Name: Grilled Cheese Burrito Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 25 min
Cuisine: Mexican-American
Ingredients: 1 lb ground beef; 1 packet taco seasoning (or homemade blend); 1 cup cooked white rice; 1/2 cup sour cream; 1/2 cup nacho cheese sauce; 1/4 cup chipotle sauce; 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese; 1 cup shredded mozzarella; 4 large flour tortillas; Butter or oil for grilling

Jump to Recipe· 4.8 from 15 reviews

Craving something wonderfully cheesy, a little spicy, and seriously satisfying? The Grilled Cheese Burrito brings together all your favorite comfort food vibes in one glorious, golden-crusted package. Imagine savory seasoned beef, creamy sauces, melty cheeses, and fluffy rice, all bundled up in a soft tortilla and finished off with an irresistible grilled cheese crust. This flavorful mash-up takes weeknight dinners or casual gatherings to a whole new level of crave-worthy, handheld happiness!

Ingredients You’ll Need

Grilled Cheese Burrito Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

Every ingredient in a Grilled Cheese Burrito recipe has a starring role, from adding a punch of flavor to giving that signature gooey texture. Stock up on the essentials below to make sure every bite delivers perfect balance and melt-in-your-mouth satisfaction.

Ground beef: Opt for 80/20 ground beef for rich, juicy flavor and great texture in each bite.
Taco seasoning: A packet or homemade blend adds the classic Tex-Mex kick that’s crucial for this filling.
Cooked white rice: White rice bulks up the burrito and soaks up all the delicious sauces.
Sour cream: It adds a cool, tangy richness that balances out the bold spices.
Nacho cheese sauce: Go for smooth and saucy; this is what makes things extra luscious and cheesy.
Chipotle sauce: A smoky, spicy touch that wakes up the whole burrito.
Shredded cheddar cheese: Offers sharp, classic cheesiness and that gorgeous melt when grilled.
Shredded mozzarella: Mozzarella brings major gooey stretch, making every bite delightfully stringy.
Large flour tortillas: Soft and sturdy tortillas are key to wrapping up all those layers without tearing.
Butter or oil for grilling: Use either for that crave-worthy browned, crisped burrito exterior.

How to Make Grilled Cheese Burrito

Step 1: Cook the Beef

Start by browning the ground beef in a large skillet over medium heat. As the beef sizzles, use a spatula to break it up into bite-sized crumbles for that hearty, perfect-in-every-bite texture. Once there’s no more pink, drain any excess grease—this keeps the burrito filling rich but not greasy. Stir in your taco seasoning along with 1/4 cup water. Let it all simmer together for about 5 minutes, so those savory spices soak right into the meat, making your burrito filling incredibly flavorful.

Step 2: Warm the Tortillas

While your beef simmers, get those tortillas ready. Warming them softens the dough, making them way easier to fold without ripping. Just lay them on a dry skillet for a few seconds per side, or stack them under a damp paper towel and microwave for about 30 seconds. Trust me, a soft tortilla will make your Grilled Cheese Burrito look pro and hold together beautifully.

Step 3: Assemble the Grilled Cheese Burrito

Now comes the fun! Lay out one tortilla and start building: a scoop of rice, a hearty portion of seasoned beef, a generous drizzling of nacho cheese sauce, dollops of chipotle sauce, and a swirl of sour cream. Pile on shredded cheddar and mozzarella for the ultimate cheesy moment. Don’t worry about overstuffing—the goal is a thick, luscious filling, but leave enough room at the edges to fold and roll securely.

Step 4: Fold and Grill

Wrap up your burritos by folding in the sides and rolling it up from the bottom, burrito-style. To nail that signature Grilled Cheese Burrito crunch, heat some butter or oil in a nonstick skillet over medium. Sprinkle extra cheddar and mozzarella right onto the skillet in a little rectangle, then place the burrito seam-side down directly onto the cheese. Let it sizzle until the cheese is crunchy and golden, pressing gently so it sticks before flipping and repeating on the other side if you want extra crisp. That cheesy crust is the game-changer!

