I really understand the craving for that perfect crispy-cheesy outside with all the melty goodness inside. There’s something magical about recreating your favorite fast food at home, especially when you can make it even better than the original.
This homemade version captures everything you love about Taco Bell’s famous creation but with the satisfaction of making it yourself. The secret is getting that golden cheese crust just right while keeping all the flavors perfectly balanced inside. I’ve tested this recipe countless times to nail that perfect crispy exterior, and trust me, once you make this at home, you’ll never want to go back to the drive-through.
Table of Contents
Ingredients for Grilled Cheese Burrito
I always use fresh ground beef for this recipe because it gives you better control over the seasoning and texture. When selecting your tortillas, I recommend choosing the largest flour tortillas you can find – they make rolling so much easier and prevent any filling from escaping.
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 packet taco seasoning (or homemade blend) – I prefer making my own blend with cumin, chili powder, and paprika
- 1 cup cooked white rice
- ½ cup sour cream
- ½ cup nacho cheese sauce – My go-to is the shelf-stable kind that heats up perfectly
- ¼ cup chipotle sauce
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella – In my experience, this melts beautifully for the crispy crust
- 4 large flour tortillas
- Butter or oil for grilling – I usually use a light coating of butter for the best golden color
Step-by-Step Instructions
I recommend having all your ingredients prepped and ready before you start cooking, as this recipe moves quickly once you begin assembling.
Step 1: Brown the ground beef in a large skillet over medium heat for 8-10 minutes, breaking it up with a spatula as it cooks. You’ll know it’s ready when no pink remains and it’s evenly browned.
Step 2: Drain the excess grease thoroughly, then add taco seasoning and ¼ cup water. Simmer for 5 minutes until the liquid absorbs and the beef is well seasoned.
Step 3: Warm your tortillas in a dry skillet for 30 seconds per side or microwave for 15 seconds to make them pliable and prevent tearing during rolling.
Step 4: Lay each tortilla flat and add rice in the center, leaving about 2 inches of space around the edges. Top with seasoned beef, then drizzle nacho cheese, chipotle sauce, and sour cream over everything.
Step 5: Sprinkle the cheddar and mozzarella cheeses on top, then fold the sides over and roll tightly from bottom to top, keeping the seam side down.
Step 6: Heat a clean skillet over medium heat and sprinkle 2 tablespoons of cheese where you’ll place the burrito. Set the burrito seam-side down on the cheese and cook for 3-4 minutes until the cheese forms a golden crust.
Step 7: Flip carefully using a spatula, add more cheese to the pan, and cook the other side until equally crispy and golden.
Perfect Pairings for Your Grilled Cheese Burrito
This hearty burrito pairs beautifully with lighter sides that complement its rich, cheesy flavors.
Mexican Street Corn: The fresh corn kernels with lime and cilantro provide a bright contrast to the heavy, cheesy burrito while staying within the same flavor profile.
Fresh Guacamole and Chips: The creamy avocado and crunchy tortilla chips add texture variety and help balance the richness of the melted cheese crust.
Simple Green Salad: A basic lettuce salad with lime vinaigrette cuts through the richness and adds essential freshness to round out the meal.
Spanish Rice: If you want to make this a larger meal, fluffy Spanish rice seasoned with tomato and spices extends the Mexican theme perfectly.
Pickled Jalapeños: The tangy, spicy bite of pickled peppers provides the perfect acidic contrast to balance all that melted cheese.
Storage and Reheating Tips
Store leftover burritos in the refrigerator for up to 3 days, wrapped individually in foil to maintain their shape and prevent the filling from drying out.
For reheating, I recommend using a skillet over medium-low heat rather than the microwave. This helps restore some of that crispy cheese crust that makes this recipe special. Heat for 2-3 minutes per side until warmed through.
Pro tip: If you want to meal prep these, assemble the burritos but don’t add the outer cheese crust until you’re ready to serve. The crust is always best when made fresh and served immediately.
FAQs
Can I make these burritos ahead of time?
You can assemble the burritos up to 1 day ahead and store them wrapped in the refrigerator, but add the crispy cheese crust just before serving for the best texture.
What’s the best cheese for the crispy exterior?
A combination of cheddar and mozzarella works perfectly – cheddar provides flavor while mozzarella gives that stretchy, golden crust that crisps up beautifully.
Can I substitute the ground beef?
Absolutely! Ground turkey, chicken, or even seasoned black beans work well as alternatives while maintaining the same cooking method and assembly process.
Grilled Cheese Burrito (Taco Bell Copycat)
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Brown the ground beef in a large skillet over medium heat for 8-10 minutes, breaking it up as it cooks until no pink remains.
- Drain excess grease, add taco seasoning and 1/4 cup water. Simmer for 5 minutes until liquid absorbs and beef is well seasoned.
- Warm tortillas in a dry skillet for 30 seconds per side or microwave for 15 seconds to make them pliable.
- Lay tortilla flat, add rice in center leaving 2 inches around edges. Top with beef, then drizzle nacho cheese, chipotle sauce, and sour cream.
- Sprinkle cheddar and mozzarella cheeses on top, fold sides over and roll tightly from bottom to top, seam side down.
- Heat clean skillet over medium heat, sprinkle 2 tablespoons cheese where burrito will go. Place burrito seam-side down and cook 3-4 minutes until golden.
- Flip carefully, add more cheese to pan, and cook other side until crispy and golden. Serve immediately.
Notes
