The Ultimate Grilled Cheese Burrito combines two beloved comfort foods into one incredible fusion dish that’s guaranteed to satisfy your cravings. This mouthwatering creation wraps seasoned ground beef, rice, and all your favorite burrito fillings inside a flour tortilla, then wraps the entire burrito in melted cheddar cheese for an extra layer of indulgence. The result is a crispy, cheesy exterior that gives way to a perfectly spiced and hearty interior.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This Ultimate Grilled Cheese Burrito brings together the best of both worlds – the portability and heartiness of a burrito with the crispy, melted cheese satisfaction of a grilled cheese sandwich. It’s the perfect comfort food for busy weeknights when you want something filling and delicious without spending hours in the kitchen. The combination of textures and flavors creates an unforgettable eating experience that both kids and adults will absolutely love.
The recipe is incredibly customizable, allowing you to adjust the spice level and toppings to suit your family’s preferences. Plus, it’s a fantastic way to use up leftover rice and transform simple ingredients into something extraordinary. Whether you’re feeding hungry teenagers, hosting a casual dinner party, or just treating yourself to something special, The Ultimate Grilled Cheese Burrito delivers on both flavor and satisfaction.
Ingredients You’ll Need
For the Burrito Filling:
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 packet taco seasoning
- 1/2 cup water
- 1 cup cooked white rice
- 1/2 cup sour cream
- 1/2 cup nacho cheese sauce
- 1/2 cup shredded lettuce
- 1/2 cup diced tomatoes
- 1/4 cup chopped green onions
For the Outer Grilled Cheese Layer:
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
- 4 large flour tortillas
- 2 tbsp butter
For Toppings (Optional but Recommended!):
- Guacamole
- Salsa
- Jalapeños
- Hot sauce
How to Make The Ultimate Grilled Cheese Burrito
Step-by-Step Instructions:
Step 1: Prepare the Beef Filling In a large skillet over medium-high heat, cook the ground beef until browned and fully cooked, breaking it up with a spoon as it cooks. Drain any excess fat. Add the taco seasoning and water, stirring to combine. Simmer for 2-3 minutes until the liquid has mostly evaporated and the beef is well-coated with seasoning.
Step 2: Assemble the Burrito Filling In a large bowl, combine the seasoned ground beef, cooked rice, sour cream, and nacho cheese sauce. Mix gently until everything is well combined. Set aside to cool slightly while you prepare the tortillas.
Step 3: Fill the Tortillas Lay out the four flour tortillas on a clean work surface. Divide the beef and rice mixture evenly among the tortillas, placing it in the center of each tortilla. Top each portion with shredded lettuce, diced tomatoes, and chopped green onions.
Step 4: Roll the Burritos To roll each burrito, fold the bottom edge up over the filling, then fold in the sides, and roll tightly from bottom to top. The filling should be completely enclosed. Set the rolled burritos aside seam-side down.
Step 5: Create the Cheese Layer Sprinkle about 1/2 cup of shredded cheddar cheese on a clean work surface in a rectangle slightly larger than your burrito. Place one burrito in the center of the cheese, then sprinkle the remaining cheese for that burrito over the top and sides, pressing gently to help it adhere.
Step 6: Grill to Perfection Heat 1/2 tablespoon of butter in a large skillet over medium heat. Carefully transfer the cheese-wrapped burrito to the skillet, seam-side down. Cook for 2-3 minutes until the cheese is golden brown and crispy. Flip carefully and cook for another 2-3 minutes until the other side is equally golden. Repeat with remaining burritos.
Step 7: Serve Let the Ultimate Grilled Cheese Burritos cool for 2-3 minutes before cutting in half diagonally. Serve immediately with your favorite toppings like guacamole, salsa, jalapeños, and hot sauce.
Helpful Tips
Use room temperature tortillas for easier rolling and to prevent cracking. If your tortillas are cold, warm them briefly in the microwave for 10-15 seconds wrapped in a damp paper towel.
Don’t overfill the burritos, as this makes them difficult to roll and can cause the filling to spill out during cooking. About 3/4 cup of filling per tortilla is the sweet spot.
Press the cheese firmly onto the burrito before grilling to ensure it adheres well and creates that perfect crispy shell. The cheese should completely encase the burrito for the best results.
Cook over medium heat to ensure the cheese gets golden and crispy without burning while the inside heats through properly. If the heat is too high, the cheese will burn before the interior is warmed.
Details
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Total Time: 35 minutes
Servings: 4
Difficulty: Easy to Medium
The Ultimate Grilled Cheese Burrito is best enjoyed fresh and hot, when the cheese is at its crispiest and the filling is perfectly warm. The contrast between the crunchy, cheesy exterior and the soft, flavorful interior makes every bite a delightful experience.
Notes
You can prepare the beef filling up to 2 days in advance and store it in the refrigerator. Just reheat it slightly before assembling the burritos to make the process easier.
For a spicier version, add diced jalapeños to the filling or use pepper jack cheese instead of cheddar for the outer layer. You can also substitute the ground beef with ground turkey, chicken, or even seasoned black beans for a vegetarian option.
If you don’t have nacho cheese sauce on hand, you can make a quick version by melting 1/2 cup of shredded cheese with 2-3 tablespoons of milk in the microwave, stirring every 30 seconds until smooth.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make these ahead of time? While The Ultimate Grilled Cheese Burrito is best served immediately, you can assemble the burritos (without the outer cheese layer) up to 4 hours ahead and refrigerate them. Add the cheese layer and grill just before serving.
What if I don’t have taco seasoning? You can make your own by combining 1 tablespoon chili powder, 1 teaspoon ground cumin, 1/2 teaspoon paprika, 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder, 1/2 teaspoon onion powder, 1/4 teaspoon oregano, 1/4 teaspoon salt, and a pinch of cayenne pepper.
Can I freeze these burritos? You can freeze the assembled burritos (without the cheese coating) for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator, then add the cheese layer and grill as directed.
What’s the best cheese to use? Sharp cheddar works wonderfully, but you can experiment with Monterey Jack, Mexican cheese blend, or even pepper jack for extra heat. The key is using a cheese that melts well and crisps up nicely.
Storage Instructions
Store any leftover Ultimate Grilled Cheese Burritos in the refrigerator for up to 3 days in an airtight container. To reheat, place them in a skillet over medium-low heat for 2-3 minutes per side, or bake in a 350°F oven for 8-10 minutes until heated through.
For best results, avoid microwaving as this will make the cheese layer soggy rather than crispy. If you must use the microwave, heat in 30-second intervals and finish in a dry skillet for a minute to re-crisp the exterior.
The beef filling can be stored separately for up to 4 days and used for other meals like tacos, nachos, or quesadillas.
Conclusion
The Ultimate Grilled Cheese Burrito represents the perfect fusion of comfort food classics, delivering an unforgettable meal that satisfies on every level. This recipe transforms simple, everyday ingredients into something truly special that your family will request again and again. The crispy, golden cheese exterior paired with the hearty, flavorful filling creates a dining experience that’s both familiar and exciting.
Whether you’re looking for a satisfying dinner solution, a crowd-pleasing party dish, or just want to treat yourself to something indulgent, The Ultimate Grilled Cheese Burrito delivers. The customizable nature of this recipe means you can adapt it to your family’s tastes while still enjoying that signature combination of crispy cheese and hearty burrito goodness that makes this dish so irresistible.
