Crave-worthy Grilled Cheese Burrito (Taco Bell Copycat)
If you’ve ever craved a crave-worthy combination of melty cheese, tender seasoned beef, and warm, toasty tortilla layers, this Grilled Cheese Burrito (Taco Bell Copycat) recipe is your new best friend. Bursting with savory flavors and ooey-gooey cheese in every bite, it delivers that perfect comfort food experience that’s easy to recreate at home. Whether you’re a longtime fan of the original or just looking to make something deliciously different, this copycat recipe brings all the magic to your kitchen counter!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Ultimate Comfort Food: Combines the best of grilled cheese and burritos for a satisfying and indulgent treat.
- Easy to Make: With straightforward ingredients and simple steps, it’s perfect for both beginners and seasoned cooks.
- Customizable Flavor: Easily tweak seasonings and fillings to suit your cravings and dietary needs.
- Budget-Friendly: Uses basic pantry staples without sacrificing taste or richness.
- Perfect for Any Meal: Great for breakfast, lunch, dinner, or even a late-night snack.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Getting the right ingredients is the magic behind this Grilled Cheese Burrito (Taco Bell Copycat). Each component adds its own texture, flavor, or color, making sure every bite is deeply satisfying.
- Flour Tortillas: Choose large, soft tortillas that are flexible for wrapping and grilling.
- Ground Beef: Use lean or regular ground beef seasoned to taste for that classic savory bite.
- Shredded Cheese: Cheddar and Monterey Jack blend perfectly for that melty, gooey texture.
- Refried Beans: Adds creaminess and a subtle earthiness inside each burrito.
- Mexican-Style Seasoning: A blend of chili powder, cumin, garlic, and oregano to give the beef authentic flavor.
- Butter or Oil: For grilling the burritos until they are crispy golden on the outside.
- Optional Extras: Sour cream, salsa, or diced jalapeños for topping or inside the burrito.
Variations for Grilled Cheese Burrito (Taco Bell Copycat)
This recipe is wonderfully adaptable, meaning you can personalize it to your taste, dietary preferences, or whatever you have on hand. Feel free to experiment with flavors and fillings to make it truly yours!
- Vegetarian Version: Swap ground beef for black beans or seasoned mushrooms for a hearty meatless option.
- Spicy Kick: Add diced jalapeños or a splash of hot sauce to boost the heat level just how you like it.
- Different Cheeses: Use pepper jack for extra spice or mozzarella for a milder melt.
- Vegan Adaptation: Use plant-based cheese and meat substitutes, plus a tortilla free of lard or animal products.
- Loaded Style: Include guacamole, diced tomatoes, and shredded lettuce for a fresh crunch.
How to Make Grilled Cheese Burrito (Taco Bell Copycat)
Step 1: Cook and Season the Beef
Start by browning the ground beef in a skillet over medium heat until fully cooked, breaking it apart with a spatula. Season it generously with your Mexican-style seasoning blend and a pinch of salt, then set it aside once the beef is evenly coated and fragrant.
Step 2: Warm the Refried Beans
In a separate pan or microwave-safe bowl, warm the refried beans until smooth and creamy. Warming helps them spread easily and prevents the burrito from becoming cold inside.
Step 3: Assemble the Burrito
Lay a large tortilla flat and spread a generous layer of warm refried beans down the center. Add a scoop of seasoned ground beef on top, followed by a hearty sprinkle of shredded cheeses to ensure that melty, cheesy texture that’s key.
Step 4: Fold and Grill
Fold the sides of the tortilla over the filling, then roll it tightly to form a burrito. Heat a bit of butter or oil in a clean skillet over medium heat and place the burrito seam side down. Grill until golden and crisp on both sides, about 2-3 minutes per side, pressing gently with a spatula.
Step 5: Serve Warm
Remove from the pan and let it cool for a minute before slicing in half. This keeps all the melty cheese inside and prepares it for serving with your favorite toppings or sides.
Pro Tips for Making Grilled Cheese Burrito (Taco Bell Copycat)
- Warm Tortillas: Heating tortillas slightly before assembling makes them more pliable and less likely to tear.
- Cheese Mix: Combining sharp cheddar with a mild cheese like Monterey Jack creates both flavor depth and creamy meltiness.
- Even Cooking: Press gently with a spatula while grilling to ensure consistent browning and melted cheese inside.
- Don’t Overfill: Too much filling makes folding difficult and can cause the burrito to fall apart when grilling.
- Use Fresh Seasoning: Fresh spices and herbs elevate the depth and vibrancy of your seasoned beef.
How to Serve Grilled Cheese Burrito (Taco Bell Copycat)
Garnishes
Freshly chopped cilantro, diced tomatoes, and a dollop of sour cream perfectly complement the warm, cheesy burrito. For a tangy twist, add a squeeze of lime or a drizzle of your favorite hot sauce.
Side Dishes
Pair this Grilled Cheese Burrito (Taco Bell Copycat) with crispy tortilla chips and salsa, a fresh garden salad, or classic Mexican street corn for a complete and balanced meal that hits all the right notes.
