Alexandria Brooks
·4 min read
You can't go wrong with a cheesy, beefy and crunchy burrito. Hence why, the grilled cheese burrito from Taco Bell is having a moment on TikTok. This treat is a loaded beef burrito with a shell of melted cheese on the outside. Combining these two classic foods, grilled cheese and burritos, into one creates a hearty dish that makes dinner more exciting. Even better, you can make it at home and save yourself a trip to the drive-thru! Here are tips and a copycat recipe for this flavorful-packed burrito.
What is a grilled cheese burrito?
A grilled cheese burrito contains a variety of ingredients including seasoned beef, rice, cheese sauce and spicy tortilla strips. These ingredients are filled and rolled in a flour tortilla. The assembled burrito is then cooked on griddle with cheese on the outside to create a crunchy shell.
It's a fan-favorite Taco Bell menu item as the filling is spicy and savory, while the cheesy outside is sharp. Whipping up your own grilled cheese burrito with these yummy flavors couldn't be simpler, especially using a trick that helps hold in all of the ingredients. (These recipes for Mozzarella in Carrozza and Blueberry Grilled Cheese also give this nostalgic treat a twist.)
Easy trick that makes rolling the burrito hassle-free
The tortilla tearing apart as you're trying to roll the burrito is a sign that it's stiff. So, to make the tortilla pliable, warm it up in pan over medium or low heat for about 30 seconds per side. This step goes a long way in softening the tortilla before you fill it with the ingredients, tuck in the sides and roll it into a burrito.
A copycat recipe for the Taco Bell grilled cheese burrito
This copycat Grilled Cheese Burrito recipe comes from Ahmad Alzahabi, a content creator and founder of The Golden Balance. The recipe uses a homemade taco seasoning blend to infuse the meat mixture with smoky and pungent flavors. However, you can use 1½ tablespoons of store-bought taco spice mix in a pinch. Similar to the Taco Bell version, this burrito contains ground beef — but ground turkey or chicken works fine too. (Use our guide on how to reheat a burrito to warm up those leftovers to delicious perfection!)
Grilled Cheese Burrito
Ingredients:
4 (8-inch) flour tortillas, warmed
1 lb. ground beef (80/20 or 85/15)
1 cup Mexican blend shredded cheese
1 cup basmati white, rinsed
Flamin' Hot Fritos Corn Chips or another spicy variety
Chipotle sauce
Sour cream
Nacho cheese sauce
Taco seasoning:
1 Tbs. cajun seasoning
½ Tbs. cumin
2 tsp. paprika
½ Tbs. chili powder
2 tsp. onion powder
½ tsp. oregano
½ tsp. thyme
2 Tbs. salt
Other:
1½ cups water
1 Tbs. unsalted butter
1 Tbs. fresh lemon juice
½ Tbs. tomato paste
1 tsp. garlic paste
Olive oil (for satuéeing)
Directions:
Yield: 4 servings
For taco seasoning: Mix all ingredients in small bowl until combined. Set aside.
For seasoned beef: Heat 1 Tbs. oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add beef to pan and break apart occasionally. After a couple of minutes, add 1 Tbs. taco seasoning mix and stir. Cook until beef is browned and fat is rendered, around 7 to 10 minutes total. Remove pan from heat and set aside.
For rice: In medium pot, melt butter over medium heat. Stir in tomato paste and garlic paste. Sauté 1 to 2 minutes. Sprinkle in 2 tsp. taco seasoning and cook 30 seconds. Add rice and stir to coat grains in tomato-butter mixture. Pour in water and bring to a simmer. Cover with lid and reduce heat to medium low.
Cook 15 to 20 minutes, or until rice has absorbed all of liquid. Remove from heat and allow to sit covered a few minutes. Add lemon juice and fluff rice with fork.
To assemble: Layer an even amount of rice, beef, Fritos, sour cream, chipotle sauce and nacho cheese sauce onto each tortilla. Wrap to form burrito.
Heat nonstick skillet. Sprinkle ¼ cup shredded cheese onto surface. Wait until cheese is melted before placing burrito on top and gently pressing down so it sticks. Cook 1 to 2 minutes and then roll burrito into cheese until exterior is completely coated in crispy, brown shell. Transfer from pan to plate or wire rack. Repeat with remaining burritos and shredded cheese.
Serve hot with desired sides and enjoy!
Note: You can fill the burrito with other ingredients such as guacamole and refried beans for a heartier burrito.
Read on for more delicious Mexican-inspired recipes!
Baked Tacos Cook Up to Crispy Perfection in Just 12 Minutes — Easy Sheet Pan Recipe
Homemade Tortilla Bowls Bake Up Crispy and Golden + They’re Healthier Too — Perfect for Taco Salads
Birria Taco Trend Is Taking Tacos to the Next Level of Delicious — Chef’s Easy How-To
