If you love burritos and can’t resist a crispy, cheesy crust, then this Grilled Cheese Burrito is about to become your new favorite meal. This isn’t just any burrito—it’s a perfect combination of savory seasoned beef, creamy nacho cheese, crunchy tortilla strips, and smoky chipotle mayo, all wrapped in a toasted tortilla coated in golden, crispy melted cheese. It’s basically comfort food on another level!
Picture this: a warm, melty burrito with gooey nacho cheese inside AND crispy, grilled cheese on the outside. That’s right—you’re getting double the cheese in every bite. If that sounds like your kind of food, then let’s get started with making this masterpiece!
Step 1: Preparing the Beef Filling
To start, we need a flavor-packed, juicy ground beef filling that’s seasoned just right. Here’s how to do it:
Ingredients Needed:
- 1 pound lean ground beef
- 1 envelope taco seasoning
- ¼ cup water
Instructions:
- Heat a medium skillet over medium heat. Add the ground beef and cook, breaking it apart with a spatula, until fully browned.
- Drain any excess fat to keep the filling from getting greasy.
- Add taco seasoning and water, then stir everything together.
- Let it simmer for about 5 minutes until the sauce slightly thickens and coats the beef.
Pro tip: If you like a little extra heat, add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a few dashes of hot sauce!
Once the beef is perfectly seasoned and juicy, set it aside. Now, let’s move on to the sauce that’s going to bring bold smoky flavor to every bite.
Step 2: Mixing the Chipotle Mayo
This smoky, creamy chipotle mayo is a game-changer—it adds just the right amount of kick to balance all the cheesy goodness.
Ingredients Needed:
- 2 tablespoons mayonnaise
- 1 tablespoon chipotle sauce
Instructions:
- In a small bowl, mix the mayonnaise and chipotle sauce until smooth and well combined.
- Taste-test the sauce—if you want more spice, add an extra teaspoon of chipotle sauce!
This simple sauce takes seconds to make but adds a rich, smoky depth of flavor that takes the burrito to the next level.
Step 3: Assembling the Burritos
Now that we have our seasoned beef and chipotle mayo ready, it’s time to assemble these epic burritos.
Ingredients Needed:
- 4 burrito-size tortillas
- 15 ounces Rico’s nacho cheese sauce
- 2 cups prepared Mexican rice
- Sour cream (optional)
- Tortilla strips (for crunch!)
Instructions:
- Lay out each tortilla on a clean surface.
- Spread a generous amount of nacho cheese sauce in the center—this will make each bite extra creamy and cheesy.
- Add ¼ of the seasoned beef and ½ cup of Mexican rice on top of the cheese.
- Drizzle with chipotle mayo and a dollop of sour cream (if using).
- Sprinkle tortilla strips over the filling to add a satisfying crunch.
At this point, your burrito is looking seriously delicious, but we’re not done yet! Now, we need to wrap and grill these bad boys to crispy perfection.
Step 4: Folding the Burritos Like a Pro
Folding your burrito correctly is key to keeping all the delicious fillings inside. If you’ve ever had a burrito fall apart mid-bite (tragic, I know), these steps will help you secure everything in a neat, tightly wrapped package.
Instructions:
- Fold the sides of the tortilla inward to cover part of the filling.
- Starting from the bottom, roll the tortilla up tightly while pressing gently to keep the ingredients together.
- Make sure the seam is on the bottom to hold everything in place.
- Give it a gentle press with your hands—this helps everything stay compact before grilling.
Pro Tip: If your tortilla isn’t flexible enough, warm it up for 10 seconds in the microwave before folding. This makes it easier to roll without tearing!
Now that our burritos are folded up and ready to go, let’s move on to the most delicious step—grilling them with cheese! 🧀🔥
Step 5: Grilling the Burritos with Cheese (The Game-Changer!)
This is the step that takes a regular burrito and elevates it to next-level cheesy greatness. By melting Colby Jack cheese directly onto the skillet, we create a crispy, golden cheese crust on the outside of the burrito.
Ingredients Needed:
- 2 cups shredded Colby Jack cheese (½ cup per burrito)
- Non-stick skillet
Instructions:
- Heat a non-stick skillet over medium heat.
