Pin
This crave-worthy grilled cheese burrito recipe is perfect when you want all the flavor of Taco Bell but made fresh at home. Jam-packed with seasoned beef, cheesy goodness, crispy tortilla strips, and pops of spicy mayo, it is everything you love in a burrito plus a golden, grilled cheese crust.
Ingredients
- Ground beef: brings savory depth and classic burrito heartiness
- Olive oil: helps soften onion and keeps the filling juicy
- Onion: use a yellow or white onion for aromatic sweetness
- Salt and black pepper: to enhance the other flavors use sea salt and freshly ground pepper if possible
- Smoked paprika: adds a smoky kick try Spanish paprika for a robust flavor
- Dried oregano: adds earthiness choose good quality oregano for best flavor
- Tomato sauce: binds everything and adds acidity a simple canned sauce works great
- Large flour tortillas: sturdy large tortillas roll up and grill best
- Spicy mayo: adds a tangy zippy layer use your favorite brand or homemade
- Fried rice: an unexpected twist for texture and heartiness leftover rice gives great results
- Nacho cheese sauce: classic melty cheese that keeps things ultra creamy
- Sour cream: cools heat and gives a soft tang choose thick style for best texture
- Tortilla chips: for crunch I grab the freshest bag for maximum crisp
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Prepare the Ground Beef:
- Start by heating olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat Add the diced onion and sauté for about five minutes until the onion softens and looks translucent You want the onion to be fully cooked but not browned which gives the burrito depth
- Brown and Season the Beef:
- Add your ground beef to the pan and use a spatula to break it up as it browns Cook until there is no more pink left so the beef is fully done Sprinkle in your salt smoked paprika and dried oregano then stir well so every bit of meat gets coated Let it cook for another minute or so to let the spices release their aroma
- Simmer with Tomato Sauce:
- Pour in the tomato sauce turn the heat lower and let the mixture simmer for about five minutes This helps the beef absorb flavor and creates a saucy filling that will not dry out the burrito
- Assemble the Burritos:
- Lay a flour tortilla flat on your counter Spread a generous layer of spicy mayo right down the center Next add some fried rice and drizzle with nacho cheese sauce A dollop of sour cream and a handful of crushed tortilla chips go next Finally spoon on a big scoop of your seasoned ground beef
- Roll and Grill:
- To make sure nothing escapes fold the sides in then roll the tortilla tightly from the bottom Place a skillet over medium heat and if you love cheese scatter a small amount of shredded cheese directly onto the hot surface Lay your burrito seam side down on the cheese and grill each side for two or three minutes until the burrito is golden crisp and smells incredible
- Serve and Enjoy:
- Slice each burrito in half while hot and serve with extra spicy mayo for dipping These are best eaten right away while the cheese crust is crackly and the fillings are deliciously melty
Pin
Storage Tips
If you have leftovers let them cool completely before wrapping tightly in foil or plastic They keep in the fridge up to three days To reheat toast in a skillet to revive the crispy crust or microwave briefly if you are in a hurry Freezing works well too just wrap burritos individually before freezing
Ingredient Substitutions
Ground turkey can replace ground beef for a lighter version If you run out of fried rice use cooked white or brown rice No nacho cheese on hand use shredded cheese melted with cream over low heat Crushed corn chips can swap for tortilla chips for crunch
Pin
Serving Suggestions
Pair these burritos with a fresh tomato salsa or a simple guacamole Add a side salad for more greens and you have a complete meal They are also excellent cut into halves or quarters for party platters or game day eats
Cultural Context
This recipe takes inspiration from fast food cravings and elevates them for homemade comfort The cheese crust nods to American grilled cheese tradition while the burrito fillings blend Southwest and Tex Mex flavors It is fusion food at its most fun
Common Recipe Questions
- → How do I achieve a crispy golden burrito exterior?
Grill the rolled burritos seam-side down on a hot, non-stick skillet or griddle. For an extra cheesy crust, sprinkle Mexican cheese on the pan before placing the burrito and cook until golden brown.
- → What type of cheese works best for the exterior crust?
Use shredded Mexican cheese blend or cheddar for a melty, slightly crispy finish when grilling. Both melt evenly and offer great flavor.
- → Can I substitute the ground beef filling?
Yes, swap the ground beef for ground turkey, shredded chicken, or a vegetarian meat alternative to suit your preferences.
- → Is it necessary to add fried rice in the burrito?
No, while fried rice adds texture and heartiness, you can omit it or replace it with refried beans or extra veggies if desired.
- → How should leftovers be stored and reheated?
Cool completely, wrap individually, and refrigerate. Reheat in a skillet or toaster oven to restore the crispy exterior.