2022. It consists of seasoned beef, refried beans, and diced onions inside a flour tortilla that’s been covered in Taco Bell’s red sauce and melted cheddar cheese. Basically an enchilada-shaped burrito that’s meant to be eaten with a fork, this is an easy family dinner that tastes just like from Taco Bell. Make a pan full at a time!

Copycat Taco Bell Enchirito

Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 25 minutes
Total Time 40 minutes

Ingredients
  

Seasoned Beef:
  • 1 pound ground beef
  • 1 tablespoon chili powder
  • 1 teaspoon ground cumin
  • 1 teaspoon paprika
  • 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper
  • 1 tablespoon cornstarch
  • 2/3 cup water
Red Sauce:
  • 1 can tomato sauce (8 ounce)
  • 1/4 cup water
  • 1 teaspoon chili powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon ground cumin
  • 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1/4 teaspoon onion powder
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt
  • 1 teaspoon white vinegar
Enchiritos:
  • 4 flour tortillas (10 inch)
  • 1 cup refried beans warmed
  • 1/4 cup diced white onion
  • 1 1/2 cups shredded cheddar cheese

Method
 

For the seasoned beef:
  1. Brown beef in a skillet, breaking it into small crumbles.
  2. Drain the fat.
  3. Stir in spices, cornstarch, and water.
  4. Simmer 5 minutes until thick.
For the red sauce:
  1. Add all sauce ingredients to a small saucepan.
  2. Simmer 10 minutes, stirring often.
For the Enchiritos:
  1. Heat oven to 375°F.
  2. Fill tortillas with beans, beef, and onion.
  3. Roll up and place seam side down in a baking dish.
  4. Pour red sauce over the top.
  5. Sprinkle with cheddar.
  6. Bake 10 to 12 minutes until the cheese melts.

14. Copycat Cheesy Bean and Rice Burrito

The Cheesy Bean and Rice Burrito is Taco Bell’s tiny burrito, and while it’s from the value menu, it’s one of the chain’s most quietly beloved. It’s packed with seasoned rice, refried beans, creamy jalapeño sauce, and nacho cheese sauce, all nestled in a warm flour tortilla. This copycat recipe is super filling, totally meatless, and dirt cheap to make. Have some leftover rice? This is the perfect time to use it up. Stock your fridge with this creamy Copycat Taco Bell jalapeño sauce and you can have a batch of these made in 15 minutes.

Copycat Taco Bell Cheesy Bean and Rice Burrito

Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 10 minutes
Total Time 20 minutes

Ingredients
  

Creamy Jalapeño Sauce:
Nacho Cheese Sauce:
  • 1 tablespoon butter
  • 1 tablespoon all-purpose flour
  • 3/4 cup milk
  • 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
  • 1/4 teaspoon chili powder
Burritos:
  • 4 flour tortillas (8 inch)
  • 1 cup refried beans warmed
  • 1 cup cooked Mexican rice warmed

Method
 

For the creamy jalapeño sauce:
  1. Stir all sauce ingredients together.
For the nacho cheese sauce:
  1. Melt butter in a small saucepan over medium heat.
  2. Whisk in flour for 1 minute.
  3. Slowly whisk in milk and simmer until slightly thick.
  4. Stir in cheddar and chili powder until smooth.
For the burritos:
  1. Warm tortillas in the microwave for 20 seconds.
  2. Spread beans and rice down the center.
  3. Drizzle with nacho cheese and jalapeño sauce.
  4. Fold in the sides and roll up.

13. Copycat Beefy 5-Layer Burrito

As its name indicates, the Beefy 5-Layer Burrito has five delicious fillings: seasoned beef, nacho cheese sauce, refried beans, shredded cheddar, and sour cream. The combination makes it one of the most filling items on Taco Bell’s value menu. This copycat recipe is even more filling, but to keep things manageable, we recommend using one large tortilla for each burrito. Be sure to warm the tortilla so it’s pliable enough to roll without breaking. Once stuffed and rolled, grill each burrito seam-side down.

