about contact

Grilled Cheese Burrito

by
Jump to Recipe·Print Recipe

The Grilled Cheese Burrito is a delicious fusion of crispy grilled cheese and a hearty, flavor-packed burrito. Stuffed with seasoned beef (or chicken), nacho cheese, rice, sour cream, and crunchy tortilla strips, then wrapped in a warm tortilla covered in melted cheese, this burrito is the ultimate comfort food. It’s inspired by Taco Bell’s popular menu item but made even better at home!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

  • Cheesy & Crunchy – A crispy, golden cheese crust on the outside and melty cheese inside.
  • Loaded with Flavor – Packed with seasoned beef, nacho cheese, and creamy sauce.
  • Customizable – Swap the protein, add veggies, or make it vegetarian.
  • Better than Takeout – Fresh ingredients, homemade, and even more delicious!
  • Easy to Make – Simple steps for a restaurant-style burrito at home.

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

For the Burrito Filling:

  • Ground beef (or shredded chicken)
  • Taco seasoning
  • Cooked white rice (or seasoned Mexican rice)
  • Nacho cheese sauce
  • Sour cream
  • Shredded cheddar cheese
  • Crunchy tortilla strips (or crumbled nacho chips)
  • Large flour tortillas

For the Grilled Cheese Outer Layer:

  • Shredded cheddar and Monterey Jack cheese
  • Butter (or cooking spray)

Directions

1. Prepare the Filling

  • Cook the Beef: In a skillet over medium heat, brown the ground beef. Drain excess grease, then stir in taco seasoning and a splash of water. Simmer for 5 minutes.
  • Warm the Nacho Cheese Sauce: Heat in a small saucepan or microwave until smooth.
  • Prepare the Rice: Use plain cooked rice or season it with lime juice and cilantro.

2. Assemble the Burrito

  1. Lay Out a Large Tortilla: Spread a layer of nacho cheese sauce in the center.
  2. Add the Fillings: Layer rice, seasoned beef, sour cream, shredded cheese, and crunchy tortilla strips.
  3. Fold the Burrito: Fold in the sides, then roll it tightly from the bottom up.

3. Grill the Burrito with Cheese

  1. Melt Butter in a Skillet: Heat a non-stick skillet over medium heat.
  2. Add Cheese to the Outside: Sprinkle shredded cheese directly onto the pan, then place the burrito seam-side down over the cheese.
  3. Grill Until Crispy: Cook for 2-3 minutes per side until the cheese is golden and crispy. Flip carefully and repeat on the other side.

4. Serve & Enjoy

  • Slice in half and serve hot with extra nacho cheese, salsa, or guacamole!

Servings and Timing

  • Servings: 2-4 burritos
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 15 minutes
  • Total Time: 25 minutes

Variations

  • Spicy Version – Add jalapeños or hot sauce inside the burrito.
  • Vegetarian Option – Swap beef for black beans, refried beans, or sautéed mushrooms.
  • Extra Crunchy – Use Doritos or Fritos instead of tortilla strips.
  • Double Cheese – Mix cream cheese with nacho cheese for extra creaminess.
  • Breakfast Burrito – Replace beef with scrambled eggs and sausage.

Storage/Reheating

  • Refrigeration: Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
  • Freezing: Wrap in foil and freeze for up to 2 months.
  • Reheating: Warm in a skillet over medium heat or in the oven at 350°F for 10 minutes.

FAQs

Can I use different cheeses?

Yes! Try mozzarella, pepper jack, or queso fresco for different flavors.

What’s the best way to keep the burrito from falling apart?

Make sure not to overfill, and fold the sides in tightly before rolling.

Can I make these ahead of time?

Yes! Assemble the burritos and refrigerate them. Grill them fresh before serving.

How do I get the cheese crispy on the outside?

Use a non-stick skillet and let the cheese melt slightly before placing the burrito on top.

Can I use pre-cooked chicken instead of beef?

Absolutely! Shredded rotisserie chicken works great with taco seasoning.

What’s a good side dish for this burrito?

