Craving a fast-food classic with a homemade twist? This Grilled Cheese Burrito recipe delivers all the cheesy, beefy, spicy flavor you love—without the extra grease or drive-thru wait. With layers of seasoned ground beef, smoky chipotle crema, zesty rice, and a golden cheese-crusted tortilla, this burrito hits every comfort food note. Whether you’re feeding a crowd or prepping meals for the week, this Taco Bell copycat is a must-try for burrito lovers.
Table of Contents
Why You’ll Love This Grilled Cheese Burrito Recipe
The Grilled Cheese Burrito isn’t just indulgent—it’s customizable, satisfying, and simple to prepare at home. Here’s what makes this recipe stand out:
- Homemade Flavor: Fresh ingredients and seasoning blends elevate this beyond any fast-food version.
- Customizable: Easily swap proteins or adjust the spice level to fit your taste.
- Meal Prep Friendly: Make-ahead burritos store and reheat beautifully.
- Ultimate Comfort Food: This burrito blends two classics—grilled cheese and burritos—for double the satisfaction.
What You’ll Need to Make the Perfect Grilled Cheese Burrito
- Ground Beef: Adds savory richness and pairs perfectly with the chipotle sauce.
- Fire Roasted Tomatoes: Adds a smoky depth and juicy base for the rice.
- Tomato Paste: Helps bind the beef mixture and deepens flavor.
- Chipotle Peppers in Adobo: Brings smoky heat to the crema.
- Red Onion: Adds crunch and slight sweetness to the beef mixture.
- Honey: Balances the heat in the chipotle crema.
- Long Grain Rice: Forms a fluffy, neutral base that absorbs flavor.
- Garlic Powder: Boosts savory depth in both rice and beef.
- Cumin: Adds earthy warmth typical in Tex-Mex dishes.
- Chili Powder: Brings a mild kick; skip for a milder version.
- Paprika: Adds mild smokiness.
- Oregano: Infuses a subtle herby flavor.
- Salt & Pepper: Essential to balance and elevate all other flavors.
- Sour Cream: The creamy base of the chipotle crema.
- Lime Juice: Brightens the entire dish and balances richness.
- Fresh Cilantro: Adds freshness to both the rice and crema.
- Shredded Cheese: Use a mix of Monterey Jack and cheddar for the perfect melt.
- Large Flour Tortillas: Flexible and sturdy enough to wrap all the goodness.
Ingredient Swaps for Your Grilled Cheese Burrito
Not everyone stocks the same pantry, and dietary needs vary. Here are easy ingredient swaps to keep the flavor and texture on point:
- Ground Turkey or Chicken: A leaner alternative to ground beef.
- Brown Rice or Cauliflower Rice: Lower-carb or whole grain options.
- Greek Yogurt: A high-protein sub for sour cream in the chipotle crema.
- Vegan Cheese & Meatless Crumbles: Great for plant-based eaters.
- Chipotle Powder + Mayo: In a pinch, blend these to replace chipotle in adobo.
How to Make a Grilled Cheese Burrito: Step-by-Step Instructions
- Mix the Taco Seasoning: Combine garlic powder, chili powder, paprika, cumin, oregano, salt, and pepper in a small bowl. You’ll use this blend for both the rice and beef.
- Cook the Rice: Rinse 1 cup of long grain rice and place it in a saucepan with water and fire roasted tomatoes. Stir in a teaspoon of the taco seasoning. Simmer covered on low for 18–20 minutes, stirring occasionally.
- Prepare the Chipotle Crema: In a small food processor, blend sour cream, chipotle peppers, honey, lime juice, and cilantro until smooth. Taste and adjust with extra lime juice or honey.
- Cook the Ground Beef: In a skillet with a bit of oil, brown the ground beef with diced onions and the remaining taco seasoning. Add tomato paste and cook until the beef is thoroughly browned and fragrant.
- Warm the Tortillas: Heat large flour tortillas in a microwave or skillet until pliable.
- Assemble the Burritos: On each tortilla, layer rice, ground beef, and chipotle crema. Fold the sides over the filling, then roll tightly from the bottom up.
