Grilled Cheese Burrito (Taco Bell Copycat)
This homemade Grilled Cheese Burrito (Taco Bell Copycat) recipe combines gooey melted cheese, seasoned ground meat or chicken, beans, and optional Mexican rice wrapped in a soft flour tortilla, then grilled to crispy perfection. It’s a quick and comforting meal that recreates the iconic fast food favorite with simple, customizable ingredients and easy steps.
- Author: Emilly
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 4 burritos 1x
- Category: Appetizers
- Method: Stovetop Grilling
- Cuisine: Mexican-inspired
- Diet: Customizable (vegetarian options available), Not Gluten Free by default
Main Ingredients
- 4 large flour tortillas
- 2 cups shredded cheese blend (cheddar and Monterey Jack)
- 1 lb ground beef or chicken
- 1 cup refried beans or black beans
- 1 cup Mexican-style rice (optional)
- 2 tbsp taco seasoning
- Hot sauce or salsa, to taste
- 2 tbsp butter or oil for grilling
- Prepare the Meat and Beans: Heat a skillet over medium heat and cook the ground beef or chicken until browned, breaking it up as it cooks. Stir in taco seasoning and a splash of water to coat the meat evenly, then reduce heat and simmer for a few minutes. Warm the refried beans or black beans separately either in a pan or microwave.
- Layer the Burrito: Place a large flour tortilla on a clean surface. Spread a generous spoonful of warm beans in the center, add the seasoned meat on top, then sprinkle a good handful of shredded cheese to ensure melting. If using, add a scoop of Mexican rice and drizzle with hot sauce or salsa.
- Fold the Tortilla: Fold the tortilla sides inward, then roll tightly from the bottom up to enclose the fillings securely, ensuring the burrito is wrapped snugly to prevent leaks during grilling.
- Grill the Burrito: Heat butter or oil in a skillet over medium heat. Place the burrito seam-side down first to seal the edge, then cook for 2–3 minutes per side until the tortilla is golden brown and crispy and the cheese is melted inside. Press lightly with a spatula to help seal and crisp the surface.
- Serve and Enjoy: Remove from heat and let the burrito rest for a minute for easier slicing and to avoid burning. Slice in half and serve hot with your favorite garnishes.
Notes
- Warm tortillas slightly before assembling to make them more pliable.
- Use a non-stick skillet for even browning and to prevent sticking.
- Don’t overfill the burrito to keep rolling easy and prevent falling apart.
- Spread cheese evenly under and over the fillings for a fully melty texture.
- Grill over medium heat to melt cheese without burning the tortilla.
- Serve with fresh garnishes like diced tomatoes, onions, cilantro, or sliced jalapeños for brightness.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 burrito
- Calories: 550
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 850mg
- Fat: 28g
- Saturated Fat: 12g
- Unsaturated Fat: 14g
- Trans Fat: 0.5g
- Carbohydrates: 45g
- Fiber: 6g
- Protein: 28g
- Cholesterol: 70mg
Keywords: Grilled Cheese Burrito, Taco Bell Copycat, cheesy burrito, homemade burrito, quick lunch, comfort food, Mexican-inspired