| |

Grilled Cheese Burrito Recipe

If you’re a fan of melty cheese and crave something a little more exciting than your run-of-the-mill sandwich, you’re going to flip for this Grilled Cheese Burrito Recipe. Trust me, this isn’t just any burrito – it’s loaded with seasoned beef, gooey nacho cheese, and a crispy, cheesy crust that’s downright addictive. When I first tried this, I knew it was going to become a staple in my kitchen, and I can’t wait to share it with you!

💚

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

  • Melted Cheese Magic: The combination of nacho cheese sauce and shredded Mexican blend cheese gives a perfect gooey, crispy contrast you won’t forget.
  • Easy Weeknight Winner: It comes together quickly but tastes like you spent hours in the kitchen.
  • Customizable Comfort: You can jazz it up with your favorite toppings or keep it simple — it’s a versatile crowd-pleaser.
  • Bold Flavor Boost: The creamy chipotle sauce adds a subtle smoky heat that keeps everyone coming back for more.
The image shows a close-up of a rolled dish with three main visible layers. The outer layer is a golden-brown crust that looks crispy and slightly shiny, wrapping tightly around the filling. Inside, the middle layer is made up of dark brown cooked ground meat, tightly packed. The innermost layer is a light yellow-orange melted cheese that flows slightly from the cut ends. The dish is placed on light brown parchment paper, set on a white marbled surface. In the background, a white plate holds another piece of the same dish, slightly out of focus. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7 - Grilled Cheese Burrito, cheesy burrito recipe, easy dinner ideas, cheesy crispy burrito, beef and cheese burrito

Ingredients You’ll Need

What makes this grilled cheese burrito recipe really shine is the way these ingredients work together — savory, cheesy, smoky, and just the right amount of crispy. Grab some good quality tortillas and Mexican blend cheese for the best results.

Flat lay of a mound of freshly cooked ground beef with visible seasoning flakes, a small white bowl of bright orange nacho cheese sauce, four soft, uncut burrito-sized flour tortillas stacked neatly, a white bowl filled with vibrant orange Mexican rice, a small white bowl with creamy light beige chipotle sauce, a small white bowl of smooth white sour cream, a heap of crisp golden tortilla strips, and a pile of shredded Mexican blend cheese with yellow, white, and orange strands, all arranged symmetrically in simple white ceramic bowls and plates, placed on a clean white marble surface, soft natural light, photo taken with an iPhone, professional food photography style, fresh ingredients, white ceramic bowls, no bottles, no duplicates, no utensils, no packaging --ar 2:3 --v 7 --p m7354615311229779997 - Grilled Cheese Burrito, cheesy burrito recipe, easy dinner ideas, cheesy crispy burrito, beef and cheese burrito
  • Ground beef: I like to use lean beef so it’s flavorful but not too greasy.
  • Taco seasoning: This packet adds all the classic Tex-Mex spices without any extra hassle.
  • Water: Helps the seasoning blend into a great sauce for the beef.
  • Nacho cheese sauce: This creates that luscious, creamy layer inside the burrito.
  • Burrito size flour tortillas: Large enough to hold all the tasty fillings with room to fold nicely.
  • Mexican or Spanish rice: Adds a hearty, comforting texture and soaks up the cheese perfectly.
  • Taco Bell Creamy Chipotle Sauce: That smoky, spicy kick takes the burrito to another level.
  • Sour cream: Adds cool creaminess to balance the spices.
  • Tortilla strips: These bring delightful crunch inside the burrito — don’t skip them!
  • Mexican blend shredded cheese: Essential for that golden, crispy grilled cheese crust on the outside.
📝
Note: You’ll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Variations

I love that this grilled cheese burrito recipe is totally customizable — it’s helped me get creative based on what’s in my fridge or on hand. Feel free to play around and make it your own!

  • Spicy Upgrade: I toss in diced jalapeños and switch out the chipotle sauce for a hotter version — it’s fantastic if you like a kick.
  • Vegetarian Swap: Swap the ground beef with black beans or sautéed veggies to keep it meat-free without losing flavor.
  • Cheese Variety: Pepper jack cheese melts beautifully and adds a nice zesty bite if you want to switch up the classic Mexican blend.
  • Rice-Free: Skip the rice and add extra tortilla strips or shredded lettuce to amp up the crunch instead.

