Looking for the perfect handheld meal for your next game day gathering? This Grilled Cheese Burrito is a guaranteed winner. It's heartier than a taco and easier to eat than a plate of nachos, making it the perfect "soak up the excitement" food. The secret lies in the double-cheese layer: one on the inside for the melt, and one on the outside for the crunch. These burritos are sturdy, portable, and packed with flavor, ensuring your guests stay full and happy from kick-off to the final whistle.
This recipe uses Mexican-style seasoned rice with ground beef taco meat, nacho cheese sauce, creamy chipotle sauce, and tortilla strips crunch for the crispy grilled cheese exterior and toasted cheese crust on burrito. Whether you're making the classic version, a chicken variation, checking calories or nutrition, or looking for one near you, this easy Taco Bell copycat recipe delivers every time.
Jump to:
- Why You'll Love This Grilled Cheese Burrito
- Ingredients for Grilled Cheese Burrito
- How to Make Grilled Cheese Burrito
- My Top Tips for Perfect Grilled Cheese Burrito
- Little Moments in the Kitchen
- Substitutions for Grilled Cheese Burrito
- Variations on Grilled Cheese Burrito
- Equipment for Making Grilled Cheese Burrito
- Storage Tips for Grilled Cheese Burrito
- Adam's Tip for Grilled Cheese Burrito
- FAQ About Grilled Cheese Burrito
- Conclusion
- Related
- Pairing
- recipe
Why You'll Love This Grilled Cheese Burrito
- Restaurant quality at home. This copycat Taco Bell grilled cheese burrito tastes just like the original but costs a fraction of the price.
- Crispy, cheesy perfection. The crispy grilled cheese exterior and toasted cheese crust on burrito create an irresistible texture contrast.
- Customizable filling. Load it up with your favorite ingredients like ground beef taco meat, Mexican-style seasoned rice, and all your preferred toppings.
Ingredients for Grilled Cheese Burrito
This simple ingredient list creates the ultimate copycat version.
What You'll Need
For the Seasoned Beef:
- 1 pound lean ground beef
- 2 tablespoons taco seasoning
- ¼ cup water
For the Mexican-Style Seasoned Rice:
- 1 cup cooked white rice
- 2 tablespoons salsa or tomato sauce
- ½ teaspoon cumin
- Salt to taste
For Assembly:
- 4 large flour tortillas (10-inch)
- 1 cup nacho cheese sauce (store-bought or homemade)
- ½ cup sour cream
- ¼ cup creamy chipotle sauce (or chipotle mayo)
- 1 cup crushed tortilla strips or chips
- 2 cups shredded three-cheese blend (for the crispy grilled cheese exterior)
- 2 tablespoons butter (for grilling)
Optional Add-Ins:
- Shredded lettuce
- Diced tomatoes
- Jalapeños
- Black beans
- Guacamole
Why These Ingredients Matter
Crispy grilled cheese exterior is the star. Coating the outside of the burrito with shredded cheese and grilling it creates the signature toasted cheese crust on burrito that makes this recipe so special.
Nacho cheese sauce adds authentic flavor. Using nacho cheese sauce inside gives you that classic Taco Bell taste and gooey texture.
Tortilla strips crunch provides texture. The crushed tortilla strips add a satisfying crunch inside the burrito that contrasts perfectly with the creamy elements.
How to Make Grilled Cheese Burrito
Step-by-Step Directions
- Cook the beef. In a large skillet over medium-high heat, brown the lean ground beef for 6 to 8 minutes, breaking it up with a wooden spoon. Drain excess fat, then add taco seasoning and water. Simmer for 3 to 4 minutes until the ground beef taco meat is well-seasoned.
- Prepare the rice. Mix the cooked rice with salsa or tomato sauce, cumin, and salt to create the Mexican-style seasoned rice. Set aside.
- Warm the tortillas. Heat the flour tortillas in the microwave for 15 to 20 seconds to make them pliable for rolling.
- Layer the filling. On each tortilla, layer the ingredients in the center: ¼ cup Mexican-style seasoned rice, ¼ of the ground beef taco meat, 2 tablespoons nacho cheese sauce, 2 tablespoons sour cream, 1 tablespoon creamy chipotle sauce, and ¼ cup crushed tortilla strips for the tortilla strips crunch.
- Fold the burrito. Fold in the sides of the tortilla, then roll it up tightly from the bottom to create a compact burrito.
- Add cheese to the outside. Sprinkle ½ cup of shredded cheese on a flat surface. Place the burrito seam-side down on the cheese and gently press. Sprinkle more cheese on top and sides to create the crispy grilled cheese exterior.
- Grill the burrito. Heat a large skillet or griddle over medium heat and add ½ tablespoon of butter. Place the cheese-coated burrito in the skillet, seam-side down. Cook for 2 to 3 minutes until the cheese is golden and crispy.
- Flip and finish. Carefully flip the burrito and cook the other side for 2 to 3 minutes until the toasted cheese crust on burrito is crispy and golden all around.
- Serve immediately. Cut the burrito in half and serve hot. The crispy grilled cheese exterior should be crunchy while the inside stays warm and gooey.
