Ultimate Taco Bell Copycat Grilled Cheese Burrito: Cheesy, Beefy, and Perfectly Homemade!
Prepare to elevate your weeknight meals with the ultimate copycat grilled cheese burrito recipe! This homemade rendition flawlessly recreates a beloved Taco Bell favorite, allowing you to enjoy those irresistible flavors and textures right in your own kitchen. Imagine a perfectly toasted flour tortilla, encasing a savory blend of seasoned ground beef, zesty Spanish rice, a generous helping of melted cheese, and a signature creamy chipotle sauce – all grilled to golden-brown perfection with an extra layer of crispy, toasted cheese on the outside. This isn’t just a meal; it’s an experience, a cheesy, meaty, and wonderfully satisfying adventure for your taste buds.
Whether you’re a long-time fan of the original Grilled Cheese Burrito from Taco Bell or simply a connoisseur of all things cheesy and delicious, this homemade version is guaranteed to impress. It’s a fully loaded, mouthwatering creation, expertly topped with a crispy, pan-fried cheese crust that adds an incredible layer of flavor and texture. Inside, you’ll discover perfectly seasoned taco ground beef, vibrant and zesty Spanish rice, even more gooey melted cheese, and all the essential fixings, including our spot-on copycat creamy chipotle sauce. These grilled cheese burritos are surprisingly easy to assemble, and they cook up on your stovetop in mere minutes, making them ideal for a quick and satisfying dinner.
Why You’ll Love This Taco Bell Copycat Grilled Cheese Burrito
- Irresistibly Melty, Toasty, and Flavorful: This recipe takes the beloved Tex-Mex flavors and combines them with the comforting indulgence of a grilled cheese sandwich. Each bite offers a delightful symphony of textures and tastes: juicy, seasoned taco meat, tender Spanish rice, a generous abundance of melted cheese, and crunchy tortilla strips, all wrapped within a perfectly toasted tortilla. The spicy kick from the creamy chipotle sauce perfectly balances the richness, creating a truly unforgettable experience. It’s a harmonious blend of gooey, savory, and satisfying crunch that will have you reaching for another.
- Effortlessly Made at Home: There’s nothing quite like the satisfaction of recreating your favorite fast-food dishes in the comfort of your own kitchen. This recipe provides the perfect excuse to skip the drive-thru, offering a fresher, often more delicious, and certainly more customizable alternative. From popular copycat KFC bowls to Big Mac wraps, mastering these iconic dishes at home is not only fun but often yields results that are just as good, if not superior, to the original. You control the quality of ingredients, the seasoning, and the portion sizes, ensuring a meal that perfectly suits your preferences.
- Simple and Quick to Assemble: Despite its impressive appearance and complex flavors, this grilled cheese burrito is surprisingly easy to put together. Once your ingredients are prepped – the beef cooked, rice ready, and sauce whisked – the assembly process is a breeze. Simply layer all the delicious components onto your large flour tortillas, fold them neatly, and they’re ready for the pan. This straightforward approach makes it a fantastic option for a busy weeknight dinner or a fun cooking project with the family.
What You’ll Need: Essential Ingredients
Crafting the perfect grilled cheese burrito requires a selection of fresh and flavorful ingredients. Here’s a detailed look at what you’ll need, along with some helpful tips for each component. For precise measurements and a printable list, please refer to the recipe card below.
- Ground Beef: Opt for lean ground beef, such as an 80/20 blend. This provides enough fat to keep the taco meat moist and flavorful without making the burrito greasy. For a lighter option, you can easily substitute with ground chicken or ground turkey, ensuring they are seasoned well to match the rich flavor profile.
- Taco Seasoning: While a packet of your favorite store-bought taco seasoning works wonderfully for convenience, consider making your own homemade taco seasoning. It allows for custom spice levels and fresh, vibrant flavors that truly elevate the beef.
- Spanish Rice: This zesty, flavorful rice is a crucial component, adding substance and a delightful Southwestern-style taste. Our easy Spanish rice recipe is quick to prepare, especially in an Instant Pot, providing perfect texture and seasoning.
- Shredded Cheese: A key ingredient for both the interior filling and the exterior crust. A classic shredded cheddar or a robust Fiesta/Mexican cheese blend will offer excellent melting properties and a satisfying cheesy flavor.
