Grilled Cheese Burrito Recipe

Sizzling Grilled Cheese Burrito Recipe: Cozy Comfort in Every Bite

Mild cheese melts perfectly in this innovative grilled cheese burrito that promises culinary excitement.

Crispy tortillas wrap around gooey ingredients for an unexpected twist.

Mexican-inspired flavors dance through each delectable bite.

Comfort food meets trendy cuisine in a mashup you’ll absolutely adore.

Weekend cooking becomes an adventure with this simple yet impressive dish.

Melted cheese, seasoned proteins, and crisp edges make every mouthful irresistible.

Grab your skillet and prepare for a meal that breaks all the traditional rules.

Why the Grilled Cheese Burrito Hits the Spot

  • Whips up a delicious meal in under 30 minutes, perfect for busy families craving a satisfying dinner without spending hours in the kitchen.
  • Combines classic grilled cheese comfort with zesty taco flavors, creating a kid-approved dish that appeals to both children and adults.
  • Easily adaptable with optional toppings like sour cream, salsa, or extra cheese, allowing everyone to personalize their burrito to taste preferences.
  • Requires just a few pantry staples, making it an accessible recipe for home cooks of all skill levels without complicated techniques or hard-to-find ingredients.

Ingredients for the Perfect Grilled Cheese Burrito

Protein Base:
  • Ground Beef: Hearty main protein with rich flavor, best from 80/20 lean to fat ratio for juiciness.
Seasoning:
  • Taco Seasoning: Classic Mexican-style blend that adds warmth and depth to the meat, choose low-sodium versions for better control.
Cooking Fat:
  • Olive Oil: Provides smooth cooking surface and light flavor, extra virgin offers more robust taste.

How to Make a Grilled Cheese Burrito

Step 1: Sizzle Ground Beef

Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add ground beef and cook until it’s nicely browned, using a spoon to break it into small crumbly pieces.

Step 2: Spice Up The Meat

Drain any excess grease from the beef. Sprinkle taco seasoning over the meat and add water. Let the mixture simmer for about 5 minutes until it thickens and the flavors meld together.

Step 3: Warm The Tortilla

Place a large flour tortilla on a clean surface. Spread a layer of shredded cheese across the center of the tortilla.

Step 4: Layer Delicious Fillings

Add the spiced ground beef on top of the cheese. Then pile on additional toppings:
  • Diced tomatoes
  • Chopped lettuce
  • Sliced jalapeños
  • Sour cream

Step 5: Roll Into A Burrito

Fold the sides of the tortilla inward, then roll the burrito tightly from bottom to top, ensuring all ingredients are securely tucked inside.

Step 6: Grill To Golden Perfection

Melt butter in a skillet over medium heat. Place the burrito seam-side down and grill until the tortilla turns golden brown and crispy, about 2-3 minutes on each side.

Step 7: Slice And Serve

Remove from heat, let cool for a moment, then slice diagonally. Serve immediately with extra salsa or guacamole on the side.

Tips for Melty Grilled Cheese Burritos

  • Drain Beef Thoroughly: Pat ground beef with paper towels to remove excess fat, ensuring a crispy, non-greasy filling for your burrito.
  • Choose Melty Cheese Wisely: Select cheese varieties like cheddar or Monterey Jack that melt smoothly and create a creamy texture.
  • Butter the Outside Generously: Spread softened butter on the tortilla's exterior for a golden, crispy, restaurant-style grilled finish.
  • Toast Slowly and Steadily: Cook the burrito on medium-low heat to allow cheese to melt completely while preventing burning the tortilla.
  • Customize Spice Level: Adjust taco seasoning intensity by using mild, medium, or hot varieties to match personal heat preferences.

How to Keep Grilled Cheese Burritos Tasty

  • Store leftover burrito in an airtight container for up to 3 days, keeping beef and tortilla fresh and preventing moisture buildup.
  • Warm burrito over medium-low heat for 3-4 minutes per side, ensuring even heating and maintaining crispy tortilla texture.
  • Place burrito on microwave-safe plate, heat for 1-2 minutes, turning halfway through to distribute warmth evenly.
  • Wrap burrito tightly in plastic wrap, then aluminum foil. Freeze up to 1 month. Thaw overnight in refrigerator before reheating.

What to Pair with a Grilled Cheese Burrito

  • Select a bold Zinfandel or Malbec to complement the rich, spicy ground beef and cut through the creamy cheese.
  • Create a bright, tangy homemade salsa with diced tomatoes, onions, cilantro, and lime juice to add freshness and contrast to the hearty burrito.
  • Grab a crisp Corona or Modelo Especial to balance the bold flavors and provide a refreshing counterpoint to the warm, melted cheese.
  • Whip up a simple side salad with mixed greens, avocado, and a light citrus vinaigrette to add a light, vibrant element to the rich main dish.

