Of course! “Copycat Taco Bell Mexican” covers a lot of ground, but the key to replicating their food at home lies in their signature seasoned beef and a few key components.
Here is a breakdown of the essential Copycat Taco Bell Beef Seasoning and recipes for some of their most popular items.
The Foundation: Copycat Taco Bell Seasoned Beef
This is the most important part. The secret is using a potato masher to get that fine, crumbly texture and a blend of common spices.
Ingredients:
· 1 lb ground beef (73/27 is closest to Taco Bell’s for flavor, but leaner works)
· 1/3 cup oat flour (OR 2 tbsp cornstarch) – this is the key thickener
· 2 teaspoons chili powder
· 2 teaspoons paprika
· 1 teaspoon onion powder
· 3/4 teaspoon salt
· 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
· 1/2 teaspoon cumin
· 1/4 teaspoon dried oregano
· 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
· 2/3 cup water
Instructions:
- Brown the ground beef in a skillet over medium heat, breaking it up as it cooks. Drain off the excess fat (this is crucial to avoid a greasy result).
- Return the drained beef to the skillet and sprinkle the oat flour (or cornstarch) over it. Cook for 1 minute, stirring constantly.
- Add all the remaining spices (chili powder through black pepper) and the water. Stir until completely combined.
- Simmer for 5-10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the mixture thickens. Use a potato masher to break the beef into a very fine, crumbly texture. Keep warm.
Copycat Recipes: Build Your Own Items
- Crunchy Taco / Soft Taco
· What you need: The seasoned beef above, hard or soft taco shells, shredded iceberg lettuce, finely shredded cheddar cheese or a Mexican blend.
· Assembly: Warm the shells. Add a few tablespoons of the warm beef, top with cheese and lettuce.
- Cheesy Gordita Crunch (Fan Favorite!)
This is a two-part process but totally worth it.
For the Gordita Shells:
· 4 flatbreads or small soft flour tortillas
· 4 crunchy taco shells
· 2 tablespoons melted butter, mixed with a pinch of garlic powder and paprika
For the Creamy Jalapeño Sauce (the “white sauce”):
· 1/2 cup mayonnaise
· 2 tablespoons sour cream
· 2 teaspoons pickled jalapeño juice (from the jar)
· 1 teaspoon minced pickled jalapeños
· 1/2 teaspoon paprika
· 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
· 1/4 teaspoon cumin
· Pinch of salt and sugar
Assembly:
- Make the sauce by whisking all sauce ingredients together. Chill until ready to use.
- Warm the flatbreads. Brush one side of each with the seasoned melted butter.
- Immediately wrap each warm, buttered flatbread around a crunchy taco shell so it sticks.
- Spread a layer of the creamy jalapeño sauce on the inside of the gordita shell.
- Fill with the seasoned beef, shredded iceberg lettuce, and a three-cheese blend.
- Bean Burrito
· What you need: The seasoned beef (optional, the classic is just beans), large flour tortillas, canned refried beans, red sauce (see below), diced yellow onions, shredded cheddar cheese.
· Quick Red Sauce: Mix 1 (8 oz) can of tomato sauce with 1 tsp chili powder, 1/2 tsp cumin, 1/4 tsp garlic powder, and a pinch of salt.
· Assembly: Warm a tortilla. Spread a line of warm refried beans down the center. Add a line of seasoned beef (if using). Top with a spoonful of the red sauce, a sprinkle of diced onions, and cheese. Fold the sides in and roll up tightly.
- Nachos BellGrande (The Ultimate Shareable)
· What you need: A large plate of tortilla chips, the seasoned beef, warm nacho cheese sauce (from a can/jar is fine!), refried beans, sour cream, diced tomatoes, shredded lettuce, sliced jalapeños.
· Assembly: Layer in this order: Chips > Warm refried beans > Seasoned beef > Nacho cheese sauce > A large dollop of sour cream in the center > Shredded lettuce around the edges > Diced tomatoes and jalapeños on top.
Pro-Tips for an Authentic Taco Bell Experience:
· The Cheese is Key: Taco Bell uses a very fine, dry shred of cheddar cheese. Pre-shredded bagged cheese is a close match. Avoid freshly grated, moist cheese.
· Iceberg Lettuce Only: For the true texture and crunch, it has to be iceberg lettuce, shredded very thin.
· Warm Your Tortillas: Always warm your flour tortillas in a dry skillet or microwave for a few seconds between damp paper towels. This makes them pliable and more authentic.
· Low-Moisture Toppings: To prevent sogginess, make sure ingredients like tomatoes are patted dry with a paper towel before adding.
Enjoy your homemade Taco Bell feast! It’s often cheaper, and you can customize it to your heart’s content.