- Nacho Cheese Sauce: This adds an extra layer of creamy, indulgent cheese goodness to the interior of the burrito. You can use your preferred jarred variety from the grocery store or whip up a batch of queso cheese for an authentic touch.
- Sour Cream: Essential for balancing the rich flavors and providing a creamy texture within the burrito. If you’re looking for a healthier alternative, plain Greek yogurt can be used as a substitute.
- Fiesta Strips (or alternatives): These provide that signature crunch that contrasts beautifully with the soft fillings. Taco Bell’s Fiesta Tortilla Strips are often available at stores like Walmart. Alternatively, crushed Doritos, Fritos, or homemade corn tortilla strips will work perfectly to add that desirable textural element.
- Large Flour Tortillas: The foundation of your burrito! Make sure to purchase large, “burrito-sized” flour tortillas, as smaller ones will not be able to contain all the delicious fillings. Warming them slightly before assembly can make them more pliable and easier to roll.
- Creamy Chipotle Sauce: This is the secret weapon that ties all the flavors together, providing a smoky, spicy, and creamy kick. While Taco Bell sells a bottled version of their famous creamy chipotle sauce, making it fresh at home is incredibly simple and highly recommended. All you need is sour cream, chipotle peppers in adobo sauce (for heat and smokiness), a squeeze of fresh lime juice for brightness, a dash of paprika, and a pinch of salt. This homemade version is often superior and can be adjusted to your preferred spice level.
How to Make a Perfect Grilled Cheese Burrito at Home
If you’ve ever found yourself torn between the comforting simplicity of a grilled cheese sandwich and the vibrant flavors of a loaded burrito, this recipe is your delicious solution. Now, you can satisfy both cravings simultaneously, thanks to this brilliant Taco Bell-inspired creation. Follow these detailed steps to craft your own incredible grilled cheese burrito at home. Find the complete printable instructions and recipe card further down the page.
- Cook the Ground Meat: Begin by browning your ground beef in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Use a spoon or spatula to break the meat apart as it cooks, ensuring it’s evenly browned. This typically takes about 5-6 minutes. Once the beef is mostly cooked and no longer pink, drain any excess grease to prevent your burritos from becoming soggy. Stir in the taco seasoning along with any water specified in the seasoning packet instructions, and let it simmer for a couple of minutes until the flavors meld beautifully. Remove the seasoned beef from the heat and set aside.
- Prepare the Creamy Chipotle Sauce: While your beef is cooking, whisk together all the ingredients for your creamy chipotle sauce in a small bowl. This usually includes sour cream, finely chopped chipotle peppers in adobo, fresh lime juice, paprika, and a pinch of salt. Mix until smooth and well combined. This sauce is a game-changer, adding that distinctive Taco Bell kick.
- Assemble the Burritos: Lay out your large flour tortillas on a clean, flat surface. To prevent overfilling and ensure easy rolling, arrange the ingredients strategically. Start with a layer of Spanish rice, leaving space around the edges. Then, add a generous portion of your seasoned ground beef, followed by dollops of nacho cheese sauce, sour cream, and the homemade creamy chipotle sauce. Sprinkle in a good amount of shredded cheese and finally, the crunchy fiesta tortilla strips.
- Fold and Roll the Burrito: Achieving a tightly rolled burrito is key to keeping all those delicious fillings secure. Begin by folding the sides of the tortilla inward, over the filling. Then, starting from the bottom edge closest to you, roll the burrito upwards, tucking the filling in as you go. Roll it tightly and evenly, creating a compact and well-sealed package.
- Grill to Perfection: This is where the magic happens! Heat a skillet over medium heat. Once warm, sprinkle about ¼ cup of shredded cheese in a strip that’s roughly the length of your burrito onto the skillet. Immediately place your rolled burrito seam-side down over the melting cheese. This ensures the seam seals shut and the cheese creates a beautiful, crispy crust. To achieve that signature flattened, grilled texture, place a second, heavy skillet or a weighted press directly on top of the burrito. Grill for 4-5 minutes, allowing the cheese to melt and brown to a golden crisp. Carefully remove the heavy skillet, flip the burrito, and cook for another 2-3 minutes on the other side to lightly brown it and warm the tortilla through. Repeat this process for each burrito.
