Introduction
If you love the melty goodness of a grilled cheese sandwich and the bold, savory flavors of a burrito, this Grilled Cheese Burrito recipe is about to become your new favorite dinner. It’s cheesy, crispy, hearty, and packed with delicious fillings that make every bite irresistible. Perfect for busy weeknights, cozy weekends, or when you just want something indulgent yet easy to make.
Pinterest foodies are obsessed with this mashup recipe because it combines comfort food with fun Tex-Mex flair. Whether you’re serving your family, meal prepping for the week, or craving a late-night bite, this burrito hits the spot every time.
History / Background
The grilled cheese burrito first gained massive popularity thanks to Taco Bell, where it became a cult-favorite menu item. Home cooks quickly started recreating it because it’s simple to make, budget-friendly, and customizable. While the fast-food version is indulgent, making it at home means you can control the ingredients, add healthier twists, or load it up with extra cheese and fillings to suit your taste.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
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🧀 Cheesy Goodness – Double layers of melted cheese inside and outside.
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🌯 Family-Friendly – A hit with both kids and adults.
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💰 Budget-Friendly – Uses pantry staples and affordable ingredients.
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⏱️ Quick & Easy – Ready in under 30 minutes.
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🍴 Customizable – Add your favorite fillings (chicken, beef, beans, or veggies).
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🥘 Comfort Food Upgrade – Combines two classics into one delicious meal.
Grilled Cheese Burrito Recipe
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Ingredient Notes
- Large Flour Tortillas – The base of the burrito; use 10–12 inch tortillas for easier folding.
- Cheddar Cheese & Monterey Jack – Perfect melty combo; can sub with mozzarella, Colby Jack, or a Mexican cheese blend.
- Seasoned Rice – Adds bulk and flavor; you can use cilantro-lime rice, Spanish rice, or leftover plain rice.
- Protein (Chicken, Beef, or Beans) – Choose cooked shredded chicken, seasoned ground beef, black beans, or a mix.
- Sour Cream – Adds creaminess; Greek yogurt works as a lighter swap.
- Chili Powder & Garlic Powder – Simple seasonings that bring Tex-Mex flavor.
- Butter or Oil – For toasting the tortilla to golden perfection.
Ingredients
- 4 large flour tortillas (10–12 inch)
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese (divided)
- 1 cup shredded Monterey Jack cheese
- 1 cup cooked rice (seasoned or plain)
- 1 cup cooked protein (shredded chicken, beef, or beans)
- ½ cup sour cream (or Greek yogurt)
- 1 tbsp chili powder
- ½ tsp garlic powder
- 2 tbsp butter or oil
Instructions
- Heat a skillet over medium heat.
- Place a tortilla flat on a clean surface and sprinkle ¼ cup cheddar cheese in the center.
- Add rice, protein, sour cream, and seasonings on top.
- Sprinkle Monterey Jack cheese over the filling.
- Roll the tortilla tightly into a burrito.
- In the skillet, melt butter or drizzle oil. Place the burrito seam-side down.
- Sprinkle extra cheese directly onto the skillet, then place the burrito on top to create a cheesy crust.
- Cook for 2–3 minutes until golden brown, flip, and repeat on the other side.
- Remove from heat, let cool slightly, slice, and serve warm.
Notes
Tips & Variations
- 🌶️ Spicy Version: Add jalapeños, hot sauce, or chipotle peppers.
- 🥦 Vegetarian: Use black beans, sautéed veggies, or tofu instead of meat.
- 🥗 Healthier Version: Swap white rice for brown rice or quinoa, and use low-fat cheese.
- 🥓 Loaded Burrito: Add bacon, pico de gallo, or guacamole for extra flavor.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Overfilling the tortilla – This makes it hard to roll and causes filling to spill.
- Skipping the cheese crust – It’s the best part of the grilled cheese burrito!
- Too high heat – Burns the outside before the inside warms up.
- Using small tortillas – They tear easily and can’t hold enough filling.
Storage & Meal Prep
- Refrigerator: Store wrapped burritos in foil or an airtight container for up to 3 days.
- Freezer: Wrap tightly in foil and freeze up to 2 months. Reheat in oven or skillet.
- Reheating: Best reheated in a skillet to keep the tortilla crispy. Microwave works for quick reheating but may soften the tortilla.
Serving Suggestions
- Side of salsa or pico de gallo
- Guacamole or avocado slices
- Mexican street corn (elote)
- Fresh green salad
- Iced tea, soda, or a refreshing margarita
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Dinner, Lunch
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American, Tex-Mex
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 burrito
- Calories: 560
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 890mg
- Fat: 27g
- Saturated Fat: 15g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 52g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 25g
- Cholesterol: 75mg
FAQs
1. Can I make this burrito ahead of time?
Yes! Assemble them ahead and store in the fridge. Just crisp them up in a skillet before serving.
2. Can I make this recipe vegetarian?
Absolutely! Swap the meat for beans, grilled veggies, or tofu.
3. What’s the best cheese for this recipe?
Cheddar and Monterey Jack are classic, but any melty cheese like mozzarella, Colby Jack, or pepper jack works.
4. Can I bake instead of pan-frying?
Yes, but the cheese crust turns out best on a stovetop skillet.
Conclusion
This Grilled Cheese Burrito recipe is the perfect mix of gooey, cheesy comfort and bold burrito flavor. It’s quick, easy, and guaranteed to satisfy your cravings. Try it tonight, and don’t forget to tag me or leave a comment to let me know how you liked it!