How to Make Grilled Cheese Burrito Recipe

Step 1: Cook the Beef Until Perfectly Seasoned

Start by heating your skillet over medium-high heat. Brown the ground beef, breaking it up into little pieces as it cooks — I like to get it nice and crumbly. Once it’s cooked through, drain any excess fat so your burritos won’t be greasy. Then, lower the heat to medium, add the taco seasoning and water, and stir everything up. Let that simmer for about 5 minutes until the sauce thickens and coats the beef in delicious spice. This is the flavor bomb that sets the stage for everything else.

Step 2: Build Your Burritos Just Right

Lay out each burrito-sized tortilla on your prep surface. Spread a generous layer of that rich nacho cheese sauce right in the center. Then, pile on a quarter of the taco meat, followed by a scoop of Mexican rice. Drizzle one tablespoon each of creamy chipotle sauce and sour cream over the top—that cools down the heat and adds smoothness. Don’t forget a handful of crunchy tortilla strips for texture; I promise it makes a huge difference here.

Step 3: Roll and Seal Like a Pro

To fold the burrito, bring the bottom edge over the filling first, then fold in the sides, rolling everything tightly. Make sure the seam ends up on the bottom — that helps keep it sealed when you grill it later. I used to struggle with burritos falling apart, but this folding method really is a game-changer.

Step 4: Grill the Cheese to Crispy Perfection

Heat a non-stick skillet over medium heat. Sprinkle about a quarter cup of shredded Mexican blend cheese directly onto the skillet. As it starts to melt and bubble, gently place one burrito seam-side down on top. Cook for 2-3 minutes until that cheese crust forms a golden brown layer sticking the burrito to the skillet. Then carefully lift the burrito, sprinkle another quarter cup of cheese on the skillet, and flip the burrito to repeat the magic on the other side. When both sides are crispy and golden, set it aside and repeat with the rest.

👨‍🍳

Pro Tips for Making Grilled Cheese Burrito Recipe

  • Don’t Skip Draining the Beef: Keeps the burritos from getting soggy and ensures the flavors stay balanced.
  • Use a Non-Stick Skillet: It makes the grilling step much easier and helps get that perfect crispy cheese crust.
  • Keep the Seam Down When Cooking: This prevents the burrito from unraveling while you’re grilling the cheese.
  • Prep Ahead for Easy Assembly: Cook the meat and rice in advance to save time on busy days.

How to Serve Grilled Cheese Burrito Recipe

The image shows a burrito cut in half and stacked, with two clear layers inside. The outer layer is a browned, toasted tortilla with a shiny texture. Inside, there is a thick layer of cooked ground beef on top, dark brown and crumbly, and beneath it, a creamy layer of melted yellow cheese mixed with rice that has a soft, slightly wet texture. The burrito is placed on a beige paper surface with some scattered tortilla chips around it. In the background, there is a white plate with more burritos and a red sauce packet nearby, all set on a white marbled surface. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7 - Grilled Cheese Burrito, cheesy burrito recipe, easy dinner ideas, cheesy crispy burrito, beef and cheese burrito

Garnishes

I love topping these burritos with some fresh chopped cilantro and slices of avocado for a fresh flavor contrast. A squeeze of lime really brightens everything up, and a little extra chipotle sauce on the side makes it perfect for dipping.

Side Dishes

Pair these with simple sides like tortilla chips and guacamole, a side of refried beans, or a fresh Mexican street corn salad if you want something vibrant and crunchy to complement the richness.

Creative Ways to Present

For a casual dinner party, slice the burritos in half and serve them standing up with a colorful array of dipping sauces in small bowls around the platter. It makes for fun finger food that everyone can enjoy grabbing and dipping.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I usually wrap leftover burritos tightly in foil and pop them in the fridge — they keep great for up to 3 days. Keeping the cheese crust intact while storing can be tricky, so wrapping snugly helps maintain moisture balance.

Freezing

If you want to prep in bulk, freeze the ungrilled burritos wrapped in foil. When you’re ready to eat, thaw them overnight in the fridge and then grill them with cheese to get that crispy crust fresh again. I love having these on hand for quick meals.

Reheating

To reheat leftover grilled cheese burritos, warming them in a skillet over medium heat works best — about 3-4 minutes per side will bring back that fresh-from-the-pan crispiness better than a microwave ever could.

FAQs

  1. Can I make the Grilled Cheese Burrito Recipe vegetarian?

    Absolutely! You can substitute the ground beef with hearty black beans, sautéed mushrooms, or a plant-based ground beef alternative. Just season it the same way with taco seasoning for that signature flavor.

  2. What’s the best cheese to use for grilling the burrito?

    I recommend a Mexican blend cheese because it melts beautifully and browns nicely, creating that irresistible crispy crust. Pepper jack is also great if you want a little extra spice.

