Homemade Grilled Cheese Burrito – A Cheesy Comfort Food Favorite
Few comfort foods hit quite as hard as a warm, overstuffed burrito wrapped in a golden, crispy cheese crust. The homemade grilled cheese burrito is everything we love about indulgent fast food, but made right in your own kitchen with fresher ingredients, bigger flavors, and plenty of room for customization. If you’ve ever craved that famous drive-thru grilled cheese burrito but wanted something more homemade and satisfying, this recipe delivers in every bite.
This burrito is all about layers. Seasoned ground beef, fluffy seasoned rice, creamy sauces, and melted cheese are wrapped in a soft flour tortilla, then grilled in a skillet with cheese on the outside until it forms that irresistible crispy crust. It’s messy in the best way, rich without being overwhelming, and perfect for a cozy dinner when you want something fun and filling.
What makes this recipe special is how approachable it is. No deep fryers, no special equipment, just a skillet and a little patience while the cheese crisps up. You can make it exactly like the fast-food favorite or tweak it to suit your taste—spicier, milder, meatless, or extra cheesy. Once you try it at home, it’s hard to go back.
Ingredients:
- Large flour tortillas
- Ground beef
- Taco seasoning
- Cooked white or Mexican-style rice
- Shredded cheese blend (cheddar, Monterey Jack, or Mexican blend)
- Nacho cheese sauce
- Sour cream
- Chipotle sauce or creamy chipotle mayo
- Butter or oil for grilling
- Optional: diced tomatoes, jalapeños, green onions, or hot sauce
Instructions:
- In a skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef until fully browned, breaking it apart as it cooks. Drain excess grease if needed.
- Add taco seasoning and a small splash of water to the beef. Stir well and simmer for a few minutes until thick and well coated. Remove from heat.
- Warm the tortillas slightly so they’re flexible and easy to fold.
- Lay a tortilla flat and spread a thin layer of nacho cheese sauce down the center.
- Add a scoop of seasoned rice, followed by seasoned ground beef.
- Drizzle chipotle sauce and add a spoonful of sour cream.
- Sprinkle shredded cheese over the filling.
- Fold the sides of the tortilla inward, then roll tightly from the bottom up to form a burrito.
- Heat a nonstick skillet over medium heat and lightly butter or oil the surface.
- Sprinkle a generous layer of shredded cheese directly onto the skillet in a rectangle slightly larger than the burrito.
- Place the burrito seam-side down onto the melting cheese.
- Cook until the cheese becomes golden and crispy, then carefully flip and toast the other side until warmed through.
- Remove from the skillet, let rest for a minute, then serve hot.
Homemade Grilled Cheese Burrito
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Cook ground beef in a skillet until browned. Add taco seasoning and simmer briefly.
- Assemble burritos with rice, beef, sauces, and cheese.
- Grill burritos in a cheese-lined skillet until crispy and golden.
Notes
Tips & Tricks
- Use low to medium heat so the cheese crisps without burning.
- A nonstick skillet makes flipping much easier.
- Let the burrito rest briefly before slicing to keep the layers intact.
- Don’t overfill or the burrito will be hard to roll and flip.
Variations
- Swap ground beef for shredded chicken or steak.
- Make it vegetarian with black beans and sautéed peppers.
- Add jalapeños or hot sauce for extra heat.
- Use pepper jack cheese for a spicy kick.
Serving Suggestions
Serve your grilled cheese burrito with tortilla chips and salsa, guacamole, or a simple side salad. It also pairs well with Mexican rice, refried beans, or a cool glass of iced tea or soda.
Storage Information
These burritos are best enjoyed fresh, but leftovers can be wrapped in foil and stored in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Reheat in a skillet or oven to maintain the crispy exterior.
FAQ
Can I make this ahead of time?
You can prep the fillings ahead, but assemble and grill just before serving for best texture.
Can I freeze grilled cheese burritos?
Freeze before grilling. Add the cheese crust fresh when reheating.
What cheese works best?
A blend that melts well, like cheddar and Monterey Jack, gives the best flavor and texture.
History / Fun Facts
The grilled cheese burrito gained popularity as a fast-food innovation that combined two comfort classics: grilled cheese and burritos. Making it at home lets you control quality, portions, and creativity, turning a viral favorite into a reliable weeknight meal.
