Best Grilled Cheese Burrito (Taco Bell Copycat)

Craving the iconic Taco Bell Grilled Cheese Burrito? This homemade version captures all the cheesy, savory goodness of the original, combining seasoned beef, creamy sauces, and a crispy cheese crust for a satisfying meal that’s even better than takeout.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Flavorful and Filling: Packed with seasoned ground beef, spicy chipotle sauce, and melty cheeses, this burrito is a hearty and delicious meal.
• Customizable: Easily adapt the recipe to your taste by swapping proteins or adding your favorite toppings.
• Cost-Effective: Enjoy the flavors of your favorite fast-food burrito at a fraction of the price.
• Fun to Make: The process of assembling and grilling these burritos is enjoyable and perfect for a family cooking night.

Ingredients

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

• Ground beef
• Olive oil
• Minced garlic
• Chili powder
• Coriander
• Salt
• Smoked paprika
• Cumin
• Oregano
• Black pepper
• Onion powder
• Beef broth
• Tomato sauce
• Unsalted butter
• Jasmine rice
• Chicken broth
• Mayonnaise
• Sour cream
• Lime juice
• Honey
• Adobo paste
• Large flour tortillas
• Nacho cheese sauce
• Tortilla strips
• Shredded Mexican cheese blend

Directions

1. Prepare the Ground Beef: In a skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add ground beef and cook until browned. Stir in minced garlic and seasonings (chili powder, coriander, salt, smoked paprika, cumin, oregano, black pepper, onion powder). Cook for another minute until fragrant. Add beef broth and tomato sauce, then simmer for about 5 minutes.
2. Cook the Spanish Rice: In a saucepan, melt unsalted butter over medium heat. Add jasmine rice and toast until lightly golden. Stir in chicken broth, tomato sauce, salt, cumin, garlic powder, and onion powder. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer until the liquid is absorbed and rice is tender.
3. Make the Chipotle Sauce: In a bowl, combine mayonnaise, sour cream, lime juice, honey, black pepper, chili powder, and adobo paste. Whisk until smooth.
4. Assemble the Burritos: Lay a flour tortilla flat. Spread chipotle sauce down the center, add a scoop of Spanish rice, drizzle with nacho cheese sauce, add a portion of the seasoned ground beef, a dollop of sour cream, and a sprinkle of tortilla strips.
5. Grill the Burritos: Sprinkle shredded Mexican cheese blend onto a heated non-stick skillet. Place the burrito seam-side down on the cheese and grill until the cheese forms a crispy crust. Flip and repeat on the other side.

Servings and Timing

• Servings: 4 burritos
• Prep Time: 30 minutes
• Cook Time: 15 minutes
• Total Time: 45 minutes

Variations

• Protein Options: Substitute ground beef with ground turkey, chicken, or a plant-based meat alternative.
• Rice Alternatives: Use brown rice, cauliflower rice, or quinoa for a different texture and flavor.
• Spice Level: Adjust the amount of adobo paste in the chipotle sauce to control the heat.
• Cheese Choices: Try different cheese blends like Colby Jack or Pepper Jack for a unique taste.

Storage/Reheating

• Refrigeration: Store leftover burritos in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
• Freezing: Wrap burritos tightly in plastic wrap and foil, then freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw in the refrigerator before reheating.
• Reheating: Reheat in a skillet over medium heat until warmed through, or microwave for 1-2 minutes.

FAQs

Can I make this burrito vegetarian?

Yes, you can replace the ground beef with beans, lentils, or a plant-based meat substitute.

How can I make the burrito spicier?

Increase the amount of adobo paste in the chipotle sauce or add diced jalapeños to the filling.

What type of cheese works best for the grilled crust?

A Mexican cheese blend or Colby Jack melts well and creates a crispy crust.

Can I prepare the components ahead of time?

Absolutely. Cook the beef, rice, and chipotle sauce in advance, then assemble and grill the burritos when ready to eat.

How do I prevent the burrito from falling apart?

Avoid overfilling and ensure the tortilla is tightly wrapped before grilling.

Is there a low-carb version of this burrito?

Use low-carb tortillas and substitute rice with cauliflower rice to reduce carbohydrates.

Can I use store-bought chipotle sauce?

Yes, store-bought chipotle sauce can be used as a time-saving alternative.

What sides pair well with this burrito?

Serve with a side of guacamole, salsa, or a simple salad for a complete meal.

How do I achieve an even cheese crust?

Ensure the skillet is evenly heated and the cheese is spread uniformly before placing the burrito on top.

Can I bake the burrito instead of grilling?

While grilling provides a crispy cheese crust, you can bake the assembled burritos at 375°F (190°C) for 10-15 minutes until heated through.

Conclusion

Recreating the Taco Bell Grilled Cheese Burrito at home is a rewarding experience that combines bold flavors and satisfying textures. With customizable options and straightforward steps, this recipe is sure to become a favorite in your household. Enjoy the indulgence of this cheesy, flavorful burrito anytime the craving strikes!

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