Quick Tip: Use medium heat to grill the burrito so the cheese gets crispy without burning!
My Top Tips for Perfect Grilled Cheese Burrito
- Don't overfill. Too much filling makes it hard to roll and can cause the burrito to burst while grilling.
- Press gently while grilling. Use a spatula to gently press down on the burrito as it cooks to help the cheese adhere and get extra crispy.
- Use room temperature cheese. Cold cheese doesn't stick as well to the outside of the burrito. Let it sit out for 10 minutes before assembly.
- Work quickly. Assemble and grill the burritos one at a time so the cheese on the outside doesn't dry out before grilling.
Little Moments in the Kitchen
The first time I made this copycat Taco Bell grilled cheese burrito, Adam watched me press the burrito into the shredded cheese and asked, "Mom, why are you putting cheese on the outside?" I explained that when you grill it, the cheese gets super crispy and creates a crunchy shell. When dinner was ready, he took his first bite and his eyes got huge. "The outside is so crunchy and cheesy! This is even better than Taco Bell! Can we make these every week?"
Grandma Viola smiled and said, "You know, when I was your age, we didn't have fancy fast food like this. But I love how you're making restaurant food at home. The secret is getting that cheese nice and crispy without burning it. Medium heat and patience, that's the key."
If you love easy weeknight dinners, try our Cajun Chicken Sloppy Joes. It's another family favorite.
Substitutions for Grilled Cheese Burrito
- Ground beef: Swap with ground chicken, ground turkey, or plant-based ground meat for the ground beef taco meat.
- Mexican rice: Use plain white rice, brown rice, or cauliflower rice for the Mexican-style seasoned rice.
- Nacho cheese: Use queso, melted cheddar, or a homemade cheese sauce for the nacho cheese sauce.
- Tortilla strips: Substitute with crushed Doritos, Fritos, or homemade tortilla chips for the tortilla strips crunch.
Variations on Grilled Cheese Burrito
- Grilled Cheese Burrito Recipe (Classic Beef): Follow the recipe above with ground beef taco meat, Mexican-style seasoned rice, and nacho cheese sauce for the classic copycat Taco Bell grilled cheese burrito.
- Chicken Grilled Cheese Burrito Taco Bell (Chicken Version): Use seasoned shredded or grilled chicken instead of beef for a chicken variation that's just as delicious.
- Grilled Cheese Steak Burrito (Steak Upgrade): Use seasoned steak strips instead of ground beef for a premium double steak version.
- Grilled Cheese Burrito Chipotle (Extra Spicy): Double the creamy chipotle sauce and add jalapeños for a spicier version inspired by Chipotle.
- Best Grilled Cheese Burrito (Loaded Version): Add black beans, guacamole, extra cheese, and all your favorite toppings for the ultimate loaded version.
If you're craving more comfort food, check out our Cheeseburger Pie. It's another family favorite.
Equipment for Making Grilled Cheese Burrito
- Large skillet or griddle: Essential for achieving the crispy grilled cheese exterior and toasted cheese crust on burrito.
- Wooden spoon or spatula: For breaking up the ground beef taco meat and flipping the burritos while grilling.
- Mixing bowls: For preparing the Mexican-style seasoned rice and mixing the creamy chipotle sauce.
- Flat spatula: For gently pressing the burrito while grilling to help the cheese get extra crispy.
Storage Tips for Grilled Cheese Burrito
- Refrigerator: Store assembled but ungrilled burritos wrapped in foil in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Grill when ready to eat.
- Freezer: Wrap assembled but ungrilled burritos tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil, then freeze for up to 1 month. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before grilling.
- Reheating tip: Reheat grilled burritos in a skillet over medium heat for 2 to 3 minutes per side to re-crisp the toasted cheese crust on burrito.
- Make-ahead tip: Prepare all the components (seasoned beef, rice, sauces) up to 2 days ahead and store separately. Assemble and grill when ready to serve.
For more easy dinners, try our Chicken Legs. Another quick weeknight winner.
Adam's Tip for Grilled Cheese Burrito
"Make sure you press down on the burrito while it's grilling so the cheese gets really crispy! And don't forget to cut it in half so you can see all the layers inside!"
FAQ About Grilled Cheese Burrito
What does the grilled cheese burrito have in it?
The classic version contains ground beef taco meat, Mexican-style seasoned rice, nacho cheese sauce, sour cream, creamy chipotle sauce, and tortilla strips crunch, all wrapped in a flour tortilla. The signature element is the crispy grilled cheese exterior and toasted cheese crust on burrito created by coating the outside with shredded cheese and grilling it until golden and crispy. The Taco Bell version also includes red strips (tortilla strips) for extra crunch. This copycat Taco Bell grilled cheese burrito recreates all these elements at home with fresh ingredients. You can customize it with additional toppings like lettuce, tomatoes, jalapeños, or black beans. The combination of textures, creamy, crunchy, and crispy, is what makes this recipe so addictive and satisfying.
How to make the grilled cheese burrito?