Copycat Taco Bell Beefy 5-Layer Burrito

Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 35 minutes

Ingredients
  

Seasoned Beef:
  • 1 pound ground beef
  • 1 tablespoon chili powder
  • 1 teaspoon ground cumin
  • 1 teaspoon paprika
  • 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper
  • 1 tablespoon cornstarch
  • 2/3 cup water
Nacho Cheese Sauce:
  • 1 tablespoon butter
  • 1 tablespoon all-purpose flour
  • 3/4 cup milk
  • 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
  • 1/4 teaspoon chili powder
Burritos:
  • 4 flour tortillas (12 inch)
  • 1 cup refried beans warmed
  • 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
  • 1/2 cup sour cream
  • 1 tablespoon vegetable oil

Method
 

For the seasoned beef:
  1. Brown beef in a skillet, breaking it into small crumbles.
  2. Drain the fat.
  3. Stir in spices, cornstarch, and water.
  4. Simmer 5 minutes until thick.
For the nacho cheese sauce:
  1. Melt butter in a small saucepan over medium heat.
  2. Whisk in flour for 1 minute.
  3. Slowly whisk in milk and simmer until slightly thick.
  4. Stir in cheddar and chili powder until smooth.
For the burritos:
  1. Warm tortillas in the microwave for 20 seconds.
  2. Layer beans, beef, cheese sauce, cheddar, and sour cream in the center.
  3. Fold in the sides and roll up.
  4. Heat oil in a skillet over medium.
  5. Cook seam side down 2 minutes, then flip and cook 2 minutes more.

12. Copycat Chicken Quesadilla

If there’s one thing that takes Taco Bell’s chicken quesadilla over the top, it’s the jalapeño sauce. It’s creamy enough to rival ranch and packs just enough heat to add some oomph to what is otherwise a fairly basic quesadilla. That’s why we include this jalapeño sauce in this recipe. Made with mayo, spices, and even the juice from pickled jalapeños, the sauce can be made in a matter of minutes. Stir together a three cheese blend with grilled chicken, wrap it in a large flour tortilla, and crisp it up in a skillet.

Copycat Taco Bell Chicken Quesadilla

Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 10 minutes
Total Time 20 minutes

Ingredients
  

Creamy Jalapeño Sauce:
Quesadillas:
  • 2 flour tortillas (10 inch)
  • 1 cup grilled chicken (diced)
  • 1 1/2 cups shredded Mexican three cheese blend
  • 1 teaspoon butter

Method
 

For the creamy jalapeño sauce:
  1. Stir all sauce ingredients together.
  2. Chill until ready to use.
For the quesadillas:
  1. Spread sauce over half of each tortilla.
  2. Top with cheese and chicken.
  3. Fold tortillas in half.
  4. Melt butter in a skillet over medium heat.
  5. Cook 2 to 3 minutes per side until golden and melty.
  6. Cut into wedges.

11. Copycat Breakfast Crunchwrap

If you haven’t tried Taco Bell’s Breakfast Crunchwrap yet, it consists of a hash brown, scrambled eggs, sausage, cheddar cheese, and creamy jalapeño sauce all wrapped up in a large flour tortilla and cooked to crispy perfection. You can make your own copycat Taco Bell recipe at home with frozen hash brown patties for even easier prep. Make a few on Sunday and store them in foil-wrapped packets for easy weekday breakfasts! These stay together so much better than breakfast burritos.

