Best Grilled Cheese Burrito

If you’re craving something bold, cheesy, and filling, the Best Grilled Cheese Burrito hits all the right notes. With seasoned ground beef, gooey cheese, fluffy fried rice, and a touch of spicy mayo, all wrapped in a golden crispy tortilla, this burrito is a flavor bomb. Inspired by fast-food favorites, this homemade version is even better—easy to make, deeply satisfying, and perfect for busy weeknights or weekend indulgence.

Ingredients

Ground Beef
1 lb ground beef
1 packet taco seasoning
¼ cup water

Fried Rice
2 cups cooked white rice (cold)
1 tablespoon oil
1 teaspoon soy sauce
½ teaspoon garlic powder

Cheese & Extras
2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
1 cup shredded Monterey Jack cheese
½ cup spicy mayo (or combine mayo with sriracha to taste)
Flour tortillas (large burrito size)
Butter or oil for grilling

Instructions

1. Cook the ground beef in a skillet over medium heat. Once browned, drain excess fat. Stir in taco seasoning and water, simmer until thickened.
2. In a separate pan, heat oil and add cold rice. Stir-fry for a few minutes until hot and slightly crispy. Add soy sauce and garlic powder; mix well and set aside.
3. Lay out each tortilla. Spread a spoonful of spicy mayo, a layer of fried rice, a generous scoop of seasoned beef, and a blend of both cheeses.
4. Fold in the sides and roll into a burrito.
5. Heat a nonstick pan or griddle with butter or oil. Grill each burrito until golden brown and the cheese is melted, flipping to crisp all sides.
6. Let rest for a minute before slicing. Serve hot with your favorite salsa, guacamole, or sour cream.

Serving and Storage Tips

Serve the Best Grilled Cheese Burrito hot and fresh for the perfect combination of crispy tortilla and melted cheese. Pair it with your favorite sides like salsa, guacamole, or a simple green salad to balance the richness.

If you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, use a skillet or an air fryer to restore the crispy texture without making the tortilla soggy. Avoid microwaving if possible, as it can make the burrito soft and less enjoyable.

For longer storage, wrap the burritos tightly in foil or plastic wrap and freeze them. When ready to eat, thaw in the fridge overnight and reheat using a skillet or oven for the best results.

Variations

1. Chicken Grilled Cheese Burrito
Swap the ground beef for shredded rotisserie chicken or cooked diced chicken breast. Season the chicken with taco spices or fajita seasoning for a flavorful twist. This variation is lighter but still packed with protein and pairs perfectly with the cheesy and spicy components.

2. Vegetarian Grilled Cheese Burrito
Replace the meat with a mix of black beans, corn, sautéed bell peppers, and onions. You can add some cooked quinoa or rice for extra texture. This version keeps the burrito hearty and satisfying while catering to vegetarian diets.

3. Spicy Jalapeño Kick
Add diced jalapeños or a spoonful of chipotle sauce to the spicy mayo or directly into the filling. This boosts the heat level and adds smoky flavor, perfect for those who like their food with some fire.

4. Breakfast Style Grilled Cheese Burrito
Incorporate scrambled eggs and crispy bacon or sausage into the filling along with cheese. This makes a filling breakfast or brunch option with all the comforts of a grilled cheese and burrito combined.

5. Queso Drizzle Upgrade
After grilling, drizzle warm queso cheese sauce over the burrito or serve it on the side for dipping. This adds an extra layer of creamy cheesiness and indulgence for special occasions or when you want to impress guests.

6. Low-Carb Version
Use low-carb or keto-friendly tortillas and substitute regular rice with cauliflower rice. This keeps the burrito flavorful while fitting into low-carb or keto diets.

7. BBQ Beef Grilled Cheese Burrito
Mix cooked ground beef with BBQ sauce instead of taco seasoning. Add caramelized onions and sharp cheddar cheese for a smoky, tangy variation that’s perfect for BBQ lovers.

These variations let you customize the Best Grilled Cheese Burrito to your taste and dietary preferences, making it a versatile recipe for any occasion.

FAQs

1. Can I use other types of cheese for the grilled cheese burrito?
Yes, you can use any melty cheese like Pepper Jack, mozzarella, or a Mexican cheese blend to suit your taste.

2. How do I prevent the burrito from getting soggy?
Make sure to drain excess liquid from cooked ingredients and grill the burrito until the tortilla is crisp and golden.

3. Can I make these burritos ahead of time?
Yes, you can assemble them in advance and refrigerate. Grill or reheat just before serving for the best texture.

4. What’s the best way to reheat leftover grilled cheese burritos?
Reheat in a skillet or air fryer to maintain crispiness. Avoid microwaving to prevent sogginess.

5. Can I freeze the grilled cheese burritos?
Yes, wrap them tightly in foil or plastic wrap and freeze. Thaw in the fridge before reheating in a skillet or oven.

6. Is this recipe suitable for meal prep?
Absolutely, these burritos hold up well and can be stored refrigerated or frozen for quick meals later.

7. What can I substitute for spicy mayo?
You can use regular mayonnaise with a dash of hot sauce, sriracha, or chipotle sauce for a similar flavor.

8. Can I make this recipe vegetarian or vegan?
For a vegetarian option, replace meat with beans and veggies. For vegan, use plant-based meat alternatives, vegan cheese, and mayo substitutes.

9. How spicy is the burrito?
The spice level depends on the amount of spicy mayo or added jalapeños. You can adjust it to your preference or omit the spicy ingredients.

10. What sides go well with the grilled cheese burrito?
Serve with salsa, guacamole, sour cream, or a fresh salad to balance the rich flavors. Chips and pico de gallo are also great accompaniments.

The Best Grilled Cheese Burrito brings together the best of both worlds: the classic grilled cheese comfort and bold burrito flavors. Whether you’re feeding a crowd or satisfying your own cravings, this dish delivers every time. Customizable, hearty, and packed with flavor, it’s destined to become a go-to favorite in your kitchen.

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