How to Serve Grilled Cheese Burrito

Garnishes

Take your Grilled Cheese Burrito from simple to sensational with a few easy garnishes. Scatter freshly chopped cilantro over the top for a pop of color and herbal zing. Sliced green onions, a squeeze of lime, or a sprinkle of diced tomatoes all add freshness and brightness. For a little extra kick, serve with pickled jalapeños or a drizzle of hot sauce.

Side Dishes

This burrito is a meal on its own, but if you want a feast, pair it with sides that balance out the richness. A simple side salad with crunchy lettuce and tangy vinaigrette is cool and crisp next to the melty filling. Tortilla chips with homemade pico de gallo or guacamole make every meal feel like a party—just don’t forget a tall glass of something refreshing, like a cold horchata or your favorite soda.

Creative Ways to Present

Serving the Grilled Cheese Burrito for friends or family? Slice them at an angle for a fun, bistro-style look. Arrange on a platter and sprinkle extra cheese over the top (because you can never have too much cheese). You can even cut them into smaller, snackable pieces for game night or grab-and-go appetizers at a party—just add toothpicks for easy picking.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you have extra Grilled Cheese Burrito halves, let them cool to room temperature first. Then, wrap each one tightly in foil or plastic wrap, and pop them in an airtight container. Keep them in the fridge for up to three days—this way they stay fresh and moist without the tortilla drying out.

Freezing

The beauty of the Grilled Cheese Burrito is that it freezes well for busy nights. After cooling, wrap each burrito individually in a layer of plastic, then foil to prevent freezer burn. Place in a resealable freezer bag, and label with the date. When you’re ready for a quick meal, thaw overnight in the fridge for best results.

Reheating

For the best texture, remove any foil and reheat your burrito in a nonstick skillet over medium heat—this crisps the cheesy exterior back up while warming the insides. If you’re short on time, the microwave works too; just wrap in a damp paper towel and heat for 1-2 minutes, though the crust won’t be quite as crispy. For oven lovers, bake at 350°F wrapped loosely in foil for 15 minutes, then unwrap and bake a few more minutes to get that signature crunch.

FAQs

Can I make a vegetarian Grilled Cheese Burrito?

Absolutely! Swap the ground beef for sautéed mushrooms, black beans, or a plant-based crumble. Everything else—the rice, cheeses, and sauces—can stay the same, so you won’t miss out on that classic flavor or the cheese pull.

What kind of tortillas are best for this recipe?

Large flour tortillas are the way to go. They’re soft, flexible, and sturdy enough to hold all the exciting fillings without breaking apart, making them perfect for big, stuffed burritos like this one.

How do I keep the burrito from falling apart when grilling?

The trick is to not overfill, and to warm your tortillas beforehand so they’re pliable. When rolling, tuck in the sides and roll tightly, then grill seam-side down first to help seal everything inside.

Can I use pre-cooked or leftover rice?

Definitely—leftover rice works beautifully here. Just be sure it’s not too dry; if needed, add a tiny splash of water and reheat briefly before assembling your burritos so it blends into the filling.

Is there a good substitute for nacho cheese sauce?

If you can’t find nacho cheese sauce, a blend of shredded cheddar mixed with a splash of milk (heated gently) makes a great swap. Even a mild queso or cheese dip works—just aim for something creamy and smooth.

Final Thoughts

Once you try your hand at making a Grilled Cheese Burrito at home, it just might become your new favorite comfort food. It’s outrageously melty, satisfyingly crunchy, and delivers a joyful burst of Tex-Mex flavors in every bite. Gather your ingredients, fire up a skillet, and treat yourself to burrito bliss tonight!

Grilled Cheese Burrito Recipe

Ingredients You’ll Need

Ingredients You’ll Need