Creative Ways to Present
Serve sliced into bite-sized pieces for easy sharing at parties or as appetizers. Wrap it in foil and slice for a handheld meal on the go. Offer a build-your-own burrito bar to invite guests into crafting their own delicious variations.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Cool any leftover burritos completely before wrapping tightly in plastic wrap or placing in airtight containers. Store in the refrigerator for up to 3 days to maintain freshness.
Freezing
Wrap each assembled and grilled burrito tightly in foil and place in a freezer-safe bag. Freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating to keep the texture intact.
Reheating
For best results, reheat in a skillet over medium heat until warmed through and the exterior is crisp again. Alternatively, use a microwave and then quickly toast in a hot pan to revive that grilled crunch.
FAQs
Can I use other types of meat instead of ground beef?
Absolutely! Ground turkey or chicken work well as leaner alternatives, and even plant-based meat substitutes can be seasoned and used for a vegetarian-friendly burrito.
What cheese melts best for this recipe?
Shredded cheddar combined with Monterey Jack creates the perfect balance of sharpness and creaminess, helping the cheese melt smoothly without becoming greasy.
Is it possible to make this burrito gluten-free?
Yes! Simply substitute regular flour tortillas with your favorite gluten-free tortillas, which come in many varieties and brands.
Can I prepare the burritos ahead of time and freeze them?
Definitely. Assemble and grill them first, then freeze individually wrapped for convenient meals later. Just reheat thoroughly before serving.
What’s the best way to keep the burrito from falling apart?
Don’t overload the filling, warm the tortillas before rolling, and fold tightly. Pressing the burrito properly during grilling seals it and holds everything together.
Final Thoughts
Making your own Grilled Cheese Burrito (Taco Bell Copycat) at home is a delightful journey into flavor and comfort food bliss. This recipe is not only simple but endlessly adaptable to suit your cravings and pantry staples. Give it a try, and you’ll find yourself reaching for these cheesy, savory burritos again and again!
Related Posts
- Why Chicken Avocado Melt Sandwich is a Must-Try
- Easy and Tasty Cheesy Ground Beef Wrap Recipe
- Try Philly Cheesesteak Stuffed Cheesy Breadsticks Fast
Grilled Cheese Burrito (Taco Bell Copycat)
This Grilled Cheese Burrito (Taco Bell Copycat) recipe combines melty cheddar and Monterey Jack cheese, seasoned ground beef, and warm refried beans wrapped in a soft flour tortilla, then grilled to a crispy golden perfection. It is an easy-to-make, comforting, and customizable dish perfect for any meal, reminiscent of the beloved fast-food favorite but made fresh at home.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 4 burritos 1x
- Category: Appetizers
- Method: Pan-grilling
- Cuisine: Mexican-American
- Diet: Gluten Free (if using gluten-free tortillas)
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- Large flour tortillas (soft and flexible) – as needed
- 1 lb ground beef (lean or regular)
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 cup shredded Monterey Jack cheese
- 1 cup refried beans (warmed)
- 2 tsp Mexican-style seasoning (chili powder, cumin, garlic powder, oregano)
- Salt, to taste
- Butter or oil, for grilling (about 2 tbsp)
Optional Extras
- Sour cream, for topping
- Salsa, for serving
- Diced jalapeños, for heat
- Guacamole, diced tomatoes, shredded lettuce (for loaded style)
Instructions
- Cook and Season the Beef: Brown the ground beef in a skillet over medium heat, breaking it apart with a spatula until fully cooked. Season generously with the Mexican-style seasoning blend and salt. Stir well to coat evenly, then remove from heat and set aside.
- Warm the Refried Beans: Heat the refried beans in a separate pan or microwave-safe bowl until smooth and warm, allowing for easy spreading and preventing a cold burrito interior.
- Assemble the Burrito: Lay a large tortilla flat on a clean surface. Spread a generous layer of warm refried beans down the center, followed by a scoop of the seasoned ground beef. Sprinkle a hearty amount of shredded cheddar and Monterey Jack cheese over the beef for that signature melty texture.
- Fold and Grill: Fold the sides of the tortilla over the filling, then roll tightly to form a burrito. Heat butter or oil in a clean skillet over medium heat. Place the burrito seam-side down in the skillet and grill until golden and crispy, about 2-3 minutes per side. Press gently with a spatula to ensure even browning and melted cheese inside.
- Serve Warm: Remove the burrito from the pan and let it rest for a minute. Slice in half carefully to keep the melty cheese contained. Serve with your favorite toppings like sour cream, salsa, or diced jalapeños.
Notes
- Warm tortillas slightly before assembling to make them more pliable and prevent tearing.
- Mix sharp cheddar with Monterey Jack for balanced flavor and creamy melt.
- Press the burrito gently while grilling for even crispiness and cheese melt.
- Avoid overfilling the burrito to prevent it from falling apart during grilling.
- Use fresh spices for the seasoning to enhance flavor depth.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 burrito
- Calories: 550
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 750mg
- Fat: 30g
- Saturated Fat: 12g
- Unsaturated Fat: 15g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 40g
- Fiber: 6g
- Protein: 28g
- Cholesterol: 85mg
Keywords: Grilled Cheese Burrito, Taco Bell Copycat, cheesy burrito, ground beef burrito, easy burrito recipe, comfort food, Mexican-inspired burrito