Why You’ll Love This Recipe
The grilled cheese burrito is one of Taco Bell’s most beloved creations, and now you can recreate it right at home with this easy copycat recipe. Imagine a warm flour tortilla stuffed with seasoned beef, rice, nacho cheese, sour cream, and crunchy strips, then wrapped in another tortilla layered with melted cheese. It’s indulgent, cheesy, and absolutely satisfying. What makes this recipe special is that you get all the flavor and comfort of the original without leaving your kitchen. I tried this at home with a little extra jalapeño for heat, and it turned out even better than the restaurant version. Whether you’re feeding a hungry family, craving fast food at home, or just want to treat yourself to something bold and cheesy, this grilled cheese burrito copycat is guaranteed to hit the spot.
Easy Grilled Cheese Burrito Copycat Recipe – Just Like Takeout
- Total Time: 20 mins
- Yield: 2 servings
- Diet: Halal
Description
A grilled cheese burrito is a warm, cheesy, and hearty wrap filled with beans, rice, meat, and toppings, then finished with a crispy, golden cheese crust on the outside—just like the Taco Bell favorite.
Ingredients
- 1 large flour tortilla
- 1/2 cup seasoned ground beef (or chicken)
- 1/4 cup cooked rice
- 1/4 cup refried beans
- 1/4 cup nacho cheese sauce
- 1/4 cup shredded cheddar cheese (for filling)
- 1/4 cup shredded cheddar cheese (for grilling crust)
- 2 tbsp sour cream
- 2 tbsp diced tomatoes
- 1 tbsp butter
Instructions
- Warm the flour tortilla in a skillet for 20–30 seconds on each side until pliable.
- Spread refried beans in the center, then add rice, ground beef, nacho cheese, shredded cheddar, sour cream, and diced tomatoes.
- Fold the sides in and roll the tortilla tightly into a burrito shape.
- In a skillet, melt the butter over medium heat.
- Sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese into the skillet in a rectangle slightly larger than the burrito.
- Place the burrito seam-side down on top of the cheese and cook until the cheese forms a golden, crispy crust (about 2–3 minutes).
- Carefully flip and toast the other side for 1 minute.
- Remove, slice in half, and serve warm.
Notes
- Swap beef with beans or chicken for a different filling.
- Add jalapeños or hot sauce for extra kick.
- Use low-fat cheese and sour cream for a lighter version.
- Prep Time: 10 mins
- Cook Time: 10 mins
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Grilled on stovetop
- Cuisine: Mexican-American
Ingredients
(Tip: You can find the complete list of ingredients and their measurements in the recipe card below.)
Flour tortillas
Large tortillas are needed to hold all the fillings and create the cheesy outer layer.
Ground beef
Seasoned with taco spices, it’s the hearty base of the filling.
Cooked rice
Adds texture and makes the burrito more filling, just like the restaurant version.
Nacho cheese sauce
Brings creaminess and a bold, cheesy flavor.
Shredded cheddar and mozzarella
Used inside the burrito and melted on the outside for that signature grilled cheese crust.
Sour cream
Adds tanginess and creaminess to balance the richness.
Tortilla strips or crushed chips
Provide the essential crunch in every bite.
Taco seasoning
Seasoning mix that gives the beef its signature Tex-Mex flavor.
Butter
Used for grilling the cheesy tortilla wrap to golden perfection.
Directions
Begin by cooking the ground beef in a skillet until browned. Drain excess fat and stir in taco seasoning with a splash of water, letting it simmer until thickened.
Warm the flour tortillas to make them pliable. Lay one tortilla flat and spread a layer of shredded cheese on it. Place another tortilla on top, pressing gently to stick. Heat a skillet with butter, then grill this double-layer tortilla until the cheese melts and the outside is golden. Set aside.
On a separate tortilla, layer seasoned beef, cooked rice, nacho cheese sauce, sour cream, and tortilla strips. Roll the burrito tightly, folding in the sides. Wrap this burrito with the cheesy grilled tortilla, pressing gently to seal.
Grill the finished burrito seam-side down for a few minutes until crisp. Slice in half and serve warm with extra nacho cheese sauce or salsa.
Servings and timing
This recipe makes 4 burritos. Preparation and cooking time takes about 30 minutes total.
Storage/reheating
Store leftover burritos in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Reheat in a skillet or oven for best results, as microwaving can make the tortilla soggy. These burritos are best enjoyed fresh.
Variations and Customizations
Vegetarian version
Replace beef with black beans or refried beans.
Spicy kick
Add jalapeños, hot sauce, or spicy salsa for extra heat.
Chicken burrito
Swap beef for shredded chicken or rotisserie chicken.
Cheese lover’s twist
Mix different cheeses like pepper jack or Monterey Jack for extra flavor.
Breakfast burrito
Replace beef and rice with scrambled eggs, bacon, and hash browns.
FAQs
Can I make these burritos ahead of time?
Yes, assemble them and refrigerate, then grill when ready to eat.
Do I need two tortillas for the grilled cheese layer?
Yes, the extra tortilla with melted cheese gives it that signature texture.
Can I freeze grilled cheese burritos?
Yes, but thaw overnight and reheat in the oven for best results.
What sides go well with these burritos?
Chips with salsa, guacamole, or a simple salad pair perfectly.
Can I use store-bought nacho cheese sauce?
Yes, it works well and saves time.
What’s the best rice to use?
Seasoned Mexican rice or plain white rice both work.
Can I add veggies inside?
Yes, bell peppers, onions, or corn make great additions.
Do I need butter for grilling?
Butter adds flavor, but oil can also be used.
Can I make this gluten-free?
Yes, use large gluten-free tortillas.
Is this recipe very filling?
Yes, it’s hearty and perfect as a full meal.
Conclusion
This easy grilled cheese burrito copycat recipe delivers all the cheesy, indulgent flavor of the fast-food favorite with the added bonus of being homemade. Customizable, filling, and perfect for satisfying cravings, it’s a recipe you’ll want to make again and again. Once you try it, you may never need to hit the drive-thru for a grilled cheese burrito again.
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