Grilled Cheese Burrito (Taco Bell Copycat)

My Grilled Cheese Burrito is a homemade version of the popular Taco Bell wrap, made with seasoned beef, rice, chipotle sauce, and plenty of melted cheese. It is wrapped in a large tortilla and finished in a pan with extra cheese on the outside.

It is easy to put together, uses simple ingredients, and works well when you want something filling but do not have much time.

Jump to:

• What is a Grilled Cheese Burrito
• Why This Recipe Works?
• Ingredients You'll Need
• How to Make Taco Bell Grilled Cheese Burrito
• How to Get the Cheese on the Outside
• Best Cheese to Use
• Recipe Tips From the Chef
• Flavor Variations
• What to Serve with Grilled Cheese Burrito
• Storage and Reheating Instructions
• Recipe FAQs
• Related Recipes
• Grilled Cheese Burrito (Taco Bell Copycat)

What is a Grilled Cheese Burrito

A grilled cheese burrito is a loaded burrito filled with seasoned meat, rice, cheese, and sauce, then finished in a pan with melted cheese on the outside.

It starts with a large flour tortilla that holds a generous filling. Once rolled, the burrito is placed onto melted cheese in a pan so the cheese sticks to the outside and forms a lightly crisp layer.

This gives you a soft, cheesy filling inside and a slightly crisp finish on the outside.

Why This Recipe Works?

• The beef is cooked with seasoning and vegetables, which gives a fuller flavour compared to plain ground meat.

• The layers of rice, sauce, and cheese help keep the filling moist without becoming too heavy.

• Warming the tortillas before filling makes them easier to roll and less likely to tear, just like when making this Authentic Mexican Beef Burrito.

• Cooking the burrito on melted cheese adds extra flavour and a lightly crisp finish.

• The recipe follows the same idea as the original while keeping everything simple and easy to find.

• You can prepare parts ahead of time, which makes it quicker to put together.

Ingredients You'll Need

Please scroll down to the recipe card below for the full ingredients list with measurements, complete recipe method, recipe notes, and nutritional information.

• Ground beef - I use ground beef with a %15 fat percentage but you can use lean beef if you prefer.

• Mexican rice - You can use instant Mexican rice to make things quicker or make your own.

• Taco seasoning - If you don't have taco bell's original seasoning, it is easy to make your own by mixing 1 tablespoon of chili, 1 teaspoon of cumin, 1 teaspoon of garlic powder, 1 teaspoon of smoked paprika, ½ tsp of dried oregano, ½ tsp of onion powder, ¼ teaspoon of sea salt, and ¼ teaspoon of black pepper.

• Cheese - You can use shredded Monterey Jack, cheddar, gruyere, or any of your favorite melty cheese.

• Sour cream - You can use full-fat or reduced-fat sour cream. It adds a creamy texture and a tangy flavor, so don't skip it. You can substitute it with plain natural yogurt.

• Chipotle sauce - It provides the original Taco Bell flavor we are after! You can find it in some specialty grocery stores, buy it online, or make your own.

• Tortilla wraps - You will need large-sized flour tortilla shells as there is plenty of filling to wrap up. Alternatively, you can make your own flour tortillas with this easy Homemade Wheat Tortilla Bread recipe.

How to Make Taco Bell Grilled Cheese Burrito

Prepare the Beef Filling

Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the ground beef and cook until browned and fully cooked. Drain any excess grease if necessary. Add the bell pepper to the skillet with the ground beef.

Stir in the diced tomatoes along with the garlic, Taco seasoning, salt, and black pepper over the beef mixture, and cook for about 5 minutes until the vegetables are slightly softened. Stir well to combine and let it simmer for another 2-3 minutes. Remove from heat.

Assemble the Burritos

Warm the tortilla wraps in a separate skillet or in the microwave for a few seconds to make them more pliable. Place a spoonful of the creamy chipotle sauce mixture over each tortilla wrap, leaving about 1 inch of space around the edges. Spread a layer of Mexican rice on the sour cream and chipotle sauce mixture.

Spoon the ground beef mixture on top of the rice layer. Add a generous amount of shredded cheese, and sprinkle with some chopped coriander.