Copycat Taco Bell Breakfast Crunchwrap

Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes

Ingredients
  

Creamy Jalapeño Sauce:
Crunchwraps:
  • 4 frozen hash brown patties
  • 1/2 pound breakfast sausage
  • 6 large eggs
  • 2 tablespoons milk
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt
  • 1 tablespoon butter
  • 4 flour tortillas (12 inch)
  • 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
  • 1 tablespoon vegetable oil

Method
 

For the creamy jalapeño sauce:
  1. Stir all sauce ingredients together.
For the Crunchwraps:
  1. Cook hash browns according to the package directions.
  2. Brown sausage in a skillet and drain.
  3. Whisk eggs, milk, and salt.
  4. Scramble eggs in butter over medium low heat.
  5. Warm tortillas in the microwave for 20 seconds.
  6. Layer eggs, sausage, cheddar, and sauce in the center.
  7. Top with a hash brown.
  8. Fold the tortilla edges over it, pleating as you go.
  9. Heat oil in a skillet over medium.
  10. Cook seam side down 2 minutes, then flip and cook 2 minutes more.

10. Copycat Cantina Chicken Bowl

Since its launch in 2024, the Cantina Chicken Bowl has become a popular Taco Bell menu item. These bowls are packed with rice, black beans, lettuce, shredded chicken, cheese, guacamole, pico de gallo, and salsa verde. If you want to make your own copycat Taco Bell recipe at home, try using rotisserie chicken for an even easier dinner. This copycat Taco Bell recipe comes together in about 20 minutes and is perfect for meal prep.

Copycat Taco Bell Cantina Chicken Bowl

Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 10 minutes
Total Time 25 minutes

Ingredients
  

Chicken:
Bowls:
  • 3 cups cooked Mexican rice warmed
  • 1 can black beans (15 ounce) drained and warmed
  • 1 cup shredded lettuce
  • 1/2 cup pico de gallo
  • 1/2 cup guacamole
  • 1/2 cup salsa verde
  • 1/2 cup shredded Mexican three cheese blend

Method
 

For the chicken:
  1. Add all chicken ingredients to a skillet.
  2. Cook over medium 5 minutes until hot and the broth is absorbed.
For the bowls:
  1. Divide rice and beans among 4 bowls.
  2. Top with chicken.
  3. Add lettuce, pico, guacamole, salsa verde, and cheese.

9. Copycat Crunchy Taco Supreme

This longtime classic Taco Bell menu item consists of seasoned beef, shredded lettuce, diced tomatoes, shredded cheddar cheese, and sour cream in a crunchy corn tortilla. It may seem simple, but there’s nothing like Taco Bell’s seasoned beef! We like to mash ours real fine to make sure ours tastes just like the real thing. Make your own at home then set out all the fixings and have your very own Taco Bell night at home!

Copycat Taco Bell Crunchy Taco Supreme

Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 15 minutes
Total Time 25 minutes

Ingredients
  

Seasoned Beef:
  • 1 pound ground beef
  • 1 tablespoon chili powder
  • 1 teaspoon ground cumin
  • 1 teaspoon paprika
  • 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper
  • 1 tablespoon cornstarch
  • 2/3 cup water
Tacos:
  • 8 crunchy taco shells
  • 1 cup shredded lettuce
  • 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
  • 1 Roma tomato diced
  • 1/2 cup sour cream

Method
 

For the seasoned beef:
  1. Brown beef in a skillet, breaking it into small crumbles.
  2. Drain the fat.
  3. Stir in spices, cornstarch, and water.
  4. Simmer 5 minutes, mashing the beef fine with a potato masher.
For the tacos:
  1. Warm shells in a 350°F oven for 5 minutes.
  2. Fill with beef.
  3. Top with lettuce, cheddar, tomato, and sour cream.

8. Copycat Nachos BellGrande

Taco Bell’s classic menu item, the Nachos Bellgrande, is made of seasoned beef, refried beans, warm nacho cheese sauce, sour cream, and diced tomatoes. Serve one up at home for game day using a full-size baking sheet and your favorite tortilla chips. We like to warm our refried beans and nacho cheese sauce so they’re easier to spread over the chips. Make sure to only top the chips right before serving so they stay crunchy!

