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This beef Meximelt cheesy taco is pure comfort wrapped in a warm tortilla. Tender seasoned beef mingles with melted Mexican cheese and zesty pico de gallo, making every bite a perfect mix of savory and fresh. This dish is a quick way to bring a little festive flavor to your weeknight dinners or casual gatherings.
I first made this for a small get-together, and everyone kept asking for seconds. Now it’s a favorite whenever I want something quick but special.
Ingredients
- Ground beef: lean and fresh for tenderness and flavor
- Taco seasoning: key for that authentic Mexican-American spice profile
- Water: helps make a saucy, juicy filling
- Large flour tortillas: soft and pliable for easy wrapping
- Shredded Mexican cheese blend: melts beautifully and adds creamy richness
- Pico de gallo salsa: freshens the dish with bright tomato, onion, and cilantro notes
Ingredients
For the best results pick good quality cheese and freshly made pico de gallo if you can
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Sear the beef:
- In a large pan over medium-high heat cook the ground beef until fully browned. Drain excess fat to keep it lean then return the beef to the pan.
- Season the meat:
- Add taco seasoning and water to the browned beef. Stir thoroughly breaking the meat into small crumbles with your spatula so it cooks evenly.
- Simmer and thicken:
- Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer and let cook for 5 to 10 minutes stirring occasionally. This reduces the sauce and thickens the flavor-packed base. Remove from heat afterward.
- Warm the tortillas:
- Wrap six tortillas in a damp paper towel and microwave for 15 to 20 seconds until they are soft and pliable for wrapping.
- Assemble the wraps:
- Spoon hot beef onto each tortilla. Add a generous handful of shredded cheese and top with fresh pico de gallo. Fold in the sides and roll tightly into a neat wrap.
- Melt and soften:
- Wrap each filled tortilla again in a damp paper towel and microwave for 15 seconds. This melts the cheese and makes the tortilla even softer. Serve immediately while the filling is hot and cheese is gooey.
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One of my favorite parts is how the melted cheese oozes out just slightly when you bite in. It reminds me of sharing these tacos on a chilly evening with family chatting around the table.
Storage Tips
Store any leftovers in an airtight container and keep in the fridge for up to three days. To reheat, wrap in a damp paper towel and microwave briefly to soften the tortilla and warm filling without drying it out.
Ingredient Substitutions
Ground turkey or chicken can be used instead of beef for a lighter option. If you prefer more heat try adding fresh jalapeño or a splash of hot sauce to the pico de gallo. For a gluten-free meal choose corn tortillas but warm carefully to avoid cracking.
Serving Suggestions
Serve these cheesy beef wraps with a side of Mexican rice or fresh corn salad for a complete meal. A dollop of sour cream or guacamole adds a nice creamy contrast if you like extra richness.
Cultural Context
This Meximelt taco blends Mexican flavors with American comfort food style making it a popular go-to in Tex-Mex cuisine. It's a simple recipe rooted in casual gatherings and celebrations of bold spicy taste paired with creamy textures.
Pro Tips
- Toast your taco seasoning in the pan before adding water to deepen flavor
- Use freshly shredded cheese for better melt and texture compared to pre-shredded
- Don’t skip microwaving the wrapped tortillas before and after assembling to keep them soft and easy to eat
Recipe FAQs
- → What type of beef works best for this dish?
Lean ground beef is ideal as it browns nicely and keeps the filling tender without excess grease.
- → Can I make my own taco seasoning?
Yes, combining chili powder, cumin, paprika, garlic powder, and oregano creates a flavorful seasoning blend.
- → How do I keep the tortillas soft and flexible?
Wrapping them in a damp paper towel and microwaving briefly softens them for easy folding.
- → What cheese blend is recommended?
A Mexican cheese blend with cheddar, Monterey Jack, and queso quesadilla melts smoothly and adds rich flavor.
- → Is pico de gallo necessary?
Fresh pico de gallo brightens the dish with tomatoes, onions, and cilantro, balancing the richness of the beef and cheese.
- → Can I prepare these ahead of time?
You can cook the beef filling in advance and assemble wraps just before serving for best texture and warmth.