Name: Grilled Cheese Burritos Recipe
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 45 min
Total time: 1 h 5 min
Cuisine: Mexican
Ingredients: 1 cup long grain white rice; 1 tablespoon avocado oil; 1½ cups chicken broth (low or no sodium); 4 ounces tomato sauce; ½ teaspoon onion powder; ½ teaspoon garlic powder; ½ teaspoon chicken bouillon; ¼ teaspoon salt; 1 pound ground beef; 1 tablespoon chili powder; 1 teaspoon ground cumin; ¾ teaspoon salt; ½ teaspoon garlic powder; ½ teaspoon onion powder; ½ teaspoon dried oregano; ¾ cup mayonnaise; ¼ cup sour cream; 2 tablespoons lime juice (approx 1 small lime); 1 teaspoon honey; 2 chipotle chiles in adobo sauce; 1 teaspoon garlic powder; ½ teaspoon smoked paprika; ¼ teaspoon salt; 8 large tortillas (burrito size); 2 cups Mexican Rice (cooked); 1 pound taco meat; 1 cup tortilla strips; ¾ cup nacho cheese sauce (warmed); ½ cup sour cream; ½ cup chipotle mayo

Jump to Recipe·5 from 23 reviews

If you’re ready for a comfort food mashup that’ll become an instant household legend, Grilled Cheese Burritos are calling your name! Imagine all the cheesy, meaty, saucy goodness of Tex-Mex night rolled up inside a crispy, golden cheese crust and you’ve got this flavor-packed creation. Each bite hits the spot with creamy chipotle mayo, zesty taco meat, and crunchy tortilla strips, with just enough spice and tang to make everyone reach for seconds. This recipe is perfect for feeding a crowd, freezing for future cravings, or jazzing up weeknight dinners with a dish that’s both hearty and utterly irresistible. Flavor, fun, and a little messiness—that’s the beauty of Grilled Cheese Burritos!

Grilled Cheese Burritos Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

With just a handful of pantry staples and a few fresh touches, you’ll whip up Grilled Cheese Burritos that taste like an all-out feast. Each ingredient brings its own magic: color, crunch, heat, or creaminess. Here’s what you need and why you’ll love it.

Long grain white rice: The starchy base that soaks up flavor and forms the foundation of every great burrito.
Avocado oil: Adds richness and helps toast the rice for an aromatic beginning.
Chicken broth (low or no sodium): Infuses the rice with savory depth without overwhelming saltiness.
Tomato sauce: Delivers color and a mild tang that balances the spices in your rice.
Onion powder: Adds a quiet, sweet background note in both the rice and meat.
Garlic powder: Carries through in the rice, beef, and chipotle mayo for a familiar, punchy flavor.
Chicken bouillon: Just a touch brings all the seasoning together and deepens the umami.
Salt: Essential for amplifying every other flavor, used thoughtfully throughout.
Ground beef: The heart of taco night—meaty, satisfying, and paired perfectly with spices.
Chili powder: Adds classic taco flavor and a subtle warmth.
Ground cumin: Earthy and aromatic, cumin gives the filling undeniable Tex-Mex character.
Dried oregano: A surprising green note that keeps the beef interesting.
Mayonnaise: The creamy base for that luscious chipotle mayo sauce.
Sour cream: Adds tang and cools the spice in both burrito and sauce.
Lime juice: Freshens up the mayo with a citrusy zing.
Honey: A little sweetness to balance smoky chipotle and acidity.
Chipotle chiles in adobo sauce: The not-so-secret weapon for heat and smoky complexity.
Smoked paprika: Layers on another wave of smoky flavor in the sauce.
Large tortillas (burrito size): Big, soft wraps that hold all that filling without breaking open.
Mexican Rice (cooked): The flavorful, fluffy glue that keeps every bite interesting.
Taco meat: That spiced beef from above, delivering hearty texture and full flavor.
Tortilla strips: Surprise crunch in every mouthful—don’t skip these!
Nacho cheese sauce (warmed): Brings gooey, molten cheese to every layer.
Sour cream: A cool, creamy counterpoint that ties everything together.
Chipotle mayo: Creamy, spicy sauce that brings it all home (and makes a stellar dip).
Mexican cheese blend (shredded): For that melty, griddled cheese crust that’s the signature of Grilled Cheese Burritos.

How to Make Grilled Cheese Burritos

Step 1: Make Flavorful Mexican Rice

Start by preparing homemade Mexican rice, unless you’re taking a shortcut. Sauté long grain rice in avocado oil until it’s lightly toasted and turns pearly white: this is the secret to fluffy, full-of-character rice. Then stir in the chicken broth, tomato sauce, onion powder, garlic powder, chicken bouillon, and salt, and let it simmer gently under a lid. After a slow, gentle cook, let the rice steam a bit more, then fluff with a fork for perfect texture. Every grain should be packed with savory goodness!

