Now You Can Make Taco Bell's Quesalupa Right at Home

Homemade Quesalupa -- Thrillist Recipe
Cole Saladino/Thrillist
Cole Saladino/Thrillist

Taco Bell was right: you should never have to choose between a cheesy quesadilla and a cheesy taco when you can have both at the same time. Yes, the Tex-Mex chain was the genius behind the mighty Quesalupa, but trust me when I say that you can build it just as good at home.

Homemade Quesalupa -- Thrillist Recipe
Cole Saladino/Thrillist

Homemade Quesalupa Recipe

Total Time: 35 minutes
Yield: 8

INGREDIENTS:
  • 1 pound ground beef
  • 1 envelope taco seasoning
  • 16 (6-inch) flour tortillas
  • 1 pound (4 cups) shredded pepper Jack cheese
  • 8 ounces reduced-fat sour cream
  • ½ head iceberg lettuce, chopped
  • ½ cup shredded cheddar cheese
  • 2 tomatoes, diced
DIRECTIONS:
  • In a large skillet over medium-high heat, cook ground beef until browned, about 8-10 minutes. Drain excess grease, add taco seasoning and ⅔ cup water; simmer for 2-3 minutes, until thick. Transfer beef to a bowl; set aside.
  • Wipe skillet clean with a paper towel and return to the stove over medium-low heat. Place 1 tortilla in skillet, spread ½ cup pepper Jack evenly over it, cover with another tortilla. Cook for 2-3 minutes, until bottom tortilla is golden and cheese is melted. Flip quesadilla and cook the other side for 1-2 minutes. Transfer to a plate and fold in half, like a taco shell. Repeat with the remaining tortillas. NOTE: This process will go faster if you make multiple at the same time with extra skillets or a griddle.
  • Fill each taco shell with beef, sour cream, lettuce, cheddar, and tomatoes. Serve immediately.
Homemade Quesalupa -- Thrillist Recipe
Cole Saladino/Thrillist

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Perry Santanachote is Thrillist's Recipes editor. Follow her at @perrysant.