There’s something truly magical about the combination of gooey melted cheese, a crispy tortilla, and bold, savory fillings. The Grilled Cheese Burrito takes everything you love about a classic burrito and wraps it in a golden, cheesy crust for an indulgent bite that’s full of flavor and texture.
This recipe is perfect for a comforting weeknight dinner, a fun weekend treat, or even a next-level lunch that will make everyone at the table happy. Inspired by Tex-Mex flavors, this burrito balances spice, creaminess, and crunch in every bite. The outer layer of crispy, grilled cheese gives it an irresistible texture that sets it apart from your average burrito.
Whether you’re a burrito enthusiast or just looking for a new way to enjoy a cheesy, satisfying meal, this recipe is sure to become a favorite in your kitchen. Let’s dive in!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Cheesy Inside and Out: The cheese isn’t just inside the burrito—it’s grilled onto the tortilla for an extra crispy, melty layer.
- Packed with Flavor: A hearty filling of seasoned beef, rice, creamy sauce, and fresh toppings makes every bite a delight.
- Quick and Easy: You can have this delicious burrito ready in under 30 minutes, making it a perfect weeknight meal.
- Customizable: Switch up the protein, adjust the spice level, or add your favorite toppings to make it your own.
Ingredients You’ll Need
For the Burrito Filling:
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 packet taco seasoning
- 1/2 cup water
- 1 cup cooked white rice
- 1/2 cup sour cream
- 1/2 cup nacho cheese sauce
- 1/2 cup shredded lettuce
- 1/2 cup diced tomatoes
- 1/4 cup chopped green onions
For the Outer Grilled Cheese Layer:
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
- 4 large flour tortillas
- 2 tbsp butter
For Toppings (Optional but Recommended!):
- Guacamole
- Salsa
- Jalapeños
- Hot sauce
How to Make a Grilled Cheese Burrito
Step 1: Prepare the Beef Filling
In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef until it’s browned and fully cooked, breaking it up with a spoon as it cooks. Drain any excess grease.
Sprinkle in the taco seasoning and add 1/2 cup of water. Stir well and let the mixture simmer for about 5 minutes, allowing the flavors to combine. Remove from heat and set aside.
Step 2: Assemble the Burritos
Lay out each flour tortilla on a clean surface. Spread about 2 tablespoons of nacho cheese sauce in the center.
Spoon a generous portion of the seasoned beef over the cheese sauce. Add a scoop of cooked rice, a drizzle of sour cream, some shredded lettuce, diced tomatoes, and green onions.
Carefully fold in the sides of the tortilla and then roll it tightly from the bottom up, ensuring the filling is enclosed.
Step 3: Grill the Cheese-Crusted Tortilla
In a large nonstick skillet or griddle, melt 1/2 tablespoon of butter over medium heat. Sprinkle 1/2 cup of shredded cheddar cheese directly onto the skillet in a circular shape, about the same size as the burrito.
Place the burrito seam-side down onto the cheese. Let it cook for 1-2 minutes, pressing down gently with a spatula, until the cheese forms a crispy golden crust. Carefully flip the burrito and let it cook on the other side for another minute to warm through.
Repeat with the remaining burritos, adding more cheese and butter as needed.
Step 4: Serve and Enjoy!
Once all the burritos are crispy and golden, transfer them to a plate. Serve them hot with guacamole, salsa, or your favorite dipping sauce.
The moment you cut into this burrito, you’ll be greeted with layers of melty cheese, savory beef, and fresh toppings—all wrapped in a crispy, cheesy shell.
Helpful Tips
- Use Freshly Shredded Cheese: Pre-shredded cheese contains anti-caking agents that can prevent it from melting as smoothly. Grating your own cheese will give you the best crispy, gooey result.
- Don’t Overfill the Burrito: Overstuffing makes it harder to roll and keep everything inside. A little restraint ensures a perfectly wrapped burrito.
- Press the Burrito While Cooking: Gently pressing down with a spatula helps the cheese adhere to the tortilla, creating that signature crispy crust.
- Experiment with Fillings: Swap out the beef for grilled chicken, black beans, or even scrambled eggs for a breakfast version.
Recipe Details
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Grilling
- Cuisine: Tex-Mex
- Diet: Meat-based
Notes
- Cheese Selection Matters: Using a combination of cheeses can add depth to the flavor. Try mixing cheddar with Monterey Jack or a touch of mozzarella for an extra gooey texture.
- Tortilla Size is Important: Large flour tortillas work best for wrapping the burrito without tearing. If using smaller tortillas, consider making two mini burritos instead.
- Crispy Cheese Hack: For an ultra-crispy cheese layer, let the cheese sizzle for a few seconds before placing the burrito on top. This helps form a perfect golden crust.
- Customize Your Fillings: Feel free to add ingredients like black beans, sautéed peppers, or even a little chopped turkey ham for extra flavor.
- Reheating Tip: If you need to reheat, avoid the microwave. Instead, warm the burrito in a skillet over low heat to maintain the crispy cheese exterior.
- Spice Level Control: If you’re sensitive to spice, use mild taco seasoning and skip the jalapeños. For extra heat, add hot sauce or chili flakes to the filling.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make this burrito vegetarian?