Copycat Taco Bell Nachos BellGrande

Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes

Ingredients
  

Seasoned Beef:
  • 1 pound ground beef
  • 1 tablespoon chili powder
  • 1 teaspoon ground cumin
  • 1 teaspoon paprika
  • 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper
  • 1 tablespoon cornstarch
  • 2/3 cup water
Nacho Cheese Sauce:
  • 1 tablespoon butter
  • 1 tablespoon all-purpose flour
  • 3/4 cup milk
  • 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
  • 1/4 teaspoon chili powder
Nachos:
  • 1 bag tortilla chips (13 ounce)
  • 1 cup refried beans warmed
  • 1/2 cup sour cream
  • 1 Roma tomato diced

Method
 

For the seasoned beef:
  1. Brown beef in a skillet, breaking it into small crumbles.
  2. Drain the fat.
  3. Stir in spices, cornstarch, and water.
  4. Simmer 5 minutes until thick.
For the nacho cheese sauce:
  1. Melt butter in a small saucepan over medium heat.
  2. Whisk in flour for 1 minute.
  3. Slowly whisk in milk and simmer until slightly thick.
  4. Stir in cheddar and chili powder until smooth.
For the nachos:
  1. Spread chips on a large platter.
  2. Spoon beans and beef over the chips.
  3. Drizzle with cheese sauce.
  4. Top with sour cream and tomatoes.
  5. Serve right away.

7. Copycat Burrito Supreme

It’s been around for decades, but the Taco Bell Burrito Supreme is still just as iconic as ever. It consists of seasoned beef, refried beans, shredded lettuce, shredded cheese, diced tomatoes, onions, sour cream, and red sauce wrapped up in a large flour tortilla. Basically a Taco Bell taco night wrapped up in a burrito, this classic Taco Bell menu item is easy to make at home! Try making your own copycat Taco Bell red sauce, too, as it only takes 10 minutes and makes these taste just like the real thing.

Copycat Taco Bell Burrito Supreme

Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 25 minutes
Total Time 40 minutes

Ingredients
  

Seasoned Beef:
  • 1 pound ground beef
  • 1 tablespoon chili powder
  • 1 teaspoon ground cumin
  • 1 teaspoon paprika
  • 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper
  • 1 tablespoon cornstarch
  • 2/3 cup water
Red Sauce:
  • 1 can tomato sauce (8 ounce)
  • 1/4 cup water
  • 1 teaspoon chili powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon ground cumin
  • 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1/4 teaspoon onion powder
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt
  • 1 teaspoon white vinegar
Burritos:
  • 4 flour tortillas (12 inch)
  • 1 cup refried beans warmed
  • 1 cup shredded lettuce
  • 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
  • 1 Roma tomato diced
  • 1/4 cup diced white onion
  • 1/2 cup sour cream

Method
 

For the seasoned beef:
  1. Brown beef in a skillet, breaking it into small crumbles.
  2. Drain the fat.
  3. Stir in spices, cornstarch, and water.
  4. Simmer 5 minutes until thick.
For the red sauce:
  1. Add all sauce ingredients to a small saucepan.
  2. Simmer 10 minutes, stirring often.
For the burritos:
  1. Warm tortillas in the microwave for 20 seconds.
  2. Spread beans down the center, then add beef and red sauce.
  3. Top with lettuce, cheddar, tomato, onion, and sour cream.
  4. Fold in the sides and roll up.

6. Copycat Chalupa Supreme

Part pizza crust and part taco shell, the Taco Bell chalupa shell is fried flatbread that’s somehow crispy on the outside and chewy on the inside. If you thought that combination was impossible, try your hand at this easy dough for copycat Taco Bell chalupa supreme. It requires flour, baking powder, milk, and other basic ingredients, and each round can be fried and stuffed with seasoned beef, cheese, lettuce, tomatoes, and sour cream in no time.