Step 2: Brown and Season the Ground Beef

In a skillet, cook your ground beef over medium heat, breaking it up as it browns. Once the meat loses all its pink, drain off the extra fat. Sprinkle in chili powder, cumin, salt, garlic powder, onion powder, and dried oregano, mixing until every morsel is coated in those familiar taco night spices. Let it cook for another minute so the flavors mingle and bloom. Now you’ve got a taco filling that’s ready for greatness.

Step 3: Whip Up Dreamy Chipotle Mayo

For a sauce that’s good enough to eat with a spoon, blitz together mayonnaise, sour cream, lime juice, honey, chipotle chiles in adobo, garlic powder, smoked paprika, and salt in a small blender or food processor. Blend until totally smooth and streak-free. Taste and adjust the heat with a little more chipotle or a splash more lime. This chipotle mayo ties the Grilled Cheese Burritos together with a smoky, creamy punch!

Step 4: Assemble Your Grilled Cheese Burritos

Now comes the fun part! On each large tortilla, layer a big scoop of your Mexican rice, a helping of taco meat, a sprinkle of crispy tortilla strips, drizzles of warm nacho cheese, creamy sour cream, and a generous squiggle of chipotle mayo. Roll it all up tightly into a burrito, tucking in the sides as you go. Repeat with all the tortillas. The anticipation at this step is real!

Step 5: Grill with a Cheesy Crust

Preheat a large, nonstick skillet or griddle over medium heat. Scatter a handful of shredded Mexican cheese directly onto the pan, let it melt and start to bubble, then gently place a burrito seam-side down on top of the cheese. After about two minutes, the cheese will crisp up, so add another layer of cheese beside it and carefully flip the burrito, so both sides get that iconic, golden, cheesy crust. Toast until they’re beautifully crisp and bronzed, then move to a platter while you finish the rest. This step is what makes Grilled Cheese Burritos so utterly drool-worthy!

How to Serve Grilled Cheese Burritos

Garnishes

Top your Grilled Cheese Burritos with fresh cilantro, thinly sliced green onions, or extra crumbles of queso fresco for a pop of color and a burst of freshness. If you want more zing, add a few rings of pickled jalapeños or a dusting of smoked paprika. A squeeze of lime over the top just before serving adds an extra kick no one can resist.

Side Dishes

Pair these indulgent burritos with sides that complement their bold flavors without overpowering them. Think a bright, crunchy slaw, simple black beans, or grilled street corn slathered in crema. Even a simple side salad with a punchy vinaigrette is a perfect way to balance the rich, melty goodness of Grilled Cheese Burritos.

Creative Ways to Present

Cut Grilled Cheese Burritos into halves or thirds for party-friendly bites or game-day platters. Try layering them over a bed of greens for a hearty, main-dish salad. For a kids’ night, serve them with small bowls of extra sauce for dipping, or create a burrito bar with toppings so everyone can customize their own.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Wrap any leftover Grilled Cheese Burritos tightly in foil or plastic wrap and store them in the fridge for up to 3 days. They reheat well and retain their cheesy crispness if handled right!

Freezing

These burritos are freezer-friendly, making them heroes for quick lunches. Let them cool completely, wrap each one snugly in foil, and freeze in a resealable bag. They’ll keep for up to 2 months. For best results, don’t add fresh garnishes before freezing—save those for after reheating.

Reheating

To bring your Grilled Cheese Burritos back to their original glory, bake them in a 375°F oven (still wrapped in foil) until heated through, about 20 minutes. For extra crunch, unwrap the foil for the last five minutes. The microwave works in a pinch (about 2 minutes on high), but oven or skillet reheating gives the best texture.

FAQs

Can I use a different type of meat or make these vegetarian?

Absolutely! Swap in ground turkey, shredded chicken, or even sautéed mushrooms and black beans for a delicious vegetarian version. The seasoning mix works beautifully with just about any protein or plant-based filling.

What if I don’t have chipotle chiles in adobo?

No worries—try a spoonful of your favorite hot sauce and a pinch of smoked paprika instead. While the specific smokiness is unique, you’ll still get a tasty, spicy kick that plays well with the creamy sauce.

How do I keep the tortillas from tearing when rolling?

Warm the tortillas gently in the microwave for 20 to 30 seconds (covered with a damp paper towel) before assembling. This makes them more flexible and less likely to crack or split.

Can I assemble these in advance?

Definitely! You can build the burritos (minus the grilled cheese crust) a day ahead and refrigerate. Grill them with the cheese just before you’re ready to eat, and they’ll taste freshly made.

Do I have to use nacho cheese sauce?

Not at all! If you prefer, swap in a bit of shredded cheese or skip the nacho sauce altogether—the burritos will still be fantastic, just a touch less gooey inside. You can also substitute with queso or your favorite melty cheese.

Final Thoughts

If you love bold flavors, melty cheese, and a little kitchen fun, you’ve just found your new go-to meal. Give Grilled Cheese Burritos a whirl and watch them disappear from the table—this is the kind of comfort food magic you’ll come back to again and again!