- Serve Immediately: Once all your grilled cheese burritos are golden, toasty brown, and wonderfully crispy, serve them hot! They are fantastic on their own, but for an extra burst of flavor, offer them with your favorite hot sauce, salsa, or any of the dipping suggestions below. The combination of warm, gooey interior and crispy exterior is best enjoyed fresh.
Tips for Making the Best Grilled Cheese Burrito
Whether you’re new to burrito-making or a seasoned pro looking to perfect this recipe, these tips will help you create truly exceptional grilled cheese burritos every time. You can also explore different ingredients to customize your burritos to your liking.
- Don’t Overfill: It’s tempting to load up on all those delicious fillings, but restraint is key! Overfilling your burritos can lead to burst tortillas, spillage, and difficulty in rolling and grilling. Aim for a balanced amount of each component so the tortilla can comfortably encase everything.
- Roll the Tortilla Tightly: A snug roll ensures your burrito holds together beautifully. After folding in the sides, use gentle but firm pressure as you roll from the bottom upwards. This creates a compact burrito that’s less likely to unravel during grilling.
- Place the Burrito Seam Side Down First: This is a crucial step for the grilled cheese crust. As the shredded cheese in the pan melts, placing the burrito with its folded seam over the cheese acts like a natural glue, helping to seal the burrito shut while simultaneously forming that delicious crispy exterior.
- Prepare Ahead for Convenience: To save time, several components can be prepared in advance. The seasoned ground beef filling, Spanish rice, and creamy chipotle sauce can all be made a day or two ahead of time and stored separately in airtight containers in the refrigerator. This significantly cuts down on assembly time when you’re ready to cook.
- Experiment with Different Proteins: While ground beef is classic, feel free to get creative with your protein. Ground chicken or ground turkey are excellent leaner alternatives. For a heartier option, consider using tender Mexican shredded beef, or transform leftovers into something special with thinly sliced chili lime flank steak for a gourmet steak grilled cheese burrito.
- Go Vegetarian: Easily adapt this recipe for a meat-free meal. Substitute ground meat with your favorite meatless mince, seasoned lentils, creamy refried beans, or an extra serving of Spanish rice. Adding chopped and sautéed vegetables like red bell peppers, onions, mushrooms, or even sweet potatoes can also create a hearty and flavorful vegetarian version.
- Alternative Seasonings: If you don’t have taco seasoning on hand, fajita seasoning shares many similar flavor notes and can be a good substitute. You can also create your own blend with chili powder, cumin, smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, and a pinch of cayenne for heat.
- Warm Your Tortillas: Briefly warming your flour tortillas in the microwave or a dry skillet before assembling makes them more pliable and less likely to tear when rolled, especially with generous fillings.
- Cheese for the Exterior: While cheddar is great, try a blend of Monterey Jack and cheddar for the exterior grilled cheese crust. Monterey Jack melts beautifully and can create an even crisper texture.
Serving Suggestions: Completing Your Tex-Mex Feast
These grilled cheese burritos are the embodiment of Tex-Mex dreams – a hearty, satisfying meal all on their own. However, pairing them with the right sides and dips can truly elevate your dining experience into a full-blown feast. I particularly love serving these crispy burritos with a vibrant dipping sauce to add an extra layer of flavor and moisture. Try them dipped in zesty restaurant-style salsa or smoky fire-roasted salsa for an incredible depth of flavor. For those who enjoy a brighter, tangier kick, our homemade salsa verde is an absolutely delicious choice! If you crave more heat, a dash of your favorite hot sauce or a side of spicy enchilada sauce will do the trick.
To round out your Taco Bell-inspired dinner, consider adding some fantastic appetizers or sides. Start with a platter of crispy air fryer nachos, perfect for sharing. Or, for a classic complement, serve up some golden air fryer French fries. And, of course, no Tex-Mex meal is complete without a generous bowl of tortilla chips alongside fresh guacamole. To add a refreshing contrast to the richness of the burritos, a side of creamy and crunchy Mexican coleslaw is highly recommended. And for the adults, a crisp, tart skinny margarita makes the perfect accompaniment to this indulgent meal!
How to Store and Reheat Leftovers
While these grilled cheese burritos are best enjoyed fresh, you might find yourself with a few delicious leftovers. Proper storage and reheating are key to maintaining their flavor and texture.
- Refrigerate: Allow any leftover grilled cheese burritos to cool completely to room temperature. Once cooled, wrap each burrito individually in plastic wrap or foil, or place them in an airtight container. Store them in the refrigerator for up to 2-3 days.