  3. Can I assemble these ahead of time?

    Yes! You can put the burritos together without grilling them and store them in the fridge for up to 24 hours. Just grill the cheese crust when you’re ready to eat for the freshest texture.

  4. Is it okay to freeze the burritos?

    For sure. Freeze the burritos before grilling, wrapped tightly in foil. When you want to eat, thaw overnight and grill them to bring back that crispy, cheesy outside.

Final Thoughts

This grilled cheese burrito recipe quickly became one of my go-to comfort foods — it has the nostalgia of a classic grilled cheese, but with bold Mexican flavors that hit all the right spots. Plus, it’s just so darn fun to make and eat! I encourage you to try it out one evening, maybe even invite some friends over to enjoy the cheesy goodness together. Once you do, you might just find yourself making it on repeat, just like me.

Print
clock clock iconcutlery cutlery iconflag flag iconfolder folder iconinstagram instagram iconpinterest pinterest iconfacebook facebook iconprint print iconsquares squares iconheart heart iconheart solid heart solid icon

Grilled Cheese Burrito Recipe

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star 4.8 from 99 reviews
  • Author: Stacy
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 25 minutes
  • Total Time: 40 minutes
  • Yield: 4 servings 1x
  • Category: Main Dish
  • Method: Stovetop
  • Cuisine: Mexican-American

Description

A delicious Taco Bell-inspired Grilled Cheese Burrito combining seasoned ground beef, creamy nacho cheese, rice, and crispy tortilla strips, all wrapped in a flour tortilla and grilled with a cheesy crust for a satisfying savory meal.


Ingredients

Scale

Meat and Seasoning

  • 1 pound ground beef
  • 1 ounce packet taco seasoning
  • ⅔ cup water

Sauces and Dairy

  • 15 ounce can nacho cheese sauce
  • 4 tablespoons store bought Taco Bell Creamy Chipotle Sauce
  • 4 tablespoons sour cream
  • 2 cups mexican blend cheese, shredded

Other Fillings

  • 4 burrito size flour tortillas
  • 2 cups mexican or spanish rice
  • 1 cup tortilla strips

Instructions

  1. Cook the ground beef: Heat a skillet over medium-high heat and cook the ground beef until browned, breaking it into small pieces as it cooks. Drain off the excess fat.
  2. Season the beef: Reduce the heat to medium, add the taco seasoning and water to the beef, and stir. Cook for about 5 minutes, or until the liquid has thickened. Set aside.
  3. Assemble the burrito: Lay out each tortilla and spread a layer of nacho cheese sauce in the center. Top with 1/4 of the taco meat, 1/4 of the rice, drizzle 1 tablespoon of chipotle sauce, 1 tablespoon of sour cream, and a handful of tortilla strips.
  4. Fold the burrito: Bring up the bottom edge of the tortilla, fold in the sides, and roll tightly to enclose the fillings. Make sure the seam is on the bottom to keep it secure.
  5. Prepare to grill: Heat a non-stick skillet over medium heat. Sprinkle 1/4 cup of shredded cheese directly onto the skillet.
  6. Grill one side: Place one burrito, seam-side down, on the cheese. Cook for about 2-3 minutes, or until the cheese has melted, browned, and stuck to the burrito.
  7. Grill the other side: Carefully lift the burrito with a spatula, sprinkle another 1/4 cup of cheese on the skillet, and flip the burrito over to repeat the process on the other side. Once both sides are golden and crispy, remove from the skillet and set aside.
  8. Repeat and serve: Repeat with the remaining burritos. Serve hot and enjoy!

Notes

  • Storage: Wrap leftovers in foil and refrigerate for up to 3 days.
  • Make-Ahead: Assemble burritos without grilling the cheese crust and refrigerate up to 24 hours. Grill just before serving for the best texture.
  • Reheat: Warm in a skillet over medium heat for 3–4 minutes per side or bake at 375°F for 10–12 minutes.
  • Freeze: Freeze ungrilled burritos in foil. Thaw overnight and grill with cheese when ready to serve.
  • Tips: Customize with jalapeños, diced tomatoes, or black beans. Cook rice and taco meat in advance and store separately for easy assembly. Use pepper jack or hot sauce for a spicy upgrade.

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 burrito
  • Calories: 680
  • Sugar: 4g
  • Sodium: 950mg
  • Fat: 38g
  • Saturated Fat: 15g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 20g
  • Trans Fat: 0.5g
  • Carbohydrates: 50g
  • Fiber: 4g
  • Protein: 30g
  • Cholesterol: 90mg

Similar Posts

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

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