Quesarito

Quesarito Recipe - Authentic Mexican Cuisine

Region / culture: Mexico, North America | Preparation time: 30 minutes | Cooking time: 40 minutes | Servings: 8

Introduction

The Quesarito is a delicious and indulgent Mexican-American fusion dish that combines the flavors of a quesadilla and a burrito. This dish features a cheesy quesadilla wrapped around a flavorful beef and rice filling, making it a satisfying and hearty meal.

History

The Quesarito gained popularity in the United States when it was introduced by a popular fast-food chain as a menu item. Since then, it has become a favorite among food enthusiasts who enjoy the combination of melted cheese, seasoned beef, and zesty rice all wrapped up in a warm tortilla.

Ingredients

For the meat base

1.75 lb (794 g) lean ground chuck of beef
1.5 tbsp masa corn flour
4.5 tsp chili powder
0.5 tsp onion powder
0.5 tsp garlic powder
0.5 tsp seasoning salt
0.5 tsp paprika
0.25 tsp cumin
0.5 tsp garlic salt
0.25 tsp sugar
1 tsp instant minced onion
0.5 tsp beef bouillon

Cilantro-lime Rice

0.5 tbsp butter
1 cup long-grain white rice
2 cup chicken broth
0.75 tsp salt
0.25 tsp ground black pepper
juice and zest of 1 lime
2 tbsp chopped cilantro
0.25 tsp cumin

Chipotle Sauce

0.25 cup mayonnaise or (1 cup all-purpose cream)
2 tsp minced jalapeños (from the jar) or (3 chili peppers, chopped, red only)
2 tsp jalapeño juice from the jar or (2.5 tbsp hot sauce)
0.75 tsp sugar, brown or white only
0.5 tsp paprika
0.5 tsp cumin
0.13 tsp cayenne pepper
0.13 tsp garlic powder
1 pinch of salt

Other

8 burrito-sized flour tortillas
2 cup shredded cheese, mixed (such as parmesan, colby, cheddar, mozzarella, and Monterey)
sour cream
cooking spray

How to prepare

In a small bowl, combine mayonnaise (or all-purpose cream), minced jalapeños (or chopped red chili peppers), jalapeño juice (or hot sauce), 0.75 tsp sugar, 0.5 tsp paprika, 0.5 tsp cumin, 0.13 tsp cayenne pepper, 0.13 tsp garlic powder, and a pinch of salt. Mix until well combined and set aside.
In a separate bowl, combine masa corn flour, chili powder, onion powder, 0.5 tsp garlic powder, seasoning salt, 0.5 tsp paprika, 0.25 tsp cumin, garlic salt, 0.25 tsp sugar, minced onion, and beef bouillon. Mix well and set aside.
Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Crumble the ground chuck into the skillet and cook while breaking the meat up into chunks with a spatula until browned.
Drain off any excess grease. Add 0.75-1 cup of water and the taco seasoning to the ground beef. Mix well and simmer on medium-low heat for 20 minutes.
Simmer until almost all of the moisture has cooked away.
Melt the butter in a medium saucepan. Add the rice and cook while stirring for 1-2 minutes. Add the chicken broth, salt, pepper, zest and lime juice, cilantro, and 0.25 tsp cumin.
Bring to a boil. Reduce heat, cover, and cook for about 15-16 minutes. Remove from heat and allow the rice to sit covered for an additional 10 minutes.
Lay out a sheet of paper towel onto a microwave-safe plate. Add one tortilla on top of the paper towel.
Add a thin layer of cheese on top of the tortillas. Place another tortilla on top of the cheese.
Place a damp paper towel on top.
Place into the microwave and cook for 30 seconds to 1 minute or until the cheese has melted. In the center of the prepared quesadilla, add some of the ground beef, top with some of the cilantro-lime rice.
Add a little bit of the chipotle sauce and sour cream.
Roll up the burritos by folding the corners towards the center and then grabbing the bottom and rolling up. Repeat this process with the remaining tortillas and cheese.
To cook them in the pan, spray a large skillet with cooking spray and heat the skillet to medium-high heat.
Place the wraps into the skillet seam-side down and cook until golden brown and crisp on the bottom; turn over and cook until golden brown on the other side (about 2-3 minutes per side). Serve hot and plain then pair this quesarito with other side dishes or appetizers, if desired.

