Easy Copycat Taco Bell Meximelt Recipe for Quick Dinner
Easy Copycat Taco Bell Meximelt is your quick dinner solution. After making this many times, I’ve perfected the crispy, cheesy texture. The secret? A quick sear and a hot oven. Keep reading for my best tips. If you love recipes like this, you’ll also enjoy Easy Crab Rangoon Pinwheels with Puff Pastry and Easy Keto Beef Crunchwraps with Cheesy Sauce.
Why This Easy Copycat Taco Bell Meximelt Recipe for Quick Dinner Is Pure Comfort
- Crispy, cheesy exterior
- Flavorful, juicy beef filling
- Ready in under 30 minutes
- Better than takeout taste at home
What You'll Need for Easy Copycat Taco Bell Meximelt Recipe for Quick Dinner
Choosing the right ingredients makes a big difference, but this recipe is forgiving enough to work with what you have.
- Ground beef
- Taco shells
- Shredded cheese
- Taco seasoning
- Taco seasoning
- Salt
- Pepper
- Optional: Sour cream
- Optional: Salsa
- Optional: Guacamole
- Optional: Lettuce
- Optional: Tomato
📝 Ingredient Notes
- Ground beef: 80/20 ground beef works best for juiciness.
🛒 Tools & Equipment I Recommend
- Cast iron skillet — Even heat for perfect searing. → See on Amazon
- Meat thermometer — Ensures beef is cooked to safe temperature. → See on Amazon
How to Make Easy Copycat Taco Bell Meximelt Recipe for Quick Dinner
- Step 1: Brown ground beef in a skillet, breaking it up as it cooks. Drain excess fat.
- Step 2: Stir in taco seasoning, salt, and pepper. Cook for 2 minutes.
- Step 3: Preheat oven to 425°F (220°C). Place taco shells on a baking sheet.
- Step 4: Spoon beef mixture into taco shells. Top with shredded cheese.
- Step 5: Bake for 10-12 minutes or until cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Step 6: Serve with your favorite toppings.
Cook's Tips for Perfect Easy Copycat Taco Bell Meximelt Recipe for Quick Dinner
- Common mistake and fix: Don't overcrowd the skillet when browning beef. Cook in batches if needed to prevent steaming.
- Pro tip: For extra crispiness, lightly spray or brush taco shells with oil before adding the beef mixture.
- Pro tip: To prevent soggy Meximelts, don't overstuff the taco shells. Leave some space for the cheese to melt and crisp.
Storing & Reheating Easy Copycat Taco Bell Meximelt Recipe for Quick Dinner
Short-Term Storage
Store in an airtight container in the fridge. Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Make-ahead tip: Prepare the beef mixture up to 1 day ahead. Store in the fridge and reheat before assembling and baking.
Freezing Easy Copycat Taco Bell Meximelt Recipe for Quick Dinner
Not recommended for freezing.
How to Reheat Without Drying It Out
Oven: Reheat in a 350°F (180°C) oven for 10-12 minutes. Microwave: Reheat in the microwave for 1-2 minutes. Cover with a damp paper towel to prevent drying out.
Recipe Notes
- Chef tip: For a spicier Meximelt, add diced jalapeños to the beef mixture.
- Best substitution: Use ground turkey or chicken instead of beef for a leaner option.
- Make-ahead: Prepare the beef mixture and assemble the Meximelts. Store in the fridge until ready to bake.
- Scaling: This recipe can be easily doubled or tripled for a crowd.
- Troubleshooting: If your Meximelts are still soft after baking, broil them for an additional 1-2 minutes for extra crispiness.
Want to level up this recipe?
High-quality taco seasoning — Enhances the flavor of your Meximelt. Worth the investment for authentic taste. → Check price on Amazon
Easy Copycat Taco Bell Meximelt Recipe for Quick Dinner
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- Ground beef
- Taco shells
- Shredded cheese
- Taco seasoning
Seasonings
- Taco seasoning
- Salt
- Pepper
Optional Toppings
- Sour cream
- Salsa
- Guacamole
- Lettuce
- Tomato
Instructions
- Step 1: Brown ground beef in a skillet, breaking it up as it cooks. Drain excess fat.
- Step 2: Stir in taco seasoning, salt, and pepper. Cook for 2 minutes.
- Step 3: Preheat oven to 425°F (220°C). Place taco shells on a baking sheet.
- Step 4: Spoon beef mixture into taco shells. Top with shredded cheese.
- Step 5: Bake for 10-12 minutes or until cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Step 6: Serve with your favorite toppings.
Notes
- Chef tip: For a spicier Meximelt, add diced jalapeños to the beef mixture.
- Best substitution: Use ground turkey or chicken instead of beef for a leaner option.
- Make-ahead: Prepare the beef mixture and assemble the Meximelts. Store in the fridge until ready to bake.
- Scaling: This recipe can be easily doubled or tripled for a crowd.
- Troubleshooting: If your Meximelts are still soft after baking, broil them for an additional 1-2 minutes for extra crispiness.
Storage
- Fridge: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
- Freezer: Not recommended for freezing.
- Oven reheat: Reheat in a 350°F (180°C) oven for 10-12 minutes.
- Microwave reheat: Reheat in the microwave for 1-2 minutes. Cover with a damp paper towel to prevent drying out.
- Make ahead: Prepare the beef mixture up to 1 day ahead. Store in the fridge and reheat before assembling and baking.
Nutrition Per Serving
- Calories: 450
- Protein: 25g
- Fat: 28g
- Carbs: 25g
- Fiber: 2g
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 1200mg
- Cholesterol: 85mg
- Sat. Fat: 15g
Nutritional values are estimates only. Actual values may vary by brand and portion size.
Easy Copycat Taco Bell Meximelt Recipe for Quick Dinner FAQs
Yes, prepare the beef mixture and assemble the Meximelts. Store in the fridge until ready to bake. Do not bake ahead of time as the taco shells may become soggy.
Overcrowding the skillet when browning beef or overstuffing the taco shells can lead to soggy Meximelts. Be sure to cook beef in batches and leave some space for the cheese to melt and crisp.
Yes, preheat the air fryer to 375°F (190°C). Place the assembled Meximelts in the air fryer basket. Cook for 5-7 minutes or until cheese is melted and bubbly.
A combination of chili powder, cumin, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper can be used as a substitute for taco seasoning.
Yes, this recipe is gluten-free as long as you use certified gluten-free taco shells.
A Warm Final Note
I can’t wait for you to try Easy Copycat Taco Bell Meximelt Recipe for Quick Dinner and see how effortlessly it comes together. When you make it, pop back here and leave a rating or share how it turned out — I love hearing from you!