- Reheat: To bring your burritos back to life, avoid the microwave, as it can make the tortilla soggy and the cheese less appetizing. The best methods for reheating are in a skillet on the stovetop, in a conventional oven, or even in your air fryer.
- Skillet: Heat a lightly oiled skillet over medium heat. Place the burrito in the skillet and cook for 3-5 minutes per side, or until heated through and the exterior is crispy again.
- Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Place the burritos on a baking sheet and heat for 10-15 minutes, or until warmed through and the tortilla is slightly crispy.
- Air Fryer: Place the burrito in the air fryer basket at 350°F (175°C) for 7-10 minutes, flipping halfway, until hot and crispy.
Can I Freeze These?
Absolutely! Grilled cheese burritos are fantastic for meal prepping and can be frozen for later enjoyment. However, there’s one important suggestion if you plan to freeze them: omit the sour cream and tortilla strips from the filling before freezing. Sour cream tends to separate and become grainy when frozen and thawed, and the tortilla strips will lose their crunch and become soggy.
To freeze your burritos, ensure they are completely cool after assembly (but before grilling the exterior cheese). Wrap each burrito individually and tightly in plastic wrap, followed by a layer of aluminum foil. Place the wrapped burritos in a resealable freezer bag, removing as much air as possible, or an airtight freezer-safe container. They can be kept frozen for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to enjoy them, thaw them in the refrigerator overnight, then grill them in a skillet as per the recipe instructions to achieve that crispy cheese crust.
More Delicious Copycat Recipes to Try
Love recreating your favorite restaurant dishes at home? Explore these other fantastic copycat recipes that bring the magic of fast food and casual dining straight to your kitchen:
- Taco Bell Meximelt Recipe
- Homemade Crunchwrap Supreme
- Classic Taco Bell Mexican Pizza
- Chick-fil-A Cool Wrap Recreation
- Chipotle Chicken Bowls at Home
Grilled Cheese Burrito
Ingredients
- 1 pound lean ground beef
- 1 packet taco seasoning or homemade
- 2 cups Spanish Rice
- 2 cups shredded cheese, cheddar or Fiesta/Mexican blend, divided
- ½ cup nacho cheese sauce
- ½ cup sour cream
- ½ cup fiesta tortilla strips
- ½ cup creamy chipotle sauce, Taco Bell sells a version in stores or homemade recipe below
- 4 burrito size flour tortillas
Creamy Chipotle Sauce
- ½ cup sour cream
- 1 chipotle in adobo pepper, finely chopped
- 1 teaspoon lime juice
- ¼ teaspoon paprika
- ¼ teaspoon salt
Instructions
- In a large skillet over medium-high heat, brown the ground beef, breaking it apart for 5-6 minutes. Once it is mostly cooked through, drain any excess grease. Add taco seasoning and any water called for in the recipe and simmer for a couple of minutes. Remove from heat.1 pound lean ground beef, 1 packet taco seasoning or homemade
- To assemble your burritos arrange flour tortillas on a surface in front of you. Fill each one with rice, ground beef, nacho cheese sauce, sour cream, creamy chipotle sauce, shredded cheese, and tortilla strips. Fold over the sides and roll your burrito closed.2 cups Spanish Rice, 2 cups shredded cheese, ½ cup nacho cheese sauce, ½ cup sour cream, ½ cup fiesta tortilla strips, 4 burrito size flour tortillas, ½ cup creamy chipotle sauce
- In a skillet over medium-high heat, arrange about ¼ cup of cheese in a strip about the size of your burrito. Place your burrito over the top of the cheese, place a heavy skillet on the burrito to press it down, and cook for 4-5 minutes until the cheese is melted and browned. Remove the heavy skillet, carefully flip the burrito, and cook for another 2-3 minutes to lightly brown the other side. Repeat with the remaining burritos.2 cups shredded cheese
- Serve with your favorite salsa, hot sauce, etc.
Creamy Chipotle Sauce
- Mix together sour cream, chipotle in adobo, lime juice, paprika and salt. Cover and store in fridge until ready to use.½ cup sour cream, 1 chipotle in adobo pepper, 1 teaspoon lime juice, ¼ teaspoon paprika, ¼ teaspoon salt
Nutrition
Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.
Additional Info
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