Imagine the perfect fusion of two beloved comfort foods: the savory, packed goodness of a burrito and the crispy, cheesy exterior of a classic grilled cheese. That’s exactly what you get with this incredible Grilled Cheese Burrito recipe. Forget the drive-thru; we’re bringing that viral sensation right into your kitchen, but even better. This guide will show you how to create a perfectly sealed burrito with a mouthwatering, golden-brown cheese crust that’s loaded with a savory beef and nacho cheese filling. Get ready to master your new favorite meal.
Why This Grilled Cheese Burrito Recipe is a Game-Changer
This isn’t just another burrito recipe; it’s a textural and flavorful masterpiece. The magic lies in grilling the cheese on the *outside* of the tortilla, creating an unbelievably crispy and savory crust that elevates the entire experience. It’s the ultimate comfort food mashup.
Inside, you’ll find a perfectly seasoned beef filling, creamy nacho cheese sauce, and a blend of melted cheeses that create a gooey, satisfying center. It’s a recipe designed to impress, yet simple enough for a weeknight dinner. For a different take on a beef-filled favorite, consider these Chipotle Beef Tacos.
The Key Ingredients for the Perfect Grilled Cheese Burrito
The beauty of this recipe is its reliance on simple, accessible ingredients that come together for an explosion of flavor. Here’s what you’ll need to assemble your masterpiece.
For the Flavorful Beef Filling
The heart of our burrito is a rich and savory ground beef mixture. We use a simple blend of spices to create a taco-seasoning-like flavor that pairs perfectly with the cheese.
- Ground Beef: 85/15 ground beef provides the perfect balance of flavor and tenderness.
- Spices: A mix of chili powder, cumin, garlic powder, onion powder, and paprika.
- Beef Broth: A splash of broth helps create a saucy consistency for the filling.
For the Cheesy, Gooey Center
A great burrito needs a cheesy pull. We use a combination of sauces and shredded cheese to achieve that.
- Nacho Cheese Sauce: This adds a creamy, tangy flavor that mimics the fast-food original.
- Shredded Mexican Cheese Blend: A pre-shredded blend of Monterey Jack, Cheddar, and Colby melts beautifully.
- Cream Cheese: A small amount of softened cream cheese adds an extra layer of creaminess and helps bind the filling.
For the Crispy Grilled Exterior
This is the signature step that makes the Grilled Cheese Burrito so special.
- Large Flour Tortillas: Use the largest burrito-sized tortillas you can find to make rolling easier.
- Shredded Cheddar & Monterey Jack Cheese: This blend is for the outside. It melts well and creates a fantastic crispy crust when grilled.
- Unsalted Butter: For grilling the burrito and achieving that perfect golden-brown finish.
How to Make a Grilled Cheese Burrito: A Step-by-Step Guide
Follow these simple steps to build and grill your burrito to crispy, cheesy perfection.
- Cook the Beef: In a large skillet over medium-high heat, brown the ground beef. Drain off any excess grease. Stir in the chili powder, cumin, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, salt, and pepper. Add the beef broth and simmer for 2-3 minutes until slightly thickened. Remove from heat.
- Warm the Tortillas: Warm the tortillas in the microwave for 15-20 seconds. This makes them more pliable and easier to fold.
- Assemble the Burrito: Lay a tortilla flat. In the center, layer half of the nacho cheese sauce, cream cheese, seasoned beef, and shredded Mexican cheese blend. Be careful not to overfill.
- Fold It Tight: Fold in the sides of the tortilla first. Then, pull the bottom flap up and over the filling, tucking it in tightly. Roll it forward to form a secure burrito. Repeat for the second burrito.
- Grill the Cheese: Melt half the butter in a non-stick skillet over medium heat. Sprinkle half of the shredded Cheddar and Monterey Jack cheese blend directly onto the pan in a rectangle shape, roughly the size of your burrito.
- Sear the Burrito: Immediately place one burrito, seam-side down, on top of the melting cheese. Cook for 2-3 minutes, until the cheese is golden-brown, crispy, and fused to the tortilla.
- Finish Grilling: Flip the burrito and cook for another 2-3 minutes on the other side until golden brown. Repeat the process for the second burrito. Slice in half and serve immediately.
Pro Tips for the Crispiest, Cheesiest Burrito
To ensure your Grilled Cheese Burrito is flawless every time, keep these tips in mind.