- Sprinkle ¼ cup of shredded Colby Jack cheese directly onto the skillet. Spread it out so it forms a rough circle.
- Place the burrito seam-side down on top of the melting cheese.
- Let it cook for about 2 minutes until the cheese melts and forms a crispy, golden crust.
- Carefully flip the burrito with a spatula.
- Sprinkle another ¼ cup of shredded cheese on the skillet and place the other side of the burrito on top of it.
- Cook for another 2 minutes until that side is also golden and crispy.
- Remove from the skillet and set aside.
Repeat this process for the remaining burritos.
Pro Tip: If you love an extra crispy, crunchy cheese layer, let the cheese cook for an extra 30 seconds before placing the burrito on top.
And there you have it! Your burrito now has a perfectly toasted tortilla wrapped in crispy, melty cheese. The contrast between the warm, gooey inside and the crunchy, cheesy outside makes every bite absolutely unforgettable.
Step 6: Serve and Enjoy!
At this point, you’re holding a burrito masterpiece in your hands. The only thing left to do is plate it up and dig in!
Serving Suggestions:
- Pair with extra nacho cheese sauce for dipping. (Because more cheese is always a good idea!)
- Add a side of salsa or guacamole for extra flavor.
- Serve with a refreshing side salad to balance out the richness.
- Drizzle with more chipotle mayo for a smoky, creamy finish.
Pro Tip: Want even MORE crunch? Serve your burrito with a side of crushed tortilla chips to sprinkle on top!
FAQ Section: Your Grilled Cheese Burrito Questions Answered!
1. Can I make these burritos ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can assemble the burritos and store them in the fridge (wrapped in foil or plastic wrap) for up to 2 days. When you’re ready to eat, just grill them with cheese for that fresh, crispy crust!
2. What’s the best cheese to use for the grilled cheese crust?
I highly recommend Colby Jack because it melts beautifully and gets that perfect golden crust. However, you can also use cheddar, Monterey Jack, or a Mexican cheese blend. If you love an extra-stringy cheese pull, mix in some mozzarella!
3. Can I make a vegetarian version of this burrito?
Definitely! Swap out the ground beef for black beans, refried beans, or seasoned grilled veggies like bell peppers, onions, and mushrooms. You can also add grilled tofu or plant-based meat crumbles for extra protein.
4. What’s the best way to reheat a Grilled Cheese Burrito?
To keep the cheese crust crispy, reheat your burrito in a skillet over medium heat for about 2-3 minutes per side. Avoid microwaving, as it can make the tortilla soggy. If you’re in a rush, use an air fryer at 350°F for 4-5 minutes.
5. Can I freeze these burritos?
Yes! Wrap them tightly in foil and store them in a freezer-safe bag for up to 3 months. When ready to eat, thaw in the fridge overnight, then grill with cheese for the best texture.
6. How do I make these burritos even spicier?
If you love heat, try adding:
- Diced jalapeños or pickled jalapeños inside the burrito
- A drizzle of hot sauce or sriracha on the filling
- Pepper jack cheese for the crust
- A pinch of cayenne pepper in the taco seasoning
7. What are the best dipping sauces for these burritos?
You can never go wrong with:
- Nacho cheese sauce (for extra cheesiness)
- Chipotle mayo (smoky and creamy)
- Guacamole or avocado crema (for a fresh contrast)
- Sour cream mixed with lime juice (cool and tangy)
- Salsa verde or pico de gallo (for a zesty kick)
Conclusion: Why You’ll Love This Grilled Cheese Burrito
This burrito is not just a meal—it’s an experience! Every bite is packed with savory beef, gooey nacho cheese, crunchy tortilla strips, and a smoky chipotle kick, all wrapped in a crispy, golden cheese crust.
It’s the perfect comfort food, whether you’re making a quick weeknight dinner, meal prepping for the week, or impressing your family and friends with next-level burrito skills.
Before you go, let’s recap why this recipe is a must-try:
- Double the cheese (inside and out!)
- Crunchy tortilla strips add the perfect textur
- Smoky chipotle mayo elevates the flavo
- Crispy, golden cheese crust makes it unique
- Easy to customize for different tastes and diets
So, what are you waiting for? Grab your skillet, melt that cheese, and get ready to enjoy the most epic burrito you’ve ever had!
Enjoy, and happy cooking!