Copycat Taco Bell Chalupa Supreme

Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 25 minutes
Total Time 45 minutes

Ingredients
  

Seasoned Beef:
  • 1 pound ground beef
  • 1 tablespoon chili powder
  • 1 teaspoon ground cumin
  • 1 teaspoon paprika
  • 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper
  • 1 tablespoon cornstarch
  • 2/3 cup water
Chalupa Shells:
Toppings:
  • 1/2 cup sour cream
  • 1 cup shredded lettuce
  • 1 cup shredded Mexican three cheese blend
  • 1 Roma tomato diced

Method
 

For the seasoned beef:
  1. Brown beef in a skillet, breaking it into small crumbles.
  2. Drain the fat.
  3. Stir in spices, cornstarch, and water.
  4. Simmer 5 minutes until thick.
For the chalupa shells:
  1. Mix flour, baking powder, and salt.
  2. Work in shortening with your fingers.
  3. Stir in milk and knead 2 minutes.
  4. Divide into 8 balls and roll each into a 6 inch round.
  5. Heat oil to 375°F.
  6. Fry each round 30 seconds per side, folding it in half with tongs.
  7. Drain on paper towels.
To assemble:
  1. Fill shells with beef.
  2. Top with sour cream, lettuce, cheese, and tomato.

5. Copycat Quesarito

Think of the Quesarito as a burrito and quesadilla had a baby. This Taco Bell classic menu item consists of seasoned beef, seasoned rice, chipotle sauce, and sour cream rolled up in a burrito, then wrapped up in a grilled, cheesy quesadilla. Fans of the Quesarito can recreate this cheesy burrito at home. Make your own at home with seasoned beef, two tortillas, and a hot skillet! Prep your copycat Taco Bell chipotle sauce ahead of time for an even easier, 30-minute dinner.

Copycat Taco Bell Quesarito

Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 25 minutes
Total Time 40 minutes

Ingredients
  

Seasoned Beef:
  • 1 pound ground beef
  • 1 tablespoon chili powder
  • 1 teaspoon ground cumin
  • 1 teaspoon paprika
  • 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper
  • 1 tablespoon cornstarch
  • 2/3 cup water
Chipotle Sauce:
  • 1/4 cup mayonnaise
  • 1/4 cup sour cream
  • 1 tablespoon adobo sauce from canned chipotle peppers
  • 1 teaspoon lime juice
  • 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
Quesaritos:
  • 8 flour tortillas (10 inch)
  • 2 cups shredded Mexican three cheese blend
  • 2 cups cooked Mexican rice
  • 1/2 cup sour cream

Method
 

For the seasoned beef:
  1. Brown beef in a skillet, breaking it into small crumbles.
  2. Drain the fat.
  3. Stir in spices, cornstarch, and water.
  4. Simmer 5 minutes until thick.
For the chipotle sauce:
  1. Stir all sauce ingredients together.
  2. Chill until ready to use.
For the quesaritos:
  1. Place a tortilla in a skillet over medium heat.
  2. Sprinkle with 1/2 cup cheese.
  3. Top with a second tortilla and press down.
  4. Cook 1 minute per side until the cheese melts.
  5. Add beef, rice, sour cream, and chipotle sauce down the center.
  6. Fold in the sides and roll up like a burrito.
  7. Repeat with remaining tortillas.

4. Copycat Mexican Pizza

Taco Bell fans fought hard to bring back the Taco Bell Mexican Pizza for good reason, because it is incredible! It consists of seasoned beef, refried beans, red sauce, diced tomatoes, and cheese all served on top of two crispy fried tortillas. Make your own copycat Taco Bell recipe at home using seasoned beef and all your favorite extra toppings (green onions and jalapeños, anyone?). We love ours baked for maximum cheesiness and crunch. Slice into quarters and enjoy!

