How to Make Grilled Cheese Burrito (Taco Bell Copycat)

If you’re a fan of Taco Bell’s legendary grilled cheese burrito, you’ll love making this crave-worthy copycat version right at home. It’s cheesy, hearty, and packed with bold Tex-Mex flavors—all wrapped in a warm tortilla with a golden, melty cheese crust on the outside. The best part? You don’t have to wait in the drive-thru line. With a few simple ingredients and some pantry staples, you’ll have a burrito that tastes just like the original (maybe even better).

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

The grilled cheese burrito is the ultimate mash-up: gooey, seasoned beef, rice, nacho cheese, and sour cream all bundled up in a tortilla—then finished with a layer of grilled, melted cheese on the outside. It’s a handheld comfort food bomb that’s customizable and easy to recreate in your own kitchen.

Nutritional Information (per burrito, approx.)

Curious about what’s inside each bite? Here’s a quick nutritional snapshot to give you an idea of the calories, protein, and macros—helpful if you’re balancing this indulgent treat with lighter meals.

• Calories: 680
• Protein: 27g
• Fat: 32g
• Carbohydrates: 66g
• Fiber: 5g

This is definitely an indulgent, comfort-food meal—perfect for when you’re craving something bold and filling.

Time Breakdown

Planning dinner around your schedule? This section shows you how quickly this burrito comes together from start to finish—so you’ll know exactly when it’ll be ready to eat.

• Prep time: 15 minutes
• Cook time: 20 minutes
• Total time: ~35 minutes

Ingredients You’ll Need

The magic of this burrito lies in its layers—beef, rice, cheeses, and sauces all wrapped up in a tortilla. Here’s a look at the essential ingredients you’ll need before you start cooking.

• 1 lb ground beef (seasoned with taco seasoning)
• 2 cups cooked rice (Mexican or plain white rice)
• 1 cup nacho cheese sauce
• 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
• 1 cup shredded Monterey Jack cheese
• 1/2 cup sour cream
• 1/2 cup tortilla strips (or crushed nacho chips, optional for crunch)
• 4 large flour tortillas (burrito-sized)
• 2 tbsp butter (for grilling)

Condensed Grocery Checklist

Want to make shopping easier? This checklist gives you a streamlined list of everything you’ll need for this copycat recipe, so you can check items off quickly at the store.

• ✅ Ground beef
• ✅ Taco seasoning
• ✅ Rice
• ✅ Nacho cheese sauce
• ✅ Shredded cheddar cheese
• ✅ Shredded Monterey Jack cheese
• ✅ Sour cream
• ✅ Tortilla strips or chips
• ✅ Large flour tortillas
• ✅ Butter

How to Make – Step by Step

This may look like a lot, but don’t worry, it’s straightforward once you break it down. Here, we’ll walk through each step of cooking, assembling, and grilling your burrito for the best results.

1. Cook the Beef – In a skillet, brown the ground beef and season with taco seasoning. Drain excess fat.
2. Warm the Tortillas – Heat flour tortillas slightly to make them easier to fold.
3. Assemble the Filling – Spread rice, seasoned beef, nacho cheese sauce, sour cream, shredded cheese, and tortilla strips into the center of each tortilla.
4. Roll the Burritos – Fold the sides inward, then roll tightly into a burrito shape.
5. Add the Cheese Layer – Sprinkle shredded cheese into a nonstick skillet, place burrito seam-side down, and let it grill until the cheese is golden and crispy.
6. Finish & Serve – Flip briefly to toast the other side, then serve hot with extra sour cream, salsa, or guacamole.

Ingredient Swaps & Variations

Not a beef fan? Want it spicier? This section shows you all the fun ways you can tweak the recip, so your burrito tastes exactly how you like it.

• Protein Swap – Use shredded chicken, steak, or black beans for a vegetarian version.
• Cheese Options – Swap in pepper jack, mozzarella, or queso fresco for a different flavor.
• Rice Upgrade – Use cilantro lime rice for extra zing.
• Spicy Kick – Add jalapeños, chipotle sauce, or hot sauce inside the burrito for more heat.

Serving Suggestions

This burrito is a meal on its own, but you can pair it with Mexican rice, refried beans, chips and guac, or a simple salad to balance out the richness.

• Mexican Rice – a classic side that pairs perfectly with cheesy burritos.
• Refried Beans or Black Beans – creamy, hearty, and full of flavor.
• Chips & Guacamole – crunchy, creamy, and refreshing.
• Pico de Gallo or Fresh Salsa – adds brightness and acidity to balance the richness.
• Elote (Mexican Street Corn) – grilled corn with mayo, cotija, chili, and lime.
• Simple Side Salad – fresh greens with lime vinaigrette for a lighter option.
• Queso Dip & Tortilla Chips – extra cheesy indulgence for true Taco Bell fans.

Storing Tips

Got leftovers or want to meal prep? Learn how to keep your grilled cheese burritos fresh, how to reheat them without losing crunch, and whether they freeze well.

• Refrigerate – Wrap leftovers in foil or plastic wrap and refrigerate up to 3 days.
• Reheat – Reheat in a skillet for best results, or in the oven at 350°F until warmed through.
• Freezing – Wrap un-grilled burritos in foil and freeze for up to 2 months. Grill with cheese topping right before serving.

Chef’s Special Tips

Want to make this copycat burrito taste even better than the original? These chef-inspired tips will help you nail the crispy cheese crust, roll burritos like a pro, and avoid common mistakes.

• Don’t overfill the tortilla, this makes rolling (and grilling) easier.
• Use a nonstick skillet so the cheese crust doesn’t stick.
• Press gently with a spatula while grilling to help the cheese crisp evenly.

Conclusion

Making your own Grilled Cheese Burrito (Taco Bell Copycat) is fun, simple, and so rewarding. With melty cheese inside and out, savory beef, and creamy toppings, it’s the ultimate comfort food mash-up. Try it once, and you’ll see why it’s become one of Taco Bell’s most popular creations only now, you can have it anytime you want at home.

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