Absolutely! Swap the beef for black beans, refried beans, or a plant-based meat substitute. You can also add sautéed mushrooms and bell peppers for extra flavor.
What type of cheese works best for the outer crust?
Cheddar melts beautifully and gives a great crispy texture, but you can also use a mix of Monterey Jack, mozzarella, or even pepper jack for a spicy kick.
Can I make this burrito ahead of time?
Yes! You can assemble the burritos in advance and refrigerate them. When ready to eat, simply grill the cheese layer fresh for that crispy finish.
How can I make this burrito spicier?
Add diced jalapeños inside the burrito, use a spicier taco seasoning, or drizzle hot sauce over the filling before rolling it up.
Storage Instructions
If you have leftovers, wrap them tightly in foil or plastic wrap and store them in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. To reheat, warm them in a skillet over medium heat for a few minutes to crisp up the cheese again.
Freezing is not recommended for this recipe, as the cheese crust may lose its texture when thawed.
Related Recipes
If you loved this Grilled Cheese Burrito, you might enjoy these other cheesy, comforting meals:
- Breakfast Tacos: A Flavorful and Satisfying Start to Your Day
- Irresistible Chicken Caesar Wraps
- Ultimate Grilled Cheese Burrito
- Slow Cooker Chicken Burritos
Final Thoughts
The Grilled Cheese Burrito is the ultimate comfort food—cheesy, crispy, and bursting with flavor. Whether you’re making it for a cozy night in or serving it to impress your family and friends, this burrito is guaranteed to be a hit.
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The Ultimate Grilled Cheese Burrito
Description
There’s something truly magical about the combination of gooey melted cheese, a crispy tortilla, and bold, savory fillings. The Grilled Cheese Burrito takes everything you love about a classic burrito and wraps it in a golden, cheesy crust for an indulgent bite that’s full of flavor and texture.
This recipe is perfect for a comforting weeknight dinner, a fun weekend treat, or even a next-level lunch that will make everyone at the table happy. Inspired by Tex-Mex flavors, this burrito balances spice, creaminess, and crunch in every bite. The outer layer of crispy, grilled cheese gives it an irresistible texture that sets it apart from your average burrito.
Whether you’re a burrito enthusiast or just looking for a new way to enjoy a cheesy, satisfying meal, this recipe is sure to become a favorite in your kitchen. Let’s dive in!
Ingredients
For the Burrito Filling:
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 packet taco seasoning
- 1/2 cup water
- 1 cup cooked white rice
- 1/2 cup sour cream
- 1/2 cup nacho cheese sauce
- 1/2 cup shredded lettuce
- 1/2 cup diced tomatoes
- 1/4 cup chopped green onions
For the Outer Grilled Cheese Layer:
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
- 4 large flour tortillas
- 2 tbsp butter
For Toppings (Optional but Recommended!):
- Guacamole
- Salsa
- Jalapeños
- Hot sauce
Instructions
In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef until it’s browned and fully cooked, breaking it up with a spoon as it cooks. Drain any excess grease.
Sprinkle in the taco seasoning and add 1/2 cup of water. Stir well and let the mixture simmer for about 5 minutes, allowing the flavors to combine. Remove from heat and set aside.
Lay out each flour tortilla on a clean surface. Spread about 2 tablespoons of nacho cheese sauce in the center.
Spoon a generous portion of the seasoned beef over the cheese sauce. Add a scoop of cooked rice, a drizzle of sour cream, some shredded lettuce, diced tomatoes, and green onions.
Carefully fold in the sides of the tortilla and then roll it tightly from the bottom up, ensuring the filling is enclosed.
In a large nonstick skillet or griddle, melt 1/2 tablespoon of butter over medium heat. Sprinkle 1/2 cup of shredded cheddar cheese directly onto the skillet in a circular shape, about the same size as the burrito.
Place the burrito seam-side down onto the cheese. Let it cook for 1-2 minutes, pressing down gently with a spatula, until the cheese forms a crispy golden crust. Carefully flip the burrito and let it cook on the other side for another minute to warm through.
Repeat with the remaining burritos, adding more cheese and butter as needed.
Once all the burritos are crispy and golden, transfer them to a plate. Serve them hot with guacamole, salsa, or your favorite dipping sauce.
The moment you cut into this burrito, you’ll be greeted with layers of melty cheese, savory beef, and fresh toppings—all wrapped in a crispy, cheesy shell.
Notes
- Cheese Selection Matters: Using a combination of cheeses can add depth to the flavor. Try mixing cheddar with Monterey Jack or a touch of mozzarella for an extra gooey texture.
- Tortilla Size is Important: Large flour tortillas work best for wrapping the burrito without tearing. If using smaller tortillas, consider making two mini burritos instead.
- Crispy Cheese Hack: For an ultra-crispy cheese layer, let the cheese sizzle for a few seconds before placing the burrito on top. This helps form a perfect golden crust.
- Customize Your Fillings: Feel free to add ingredients like black beans, sautéed peppers, or even a little chopped turkey ham for extra flavor.
- Reheating Tip: If you need to reheat, avoid the microwave. Instead, warm the burrito in a skillet over low heat to maintain the crispy cheese exterior.
- Spice Level Control: If you’re sensitive to spice, use mild taco seasoning and skip the jalapeños. For extra heat, add hot sauce or chili flakes to the filling.
