Name: Grilled Cheese Burrito (Taco Bell Copycat) Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 25 min
Cuisine: Mexican-inspired
Ingredients: 1 pound lean ground beef; 1 envelope taco seasoning; ¼ cup water; 15 ounces can Rico’s nacho cheese sauce; 2 cups prepared Mexican rice; 2 Tablespoons mayonnaise; 1 Tablespoon chipotle sauce; Sour cream, for topping; Tortilla strips, for topping; 4 burrito size tortillas; 2 cups shredded Colby jack cheese (divided)

Jump to Recipe· 4.1 from 15 reviews

If you’ve ever craved that gooey, crispy, melty goodness from Taco Bell, you’re going to absolutely love making this Grilled Cheese Burrito (Taco Bell Copycat) Recipe at home. It’s a wonderful fusion of a classic burrito loaded with seasoned beef, cheesy rice, and creamy chipotle mayo, all wrapped in a soft tortilla then grilled to perfection with a golden, crispy cheese crust. This recipe captures everything you adore about that fast-food favorite but with homemade flavor and flair, so get ready for a hearty, satisfying meal that’s both fun to make and devour.

Ingredients You’ll Need

The image shows several small bowls and a stack of white tortillas arranged on a white marbled surface. At the top left is a white bowl filled with raw ground meat, reddish-pink in color and soft in texture. Next to it, on the right, is a glass bowl with cooked, brown-tinted rice with long grains. Below the meat bowl, there is a small white ramekin filled with thick white sour cream, and beside it is a small glass bowl with creamy, bright yellow cheese sauce. Next to the cheese sauce bowl is a small glass bowl containing thin, colorful strips of tortilla chips in red, purple, and beige. Below these, there is a tiny white bowl filled with smooth, brown taco seasoning powder, and beside it is a small square white dish with dark red taco sauce. Another small glass bowl with pale yellow mayonnaise sits near the sour cream bowl. At the bottom left corner, a glass bowl contains a mix of shredded yellow and white cheese. The arrangement is neat, with the colors and textures standing out well on the white marbled surface. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

The beauty of this Grilled Cheese Burrito (Taco Bell Copycat) Recipe lies in its straightforward ingredients, each bringing its own delicious character to the dish. From the savory ground beef to the smooth nacho cheese sauce and zesty chipotle mayo, these components combine for the perfect balance of texture, taste, and color.

1 pound lean ground beef: The savory and juicy base that brings hearty flavor to the burrito.
1 envelope taco seasoning: Adds that classic spicy kick that makes the beef irresistibly tasty.
¼ cup water: Helps to meld the taco seasoning into the beef perfectly.
15 ounces can Rico’s nacho cheese sauce: Rich, creamy, and wonderfully cheesy for that iconic sauce layer.
2 cups prepared Mexican rice: Adds warmth and a fluffy texture, balancing the richness.
2 tablespoons mayonnaise: Provides creaminess and a subtle tang to the chipotle mix.
1 tablespoon chipotle sauce: Infuses smoky heat, giving the burrito a bit of a flavorful punch.
Sour cream: For extra creaminess and a cooling contrast to the spice.
Tortilla strips: Add crunch and a delightful twist inside the burrito.
4 burrito size tortillas: The soft, pliable wraps that hold all the delicious fillings together.
2 cups shredded Colby jack cheese: For melty, golden crispiness on the outside that turns the burrito into a grilled cheese masterpiece.

How to Make Grilled Cheese Burrito (Taco Bell Copycat) Recipe

Step 1: Cook and Season the Ground Beef

Start by heating a medium skillet over medium heat. Brown the lean ground beef, breaking it apart as it cooks until no longer pink. Once browned, drain off any excess grease to keep the burritos from being too greasy. Add the taco seasoning and ¼ cup water to the skillet, stirring everything together. Let it simmer for about 5 minutes until the sauce thickens slightly and the beef is packed with flavor.

Step 2: Mix the Chipotle Mayonnaise

In a small bowl, combine the mayonnaise with the chipotle sauce. This mixture will bring a creamy, smoky layer of heat to the burritos that elevates every bite. Set this spicy spread aside for assembly.

Step 3: Assemble the Burritos

Lay a burrito-sized tortilla flat on your workspace. Start by spreading a generous amount of nacho cheese sauce in the center. Then add a quarter of the seasoned beef followed by ½ cup of warm Mexican rice. Drizzle the chipotle mayo evenly over each one. Add a dollop of sour cream on top and finish with a handful of crunchy tortilla strips. Now fold up the sides and roll the burrito tightly to keep all those mouthwatering fillings inside.

