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

Jump to Recipe

If you love a mashup of melty, crave-worthy Tex-Mex and classic comfort food, meet your new obsession: the Best Grilled Cheese Burrito (Taco Bell CopyCat). This over-the-top burrito wraps up spiced beef, creamy nacho cheese, tangy sour cream, crunchy chips, and fried rice, then sends it all off to get a golden brown, crispy cheese crown on the skillet. The result? Something totally comforting, totally addictive, and perfect for any night you want to bring a burst of fast-food happiness straight to your kitchen.

Best Grilled Cheese Burrito (Taco Bell CopyCat) Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

These are the simple but essential building blocks for the Best Grilled Cheese Burrito (Taco Bell CopyCat). Each ingredient layers flavor, texture, or color, and together, they create that irresistible burrito you remember (or always wanted to try) from Taco Bell. Here’s what you’ll need and why:

Ground beef: Provides the juicy, savory core of your burrito; be sure to use fresh meat for the best flavor.
Olive oil: Adds depth and helps brown both your onions and beef evenly.
Onion (diced): Brings sweetness and soft texture to balance the rich meat filling.
Salt and black pepper: Essential for seasoning every layer—don’t forget to taste and adjust.
Smoked paprika: Delivers a gentle smokiness that mimics that signature Taco Bell flavor.
Dried oregano: Lends a hint of herbal brightness amid all the cheesy richness.
Tomato sauce: Keeps the beef filling moist, tangy, and just a little bit saucy.
Large flour tortillas: Go for oversized tortillas—that way, you can pack in all the goodness without bursting!
Spicy mayo: Adds a creamy kick (make it extra zesty if you like a little more heat).
Fried rice: The slightly unexpected twist that makes every bite even more satisfying and substantial.
Nacho cheese sauce: The melt-in-your-mouth magic that oozes from every bite (store-bought or homemade both work here).
Sour cream: Cuts through the richness with tang and coolness, making the flavors pop.
Tortilla chips: Adds crunch and salty contrast—crushed up right inside the burrito for the best texture bomb.

How to Make Best Grilled Cheese Burrito (Taco Bell CopyCat)

Step 1: Sauté the Onion

Heat your olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat, then add the diced onions. Let them cook for around five minutes until they’re soft, fragrant, and just translucent. This base builds sweet flavor into every bite of your filling.

Step 2: Brown the Ground Beef

Add the ground beef right into those tender onions, breaking it up as you cook. Let it get nicely browned—you want a little bit of caramelization for extra depth. Sprinkle in the salt, smoked paprika, and oregano, then stir well, letting those spices really come alive and cling to the meat.

Step 3: Simmer with Tomato Sauce

Pour the tomato sauce over your seasoned beef. Reduce the heat and let it all bubble together gently for about five minutes. This not only keeps everything juicy, but the flavors also become even richer as they mingle.

Step 4: Assemble the Burritos

Here comes the fun part! Lay a large flour tortilla flat and spread a generous line of spicy mayo down the middle. Next, pile on some fried rice for heartiness, drizzle with nacho cheese sauce, dollop on a spoonful of sour cream, then sprinkle with a handful of crushed tortilla chips for crispy contrast. Spoon on a big scoop of your hot, savory ground beef last—it’s going to be messy, but it’s worth it!

Step 5: Roll and Grill with Cheese

Fold in the sides of each tortilla and roll them up tightly from the bottom to seal in your epic filling. Heat a nonstick skillet over medium; for maximum cheesy goodness, sprinkle shredded Mexican cheese blend directly onto the pan, then place your burrito seam-side down on top of the melting cheese. Grill for two to three minutes per side, until each one turns gorgeously golden and gets its signature crispy-cheese crust.

Step 6: Serve and Enjoy!

Serve your Best Grilled Cheese Burrito (Taco Bell CopyCat) hot off the skillet, with an extra side of spicy mayo for dipping. That first bite? Absolutely irresistible, promise.

How to Serve Best Grilled Cheese Burrito (Taco Bell CopyCat)

Garnishes

A little something extra can take your burrito over the top. Try scatterings of chopped green onion, fresh cilantro, more crushed tortilla chips, or even a few pickled jalapeno slices. A quick squeeze of lime also wakes up the whole plate and brightens every bite of your Best Grilled Cheese Burrito (Taco Bell CopyCat).

