Best Grilled Cheese Burrito

This loaded grilled cheese burrito wraps all your favorite bold flavors into one oozy satisfying package Inspired by late night cravings and Taco Bell copycat dreams this recipe brings together rich beef cheesy sauce spicy mayo and crunchy chips for the ultimate comfort meal

I first pulled this together when my teens wanted something fun after a soccer game Now it is our Friday night tradition and everyone always asks for seconds

Ingredients

• Ground beef: Choose eighty five percent lean for juicy rich flavor and easy browning
• Olive oil: Helps brown the meat and brings out onion sweetness
• Onion: Go for yellow or sweet onions and dice finely for an even flavor base
• Salt and black pepper: Freshly cracked pepper bumps up the savoriness
• Smoked paprika: Select Spanish style if possible for strong smoky aroma
• Dried oregano: Rub it between your palms for extra fragrance before adding
• Tomato sauce: Use a good quality plain sauce for a rich integrated flavor
• Flour tortillas: Get large burrito sized and check for flexibility when fresh
• Spicy mayo: You can make your own or pick your favorite store brand for a kick
• Fried rice: Cold leftover rice works best for texture and quick assembly
• Nacho cheese sauce: Select a smooth melty store bought variety or make your own
• Sour cream: Use full fat for the best creamy tang
• Tortilla chips: Crunchy restaurant style chips are best crushed lightly

Step By Step Instructions

Prepare the Aromatics:

Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat Add the diced onion and cook for five minutes stirring occasionally until they become soft and translucent This brings a fragrant sweet undertone to the whole filling

Brown the Beef:

Add ground beef to the skillet breaking it into small clumps Cook for about six to eight minutes until fully browned and no pink remains The goal is juicy browned bits with no extra grease

Season and Simmer:

Sprinkle in salt black pepper smoked paprika and dried oregano Stir well so every bit of meat gets coated with spices Let this cook for one minute to bring out their depth Pour in the tomato sauce reduce heat and let the mixture simmer for five minutes until everything is glossy and combined

Build the Burritos:

Lay each tortilla flat on a clean surface Spread one tablespoon of spicy mayo down the center Top with fried rice then drizzle with nacho cheese sauce Add a spoonful of sour cream and crushed tortilla chips for crunch Pile on the warm ground beef filling

Roll and Grill:

Fold in the sides of the tortilla then roll from the bottom up to seal everything in Heat a nonstick skillet or griddle over medium heat For extra flavor sprinkle shredded cheese onto the hot surface then place the burrito seam side down onto the melting cheese Grill two to three minutes per side or until golden and crisp

Serve It Up:

Slice each burrito in half and serve hot with extra spicy mayo on the side Perfect for dipping and sharing

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You Must Know

• High in protein for lasting energy
• Great for meal prep without sacrificing crunch
• Customizable for spice lovers and picky eaters

My kids love fighting over the crispiest bite from the pan When we make these together everyone wants to add endless nacho cheese and sometimes play chef by mixing in hot sauce or extra chips

Storage Tips

Wrap cooled burritos individually in foil then stash in the fridge for up to three days To reheat unwrap place in a hot dry skillet and refresh crispy crust for three to five minutes per side Or microwave for one minute but for best texture always finish with a short pan grill

Ingredient Substitutions

Swap ground turkey or shredded rotisserie chicken for beef if you prefer lighter protein If you are out of nacho cheese try melting cheddar or Monterey Jack chips work even with multigrain for added texture beans can be added for extra heartiness

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Serving Suggestions

These burritos are a meal in themselves but for a fun spread serve with fresh pico de gallo sweet corn salad or a simple side of sliced avocados My family likes a little extra hot sauce or chopped green onions over top

Cultural Inspiration

This recipe takes the idea of the viral Taco Bell grilled cheese burrito and dials it up with homemade flavor roots The crunchy chips and rice filling make it a fusion dish that nods to both Tex Mex comfort food and creative American diner classics

Frequently Asked Questions

→ How can I keep the burrito from falling apart while grilling?

Ensure the burrito is rolled tightly with the seam side down on the hot skillet. Grilling helps seal the tortilla and keeps the fillings intact.

→ Can I substitute the ground beef with another protein?

Yes, ground turkey, chicken, or even plant-based crumbles work well and absorb the same spices and seasonings.

→ How do I make the cheese crust extra crispy?

Sprinkle shredded cheese directly onto a hot skillet before placing the burrito seam-side down. Press lightly and grill until golden and crisp.

→ What kind of fried rice works best for assembly?

Day-old fried rice holds together nicely and absorbs the bold flavors from the other ingredients. Any homemade or takeout fried rice works.

→ Can I prepare the components in advance?

Absolutely. The ground beef and rice can be made ahead and refrigerated. Assemble and grill just before serving for best results.