When Taco Bell launched their grilled cheese burrito in 2020, oliver and I tried it on one of our Friday night takeout runs. He was obsessed with that crispy cheese layer wrapped around the tortilla, and I was impressed by the clever combination of textures. After months of testing this taco bell grilled cheese burrito recipe in our kitchen, we've cracked the code to making this cheesy burrito at home - and honestly, our version might be even better than the drive-through original.
Why Make This Grilled Cheese Burrito Recipe
Making this grilled cheese burrito at home means you decide what goes inside your cheesy burrito. Adjust the spice for kids, add extra meat for hungry teenagers, or pile on vegetables without paying extra. The grilled cheese burrito taco bell price adds up fast when you're feeding a family, but our version costs about half as much. Plus, you'll know exactly what's in your beef burrito with cheese - no mystery ingredients, just real food you can see and taste.
You make it exactly how you want it. Want your steak grilled cheese burrito loaded with cheese? Do it. Less sauce or more crunch? Your call. No more searching "grilled cheese burrito near me" and hoping they have it available. This cheese wrapped burrito technique is simple once you try it, and the results match anything from the taco bell menu. Make a batch on Sunday, and you've got quick lunches ready all week.
Jump to:
- Why Make This Grilled Cheese Burrito Recipe
- Ingredients For Grilled Cheese Burrito
- How To Make Grilled Cheese Burrito
- Smart Swaps for Your Grilled Cheese Burrito
- Equipment For Grilled Cheese Burrito
- Variations
- Storing Your Grilled Cheese Burritos
- Top Tip
- FAQ
- Tex-Mex Comfort Made Easy!
- Related
- Pairing
- Grilled Cheese Burrito
Ingredients For Grilled Cheese Burrito
For the Cheesy Burrito Filling:
- Ground beef
- Taco seasoning
- Mexican rice
- Nacho cheese sauce
- Sour cream
- Shredded three-cheese blend
- Chipotle sauce
- Red strips
The Grilled Cheese Topping:
- Large flour tortillas
- Shredded Mexican cheese blend
- Butter for grilling
Optional Add-Ins:
- Black beans
- Pico de gallo
- Jalapeños
- Lettuce
- Guacamole
See recipe card for quantities.
How To Make Grilled Cheese Burrito
Years of Friday taco nights taught us the most efficient way to create this burrito with grilled cheese topping at home:
Step 1: Prepare All Your Fillings
Start by cooking your seasoned ground beef in a large skillet over medium-high heat, breaking it into small crumbles as it browns. While the beef cooks, warm your Mexican rice and heat the nacho cheese sauce in separate pans. Mix your chipotle sauce with sour cream to create that signature creamy, spicy drizzle. Have your shredded cheese, red tortilla strips, and any additional toppings ready to go. This prep-ahead approach for your homemade grilled cheese burrito makes assembly quick and keeps everything at the perfect temperature.
Step 2: Build Your Cheesy Burrito Like a Pro
Warm your large flour tortilla for about 10 seconds in the microwave to make it pliable. Lay it flat and add your fillings in the center, starting with rice as your base layer, then seasoned beef on top. Drizzle nacho cheese sauce and your chipotle-sour cream mixture over the meat. Add a generous handful of shredded cheese and top with crunchy red strips. Keep all fillings in a tight rectangle in the center, leaving at least 2 inches on each side for folding. This layering method is key to how to make grilled cheese burrito that holds together perfectly.
Step 3: Master the Fold
Fold the sides of the tortilla inward first, then tuck the bottom edge up and over the fillings tightly. Roll forward firmly but gently, keeping everything compact. The key to a successful grilled cheese burrito is a tight roll that won't burst open during grilling. If this is your first attempt at this taco bell menu item, don't worry - even messy ones taste amazing!