Copycat Taco Bell Mexican Pizza

Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes

Ingredients
  

Seasoned Beef:
  • 1 pound ground beef
  • 1 tablespoon chili powder
  • 1 teaspoon ground cumin
  • 1 teaspoon paprika
  • 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper
  • 1 tablespoon cornstarch
  • 2/3 cup water
Pizzas:
  • 1/2 cup vegetable oil for frying
  • 8 flour tortillas (6 inch)
  • 16 ounce refried beans (1 can)
  • 3/4 cup red enchilada sauce
  • 2 cups shredded Mexican three cheese blend
  • 1 Roma tomato diced

Method
 

For the seasoned beef:
  1. Brown beef in a skillet, breaking it into small crumbles.
  2. Drain the fat.
  3. Stir in spices, cornstarch, and water.
  4. Simmer 5 minutes until thick.
For the pizzas:
  1. Heat oven to 400°F.
  2. Heat oil in a skillet over medium high.
  3. Fry tortillas 30 to 45 seconds per side until crisp.
  4. Drain on paper towels.
  5. Warm the refried beans.
  6. Spread beans and beef over 4 tortillas.
  7. Top each with a second tortilla.
  8. Spread enchilada sauce on top and sprinkle with cheese.
  9. Bake 5 minutes until the cheese melts.
  10. Top with tomatoes and cut into quarters.

3. Copycat Crunchwrap Supreme

The Taco Bell Crunchwrap Supreme consists of seasoned beef, lettuce, sour cream, tomatoes, and nacho cheese sauce in a crunchy tostada shell, all wrapped up in a large flour tortilla. To make this copycat Taco Bell recipe at home, start with a large flour tortilla and top with seasoned beef, nacho cheese sauce, a tostada shell, lettuce, sour cream, and tomatoes. Cover with a small flour tortilla, then fold the large tortilla around it and sear in a skillet until hot and crispy.

Copycat Taco Bell Crunchwrap Supreme

Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 35 minutes

Ingredients
  

Seasoned Beef:
  • 1 pound ground beef
  • 1 tablespoon chili powder
  • 1 teaspoon ground cumin
  • 1 teaspoon paprika
  • 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper
  • 1 tablespoon cornstarch
  • 2/3 cup water
Nacho Cheese Sauce:
  • 1 tablespoon butter
  • 1 tablespoon all-purpose flour
  • 3/4 cup milk
  • 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
  • 1/4 teaspoon chili powder
Crunchwraps:
  • 4 flour tortillas (12 inch)
  • 4 flour tortillas (6 inch)
  • 4 tostada shells
  • 1/2 cup sour cream
  • 1 cup shredded lettuce
  • 1 Roma tomato diced
  • 1 tablespoon vegetable oil

Method
 

For the seasoned beef:
  1. Brown beef in a skillet, breaking it into small crumbles.
  2. Drain the fat.
  3. Stir in spices, cornstarch, and water.
  4. Simmer 5 minutes until thick.
For the nacho cheese sauce:
  1. Melt butter in a small saucepan over medium heat.
  2. Whisk in flour for 1 minute.
  3. Slowly whisk in milk and simmer until slightly thick.
  4. Stir in cheddar and chili powder until smooth.
For the Crunchwraps:
  1. Microwave the large tortillas for 20 seconds so they fold easily.
  2. Spoon beef into the center of each.
  3. Drizzle with cheese sauce.
  4. Top with a tostada shell.
  5. Spread with sour cream, then add lettuce and tomato.
  6. Lay a small tortilla on top.
  7. Fold the large tortilla edges up over it, pleating as you go.
  8. Heat oil in a skillet over medium.
  9. Cook seam side down 2 minutes until golden.
  10. Flip and cook 2 minutes more.

2. Copycat Cheesy Gordita Crunch

Think of the Cheesy Gordita Crunch as two tacos in one! This classic Taco Bell menu item has seasoned beef, spicy ranch, shredded lettuce, and cheddar cheese in a crunchy taco shell, all wrapped up in a warm gordita flatbread stuffed with melted cheese. This copycat Taco Bell recipe is one we can’t get over thanks to that melty, cheesy flatbread! Make your own at home with this easy copycat Taco Bell spicy ranch (it only takes two minutes to mix up!).