To make this copycat Taco Bell grilled cheese burrito, start by cooking the ground beef taco meat with taco seasoning and preparing the Mexican-style seasoned rice. Assemble each burrito by layering rice, taco meat, nacho cheese sauce, sour cream, creamy chipotle sauce, and crushed tortilla strips for the tortilla strips crunch in the center of a large flour tortilla. Fold in the sides and roll tightly. Sprinkle shredded cheese on a flat surface, place the burrito seam-side down on the cheese, and press gently. Add more cheese on top and sides for the crispy grilled cheese exterior. Grill in a buttered skillet over medium heat for 2 to 3 minutes per side until the toasted cheese crust on burrito is golden and crispy. This easy Taco Bell copycat recipe delivers restaurant-quality results every time.
What sauce comes with grilled cheese burrito?
The classic version comes with three sauces: nacho cheese sauce for gooey, cheesy flavor; sour cream for tang and creaminess; and creamy chipotle sauce (or chipotle mayo) for a smoky, spicy kick. These three sauces work together to create the signature flavor profile in this copycat Taco Bell grilled cheese burrito. The nacho cheese sauce is typically a processed cheese sauce that stays creamy and doesn't separate when heated. The creamy chipotle sauce is what gives it that distinctive smoky heat. You can buy these sauces ready-made at most grocery stores, or make your own chipotle mayo by mixing mayo with chipotle peppers in adobo sauce. The combination of all three sauces is what makes this easy Taco Bell copycat recipe taste authentic.
Is the grilled cheese burrito healthy?
The Taco Bell version is fairly high in calories, typically around 710 calories with ground beef, plus high amounts of sodium and saturated fat from the nacho cheese sauce and crispy grilled cheese exterior. However, making this copycat Taco Bell grilled cheese burrito at home allows you to control the ingredients and make it healthier. Use lean ground beef (90/10), reduce the amount of nacho cheese sauce, use light sour cream, add more vegetables like lettuce and tomatoes, and use a whole wheat tortilla for extra fiber. You can also make a lighter version by using grilled chicken instead of beef, skipping the rice, and using less cheese on the outside for the toasted cheese crust on burrito. While it's still an indulgent meal, homemade versions can be portion-controlled and customized to fit your dietary needs better than the restaurant version.
For another delicious Mexican-inspired dish, check out this Crispy Bean and Cheese Burritos from Allrecipes.
Conclusion
Score big at your next party with these crispy cheese-crusted burritos. They are always the first thing to disappear from the snack table! You can even make a "burrito bar" and let everyone choose their fillings before you give them that final, golden grill in the pan. If you enjoyed this recipe, don't forget to Pin it to your "Game Day Eats" board on Pinterest. I'd love to know, did you serve yours with a side of fresh guacamole or some spicy salsa?
This recipe is a family favorite whether you make it with beef, chicken, or steak. The crispy grilled cheese exterior with nacho cheese sauce and creamy chipotle sauce makes this weeknight dinner absolutely delicious. Please leave a 5-star rating below if this becomes your new favorite! For more easy dinners, try our Cracked Garlic Steak Tortellini. Happy cooking!
Related
Looking for other recipes like this? Try these:
Pairing
These are my favorite dishes to serve with Grilled Cheese Burrito:
recipe
Grilled Cheese Burrito (Taco Bell Copycat)
Equipment
- Large skillet or griddle Nonstick works best for getting the cheese crispy without sticking.
- Wooden spoon or spatula
- Flat spatula For gently pressing the burrito while grilling.
- Mixing bowls Multiple bowls for beef, rice, and assembly
Ingredients
- 1 lb lean ground beef 90/10 preferred
- 2 tablespoon taco seasoning
- 0.25 cup water
- 1 cup cooked white rice
- 2 tablespoon salsa or tomato sauce
- 0.5 teaspoon ground cumin
- 4 large flour tortillas 10-inch tortillas
- 1 cup nacho cheese sauce
- 0.5 cup sour cream
- 0.25 cup creamy chipotle sauce or chipotle mayo
- 1 cup crushed tortilla strips
- 2 cups shredded three-cheese blend
- 2 tablespoon butter
Instructions
- In a large skillet over medium-high heat, brown the ground beef. Add taco seasoning and water, then simmer until thick and well combined.
- In a bowl, mix the cooked rice with salsa and ground cumin until evenly combined.
- Warm the flour tortillas for about 20 seconds so they are soft and pliable.
- Layer rice, seasoned beef, nacho cheese sauce, sour cream, chipotle sauce, and tortilla strips in the center of each tortilla.
- Fold in the sides and roll each tortilla tightly into a burrito.
- Sprinkle shredded cheese on a flat surface and press each burrito into the cheese, coating the outside.
- Melt butter in a skillet over medium heat. Grill burritos seam-side down, pressing gently, until the cheese is crispy and golden on all sides.
- Let cool briefly, then slice in half and serve warm.
Notes
- For a chicken version, swap ground beef for seasoned shredded chicken.
- Store leftovers wrapped in foil in the fridge for up to 2 days and reheat in a skillet to keep the cheese crispy.
- This recipe is perfect for game nights, busy school evenings, or cooking together with kids, and those memories are the real secret ingredient.
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