Step 4: Create That Signature Cheese Crust
Heat a large skillet or griddle over medium heat. Sprinkle a tortilla-sized layer of shredded Mexican cheese blend directly onto the hot surface. Wait about 30 seconds until it starts melting and bubbling, then carefully place your burrito seam-side down on top of the melting cheese. Press gently with a spatula to help the cheese adhere to the tortilla, creating that grilled tortilla burrito texture. Let it cook for 2-3 minutes until the cheese turns golden and crispy.
Step 5: Flip and Finish Your Burrito Melt
Using a wide spatula, carefully flip the burrito to the other side. Sprinkle another layer of cheese on the exposed side and press gently again. Cook for another 2-3 minutes until both sides have that beautiful golden-brown cheese crust. Remove from heat and let it rest for a minute before cutting - this helps the cheese set and makes cutting cleaner. Your homemade version rivals any grilled cheese burrito near me option!
Smart Swaps for Your Grilled Cheese Burrito
Protein Options:
- Ground beef → Ground turkey
- Beef → Shredded chicken (chicken grilled cheese burrito taco bell style)
- Meat → Black beans (cheesy bean burrito)
- Standard → Plant-based crumbles
Healthier Choices:
- Flour tortilla → Whole wheat
- Nacho cheese → Reduced-fat
- Sour cream → Greek yogurt (cuts grilled cheese burrito taco bell calories)
- Fried strips → Baked tortilla chips
Spice Level:
- Mild → Add jalapeños
- Medium → Extra chipotle
- Hot → Ghost pepper sauce
- No spice → Skip chipotle sauce
Equipment For Grilled Cheese Burrito
- Large skillet or griddle
- Wide spatula
- Mixing bowls
- Measuring cups
Variations
Steak Grilled Cheese Burrito
- Use marinated steak strips instead of ground beef
- Add fresh pico de gallo for brightness
- Include cilantro lime rice instead of plain Mexican rice
- Creates restaurant-quality flavor at home
Breakfast Grilled Cheese Burrito
- Replace beef with scrambled eggs and breakfast sausage
- Add crispy hash browns for texture
- Use pepper jack cheese for morning kick
- Turns this into hearty breakfast option
Veggie Loaded Grilled Cheese Burrito
- Swap meat for grilled peppers and sautéed onions
- Add black beans for protein
- Include fresh corn salsa
- Makes satisfying meatless version
Supreme Double Beef Burrito
- Use extra seasoned ground beef
- Add double cheese layer inside and out
- Include all the sauces for loaded flavor
- Perfect for big appetites
Storing Your Grilled Cheese Burritos
Before Grilling Storage
- Wrap assembled burritos individually in foil
- Refrigerate flat up to 3 days
- Grill fresh when ready to eat
- This method gives best texture and crispy cheese crust
Fully Cooked Storage
- Cool completely before wrapping tightly
- Refrigerate up to 2 days in airtight container
- Reheat in skillet over medium heat for crispy exterior
- Microwave works but cheese crust won't be crispy
Freezer Storage
- Freeze assembled but ungrilled burritos wrapped in plastic then foil
- Store up to 1 month in freezer
- Thaw overnight in refrigerator before grilling
- Grill as usual for fresh-tasting results
Top Tip
- Master the Cheese Crust Temperature Getting that cheese layer right comes down to heat control. Crank your stove to high, and you'll burn the cheese before the inside even warms up. Go too low, and the cheese turns rubbery instead of crispy. Medium heat is your friend here - it gives the cheese time to melt, bubble, and turn golden brown while the burrito heats through. I learned this the hard way after ruining three burritos in a row during my first attempts at this taco bell grilled cheese burrito copycat.
- Press and Rest for Best Results When that cheese hits the pan and starts melting, use your spatula to press the burrito down gently. This helps the cheese stick to the tortilla and creates those crispy edges that crack when you bite into them. But here's what nobody tells you - let your grilled cheese burrito sit for a full minute after it comes off the heat.
FAQ
What is on a grilled cheese burrito?
A grilled cheese burrito contains seasoned beef, Mexican rice, shredded cheese, nacho cheese sauce, chipotle sauce, sour cream, and crunchy red tortilla strips wrapped in a flour tortilla. The signature element is the layer of melted, grilled cheese on the outside creating a crispy shell that makes this cheesy burrito unforgettable.
