Here’s a detailed recipe for a Grilled Cheese Burrito, inspired by the popular Taco Bell version — but better, because it’s homemade! 🧀🌯🔥
This burrito is cheesy, beefy, creamy, and crispy — everything comfort food should be.
🧀🔥 Grilled Cheese Burrito Recipe
🍽️ Servings: 4 burritos
⏱️ Total Time: ~35 minutes
📝 Ingredients
For the Beef Filling:
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 packet taco seasoning (or homemade – see below)
- ¼ cup water
For the Rice:
- 1 cup cooked white rice
- 2 tbsp sour cream
- 2 tbsp shredded cheese (cheddar or a Mexican blend)
- Salt to taste
For the Chipotle Sour Cream Sauce:
- ½ cup sour cream
- 1–2 tsp chipotle peppers in adobo sauce (minced or blended)
- ½ tsp garlic powder
- Pinch of salt
Other Fillings:
- 1 cup nacho cheese sauce (store-bought or homemade)
- 1 cup seasoned tortilla strips (or crushed Doritos, optional)
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese or Mexican blend
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 4 large flour tortillas (10–12 inch)
🔥 Optional Homemade Taco Seasoning:
- 1 tsp chili powder
- ½ tsp cumin
- ½ tsp paprika
- ½ tsp garlic powder
- ¼ tsp onion powder
- ¼ tsp dried oregano
- ¼ tsp black pepper
- Salt to taste
👩🍳 Instructions
1. Cook the Beef
- In a skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef until no longer pink.
- Drain excess grease.
- Add taco seasoning and ¼ cup water. Stir and simmer for 5–7 minutes until thickened. Set aside.
2. Make the Chipotle Sour Cream Sauce
- Mix sour cream, chipotle peppers, garlic powder, and salt in a bowl.
- Taste and adjust heat/spice as desired.
- Refrigerate until ready to use.
3. Prep the Rice
- Mix the cooked rice with sour cream and shredded cheese.
- Add a pinch of salt if needed. Set aside.
4. Assemble the Burritos
For each burrito:
- Warm a tortilla until soft and pliable (microwave for 10–15 seconds).
- Layer ingredients in the center:
- ¼ of the rice
- ¼ of the seasoned beef
- 2 tbsp nacho cheese sauce
- Drizzle of chipotle sour cream
- Handful of tortilla strips or crushed chips
- Fold the burrito: fold in sides, then roll tightly from the bottom.
5. Add the Grilled Cheese Exterior
- Heat a clean nonstick skillet over medium-low heat.
- Sprinkle about ¼ cup shredded cheese in a rectangle the size of your burrito onto the skillet.
- Place the burrito seam-side down on top of the melting cheese.
- Let cook for 2–3 minutes until the cheese sticks and becomes golden and crispy.
- Carefully lift the burrito and flip if desired (or just crisp one side).
Repeat for all burritos.
6. Serve
Slice in half and serve with:
- Extra sour cream or chipotle sauce
- Salsa or pico de gallo
- Guacamole
🧠 FAQs
❓ Can I make it vegetarian?
Yes! Replace the beef with:
- Seasoned black beans
- Plant-based meat crumbles
- Sautéed mushrooms or tofu
❓ Can I use store-bought sauce?
Absolutely — Taco Bell’s chipotle sauce is available in some stores, or use spicy ranch as a substitute.
❓ What’s the best cheese for grilling the outside?
A mix of cheddar and mozzarella works great — cheddar for flavor, mozzarella for stretch. Use a nonstick skillet to avoid sticking.
❓ Can I prep this ahead of time?
- You can prep all components ahead and assemble when ready.
- Assembled burritos can be wrapped and refrigerated for 2–3 days.
- Reheat in a skillet to re-crisp the exterior.
❓ Can I freeze them?
Yes. Skip the grilled cheese exterior and wrap tightly in foil or plastic wrap. Freeze up to 2 months. Thaw and grill with cheese when ready to eat.
Would you like a printable PDF, homemade nacho cheese recipe, or a meal prep version of this burrito?