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This Grilled Cheese Burrito is everything you crave from the Taco Bell original but homemade with even more flavor and melty goodness. I love making these when family movie night hits and nobody wants to settle for boring sandwiches or plain tacos. With layers of seasoned beef, fried rice, nacho cheese, and that signature crispy grilled cheese crust, they are pure comfort wrapped up in a tortilla.
Every time I make these, my husband raves they taste even better than the fast-food ones. My kids fight over who gets the cheesiest one fresh off the skillet.
Ingredients
- Ground beef: provides a hearty filling with deep beefy flavor. Choose leaner meat for less grease or regular for extra richness
- Olive oil: helps brown the beef and onions for more savory taste. Use fresh extra virgin for the best results
- Onion: gives sweetness and aroma. Dice finely for even cooking
- Salt and black pepper: bring out all the other flavors. Adjust to your preference
- Smoked paprika: delivers a smoky depth. Opt for real smoked variety whenever possible
- Dried oregano: adds herbal notes. You want dried oregano for bold flavor
- Tomato sauce: creates a saucy base for the filling. Use quality tomato sauce without added sugar
- Flour tortillas: wrap up all the goodness. Look for large soft tortillas that do not crack when rolled
- Spicy mayo: gives tangy heat. You can use store-bought or mix mayo with hot sauce
- Fried rice: adds texture and heartiness. Day-old rice holds up best in burritos
- Nacho cheese sauce: brings creamy melt and kick. Choose your favorite brand or make from scratch if you are feeling fancy
- Sour cream: cools and balances the spices. Thick and full fat works best
- Tortilla chips: provide crunch. Crush lightly for the perfect texture hit
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Prepare the Ground Beef:
- Warm olive oil in your skillet over medium heat and scatter in diced onion. Cook the onion slowly until soft and aromatic, stirring now and then, about five minutes
- Brown the Beef:
- Toss the ground beef into the pan, breaking it up with a spoon. Let it cook all the way through until no pink remains. Stir in salt, smoked paprika, and oregano. Cook for another minute to let the spices get fragrant
- Add Tomato Sauce and Simmer:
- Pour tomato sauce into the beef mixture. Lower the heat so it gently bubbles. Simmer for around five minutes to let everything mingle into a juicy filling
- Get Your Burritos Ready:
- Lay a tortilla out on your work surface. Spread a layer of spicy mayo along the middle. Spoon on some fried rice. Drizzle nacho cheese sauce over that. Dollop with sour cream. Sprinkle with some crushed tortilla chips. Spoon on a big scoop of your ground beef mixture
- Roll Up and Grill:
- Carefully fold in the sides of the tortilla and then roll it tightly from the bottom up. Heat a dry skillet or griddle over medium. If you want that signature grilled cheese crust, sprinkle shredded cheese directly on the pan, then put your wrapped burrito seam down on the cheese. Grill for two to three minutes per side until golden and crispy
- Serve and Enjoy:
- Serve your burritos hot with extra spicy mayo for dipping. They are best eaten fresh off the grill for maximum crunch and gooeyness
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The nacho cheese sauce is my secret weapon. It ties everything together in that creamy, tangy way and always gets the most compliments at the table. I love watching my kids try to outdo each other with their burrito rolling skills; we have definitely had a few friendly competitions over whose stays together best.
Storage Tips
Leftover burritos can be wrapped in foil and stashed in the fridge up to three days. To reheat, place them in a skillet over low heat so the outside gets crispy again. Avoid the microwave if you want to keep the cheese crust from getting soggy.
Ingredient Substitutions
You can easily swap out ground turkey or shredded rotisserie chicken if you want a lighter spin. Vegetarian crumbles or black beans work great for a meatless version. No nacho cheese on hand? Try shredded cheddar or spicy pepper jack instead.
Serving Suggestions
Pair these burritos with guacamole, pico de gallo, or a fresh salad on the side. For a complete family feast, set out bowls of pickled jalapenos and extra tortilla chips so everyone can customize.
A Little Burrito History
This creative grilled cheese burrito takes a classic Tex-Mex favorite and gives it a fast-food twist that families love. Burritos themselves are believed to have roots in northern Mexico, where they have always been loved for their convenience and flexibility. This grilled cheese layer is a clever American adaptation for maximum crunch and comfort.
Frequently Asked Questions
- → How do I prevent the burrito from falling apart?
Ensure you don’t overfill the tortilla and fold it tightly. Grilling seam-side down helps secure it as well.
- → Can I substitute the ground beef?
Absolutely! You can use ground turkey, chicken, or a plant-based alternative for a vegetarian option.
- → What’s the best way to make the cheese crust crispy?
Sprinkle shredded cheese directly onto a heated skillet, then press the burrito onto the cheese to create a golden crust.
- → Can I make these burritos ahead of time?
Yes, prepare the fillings and assemble the burritos in advance. Grill them just before serving for the best taste and texture.
- → What sides go well with these burritos?
Pair them with a fresh salad, guacamole, or a zesty salsa for a complete meal.