This Jack in the Box Copycat Taco Recipe delivers all the crispy, greasy goodness of the original right from your kitchen. With seasoned beef and beans, American cheese, and a crunchy shell, it’s a fast-food favorite made simple. Perfect for game day, late-night cravings, or anytime you want that iconic taco fix!
Craving your fast-food favorites without leaving the house? We’ve recreated one of the most beloved items on the Jack in the Box menu—and it might just be better homemade!
This top copycat recipe delivers all the bold flavor and crispy goodness you love, using simple ingredients and easy steps you can whip up in your own kitchen.
Why You Will Love This Recipe!
🍽️ Restaurant-Quality at Home – Tastes just like Jack in the Box, no drive-thru needed.
🧄 Packed with Flavor – Savory pork, garlic, and veggies in every bite.
🔄 Air Fryer or Fried Options – Choose your cooking method for perfect crispiness.
🧊 Make-Ahead Friendly – Prep and freeze for easy snacks later.
🥢 Perfect Appetizer or Snack – Crowd-pleasing, crunchy, and great for dipping!
Ingredients Needed
- Ground pork or Ground Beef: Savory, juicy meat base full of flavor.
- Shredded cabbage: Adds crunch and classic egg roll texture.
- Grated carrots: Mild sweetness and vibrant color for balance.
- Green onions: Fresh flavor with a hint of sharpness.
- Minced garlic: Bold, aromatic boost to enhance the filling.
- Soy sauce: Salty, umami-rich seasoning for deeper flavor.
- Sesame oil: Nutty, toasty oil for authentic Asian taste.
- Black pepper: A mild heat to round out seasoning.
- Egg roll wrappers: Crispy shell that holds the filling together.
- Water (for sealing): Helps seal edges of the egg rolls.
- Oil for frying or air fryer spray: Creates golden, crispy exterior when cooked.
How To Make Jack In The Box Tacos
Step 1: In a skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef until browned. Drain excess grease, then stir in refried beans, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Cook for another 2–3 minutes until well combined and thickened. Let cool slightly.
Step 2: Spoon 1–2 tablespoons of the beef mixture onto half of each corn tortilla. Fold over (like a quesadilla) and gently press to seal—don’t overfill.
Step 3: Heat about 1/2 inch of oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Carefully place tacos in the oil and fry for 2–3 minutes per side, or until golden and crispy. Drain on paper towels.
Step 4: While still hot, gently open each taco and add half a slice of American cheese. Top with shredded lettuce and a drizzle of taco sauce.
Step 5: Serve immediately for that signature crispy-on-the-outside, melty-on-the-inside experience.
Jack in the Box Copycat Taco Recipe Tips
🧊 Chill the filling before assembling – Cooled filling is easier to work with and keeps tortillas from tearing.
🌮 Use thin corn tortillas – They crisp up better and mimic the original texture more closely.
🧀 Don’t skip the American cheese – It’s key to recreating that nostalgic fast-food flavor.
🛑 Seal gently, not tightly – A light press helps the taco hold its shape without bursting open during frying.
🧽 Drain on paper towels – Letting the excess oil drip off keeps the tacos crispy, not greasy.
Storing & Reheating
- Storing: Place leftover tacos in an airtight container lined with paper towels to absorb moisture. Store in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Reheating: Reheat in the air fryer at 350°F for 5–7 minutes or in the oven at 375°F for 8–10 minutes until crispy again. Avoid microwaving—they’ll lose that signature crunch!
What To Serve With Homemade Jack In The Box Tacos
Homemade Jack in the Box Tacos pair perfectly with classic fast-food style sides for a fun, nostalgic meal.
Serve them with seasoned curly fries or crispy onion rings for that true drive-thru vibe.
Add a side of nacho cheese sauce or jalapeño poppers for extra indulgence, and wash it all down with an ice-cold soda or milkshake for the full experience!
Jack in the Box Copycat Taco Recipe Faqs
What kind of meat is used in Jack in the Box tacos? The original uses a seasoned meat blend, but ground beef mixed with refried beans gives you the closest homemade version.
What cheese should I use? Classic American cheese slices are key for that authentic, melty fast-food taste—don’t skip it!
Can I bake or air fry these instead of deep frying? Yes! Air fry at 375°F for 8–10 minutes or bake at 400°F for 12–15 minutes, flipping halfway for even crispiness.
Why are the tacos sealed before frying? Frying them sealed keeps the filling in place and creates that signature crispy fold-over taco shape.
Can I make these ahead of time? You can prep and assemble the tacos, then refrigerate them for a few hours before cooking. Fry fresh for best texture.
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Jack in the Box Copycat Taco Recipe
Description
Ingredients
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1/2 cup refried beans
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp onion powder
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 10 small corn tortillas, thin style preferred
- 5 slices American cheese, halved
- 1 cup shredded lettuce
- 1/4 cup taco sauce
Instructions
- In a skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef until browned. Drain excess fat. Stir in refried beans, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Cook for 2–3 more minutes until well combined. Remove from heat and let cool slightly.
- Spoon about 1–2 tablespoons of the beef mixture onto half of each tortilla. Fold tortilla over the filling and gently press to seal edges. Be careful not to overfill.
- Heat about 1/2 inch of oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Carefully place tacos in hot oil and fry for 2–3 minutes per side, or until golden and crispy. Drain on paper towels.
- While still warm, gently open each taco and add half a slice of American cheese. Top with shredded lettuce and a drizzle of taco sauce.
- Enjoy your crispy, cheesy Jack in the Box-style tacos hot and fresh.
Equipment
- Skillet, or Frying Pan
- Spatula
Nutrition
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