Save
This Grilled Cheese Burrito brings all the saucy, cheesy magic of the drive-thru right to your own kitchen. Each burrito gets a double layer of melty cheese both inside and out, plus all the savory fillings that make this Taco Bell favorite so crave-worthy. After the first bite, you may never wait in a takeout line for this again.
Ingredients
- Ground beef: adds juicy flavor and traditional texture choose eighty five percent lean for best results
- Taco seasoning: brings classic Tex Mex spice use your favorite brand or homemade blend for extra flavor
- Water: helps create a savory sauce for the beef make sure to measure for perfect texture
- Nacho cheese sauce: gives the creamy signature layer warmed up for easy spreading
- Flour tortillas: the bigger the better for wrapping without breaking pick soft and pliable ones
- Mexican or Spanish rice: adds hearty texture and extra flavor leftovers work great
- Taco Bell Creamy Chipotle Sauce: brings a smoky heat or swap in your favorite spicy mayo
- Sour cream: cools and contrasts with all the bold flavors go for full fat for the creamiest experience
- Tortilla strips: provide crunch you can use crushed chips if needed
- Mexican blend cheese: is the magic for that golden grilled crust fresh shred melts best
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Brown the Beef:
- Cook ground beef in a skillet over medium high heat slowly breaking it up as you go so it browns evenly Let it go until no pink remains then drain off any excess fat This makes for a beefy filling without greasiness
- Season and Simmer:
- Reduce the heat to medium Add taco seasoning and water to the beef Stir everything together and let it simmer for about five minutes This lets the flavors soak in and the sauce thicken up Set this aside while you prep everything else
- Layer the Fillings:
- Lay out each of your tortillas flat Take a big spoonful of warm nacho cheese sauce and spread it in the center Top with a scoop of the beef mixture a mound of rice one tablespoon chipotle sauce one tablespoon sour cream and a handful of tortilla strips Stack everything up neatly for easy rolling
- Roll It Up:
- Bring up the bottom edge of the tortilla fold in both sides then roll it away from you as snug as you can Make sure the seam sits on the bottom so everything stays tucked in
- Grill with Cheese:
- Heat a nonstick skillet over medium Sprinkle one quarter cup shredded cheese in a circle directly onto the hot pan Set your burrito seam side down on top of the cheese Leave it for two to three minutes until the cheese is deep golden and crispy and nicely sticking to the burrito
- Finish Both Sides:
- Using a big spatula lift the burrito off the skillet Sprinkle another quarter cup of cheese where it was then flip the burrito over Fry the second side just until that cheese crust is golden and crunchy Take it out and repeat with your remaining burritos
- Serve Hot:
- Pile up your grilled cheese burritos and dig in These are at their very best fresh off the pan
You can use store bought Mexican rice or even leftover homemade This recipe freezes well after assembling but before frying the outer cheese layer Easily swap the protein for shredded chicken or beans for a vegetarian twist My kids say the best part is the crunchy cheesy exterior we usually end up doubledipping the cheese in the skillet for the ultimate gold crust These burritos always remind me of our late Friday movie nights with everyone gathered around and the kitchen smelling outrageously good
Storage Tips
Wrap any leftover burritos tightly in foil and store in the fridge for up to three days They reheat best in a toaster oven or air fryer to keep the exterior crisp If you want to freeze wrap them individually before grilling the cheese outside and finish that step after thawing
Ingredient Substitutions
Feel free to trade ground beef for ground turkey or even a plant based option like lentils or soyrizo For a lighter version try Greek yogurt instead of sour cream Chipotle sauce can be substituted with any spicy mayo or you can stir a little hot sauce into ranch
Serving Suggestions
Serve these burritos alongside a big bowl of pico de gallo or guacamole For a crowd cut each in half and set out as party snacks They pair perfectly with a pitcher of homemade limeade or a cold Mexican soda
A Little Burrito History
Burritos were designed for portability and convenience and their fillings have evolved to fit every craving from classic beans to bold flavors like these Taco Bell inspired creations The grilled cheese burrito puts an extra twist on tradition with its double cheese hit
Recipe FAQs
- → What type of beef works best for this burrito?
Ground beef with 80/20 fat content yields flavorful, juicy results and holds seasoning well in the filling.
- → How do I get the cheese perfectly crisp on the outside?
Sprinkle shredded cheese directly onto a hot skillet, then place the filled burrito seam-side down. Once the cheese melts and browns, flip to crisp both sides.
- → What sauces add extra flavor inside?
A drizzle of creamy chipotle sauce and a bit of sour cream bring smoky heat and tangy smoothness to every bite.
- → Can I substitute rice types in the filling?
Yes, both Mexican and Spanish rice provide hearty texture and flavor, but even plain cooked rice works well in a pinch.
- → How should leftovers be stored and reheated?
Wrap cooled burritos in foil and refrigerate. For best texture, reheat in a skillet or oven to maintain crispiness, not a microwave.