Name: Best Grilled Cheese Burrito
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 35 min
Cuisine: Mexican
Ingredients: 1 lb ground beef; 1 tablespoon olive oil; 1 onion, diced; 1 teaspoon salt and black pepper (adjust to taste); 1 teaspoon smoked paprika; 1 teaspoon dried oregano; ½ cup tomato sauce; 4 large flour tortillas; 3 tablespoons spicy mayo; 1 cup fried rice; 1 cup nacho cheese sauce; 1 cup sour cream; 1 cup tortilla chips (crushed)

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If you’re craving something that combines the best of Tex-Mex flavors with a comforting grilled cheese, this Best Grilled Cheese Burrito is your answer. Packed with seasoned ground beef, cheesy fried rice, nacho cheese sauce, and spicy mayo, all wrapped in a crispy, golden tortilla, this burrito offers a delightful spicy kick while still giving you all the comfort of a classic grilled cheese.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This grilled cheese burrito is the ultimate comfort food with a spicy twist. The soft tortilla is filled with savory beef, melty cheese, and zesty ingredients like spicy mayo and crispy tortilla chips, creating a flavor-packed, irresistible bite. The fried rice adds an unexpected layer of texture, and grilling the burrito gives it a crispy, golden finish that makes it even more satisfying. Whether you’re making it for a quick lunch, dinner, or a fun weeknight meal, this burrito is sure to please everyone at the table.

Best Grilled Cheese Burrito

Ingredients

For the ground beef:

1 lb ground beef
1 tablespoon olive oil
1 onion, diced
1 teaspoon salt and black pepper (adjust to taste)
1 teaspoon smoked paprika
1 teaspoon dried oregano
½ cup tomato sauce

For assembly:

4 large flour tortillas
3 tablespoons spicy mayo
1 cup fried rice
1 cup nacho cheese sauce
1 cup sour cream
1 cup tortilla chips (crushed)

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Directions

Cook the Ground Beef: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the diced onion and sauté for about 5 minutes until softened and translucent. Add the ground beef to the skillet and cook until fully browned, breaking up large pieces as you go.
Season the Beef: Add the salt, smoked paprika, and oregano to the beef, stirring to combine. Let the spices bloom for 1 minute, then pour in the tomato sauce. Reduce the heat and simmer for about 5 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together.
Prepare the Tortillas: Lay each flour tortilla flat on a clean surface. Spread 1 tablespoon of spicy mayo down the center of each tortilla.
Assemble the Burritos: Add a spoonful of fried rice to each tortilla, followed by a drizzle of nacho cheese sauce. Place a dollop of sour cream and a generous sprinkle of crushed tortilla chips on top. Finally, add a hearty portion of the seasoned ground beef mixture.
Roll the Burritos: Fold in the sides of each tortilla, then roll them up tightly from the bottom to secure the filling inside.
Grill the Burritos: Heat a non-stick skillet or griddle over medium heat. Optionally, sprinkle shredded Mexican cheese directly onto the hot surface. Place the burrito seam-side down and grill for 2–3 minutes per side, until the cheese creates a crispy, golden crust.
Serve: Once the burritos are crispy and golden, remove them from the skillet. Serve hot with extra spicy mayo on the side for dipping.

Servings and Timing

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cooking Time: 20 minutes
Total Time: 35 minutes
Servings: 4 large burritos

Variations

Vegetarian Version: Replace the ground beef with black beans, grilled vegetables, or even a plant-based meat substitute to make this burrito vegetarian or vegan.
Extra Spice: Add sliced jalapeños or hot sauce to the filling for an extra layer of heat.
Cheese Options: Experiment with different types of cheese—cheddar, mozzarella, or pepper jack would all melt wonderfully inside this burrito.

Storage/Reheating

Storage: Store any leftover burritos in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days.
Reheating: Reheat burritos in a skillet over medium heat for 3–4 minutes on each side, or heat them in the microwave for 1–2 minutes until warmed through.
Freezing: To freeze, wrap each burrito tightly in foil or plastic wrap and store in the freezer for up to 1 month. Reheat from frozen in a skillet or oven until crispy and heated through.

FAQs

1. Can I use a different type of meat for the filling?

Yes, you can use ground turkey, chicken, or even steak as an alternative to ground beef. Each will add a slightly different flavor but will still pair perfectly with the other ingredients.

2. What can I use instead of spicy mayo?

If you want a milder option, substitute the spicy mayo with regular mayonnaise or sour cream mixed with a little bit of hot sauce or sriracha for a similar effect.

3. Can I make this burrito ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the filling ahead of time and store it in the fridge. When you’re ready, just assemble and grill the burritos. This is a great option for meal prepping.

4. Can I add more cheese to the burrito?

Absolutely! Add shredded cheese inside the burrito before rolling it up, or sprinkle some on the outside before grilling for extra cheesiness.

5. How do I prevent the burrito from falling apart while grilling?

Make sure to roll the burrito tightly, and if you’re concerned about it unrolling, you can secure it with a toothpick or grill it seam-side down first.

6. What can I substitute for nacho cheese sauce?

You can substitute the nacho cheese sauce with melted cheese, such as cheddar or Monterey Jack, or even use a creamy cheese dip.

7. Can I make these burritos spicier?

Yes, you can add more chili powder, hot sauce, or diced jalapeños to the ground beef mixture to turn up the heat.

8. What side dishes go well with this burrito?

Serve the burrito with a side of guacamole, Mexican rice, or a fresh salad to balance the richness of the dish.

9. Can I grill these burritos in an air fryer?

Yes, you can air fry these burritos at 375°F for about 8–10 minutes, flipping halfway through, until they’re golden and crispy.

10. How can I make this dish more vegetarian-friendly?

You can replace the ground beef with beans (black beans or refried beans) and use a plant-based cheese and sour cream to make the recipe vegetarian.

Conclusion

The Best Grilled Cheese Burrito is a fun and flavorful twist on the classic grilled cheese, combining comfort food with a spicy Tex-Mex flair. With layers of savory beef, cheesy rice, nacho sauce, and crispy tortilla chips, this burrito will quickly become a favorite. Whether you’re serving it for a family meal or craving something hearty and satisfying, this burrito is sure to impress with its bold flavors and crispy, golden finish.