Side Dishes

Pair your burrito with sides that balance its richness and keep the fun rolling. Crisp shredded lettuce, pico de gallo, Mexican street corn, or even a bright, tangy slaw are all fantastic. Don’t overlook some simple black beans or a light bean salad for a bit of fiber and color, too.

Creative Ways to Present

You can cut each Best Grilled Cheese Burrito (Taco Bell CopyCat) in halves or thick slices on the diagonal, arrange artfully on a platter, and serve them party-style as hearty appetizers. Want to get playful? Stack mini burritos in a “tower” or create a colorful taco bar where everyone builds their own grilled cheese burrito masterpiece!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Wrap any extra burritos tightly in foil or plastic wrap and refrigerate them within two hours of cooking. The burritos keep well in the fridge for up to three days, though the chips may lose a little crunch (but the flavor stays awesome).

Freezing

To freeze, wrap each cooled burrito tightly in plastic wrap or parchment, then a layer of foil. Store in a zip-top freezer bag for up to two months. When you’re ready, thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating for best results.

Reheating

For the best texture, reheat your Best Grilled Cheese Burrito (Taco Bell CopyCat) in a skillet or on a griddle over medium-low heat—this helps revive the crispy cheese crust. A few minutes per side should do it! If you’re in a hurry, the microwave works too, but the outside will be softer than the original.

FAQs

Can I use ground turkey or chicken instead of beef?

Absolutely! Ground turkey or chicken both work great and keep things a little lighter. Just be sure to season well, since they’re milder than beef, and maybe add a splash more tomato sauce for extra moisture.

What kind of cheese is best for the grilled crust?

A shredded Mexican blend melts beautifully and forms that irresistible crispy crust, but you can also use sharp cheddar, Monterey Jack, or a combo of your favorites for delicious results.

Can I make this vegetarian?

Yes! Sub in seasoned black beans, refried beans, or even a sautéed veggie filling. The rest of the components—rice, spicy mayo, cheese, chips—are already vegetarian-friendly.

How spicy is the original Best Grilled Cheese Burrito (Taco Bell CopyCat)?

The heat mostly comes from the spicy mayo and maybe a little in the nacho cheese, so dial it up or down to suit your taste! Add more hot sauce or a pinch of cayenne if you love it fiery, or stick with mild for crowd-pleasing comfort.

Can I prep the filling ahead of time?

Definitely! Both the ground beef mix and the rice can be made a day or two ahead. Just reheat before assembling your burritos for quickest weeknight magic.

Final Thoughts

If you’re craving a fun, cheesy, stick-to-your-ribs dinner, you can’t go wrong with the Best Grilled Cheese Burrito (Taco Bell CopyCat). It’s outrageously delicious, customizable for any crowd, and guaranteed to spark some big smiles around the table. Give it a try—the combination of crispy cheese, bold flavors, and comforting textures is pure joy. Happy cooking!

Best Grilled Cheese Burrito (Taco Bell CopyCat) Recipe

★★★★★

5.2 from 10 reviews

Author: Noah
Total Time: 35 minutes
Yield: 4 servings 1x
Diet: Vegetarian

Print Recipe

Description

Learn how to make the Best Grilled Cheese Burrito, a delicious copycat recipe inspired by Taco Bell. This recipe combines savory ground beef, flavorful spices, creamy sauces, and crunchy toppings all wrapped in a warm tortilla. Perfect for a satisfying meal!

Instructions

Prepare the Ground Beef: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Sauté onion until soft. Add ground beef, cook until browned. Season with salt, paprika, oregano. Stir in tomato sauce, simmer.
Assemble the Burritos: Spread spicy mayo on tortillas. Add rice, cheese sauce, sour cream, tortilla chips, and beef. Roll tightly.
Roll and Grill: Fold sides of tortilla, roll tightly. Grill in a skillet until crispy and golden.
Serve: Enjoy hot burritos with extra spicy mayo on the side.

Notes

You can customize the fillings to suit your preferences, such as adding veggies or different sauces.
Feel free to top the grilled burritos with fresh salsa or guacamole for extra flavor.

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Category: Main Dish
Method: Grilling
Cuisine: Mexican