- Don’t Overstuff: The biggest mistake is overfilling your burrito. This makes it difficult to fold and more likely to burst while cooking.
- Use Medium Heat: Cooking on medium heat allows the cheese on the outside to crisp up perfectly without burning before the inside is warmed through.
- Press Gently: Use a spatula to gently press down on the burrito as it grills. This helps the cheese adhere to the tortilla and creates an even crust.
Delicious Filling Variations to Try
While the classic beef filling is fantastic, this recipe is incredibly versatile. Switch things up with these tasty alternatives.
- Spicy Chicken: Use shredded chicken tossed in your favorite spicy sauce or taco seasoning.
- Pulled Pork: Leftover pulled pork makes for a rich and flavorful filling.
- Vegetarian: Substitute the beef with black beans, seasoned rice, and sautéed peppers and onions.
What to Serve with Your Grilled Cheese Burrito
This burrito is a satisfying meal on its own, but it also pairs wonderfully with a few simple sides. Consider serving it with a side of Spanish rice, a dollop of sour cream, or a fresh and simple salad. A vibrant salsa verde also makes an excellent dipping sauce.
Storing and Reheating Your Burrito
A Grilled Cheese Burrito is best enjoyed fresh, but you can store leftovers. Wrap the cooled burrito tightly in foil and refrigerate for up to 2 days. To reheat, place it in a dry non-stick skillet over medium-low heat or in an air fryer at 350°F (175°C) for 5-7 minutes, until the exterior is crisp and the center is heated through. Avoid the microwave, as it will make the tortilla soggy.
Frequently Asked Questions
Absolutely! This recipe is very versatile. You can easily substitute the ground beef with shredded chicken, pulled pork, or a vegetarian option like seasoned black beans and rice.
Use a non-stick skillet over medium heat. Sprinkle the cheese directly onto the hot pan, place the burrito on top, and allow it to cook for 2-3 minutes without moving it. This gives the cheese time to melt and form a golden-brown, crispy crust that fuses to the tortilla.
To prevent a soggy tortilla, ensure your beef filling isn’t overly wet. Let it simmer until most of the liquid has reduced. Additionally, using creamy elements like nacho cheese and cream cheese helps create a barrier. Eating the burrito immediately after cooking is the best way to enjoy its crispy texture.
A Grilled Cheese Burrito typically contains a savory filling like seasoned ground beef, nacho cheese sauce, and shredded cheese, all wrapped in a flour tortilla. The signature feature is an additional layer of shredded cheese grilled directly onto the outside of the tortilla, creating a crispy, cheesy crust.
The key is to not overfill it. Place the filling in the center, fold the two sides over the filling, then pull the bottom flap up and snugly over the filling. Tucking it in tightly, roll the burrito forward to create a secure seal. Warming the tortilla first also makes it more pliable and less likely to tear.
Your New Favorite Weeknight Dinner
This Grilled Cheese Burrito recipe delivers an unforgettable meal that’s packed with flavor and texture. It’s the perfect way to satisfy a craving for something cheesy, savory, and incredibly comforting. Once you’ve tried it, you’ll be hooked! We hope you love this recipe. If you make it, please leave a comment below or share a photo on Pinterest!
Grilled Cheese Burrito Recipe
Grilled Cheese Burrito: The Ultimate Cheesy & Crispy Recipe
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- In a large skillet over medium-high heat, brown the ground beef. Drain excess grease. Stir in chili powder, cumin, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, salt, and pepper. Add beef broth and simmer for 2-3 minutes until slightly thickened.
- Warm tortillas in the microwave for 15-20 seconds to make them pliable.
- Assemble the burritos: On each tortilla, layer nacho cheese sauce, cream cheese, seasoned beef, and the Mexican cheese blend. Fold in the sides, then tightly roll from the bottom up.
- Melt 1 tbsp of butter in a non-stick skillet over medium heat. Sprinkle 1/2 cup of the cheddar and Monterey Jack blend onto the pan in a rectangle shape.
- Immediately place one burrito seam-side down onto the cheese. Cook for 2-3 minutes until the cheese is crispy and fused to the tortilla.
- Flip and cook for another 2-3 minutes until the other side is golden. Repeat with the second burrito.
- Slice in half and serve immediately.
Notes
Use a Non-Stick Skillet: This is crucial for preventing the cheese on the outside from sticking.
Warm the Tortillas: This step is essential to prevent the tortillas from tearing when you fold them.