Serve with Mexican rice, refried beans, or a side salad.

Can I make this dairy-free?

Yes! Use dairy-free cheese and vegan sour cream alternatives.

How do I make it healthier?

Use whole wheat tortillas, lean ground turkey, and reduce the cheese amount.

Can I air-fry the burrito?

Yes! Air-fry at 375°F for 5-7 minutes for a crispy exterior.

Can I add more vegetables?

Of course! Sautéed bell peppers, onions, or spinach make great additions.

Conclusion

This Grilled Cheese Burrito is a cheesy, crispy, flavor-packed meal that’s easy to make at home. With a gooey cheese crust and delicious fillings, it’s a satisfying alternative to fast food. Try it today and enjoy a next-level burrito experience!

Print

Grilled Cheese Burrito

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

No reviews

This Grilled Cheese Burrito is packed with seasoned beef, nacho cheese, and a creamy chipotle sauce, wrapped in a soft tortilla and grilled with crispy melted cheese on the outside. A perfect Taco Bell copycat or homemade comfort meal!

  • Author: Beth
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 15 minutes
  • Total Time: 25 minutes
  • Yield: 4 burritos 1x
  • Category: Main Course
  • Method: Grilling
  • Cuisine: Tex-Mex

Ingredients

Scale
For the Burrito Filling
  • 1 lb ground beef
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1 packet (or 2 tablespoons) taco seasoning
  • ½ cup water
  • 1 cup cooked rice (optional, for extra filling)
  • ½ cup nacho cheese sauce (store-bought or homemade)
  • ½ cup shredded cheddar cheese
  • ½ cup shredded Monterey Jack cheese
  • ½ cup sour cream
  • ½ cup tortilla strips (or crushed tortilla chips)
For the Chipotle Sauce (Optional)
  • ½ cup sour cream
  • 1 tablespoon mayonnaise
  • 1 teaspoon lime juice
  • 1 teaspoon chipotle powder (or adobo sauce from canned chipotles)
  • ½ teaspoon garlic powder
  • ½ teaspoon smoked paprika
  • Pinch of salt
For the Outer Grilled Cheese Layer

  • 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese (for the outside)
  • 4 large flour tortillas
  • 1 tablespoon butter (for grilling)

Instructions

1. Make the Beef Filling
  1. Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat.
  2. Add ground beef and cook until browned, breaking it up with a spoon.
  3. Drain excess grease, then stir in taco seasoning and water. Simmer for 5 minutes until thickened.
2. Make the Chipotle Sauce (Optional)
  1. In a small bowl, mix sour cream, mayonnaise, lime juice, chipotle powder, garlic powder, smoked paprika, and salt. Set aside.
3. Assemble the Burritos
  1. Lay out a large tortilla and spread 2 tablespoons of nacho cheese sauce in the center.
  2. Add ¼ cup of seasoned beef, a spoonful of rice (if using), a sprinkle of cheddar & Monterey Jack cheese, and a handful of tortilla strips for crunch.
  3. Drizzle with chipotle sauce and a spoonful of sour cream.
  4. Fold the sides in and roll tightly into a burrito.
4. Grill the Cheese on the Outside
  1. Heat a large skillet over medium heat and melt butter.
  2. Sprinkle ¼ cup shredded cheddar cheese directly onto the pan in a rectangle shape.
  3. Place the burrito seam-side down onto the cheese. Press gently and cook for 2–3 minutes until golden and crispy.
  4. Flip and repeat on the other side for extra cheesy goodness.
5. Serve & Enjoy
  1. Slice in half and serve warm with salsa, guacamole, or extra chipotle sauce!
Storage & Reheating

  • Store leftovers in foil or an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
  • Reheat in a skillet over medium heat or in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for 10 minutes.

Notes


  • Swap ground beef for chicken or black beans for a different twist.
  • Use spicy nacho cheese sauce for extra heat.
  • For extra crunch, add pickled jalapeños or diced onions inside.

Did you make this recipe?

Share a photo and tag us — we can’t wait to see what you’ve made!

Leave a Comment

Recipe rating 5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star