Grilled Cheese Burrito (Taco Bell Copycat Recipe)
Grilled Cheese Burrito (Taco Bell Copycat Recipe) is a delightful fusion of flavors that brings the fast-food experience right into your kitchen. Perfect for cozy dinners, game nights, or satisfying late-night cravings, this recipe showcases the magic of seasoned beef, creamy nacho cheese, and fluffy rice—all wrapped in a warm tortilla and grilled to crispy perfection. Not only is it easy to make, but it also lets you customize each burrito to suit your taste preferences.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick Preparation: This recipe comes together in just 40 minutes, making it an ideal choice for busy weeknights.
- Flavor Explosion: The combination of seasoned beef, nacho cheese sauce, and creamy chipotle sauce delivers a taste that rivals your favorite fast-food meal.
- Customizable Options: Feel free to swap out ingredients based on your preferences or dietary needs. You can easily make it vegetarian or adjust the spice level.
- Family-Friendly: Everyone in the family will love these burritos! They’re fun to eat and perfect for sharing.
- Crispy Perfection: Grilling the burritos with melted cheese adds a deliciously crispy texture that enhances every bite.
Tools and Preparation
Before diving into this delicious recipe, gather your essential kitchen tools to make the process smooth and efficient.
Essential Kitchen Tools
- Skillet
- Spatula
- Measuring cups
- Measuring spoons
Why These Tools Matter
- Skillet: A non-stick skillet ensures even cooking and helps achieve that perfect golden crust without sticking.
- Spatula: A sturdy spatula allows you to flip the burritos easily while keeping everything intact.
- Measuring Cups and Spoons: Accurate measurements are crucial for achieving the best flavor balance in this recipe.
Ingredients
This Grilled Cheese Burrito Taco Bell copycat is loaded with seasoned beef, nacho cheese, and rice, then grilled to golden, crispy perfection. Your favorite fast-food menu item made right at home!
For the Filling
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 ounce packet taco seasoning
- ⅔ cup water
- 15 ounce can nacho cheese sauce
For Assembling the Burrito
- 4 burrito-sized flour tortillas
- 2 cups Mexican or Spanish rice
- 4 tablespoons store-bought Taco Bell Creamy Chipotle Sauce
- 4 tablespoons sour cream
- 1 cup tortilla strips
For Topping
- 2 cups Mexican blend cheese (shredded)

How to Make Grilled Cheese Burrito (Taco Bell Copycat Recipe)
Step 1: Cook the Ground Beef
In a skillet over medium-high heat, cook the ground beef, breaking it into small pieces as it browns. Once fully cooked, drain off any excess fat.
Step 2: Season the Beef
Reduce heat to medium. Add the taco seasoning and water. Stir well and cook for about 5 minutes until the mixture thickens. Remove from heat and set aside.
Step 3: Assemble Each Burrito
Lay out each tortilla. In the center, spread a layer of nacho cheese sauce. Top with one-fourth of the seasoned beef mixture, one-fourth of the rice, one tablespoon of chipotle sauce, one tablespoon of sour cream, and a handful of tortilla strips.
Step 4: Roll Up Your Burrito
Fold up the bottom edge of each tortilla first. Next, fold in both sides and roll tightly until fully enclosed. Place seam-side down on a plate.
Step 5: Grill One Side
Heat a non-stick skillet over medium heat. Sprinkle ¼ cup of shredded cheese directly onto the skillet. Place one burrito seam-side down onto the melted cheese. Cook for about 2-3 minutes until the cheese has melted and browned.
Step 6: Flip and Grill Other Side
Carefully lift with a spatula. Sprinkle another ¼ cup of cheese on the skillet before flipping over to grill on this side as well until golden brown.
Step 7: Repeat
Repeat steps 5-6 with remaining burritos. Serve hot and enjoy your homemade Grilled Cheese Burritos!
How to Serve Grilled Cheese Burrito (Taco Bell Copycat Recipe)
Serving your Grilled Cheese Burrito can elevate the dining experience. With a few simple additions, you can create a meal that’s both satisfying and visually appealing.
Pair with Fresh Salsas
- Pico de Gallo: A fresh mix of tomatoes, onions, cilantro, and lime juice adds brightness.
- Mango Salsa: Sweet mango with jalapeños gives a refreshing twist.
Add Crunchy Snacks
- Tortilla Chips: Serve alongside for an extra crunch; perfect for dipping.
- Vegetable Sticks: Crunchy carrots or celery sticks provide a fresh contrast.
Serve with Dips
- Guacamole: Creamy avocado dip complements the burrito’s flavors beautifully.
- Queso Dip: Warm cheese dip is always a crowd-pleaser when served for dipping.
Include a Side Salad
- Mexican Street Corn Salad: A zesty corn salad adds a vibrant touch to your meal.
- Cabbage Slaw: A crunchy slaw with lime dressing enhances the overall meal.
How to Perfect Grilled Cheese Burrito (Taco Bell Copycat Recipe)
Perfecting your Grilled Cheese Burrito takes just a little attention to detail. Here are some tips to ensure every bite is delicious.
- Bold seasoning: Ensure the beef is well-seasoned for maximum flavor. Adjust taco seasoning to your taste.
- Fresh ingredients: Use fresh tortillas and quality cheese for better texture and taste.
- Proper folding: Fold tightly to prevent filling from spilling out during cooking.
- Heat management: Keep the skillet on medium heat; too high may burn the cheese before the burrito is heated through.
- Serve immediately: Enjoy while hot for the best crispy texture and melted cheese experience.