Flavor Variations on the Grilled Cheese Burrito

  • Vegetarian Bean Swap: Replace ground beef with black beans or plant-based crumbles for a meatless protein-packed alternative.
  • Gluten-Free Option: Use corn tortillas instead of flour tortillas and ensure taco seasoning is certified gluten-free.
  • Low-Carb Wrap: Substitute tortilla with a large lettuce leaf or low-carb tortilla wrap for reduced carbohydrate intake.
  • Spicy Jalapeño Kick: Add diced fresh jalapeños or hot sauce to the beef mixture for an extra spicy version of the burrito.

Grilled Cheese Burrito FAQs

  • What type of cheese works best for this recipe?

Monterey Jack or cheddar cheese are excellent choices, melting smoothly and providing rich flavor that complements the beef perfectly.

  • Can I make this recipe vegetarian?

Absolutely! Replace ground beef with plant-based meat alternatives or black beans for a delicious vegetarian version that maintains the same texture and taste profile.

  • How do I prevent the tortilla from getting soggy?

Use a dry, hot skillet and press the burrito firmly while grilling to create a crispy, golden-brown exterior that seals in the ingredients and prevents sogginess.

  • Is taco seasoning necessary for the recipe?

While taco seasoning adds authentic Mexican-inspired flavor, you can create a custom blend using chili powder, cumin, paprika, garlic powder, and salt if you prefer homemade or have dietary restrictions.

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Grilled Cheese Burrito Recipe

Grilled Cheese Burrito Recipe


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4.6 from 29 reviews

  • Total Time: 25 minutes
  • Yield: 4 1x

Description

Taco Bell’s grilled cheese burrito blends melted cheese, savory beef, and zesty sauces in a crispy tortilla wrap. Comfort food meets Mexican-inspired flavors, creating a delicious fusion that satisfies cravings and brings excitement to your mealtime.


Ingredients

Scale

Protein and Meat:

  • 1 pound (1 lb) ground beef

Main Cheese and Dairy:

  • ½ cup nacho cheese sauce (store-bought or homemade)
  • ½ cup shredded cheddar cheese
  • ½ cup shredded Monterey Jack cheese
  • 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese (for the outside)
  • ½ cup sour cream

Seasonings, Spices, and Additional Ingredients:

  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1 packet (or 2 tablespoons) taco seasoning
  • ½ cup water
  • 1 cup cooked rice (optional, for extra filling)
  • ½ cup tortilla strips (or crushed tortilla chips)
  • 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

Wrapping and Grilling:

  • 4 large flour tortillas
  • 1 tablespoon butter (for grilling)

Instructions

  1. Warm a skillet over medium flame and drizzle olive oil to coat the surface.
  2. Introduce ground beef to the pan, crumbling and browning thoroughly while stirring continuously to ensure even cooking.
  3. After meat reaches a rich brown color, carefully drain accumulated grease to reduce excess fat.
  4. Sprinkle taco seasoning across the beef, immediately introducing water and allowing the mixture to gently simmer.
  5. Let the beef and seasoning blend meld together, stirring occasionally until the liquid reduces and creates a thick, cohesive sauce.
  6. Continue cooking for approximately 5 minutes, ensuring the meat is fully infused with robust taco flavor and the consistency becomes slightly glossy and clingy.
  7. Remove the seasoned beef from heat, letting it rest momentarily to absorb remaining moisture and concentrate its savory profile.

Notes

  • Choose lean ground beef to reduce excess grease and create a cleaner filling.
  • Homemade taco seasoning allows you to control salt and spice levels for a personalized flavor profile.
  • Drain beef thoroughly to prevent soggy burrito texture and maintain a crisp grilled exterior.
  • Consider plant-based ground meat alternatives for a vegetarian version that delivers similar texture and taste.
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 15 minutes
  • Category: Lunch, Snacks
  • Method: Sautéing
  • Cuisine: Mexican

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 4
  • Calories: 748
  • Sugar: 4 g
  • Sodium: 1165 mg
  • Fat: 42 g
  • Saturated Fat: 19 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 18 g
  • Trans Fat: 1 g
  • Carbohydrates: 57 g
  • Fiber: 2 g
  • Protein: 36 g
  • Cholesterol: 105 mg
Jamie Granger

Jamie Granger

Recipe Developer & Food Writer

Expertise

  • Fusion Cuisine Development
  • Recipe Development and Food Styling
  • Culinary Writing and Content Creation
  • Nutrition and Healthy Cooking​

Education

Culinary Institute of America

  • Degree: Associate in Culinary Arts
  • Focus: Emphasis on flavor development, classic and contemporary culinary techniques, menu design, and global cuisine preparation; combined with food-service management, communication, and finance training; and immersive hands‑on restaurant operations through paid industry internships.

Jamie Granger turns ingredients into memories. With her recipes, she brings a fusion-forward flair to every creation. 

Her dishes reflect the places she’s explored, the chefs she’s learned from, and the deep connection she has to food as a form of expression. 

At Pass and Provision, Jamie develops recipes that balance flavor, health, and beauty, meals that don’t just satisfy your appetite but speak to your curiosity.

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