Is the grilled cheese burrito healthy?
The grilled cheese burrito taco bell calories come in around 710 with high sodium and fat content, making it an occasional treat. To improve the grilled cheese burrito taco bell nutrition at home, use lean ground turkey, whole wheat tortillas, reduce cheese, and add more vegetables for a healthier version.
What sauce comes with the grilled cheese burrito?
The grilled cheese burrito typically includes nacho cheese sauce and a chipotle sauce mixed with sour cream inside. Some versions also include creamy jalapeño or spicy ranch sauce. You can customize this taco bell burrito with any sauce packets you prefer for perfect flavor balance.
Does Taco Bell still sell grilled cheese burritos?
Yes, Taco Bell still offers the grilled cheese burrito on their taco bell menu as of 2025, though availability may vary by location. It comes in beef, chicken, and steak versions. However, making this copycat taco bell grilled cheese burrito at home gives you better control and value.
Tex-Mex Comfort Made Easy!
Now you have everything to make perfect grilled cheese burritos at home - from layering the filling to oliver's seasoned cheese trick. This taco bell grilled cheese burrito recipe proves you don't need a drive-through run to enjoy restaurant favorites.
Craving more Tex-Mex comfort? Try our Garlic Butter Bacon Cheeseburger Rollups for a lighter option that's just as satisfying. Love cheese? Our Easy Cheddar Bay Biscuit Seafood Pot Pie takes cheesy goodness to the next level. Want authentic Cheesecake? Our Best Pumpkin Cheesecake Bars Recipe delivers bold, fresh flavors every time!
Share your burrito success! We love seeing your creations!
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Pairing
These are my favorite dishes to serve with Grilled Cheese Burrito
Grilled Cheese Burrito
Equipment
- 1 Large skillet or griddle (For browning meat and grilling burritos)
- 1 Wide spatula (Helps flip and press burritos evenly)
- 2 Mixing bowls (For sauces and cheese prep)
- 1 Measuring cup set (For accurate portions)
- 1 Knife and cutting board (For toppings and vegetables)
Ingredients
For the Cheesy Burrito Filling:
- 1 lb Ground beef - Substitute with ground turkey if desired
- 1 packet Taco seasoning - Use low-sodium for a lighter version
- 2 cups Mexican rice Warmed
- ½ cup Nacho cheese sauce - Heated
- ¼ cup Sour cream - Or Greek yogurt
- 1 cup Shredded three-cheese blend - Inside the burrito
- 2 tablespoon Chipotle sauce - Mix with sour cream
- ½ cup Red tortilla strips - For crunch
For the Grilled Cheese Topping:
- 4 large Flour tortillas - Warmed before filling
- 1 cup Shredded Mexican cheese blend - For exterior crust
- 2 tablespoon Butter - For grilling
Optional Add-Ins:
- ½ cup Black beans - Protein boost
- ¼ cup Pico de gallo - Fresh topping
- 2 tablespoon Jalapeños - For spice
- ½ cup Lettuce - Added freshness
- ¼ cup Guacamole - Creamy finish
Instructions
- Cook ground beef with taco seasoning until browned. Warm rice and nacho cheese sauce separately. Mix chipotle sauce with sour cream. Set out cheese, red strips, and toppings.
- Warm tortillas until soft. Layer rice, beef, nacho cheese, chipotle-sour cream, shredded cheese, and red strips in the center. Keep fillings tight and even.
- Fold the sides in, tuck the bottom up, and roll tightly to form a sealed burrito. Keep it compact for easier grilling.
- Sprinkle shredded cheese onto a hot skillet. Place burrito seam-side down on the melting cheese, press gently, and grill until golden brown.
- Flip burrito carefully, add more cheese to the other side, press gently, and grill again until both sides are crispy.
- Remove burrito from heat and rest for 1 minute before slicing or serving to set the cheese crust.
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