Step 4: Grill the Burritos with Cheese

Heat a non-stick skillet over medium heat. Sprinkle about ¼ cup of shredded Colby jack cheese in the pan and immediately place the burrito seam side down onto the melting cheese. Let it cook undisturbed until the cheese browns and crisps up, creating a flavorful crust that seals the burrito. Carefully lift the burrito, sprinkle another ¼ cup of cheese on the skillet, flip the burrito onto this new layer, and cook the other side until golden and melty. Repeat this process with each burrito, ensuring every one develops that perfect grilled cheese crust.

How to Serve Grilled Cheese Burrito (Taco Bell Copycat) Recipe

The image shows two halves of a burrito stacked on a white plate, each half cut to reveal three visible layers inside: the top layer is crumbly brown cooked ground meat, the middle layer is orange-tinted rice mixed with the meat, and the bottom layer has melted cheese with small bits of red sauce or salsa. The burrito’s outer wrap is a golden brown with a slight crisp texture on top and a soft, light yellowish color underneath. Around the burrito on the plate, there are light yellow tortilla chips with a lightly rough texture. The plate rests on a red and white striped cloth, and the background is a soft, blurred white marbled texture with a hint of greenery out of focus. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

To amplify the flavors and add some freshness, top your grilled cheese burritos with chopped cilantro, sliced jalapeños, or a squeeze of fresh lime juice. These simple garnishes can brighten the dish and introduce refreshing notes that complement the cheesy, smoky richness.

Side Dishes

This recipe pairs beautifully with classic Mexican sides like seasoned black beans, guacamole, or a crisp green salad with avocado and cherry tomatoes. A few crunchy tortilla chips on the side make a fun way to scoop up any extra cheese or sour cream.

Creative Ways to Present

For a fun twist, slice your grilled cheese burritos into bite-sized pinwheels for an appetizer-style snack at parties. Or serve them with a drizzle of hot sauce or a sprinkle of queso fresco for an elegant touch. The crispy cheese crust also makes them perfect for eating with your hands—no fork needed.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you have any leftover burritos, wrap them tightly in plastic wrap or foil and keep them in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. They stay flavorful and delicious, making for an easy next-day meal.

Freezing

You can freeze the assembled burritos before grilling by wrapping each one securely and placing them in a freezer-safe container or bag. Freeze for up to 2 months. When ready to eat, thaw overnight in the fridge before grilling to get that signature crispy cheese exterior.

Reheating

Reheat leftovers in a skillet over medium heat to revive that crispy cheese crust and warm the filling thoroughly. Avoid microwaving if possible, as it can make the tortilla soggy and the cheese less crispy.

FAQs

Can I use a different type of cheese for the crust?

Absolutely! While Colby jack melts beautifully and crisps well, you can experiment with cheddar, Monterey jack, or even a pepper jack for an extra kick. Just make sure the cheese melts well to form that perfect crust.

Is there a vegetarian version of this Grilled Cheese Burrito (Taco Bell Copycat) Recipe?

Yes! Swap the ground beef for seasoned black beans, sautéed mushrooms, or plant-based meat substitutes. The rest of the ingredients work just as well, giving you a satisfying vegetarian burrito option.

Can I make this recipe spicier?

Definitely! Adding extra chipotle sauce or including diced jalapeños inside the burrito will kick up the heat. You can also top with hot sauce just before serving for an extra fiery zing.

What’s the best way to keep the burritos from falling apart when folding?

Make sure not to overfill your tortillas and fold tightly to secure all ingredients. The cheese crust formed during grilling acts like glue, holding everything together beautifully.

Can I prepare the fillings in advance?

Yes, you can cook and season the beef and prepare the rice ahead of time. Store them separately in airtight containers in the fridge and assemble the burritos when you’re ready to grill for freshness and ease.

Final Thoughts

There’s something truly comforting about the combination of cheesy crispiness and flavorful fillings in this Grilled Cheese Burrito (Taco Bell Copycat) Recipe. It’s a nostalgic yet homemade take on a fast-food classic that will have you reaching for seconds. Whether you’re feeding a crowd or just craving a cozy meal for yourself, give this recipe a try—you’ll be so glad you did!