Variations

Substitute ground chicken or turkey for the beef for a lighter option.
Add diced bell peppers, onions, or black beans to the filling for extra flavor and texture.
Use different types of cheese such as cheddar or pepper jack for a unique twist.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

Make sure to cook the ground beef until it is browned and cooked through to ensure a flavorful filling.

- Use a combination of mozzarella and Monterey Jack cheese for a gooey and melty texture.

- Microwave the tortillas with cheese in between to create a crispy and cheesy quesadilla layer.

- Serve the Quesarito hot and fresh for the best taste and texture.

Serving Suggestions

Serve the Quesarito with a side of salsa, guacamole, or a fresh salad for a complete meal.

Cooking Techniques

Browning the ground beef

- Cooking the rice

- Assembling and rolling the Quesaritos

- Pan-frying the Quesaritos for a crispy finish

Ingredient Substitutions

Use ground chicken or turkey instead of beef

- Use different types of cheese

- Substitute Greek yogurt for sour cream

Make Ahead Tips

Prepare the meat base, cilantro-lime rice, and chipotle sauce ahead of time and store in the refrigerator until ready to assemble and cook the Quesaritos.

Presentation Ideas

Serve the Quesaritos on a platter with a drizzle of chipotle sauce and a sprinkle of chopped cilantro for a colorful and appetizing presentation.

Pairing Recommendations

Pair the Quesaritos with a refreshing Mexican beer or a fruity margarita for a delicious and satisfying meal.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Store any leftover Quesaritos in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Reheat in the microwave or oven until heated through.

Nutrition Information

Calories per serving

Calories: 480 per serving

Carbohydrates

Carbohydrates: 45g per serving

Fats

Total Fat: 22g per serving

Saturated Fat: 10g per serving

Proteins

Protein: 28g per serving

Vitamins and minerals

Iron: 3mg per serving

Calcium: 250mg per serving

Alergens

Contains dairy (cheese, sour cream)

Summary

The Quesarito is a rich and indulgent dish that is high in protein and fats. It is a satisfying meal that is best enjoyed in moderation.

Summary

The Quesarito is a flavorful and indulgent dish that combines the best of both quesadillas and burritos. With a cheesy exterior and a savory beef and rice filling, this dish is sure to satisfy your cravings for a hearty and delicious meal. Enjoy it with your favorite toppings and sides for a complete dining experience.

How did I get this recipe?

The first time I saw this recipe, I was immediately drawn to it. It was a unique combination of two of my favorite foods - quesadillas and burritos. I knew I had to learn how to make it myself.

I first came across the recipe for a quesarito at a small Mexican restaurant in a quaint little town. The owner, a kind elderly woman named Rosa, was known for her delicious homemade dishes. I had been a regular customer for years, always eager to try out her latest creations.

One day, as I was enjoying my usual order of enchiladas, Rosa mentioned that she had come up with a new dish - the quesarito. She described it as a burrito wrapped in a cheesy quesadilla shell, filled with all the classic Mexican flavors. I was intrigued and asked her to show me how to make it.

Rosa gladly agreed and invited me into her kitchen to watch as she prepared the dish. She explained each step carefully, from making the perfect quesadilla to assembling the burrito filling. As I watched her work her magic, I knew that I had found something special.

After tasting the finished quesarito, I was hooked. The combination of gooey cheese, savory meat, and flavorful spices was unlike anything I had ever tried before. I asked Rosa for the recipe, but she simply smiled and told me that it was a secret family recipe passed down from generation to generation.

Undeterred, I set out to recreate the quesarito on my own. I experimented with different ingredients and techniques, trying to capture the essence of Rosa's original dish. After several failed attempts, I finally found the perfect balance of flavors and textures.

Over the years, I have continued to perfect my recipe for the quesarito. I have added my own personal touch to it, incorporating new ingredients and flavors that I have picked up along the way. Each time I make it, I am reminded of the day I first saw Rosa prepare the dish in her kitchen.

Now, the quesarito has become a staple in my own home. My family and friends always look forward to enjoying this delicious and comforting meal. I am proud to have mastered the art of making this special dish, thanks to the guidance and inspiration of Rosa.

As I sit down to enjoy a freshly made quesarito, I am filled with gratitude for all the wonderful recipes I have collected over the years. Each one tells a story, a memory of a time and a place where I learned something new and exciting. And the quesarito, with its blend of tradition and innovation, will always hold a special place in my heart.