Best Grilled Cheese Burrito

This Grilled Cheese Burrito is my most requested recipe when friends come over and crave Taco Bell but want to skip the drive-thru. It captures every creamy cheesy crunchy element I love from the original but is even more satisfying homemade.

After making these one night when we were out of takeout options my family promptly declared they were better than the real thing I have not stopped making them since

Ingredients

• ground beef: for savory and robust flavor choose an eighty five percent lean blend for juicy results
• olive oil: enhances richness and cooks onions evenly a good cold pressed olive oil is best
• onion: diced for sweetness and depth look for firm and blemish free onions
• salt and black pepper: essential seasoning for balance adjust to your taste
• smoked paprika: adds smoky warmth opt for Spanish paprika for stronger aroma
• dried oregano: brings earthiness choose whole leaves over powder for freshness
• tomato sauce: gives moisture and tang fire roasted sauce deepens the flavor
• flour tortillas: soft and sturdy needed for easy wrapping pick fresh pliable tortillas without cracks
• spicy mayo: creamy kick that ties it all together use a trusted brand or make your own with sriracha and mayo
• fried rice: adds satisfying chewiness day old rice holds up best here
• nacho cheese sauce: brings that signature gooey melt choose a high quality jarred sauce or make your own
• sour cream: cools the heat and adds tanginess use full fat for ultra creamy texture
• tortilla chips: add crunchy contrast thicker restaurant style chips work well to keep crunch

Step-by-Step Instructions

Prepare the Aromatics:

Sauté diced onion in olive oil over medium heat for about five minutes until soft and translucent This step brings out natural sweetness and is the foundation for the beef

Cook the Ground Beef:

Add ground beef into the skillet with onions Brown fully breaking it up as it cooks Season generously with salt black pepper smoked paprika and oregano Stir and cook for a minute so the spices bloom and release their flavor

Simmer with Tomato Sauce:

Pour in tomato sauce Reduce heat Let the mixture simmer for five minutes The tomato sauce melds with the beef to create a rich filling

Layer and Assemble:

Lay a large flour tortilla flat Spread spicy mayo in a line down the center Add a scoop of fried rice Drizzle with nacho cheese sauce top with sour cream and sprinkle on crispy tortilla chips Generously pile ground beef mixture on

Roll Tightly:

Fold in the tortilla sides then roll up snugly from the bottom Trap all the fillings inside so they do not spill

Grill the Burrito:

If desired sprinkle shredded cheese directly onto a non stick skillet over medium heat Place burrito seam side down on the cheese Let grill for two to three minutes then flip and grill the other side until you have a golden cheesy crust

Serve Hot:

Slice in half if you like and serve with a side of spicy mayo for dipping Eat while hot for the ultimate bite

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You Must Know

• rich in protein and extremely filling
• kid friendly and easy to adapt for picky eaters
• leftovers make an excellent portable lunch

My favorite part is the cheesy crust that forms from grilling the tortilla sometimes I sneak extra cheese just for that My kids once had a contest to see who could get the crunchiest burrito and now it is a family ritual

Storage Tips

Store any leftover burritos in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days For meal prepping wrap each burrito tightly in foil They can be reheated straight from the fridge on a dry skillet or in the oven at three hundred fifty degrees until warmed through This brings back the crisp exterior

Ingredient Substitutions

Ground turkey works well in place of beef Vegetarian crumbles or black beans can sub for a meatless version Any melty cheese like Monterey Jack or cheddar can be swapped for the nacho sauce For the spicy mayo combine mayonnaise with hot sauce or sriracha

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Serving Suggestions

Pair with a fresh chopped salad or pico de gallo for brightness Salsa or guacamole works great as a side I sometimes serve these with a bowl of corn and lime for a Tex Mex twist

The Burrito in Pop Culture

Inspired by popular fast food chains like Taco Bell this recipe taps into nostalgic comfort food but made fresh at home The combination of rice cheese and chips wrapped in a tortilla has become an American favorite for a reason

Common Recipe Questions

→ How do you achieve a crispy cheese crust on the burrito?

Sprinkle shredded cheese directly onto a hot skillet, then place the seam-side of the rolled burrito on top. Grill until the cheese forms a golden, crispy layer.

→ Can I substitute the ground beef?

Yes, try ground turkey, chicken, or plant-based crumbles for a different protein option while maintaining great flavor.

→ What type of cheese works best for this burrito?

A Mexican cheese blend melts beautifully, but cheddar or Monterey Jack are also tasty options for that signature gooey texture.

→ Is it necessary to add fried rice?

Fried rice adds texture and substance. For variation, use seasoned white rice or leave it out for a lighter wrap base.

→ How can I make the spicy mayo less spicy?

Mix in more mayonnaise or a small spoonful of Greek yogurt to mellow out the heat while keeping the flavor balanced.