- Grill the Cheese Crust: Heat a clean skillet and sprinkle shredded cheese directly onto the surface. Once it starts melting, place the burrito seam-side down on the cheese. Grill for 2–3 minutes per side until golden brown and crispy.
- Serve & Enjoy: Slice in half if desired, and serve hot with extra crema or salsa on the side.
Pro Tips to Perfect Your Grilled Cheese Burrito
- Let the Rice Cool: Fluff the cooked rice and allow it to cool slightly before assembling to prevent soggy burritos.
- Don’t Overstuff: Keep filling centered to avoid tears when rolling or grilling.
- Cheese Control: Use enough cheese for grilling, but don’t overload the inside or it’ll become greasy.
- Extra Flavor: Cook rice in chicken broth instead of water for richer taste.
- Crispy Reheat: To reheat, use an air fryer or skillet to regain that crispy cheese crust.
Serving Suggestions and Flavorful Variations
Serve your Grilled Cheese Burrito with one (or more!) of these delicious sides or tweaks for a complete meal:
- Mexican Street Corn Casserole: A creamy, spicy side that complements every bite.
- Avocado Corn Salad: Brings brightness and crunch.
- Spicy Fries or Tortilla Chips: Classic and satisfying.
- Salsa or Guacamole: Add inside or on the side for dipping.
- Spicy Version: Add jalapeños or hot sauce for heat lovers.
- Gluten-Free Option: Use gluten-free tortillas and double-check seasonings.
A Homemade Upgrade with Meal Prep Power
This homemade Grilled Cheese Burrito gives you full control over ingredients—no preservatives or mystery sauces. It’s high in protein, free from processed cheese sauce, and customizable to suit your macros or preferences. Plus, it stores well:
- Refrigerate: Wrap in foil and store for up to 3 days.
- Reheat: Skillet or air fryer recommended for best texture.
- Freeze: Assemble but don’t grill the cheese; freeze, then thaw and grill fresh.
This Grilled Cheese Burrito isn’t just a copycat—it’s an upgrade. With bold flavors, creamy chipotle sauce, and that irresistible grilled cheese crust, this recipe satisfies cravings and beats fast food on every level.
Conclusion
The Grilled Cheese Burrito combines everything you love about cheesy comfort food and bold Mexican flavors into one satisfying handheld meal. Whether you’re recreating a Taco Bell favorite or simply craving a hearty, flavorful burrito, this homemade version delivers in every bite. From the rich, seasoned beef to the zesty chipotle crema and crispy grilled cheese exterior, it’s the perfect recipe for lunch, dinner, or meal prep. Best of all, it’s completely customizable—spice it up, make it meatless, or double the cheese. Once you try this recipe, you’ll skip the drive-thru for good.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make the Grilled Cheese Burrito ahead of time?
Yes! The Grilled Cheese Burrito is ideal for meal prep. Assemble the burritos without grilling the cheese exterior and store them in the refrigerator for up to 3 days or freeze for up to 2 months. When ready to eat, simply thaw (if frozen), then grill with cheese for that crispy finish.
What’s the best cheese to use for the grilled exterior?
A combination of shredded Monterey Jack and cheddar cheese works best. It melts smoothly and creates a golden, crispy crust that sticks perfectly to the tortilla. Pre-shredded Mexican blend cheese also works well.
Is the chipotle crema spicy?
The chipotle crema has a smoky heat, but it’s balanced by the sour cream and honey. If you’re sensitive to spice, start with less chipotle and add more to taste. For extra heat, add a splash of hot sauce or a pinch of cayenne pepper.
More Relevant Recipes
- Shredded Chicken and Rice Stuffed Peppers: Packed with Tex-Mex flavors, this hearty dish uses spiced rice and tender shredded chicken stuffed into sweet bell peppers. It offers the same satisfying combo of rice, meat, and bold spices as a grilled cheese burrito—minus the tortilla.
