This grilled cheese burrito is the ultimate comfort food mashup—crispy, melty, cheesy, and packed with bold flavor in every bite. I wrap up seasoned beef, rice, and cheese inside a tortilla, then griddle it to golden perfection with an extra layer of grilled cheese on the outside. It’s a fun, satisfying meal that comes together quickly and always hits the spot.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
I love this recipe because it combines two favorites—grilled cheese and burritos—into one irresistible, handheld meal. It’s hearty, full of flavor, and easy to customize with whatever fillings I have on hand. The cheese-crusted exterior gives it a deliciously crunchy twist that takes it over the top. It’s perfect for weeknight dinners, meal prep, or any time I’m craving something indulgent and cheesy.
Ingredients
(Here’s a tip: Check out the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
For the filling:
-
ground beef or ground turkey
-
taco seasoning (store-bought or homemade)
-
cooked rice (white, brown, or Spanish rice)
-
sour cream
-
shredded cheddar or Mexican cheese blend
-
nacho cheese sauce or queso (optional)
-
hot sauce (optional)
For assembly:
-
large flour tortillas
-
shredded cheese (for the grilled cheese exterior)
-
butter or oil (for grilling)
Optional add-ins:
-
refried beans or black beans
-
sautéed onions and peppers
-
lettuce or pico de gallo (added after cooking)
Directions
-
I cook the ground beef in a skillet over medium heat until browned, then drain excess fat.
-
I stir in taco seasoning and a splash of water, letting it simmer for a few minutes to absorb the flavor.
-
I lay out a large tortilla and add a scoop of rice, a spoonful of seasoned beef, shredded cheese, sour cream, and optional queso or hot sauce.
-
I roll the burrito tightly, folding in the sides as I go.
-
In a clean skillet, I melt a bit of butter or oil and sprinkle shredded cheese directly onto the pan in a rough rectangle.
-
I place the burrito seam-side down on the cheese and cook until the bottom is golden and the cheese forms a crust.
-
I flip carefully and grill the other side if I want it crisp all around, then serve warm.
Servings and timing
This recipe makes 4 burritos.
Prep time: 10 minutes
Cook time: 15 minutes
Total time: 25 minutes
Variations
Sometimes I swap the beef for shredded rotisserie chicken, or use beans and veggies for a vegetarian version. For a spicier twist, I add jalapeños or chipotle sauce inside. I’ve even added crushed tortilla chips for a bit of crunch. If I want a breakfast version, I fill it with scrambled eggs, sausage, and cheese before grilling.
storage/reheating
Leftover burritos (before grilling) can be wrapped in foil and stored in the fridge for up to 3 days. I reheat and crisp them in a skillet or toaster oven for best texture. If already grilled, I warm them slowly in a pan over medium heat or in the oven. I don’t recommend microwaving—it’s fast, but the outside gets soggy.
FAQs
Can I make these ahead of time?
Yes, I assemble the burritos ahead, refrigerate them, and grill just before serving. They reheat well if wrapped and stored properly.
What cheese works best for the grilled exterior?
I usually use cheddar or a Mexican blend—they melt well and crisp up nicely. Mozzarella works too for a stretchier melt.
How do I stop the burrito from falling apart when flipping?
I roll it tightly and cook seam-side down first. Letting the cheese crust form before moving it helps everything hold together.
Can I freeze these?
Yes, I wrap un-grilled burritos tightly in foil and freeze. When ready to eat, I thaw in the fridge, then grill fresh for the best texture.
What should I serve with grilled cheese burritos?
I usually serve with salsa, guacamole, or a simple side salad. Chips and queso or Mexican street corn also pair well.
Conclusion
This grilled cheese burrito is a fun, cheesy twist on two comfort food favorites. It’s quick, filling, and easy to customize for whatever I’m craving. With that crispy grilled cheese crust and savory filling, it’s a recipe I make again and again—because once I try it, it’s just too good to forget.
PrintGrilled Cheese Burrito Made Easy
5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star
No reviews
This grilled cheese burrito combines the comfort of a grilled cheese sandwich with the heartiness of a burrito. Filled with seasoned beef, rice, and cheese, then crusted with a layer of crispy grilled cheese on the outside, it’s a quick, indulgent meal that’s full of flavor.
- Author: Lizaa
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 4 burritos
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Grilling
- Cuisine: Tex-Mex
- Diet: Halal
Ingredients
- 1 lb ground beef or ground turkey
- 1 packet taco seasoning (or homemade)
- 2 cups cooked rice (white, brown, or Spanish)
- 1/2 cup sour cream
- 1 cup shredded cheddar or Mexican cheese blend
- 1/4 cup nacho cheese sauce or queso (optional)
- 1 tbsp hot sauce (optional)
- 4 large flour tortillas
- 1 1/2 cups shredded cheese (for the grilled cheese exterior)
- 2 tbsp butter or oil (for grilling)
- 1/2 cup refried beans or black beans (optional)
- 1/2 cup sautéed onions and peppers (optional)
- 1/2 cup lettuce or pico de gallo (added after cooking, optional)
Instructions
- In a skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef until browned. Drain excess fat.
- Stir in taco seasoning and a splash of water. Simmer for a few minutes until flavors are absorbed.
- Lay out a tortilla and layer with rice, seasoned beef, shredded cheese, sour cream, and optional queso or hot sauce.
- Roll the burrito tightly, folding in the sides as you go.
- In a clean skillet, melt a bit of butter or oil. Sprinkle shredded cheese in a rough rectangle the size of the burrito.
- Place the burrito seam-side down on the cheese. Cook until golden and the cheese forms a crispy crust.
- Flip carefully and grill the other side if desired for full crispiness.
- Serve warm with your favorite sides.
Notes
- Customize fillings with chicken, beans, veggies, or even breakfast ingredients.
- Use cheddar or Mexican blend cheese for best exterior crisp.
- Store un-grilled burritos in foil for up to 3 days; grill before serving.
- Avoid microwaving for best texture—reheat in skillet or oven.
- Serve with salsa, guacamole, or a simple salad.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 burrito
- Calories: 650
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 1150mg
- Fat: 38g
- Saturated Fat: 18g
- Unsaturated Fat: 17g
- Trans Fat: 1g
- Carbohydrates: 48g
- Fiber: 4g
- Protein: 28g
- Cholesterol: 95mg