Best Side Dishes for Grilled Cheese Burrito (Taco Bell Copycat Recipe)
Complementing your Grilled Cheese Burrito with delectable side dishes can enhance your meal. Here are some great options to consider.
- Spanish Rice: Flavored rice helps balance the richness of the burrito; serve it warm.
- Refried Beans: Creamy beans add protein and pair well with burritos; top with cheese if desired.
- Corn on the Cob: Grilled corn brushed with butter and sprinkled with chili powder makes for a fun side.
- Chips and Guacamole: This classic pairing offers creamy goodness alongside crispy chips.
- Mixed Green Salad: A light salad dressed in vinaigrette can refresh your palate after each bite of burrito.
- Stuffed Jalapeños: Spicy stuffed peppers bring heat and flavor; bake until golden brown.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
When making your Grilled Cheese Burrito, it’s easy to overlook a few key steps. Here are some common mistakes and how to avoid them.
- Skipping the seasoning: Not properly seasoning the beef can lead to bland burritos. Always use taco seasoning as directed for maximum flavor.
- Overstuffing the burrito: Packing in too much filling can make it difficult to roll up the burrito. Stick to the recommended amounts for easy wrapping.
- Neglecting the cheese on both sides: Failing to add cheese while grilling may result in a less crispy exterior. Make sure to sprinkle cheese on both sides for that perfect golden crust.
- Using cold tortillas: Cold tortillas are more likely to crack when you fold them. Warm them up slightly before assembling your burritos to keep them pliable.
- Not allowing enough cook time: Rushing the cooking process can leave your burritos undercooked. Ensure they are grilled until golden brown for the best texture and flavor.
Refrigerator Storage
- Store in an airtight container.
- Keep in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Freezing Grilled Cheese Burrito (Taco Bell Copycat Recipe)
- Wrap each burrito tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil.
- Freeze for up to 2 months for optimal freshness.
Reheating Grilled Cheese Burrito (Taco Bell Copycat Recipe)
- Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Place the burritos on a baking sheet and heat for about 15-20 minutes until heated through.
- Microwave: Place on a microwave-safe plate and cover with a damp paper towel. Heat for 1-2 minutes or until warm, checking frequently.
- Stovetop: Heat a non-stick skillet over medium heat. Cook each side of the burrito for about 3-4 minutes until warmed through and crispy.

Frequently Asked Questions
What is a Grilled Cheese Burrito?
A Grilled Cheese Burrito is a delicious combination of seasoned meat, nacho cheese, rice, and other toppings wrapped in a tortilla, then grilled with melted cheese on the outside.
How can I customize my Grilled Cheese Burrito?
You can customize your Grilled Cheese Burrito by adding extra veggies like bell peppers or onions, using different proteins like chicken or turkey, or trying out various sauces.
Can I use different types of cheese?
Yes! Feel free to experiment with different cheeses such as pepper jack for added spice or mozzarella for a milder flavor.
How do I make this recipe vegetarian?
To make a vegetarian version, replace the beef with black beans or lentils and skip any animal-based ingredients.
Conclusion
This Grilled Cheese Burrito (Taco Bell Copycat Recipe) is not only easy to prepare but also incredibly satisfying. You can personalize it with your favorite ingredients, making it a versatile choice for any meal. Give it a try, and enjoy all the delicious possibilities!
Grilled Cheese Burrito (Taco Bell Copycat Recipe)
Indulge in the ultimate comfort food experience with this Grilled Cheese Burrito, inspired by Taco Bell’s favorite. This delightful dish combines seasoned ground beef, creamy nacho cheese sauce, and fluffy rice—all enveloped in a warm tortilla and grilled to crispy perfection. Perfect for cozy dinners or game nights, this recipe allows you to customize each burrito according to your taste preferences. Whether you’re looking for a quick dinner solution or a satisfying late-night snack, this burrito delivers a flavor explosion that will leave everyone craving more.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: Serves 4
- Category: Main
- Method: Grilling
- Cuisine: Tex-Mex
Ingredients
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 ounce taco seasoning
- ⅔ cup water
- 15 ounces nacho cheese sauce
- 4 burrito-sized flour tortillas
- 2 cups Mexican or Spanish rice
- 4 tablespoons creamy chipotle sauce
- 4 tablespoons sour cream
- 1 cup tortilla strips
- 2 cups shredded Mexican blend cheese
Instructions
- In a skillet over medium-high heat, brown the ground beef, breaking it into small pieces. Drain excess fat.
- Reduce heat to medium and add taco seasoning and water. Stir well and cook until thickened (about 5 minutes). Remove from heat.
- Lay out tortillas and spread nacho cheese sauce in the center of each. Add one-fourth of the beef mixture, rice, chipotle sauce, sour cream, and tortilla strips.
- Fold the tortilla carefully: first the bottom edge, then both sides, rolling tightly to enclose the filling.
- Heat a non-stick skillet over medium heat and sprinkle shredded cheese onto it. Place one burrito seam-side down on the melted cheese; cook for 2-3 minutes until golden brown.
- Flip carefully using a spatula, adding more cheese before grilling the other side until crisp.
- Repeat with remaining burritos and serve hot.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 540
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 1160mg
- Fat: 30g
- Saturated Fat: 15g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 45g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 25g
- Cholesterol: 80mg