- Healthy Chicken Enchilada Skillet: A one-pan twist on classic enchiladas, this skillet is loaded with gooey cheese, enchilada sauce, and seasoned chicken. It’s a cheesy, spicy comfort food dish that hits all the same satisfying notes as a grilled cheese burrito.
- Crock Pot Baked Ziti – Cheesy Comfort Food: While not Mexican, this dish delivers on the same melty, cheesy, comforting promise. Perfect for those who love the indulgent, gooey aspect of a grilled cheese burrito but want a pasta variation.
Grilled Cheese Burrito
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Diet: Halal
Description
This Grilled Cheese Burrito is a delicious Taco Bell copycat recipe made healthier with fresh ingredients, bold flavors, and a crispy cheese crust. Packed with seasoned ground beef, rice, chipotle crema, and melted cheese, it’s the ultimate comfort food wrapped in a tortilla.
Ingredients
- 1 lb ground beef: provides savory protein base
- 1 tsp oil: helps cook the beef and prevent sticking
- 1/3 cup red onion, diced: adds crunch and mild sweetness
- 2 tbsp tomato paste: thickens the beef mixture and adds depth
- 1 cup long grain white rice (e.g., jasmine or basmati): fluffy base
- 2 cups water: cooks the rice
- 1 (14.5 oz) can fire roasted tomatoes: adds smokiness and acidity to rice
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder: adds umami and depth
- 1/2 tsp chili powder: provides mild heat
- 1/2 tsp paprika: brings smoky flavor
- 1/4 tsp cumin: adds earthy warmth
- 1/4 tsp oregano: introduces herbal notes
- 1/4 tsp salt: balances flavors
- 1/4 tsp pepper: enhances all ingredients
- 1/2 cup sour cream: base of chipotle crema
- 1 tbsp lime juice: brightens the sauce
- 1/2 tbsp honey: balances the heat with sweetness
- 3 tbsp chipotle peppers in adobo sauce: adds smokiness and spice
- 1/4 cup fresh cilantro, chopped: adds freshness
- 4 large flour tortillas: holds all fillings together
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese: melts for crispy outer crust
- 1 cup shredded Monterey Jack cheese: adds creamy, stretchy melt
Instructions
- In a small bowl, mix garlic powder, chili powder, paprika, cumin, oregano, salt, and pepper to create a taco seasoning blend.
- Rinse the rice thoroughly. In a saucepan, combine rice, water, fire roasted tomatoes, and 1 tsp of the taco seasoning. Simmer covered over low heat for 18–20 minutes, stirring occasionally until cooked.
- In a food processor, blend sour cream, lime juice, honey, chipotle peppers, and cilantro until smooth. Adjust taste with more lime or honey as needed.
- In a skillet over medium heat, add oil and cook the ground beef with red onions and the remaining taco seasoning. Add tomato paste and cook until the beef is browned and mixture thickens, about 6–8 minutes total.
- Warm tortillas in a skillet or microwave until pliable.
- Assemble each burrito by adding a layer of rice, then beef, and drizzle with chipotle crema. Fold in sides and roll tightly from the bottom.
- Heat a skillet over medium. Sprinkle 1/4 cup of shredded cheese directly onto the skillet. Place burrito seam-side down on the cheese and grill for 2–3 minutes per side until the cheese forms a golden crust.
- Serve warm with extra chipotle crema or salsa for dipping.
Notes
- Let rice cool slightly before assembling to prevent soggy tortillas.
- Don’t overfill the burrito; leave space to fold and roll securely.
- Use chicken broth instead of water for more flavorful rice.
- Store wrapped burritos in foil or plastic wrap for up to 3 days in the fridge.
- Reheat in a skillet or air fryer for crispy results.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Lunch
- Method: Grill, Stovetop
- Cuisine: Mexican-American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 grilled cheese burrito
- Calories: 553 kcal
- Sugar: 6 g
- Sodium: 614 mg
- Fat: 21 g
- Saturated Fat: 9 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
- Trans Fat: 1 g
- Carbohydrates: 60 g
- Fiber: 4 g
- Protein: 30 g
- Cholesterol: 91 mg