Why You’ll Love This Recipe
There’s something magical about biting into a warm, gooey grilled cheese burrito that combines two comfort food favorites into one irresistible package. This homemade version elevates the fast-food favorite with premium ingredients and expert techniques that make it perfect for weeknight dinners when cravings strike. The combination of melty cheese both inside and grilled on the outside creates a textural masterpiece that will have your family requesting it again and again.
Grilled Cheese Burrito
Craving that Taco Bell grilled cheese burrito but want to make it even better at home? Learn 5 expert tricks to create the ultimate cheesy, crispy fusion masterpiece. Discover the secrets now.
This innovative creation takes everything you love about a classic burrito and a grilled cheese sandwich, combining them into one mind-blowing handheld meal. With our five expert secrets, you’ll create a version that puts the fast-food original to shame, with more flavor, better texture, and customizable options to suit your taste preferences.
Ingredients
- Large flour tortillas (10-12 inch)
- Shredded cheddar cheese (plus additional Mexican cheese blend)
- Cooked seasoned ground beef or plant-based alternative
- Cooked rice (preferably seasoned with lime and cilantro)
- Refried beans
- Sour cream
- Diced tomatoes
- Shredded lettuce
- Guacamole or diced avocado
- Crispy tortilla strips
- Chipotle or spicy mayo sauce
- Butter for grilling
How to Make Grilled Cheese Burrito
Step 1 – Preparation
Lay your tortilla flat and spread a thin layer of refried beans in the center, leaving about 2 inches around the edges. This creates a stable base and helps everything stick together.
Step 2 – Layer Your Fillings
Add your seasoned rice, followed by ground beef, then a generous sprinkle of shredded cheese. Top with diced tomatoes, lettuce, and a dollop of sour cream and guacamole. Add crispy tortilla strips for that authentic crunch.
Step 3 – The Cheese Exterior (Secret Technique)
Here’s where the magic happens! Before rolling, sprinkle additional shredded cheese on your work surface in the shape and size of your burrito. This will create that signature grilled cheese exterior.
Step 4 – Rolling and Grilling
Fold in the sides of your tortilla, then roll from the bottom up to create a tight burrito. Place it seam-side down onto the bed of cheese you prepared. Melt butter in a skillet over medium heat, then carefully transfer your burrito with the cheese side down. Cook until the cheese forms a golden, crispy crust (about 2-3 minutes).
Step 5 – Final Cheese Crust
Sprinkle more cheese on top of your burrito, then carefully flip and grill until the second side develops a crispy cheese crust as well. Serve hot with chipotle mayo on the side.
Serving Suggestions
Serve your grilled cheese burrito with additional sides that complement its bold flavors:
- Fresh pico de gallo
- Mexican street corn (elote)
- Crispy seasoned potatoes
- Lime wedges for squeezing
- Extra chipotle mayo or hot sauce for dipping
For a complete meal experience, pair with a refreshing beverage like horchata or a tangy lime-based drink to cut through the richness.
Storage Instructions
Refrigerator: While best enjoyed fresh, you can store assembled but ungrilled burritos in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours. Wrap tightly in foil or plastic wrap.
Freezer: For meal prep, freeze assembled burritos (without the exterior cheese) individually wrapped in foil for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before adding the cheese exterior and grilling.
Reheat: To revive leftover grilled cheese burritos, avoid the microwave which will make them soggy. Instead, reheat in a skillet over medium-low heat until warmed through, or use an air fryer at 350°F for 3-4 minutes for maximum crispiness.
Helpful Tips
Tip #1 – Cheese Selection: Use a combination of cheeses for the best melt and flavor. A mix of cheddar for sharpness and monterey jack or oaxaca cheese for superior meltability creates the perfect cheese pull.
Tip #2 – Prevent Sogginess: Pat any wet ingredients (like tomatoes or lettuce) dry before adding them to your burrito to prevent a soggy tortilla.
Tip #3 – The Perfect Crisp: For an even more impressive cheese crust, mix a pinch of cornstarch with your shredded cheese before creating the exterior layer—this helps it form a more cohesive crust.
Tip #4 – Temperature Control: Keep your heat at medium-low when grilling to ensure the cheese melts and crisps without burning, while also allowing heat to penetrate to the center of the burrito.
Tip #5 – Double Tortilla Method: For extra-large burritos, use two overlapping tortillas to prevent tearing and create a stronger structure that can support more fillings.
Recipe Variations
- Southwest Breakfast Version: Swap ground beef for scrambled eggs and add breakfast potatoes and chorizo
- Buffalo Chicken: Substitute shredded buffalo chicken for the beef and add blue cheese crumbles
- Vegetarian Delight: Replace meat with black beans, corn, and sautéed bell peppers and onions
- Make it gluten-free by using certified gluten-free tortillas and checking all sauce ingredients
- Low-carb option: Use a large lettuce leaf instead of a tortilla for the interior (though you’ll still want a tortilla for the cheese exterior)
FAQs
Can I use corn tortillas instead of flour?
Flour tortillas work best for this recipe as they’re more pliable and hold up better to the grilling process. Corn tortillas tend to crack when rolled and don’t create the same cheesy exterior effect.
Can I prepare these ahead of time?
Yes! You can assemble the burritos without the cheese exterior up to 24 hours in advance. Keep refrigerated, then add the exterior cheese and grill when ready to serve.
How can I make this recipe dairy-free?
While the cheese is a key component, you can experiment with dairy-free cheese alternatives. Look for brands that melt well, and you may need to add a bit more fat (like oil) to help them crisp up properly.
What’s the best way to prevent my burrito from falling apart?
Don’t overfill, ensure your tortilla is warm before rolling (microwave for 10-15 seconds), and use the refried beans as “glue” along the final edge before completing the roll.
How can I make it more flavorful?
Add a teaspoon of taco seasoning to your cheese mixture, incorporate pickled jalapeños, or create a custom spice blend with cumin, smoked paprika, and chipotle powder to mix into your proteins.
Conclusion
The homemade grilled cheese burrito takes everything wonderful about the Taco Bell favorite and elevates it to new heights with fresher ingredients, customizable options, and expert grilling techniques. Once you master these secrets, you’ll never need to make a late-night drive-thru run again. The combination of crispy cheese exterior and flavorful fillings makes this a showstopper meal that’s surprisingly easy to create in your own kitchen.
For more mouthwatering Mexican-inspired recipes that outshine restaurant versions, check out my Pinterest collection where I share daily inspiration for taking fast food favorites to gourmet levels!