Fold the sides of the tortilla inwards, then roll it tightly from the bottom to form a burrito shape.

Grill the Burritos and Cover Them with Cheese

To prepare the skillet, drizzle some olive oil and place it on medium-high heat. Next, create a line of about ¼ cup of the rest of the shredded cheese blends in the center of the skillet. Place the burrito gently in the middle of the melted cheese. Carefully roll the burrito, allowing the cheese to wrap around it.

Cook for about 1-2 minutes on each side until the cheese outside of the burrito is golden brown. Repeat with the remaining burritos, and serve them immediately with some extra chopped coriander.

How to Get the Cheese on the Outside

Use a non-stick pan and keep the heat at medium so the cheese melts properly without burning. Add the cheese to the pan first and let it start melting before placing the burrito on top. Press lightly so it sticks, then roll it gently.

Do not rush this step as it helps give the burrito its final texture.

Best Cheese to Use

Cheddar gives a stronger flavour and melts well. Monterey Jack is softer and melts smoothly.

Using a mix of both works well and gives a better result. Avoid hard cheeses that do not melt easily.

Recipe Tips From the Chef

• When filling the burrito, avoid overstuffing it with ingredients. This can make it difficult to roll and may cause the filling to spill out.

• Let the beef mixture cool slightly before assembling to avoid a soggy tortilla.

• Warm the tortillas before filling so they stay flexible. Use a skillet or wrap them in a damp paper towel and microwave for a few seconds.

• If you're short on time during the week, consider preparing some ingredients in advance. Chop vegetables, prepare the chipotle sour cream, and pre-cook the rice.

• If you're a fan of leftovers or want to meal prep, consider doubling the recipe. You can enjoy grilled cheese burritos throughout the week or freeze them for later convenience.

Flavor Variations

You can adjust the filling based on what you like.

Swap the ground beef for ground chicken or turkey for a lighter option. You can also use plant-based alternatives. Add black beans or refried beans for extra texture.

If you like more heat, add chopped jalapeños or a little hot sauce. You can also add crunchy tortilla strips inside for extra texture.

What to Serve with Grilled Cheese Burrito

Grilled cheese burritos pair well with simple sides. Here are some suggestions for what to serve with your grilled cheese burritos:

• Fresh and vibrant Mango Pico de Gallo - Fresh Mango Salsa, along with creamy guacamole, makes an excellent dipping sauce for the burritos.

• Adding a dollop of sour cream on the side is the perfect complement to the cheesy and savory flavors of the burrito. It brings a creamy and tangy element that beautifully balances the richness of the dish.

• A classic side dish, refried black beans provide a hearty and creamy element to accompany the burritos.

• Grilled, boiled, or air-fried corn on the cob is a great way to add a touch of sweetness and freshness to the meal.

• For a more casual and snack-like experience, serve some crispy homemade air fryer tortilla chips, cheese dip, and salsa alongside your grilled cheese burritos.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Storage

If you have any leftover grilled cheese burritos, let them cool to room temperature. Wrap each burrito tightly in plastic wrap or place them in airtight containers. Store them in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.

If you want to freeze the grilled cheese burritos for longer storage, it's best to freeze them before cooking. Wrap each unbaked burrito tightly in plastic wrap and place them in a sealable freezer bag, and keep them in the freezer for up to 2-3 months.

Reheating

To reheat a refrigerated burrito, remove the plastic wrap or transfer it to a microwave-safe plate. Microwave on high for about 1-2 minutes, or until the burrito is heated through. For a crisper texture, preheat your oven to 175°C (350°F).

Place the refrigerated burritos on a baking sheet and bake for approximately 10-15 minutes, or until they are heated thoroughly. Remember to always check the internal temperature of the reheated burrito to ensure it reaches a safe temperature of 74°C (165°F).

Recipe FAQs

Related Recipes

For more delicious ground beef recipes why not try:

Did you make this recipe? Please let me know how it turned out! Leave a comment below and tag @cookingorgeous on Instagram and hashtag it #cookingorgeous.

I hope you enjoy the process of making this gooey and cheesy Grilled Cheese Burrito - Taco Bell Recipe as much as you enjoy eating it! 🙂