Copycat Taco Bell Cheesy Gordita Crunch

Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes

Ingredients
  

Seasoned Beef:
  • 1 pound ground beef
  • 1 tablespoon chili powder
  • 1 teaspoon ground cumin
  • 1 teaspoon paprika
  • 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper
  • 1 tablespoon cornstarch
  • 2/3 cup water
Spicy Ranch:
  • 1/2 cup ranch dressing
  • 1 teaspoon hot sauce
  • 1/2 teaspoon paprika
  • 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper
Gorditas:
  • 4 crunchy taco shells
  • 4 pocketless pita flatbreads (6 inch)
  • 1 cup shredded Mexican three cheese blend
  • 1 cup shredded lettuce
  • 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese

Method
 

For the seasoned beef:
  1. Brown beef in a skillet, breaking it into small crumbles.
  2. Drain the fat.
  3. Stir in spices, cornstarch, and water.
  4. Simmer 5 minutes until thick.
For the spicy ranch:
  1. Stir all ranch ingredients together.
For the gorditas:
  1. Warm taco shells in a 350°F oven for 5 minutes.
  2. Heat a flatbread in a skillet over medium.
  3. Sprinkle with 1/4 cup three cheese blend and cook until melted.
  4. Press a taco shell into the center and wrap the flatbread around it.
  5. Fill with beef, spicy ranch, lettuce, and cheddar.
  6. Repeat with remaining flatbreads.

1. Copycat Doritos Locos Tacos

Of course the Doritos Locos Tacos takes first place on our list of classic Taco Bell menu items. It consists of seasoned beef, lettuce, and cheddar cheese in a Doritos-inspired crunchy taco shell. Make your own copycat Taco Bell recipe at home using regular taco shells, crushed Nacho Cheese Doritos, and seasoned beef. Just brush your taco shells with a little butter, coat with crushed Doritos, warm in the oven, and fill with your favorite taco fixings. You’ll get that same cheesy crunch (and orange fingers!) every time.

Copycat Taco Bell Doritos Locos Tacos

Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 15 minutes
Total Time 25 minutes

Ingredients
  

Seasoned Beef:
  • 1 pound ground beef
  • 1 tablespoon chili powder
  • 1 teaspoon ground cumin
  • 1 teaspoon paprika
  • 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper
  • 1 tablespoon cornstarch
  • 2/3 cup water
Doritos Shells:
  • 3 cups Nacho Cheese Doritos
  • 3 tablespoons butter melted
  • 8 crunchy taco shells
Toppings:
  • 1 cup shredded lettuce
  • 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese

Method
 

For the seasoned beef:
  1. Brown beef in a skillet, breaking it into small crumbles.
  2. Drain the fat.
  3. Stir in spices, cornstarch, and water.
  4. Simmer 5 minutes until thick.
For the Doritos shells:
  1. Heat oven to 350°F.
  2. Crush Doritos into fine crumbs in a food processor.
  3. Brush the outside of each shell with melted butter.
  4. Press shells into the Doritos dust to coat.
  5. Bake on a sheet pan 3 to 5 minutes.
  6. Cool 2 minutes so the coating sets.
For the tacos:
  1. Fill shells with beef, lettuce, and cheddar.

When you can make your Taco Bell fix at home, there’s no reason to stand in the drive-thru line. Make these Copycat Doritos Locos Tacos or Copycat Crunchwrap Supreme instead, or find out which fast food chain reigns supreme with Del Taco vs. Taco Bell.

Are we missing any of your favorite Copycat Taco Bell recipes? Let me know in the comments!

Brian Nagele

Brian attended West Virginia University, then started his career in the IT industry before following his passion for marketing and hospitality. He has over 20 years experience in the restaurant and bar industry.

As a former restaurant owner, he knows about running a food business and loves to eat and enjoy cocktails on a regular basis. He constantly travels to new cities tasting and reviewing the most popular spots.

Follow him on LinkedIn, Instagram, Quora, Google Guide and Facebook.

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Hi, I’m Brian

I’ve been in the restaurant industry since I was a teenager.  From prep cook to line cook to eventually restaurant owner.   Now I’m a personal chef for my wife and son, ha.  I love sharing all the recipes and food knowledge I have gathered over the years.  Hope you enjoy.