Grilled Cheese Burrito Recipe
If you’re craving a delightful fusion of comfort foods, the Grilled Cheese Burrito is here to steal your heart and taste buds. Imagine the ooey-gooey charm of melted cheddar cheese hugging savory seasoned beef and fluffy rice, all wrapped snugly inside a warm, crispy tortilla. Every bite boasts a symphony of textures and flavors—from the crunch of the golden crust to the creamy, cheesy center, balanced by a subtle zing of salsa. It’s simple, satisfying, and absolutely addictive, making it a perfect meal to whip up anytime you want that cozy, hearty feeling.

Ingredients You’ll Need
Getting started with a great Grilled Cheese Burrito is easy once you have your simple but flavorful ingredients lined up. Each component plays a crucial role in delivering that perfect balance of taste, texture, and color that’ll make this dish shine.
- Flour tortillas (4 large, 10 inches): These are your sturdy yet soft wraps, essential for holding all those delicious fillings together while grilling to a perfect crisp.
- Shredded cheddar cheese (2 cups): The star of the show, melted to ooze beautifully inside the burrito, adding creamy richness and color.
- Cooked and seasoned ground beef (1 cup): This adds a savory, hearty bite—feel free to swap it for black beans if you want a vegetarian twist.
- Cooked rice (1 cup): Adds volume and a bit of chew, perfectly complementing the meat and cheese.
- Salsa (1/2 cup): Brings a fresh, tangy kick that wakes up the flavors and ties everything together.
- Sour cream (1/2 cup, optional): Ideal for dipping and balancing the spices with a cool, creamy finish.
- Butter (1 tablespoon): The secret to achieving that irresistible golden and crispy exterior when grilling your burrito.
How to Make Grilled Cheese Burrito
Step 1: Mix the Filling
Start by combining your cooked ground beef, rice, and salsa in a bowl. This mixture forms the hearty, flavorful core of your grilled cheese burrito. Mixing ensures every bite delivers that perfect, well-rounded flavor.
Step 2: Prepare Your Tortillas
Lay one tortilla flat on a clean surface. Sprinkle about half a cup of shredded cheddar cheese directly in the center—you want enough cheese to melt enticingly during grilling without overwhelming the wrap.
Step 3: Add the Filling
Top the cheese with roughly half a cup of your beef and rice mixture. The cheese underneath functions like a tasty glue, helping all your ingredients bind together wonderfully when melted.
Step 4: Wrap it Up
Fold the sides of the tortilla over the filling to contain it and then roll it up from the bottom, making a tight burrito shape. This wrapping technique traps all those delicious ingredients inside while grilling.
Step 5: Heat the Skillet and Butter
Warm a large skillet over medium heat and melt half a tablespoon of butter. The butter will give your grilled cheese burrito that irresistible golden crust and add a subtly rich flavor to the outside.
Step 6: Grill the Burrito
Place your burrito seam-side down in the skillet to seal it properly. Grill for 3 to 4 minutes on each side until the tortilla turns a crispy golden brown and the cheese inside melts beautifully. This grilling step is where the magic happens, creating texture contrast along with deep flavor.
Step 7: Slice and Cool
Remove the burrito from the heat and let it rest for a minute to firm up slightly. This makes it easier to slice diagonally, showcasing that luscious cheesy filling inside.
Step 8: Serve Warm
Get your sour cream ready for dipping if you like, then dive in while the burrito is warm and fresh off the skillet. The combination of melted cheese, savory filling, and crisp tortilla is pure comfort food perfection.
How to Serve Grilled Cheese Burrito

Garnishes
A sprinkle of fresh chopped cilantro or a few slices of ripe avocado can brighten up the plate and add a fresh contrast to the rich grilled cheese burrito. A dash of hot sauce or a squeeze of fresh lime juice also elevates the flavor, adding just the right bite to every bite.
Side Dishes
Pair your grilled cheese burrito with a light, refreshing side like a crisp green salad or some crunchy tortilla chips and guacamole. Black beans or corn salsa can complement the burrito’s flavors while providing a colorful, balanced plate.
Creative Ways to Present
Try cutting your grilled cheese burrito into smaller bite-size pieces for a party platter or serve it with an array of dipping sauces to customize each bite. Wrapping it in foil keeps it warm on the go, making it an excellent picnic or lunchbox option.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Let any leftover grilled cheese burrito cool completely before wrapping it tightly in foil or plastic wrap. Store in the refrigerator for up to 3 days to keep the flavors fresh and the tortilla from becoming soggy.
Freezing
If you want to save your grilled cheese burrito for longer, wrap it securely in parchment paper followed by foil and place it in a freezer-safe container. It will keep well in the freezer for up to 2 months. Freezing ahead means you can enjoy this tasty treat whenever the craving strikes.
Reheating
Reheat your burrito in a skillet over medium heat, flipping occasionally to warm it evenly and restore that crispy exterior. Alternatively, a 350°F oven for about 15 minutes works well too. Avoid microwaving if you want to keep the tortilla crispy.
FAQs
Can I use different types of cheese for the Grilled Cheese Burrito?
Absolutely! While cheddar is classic for its sharp, melty qualities, cheeses like Monterey Jack or mozzarella can offer a different texture or flavor. Mixing cheeses can also create a deliciously unique experience.
What can I substitute for ground beef in the filling?
For a vegetarian option, black beans, refried beans, or sautéed mushrooms work wonderfully. They provide a similar texture and plenty of protein to keep the burrito hearty and satisfying.
Is it possible to make the burrito spicier?
Definitely. Add sliced jalapeños, a dash of cayenne pepper in the filling, or serve with a spicy salsa or hot sauce to kick up the heat to your liking.
How do I prevent the tortilla from getting soggy?
Cooking the burrito seam-side down first seals the filling inside, helping prevent leaks. Also, grilling in butter ensures a crisp outer shell that keeps sogginess at bay. Avoid overloading filling to maintain balance.
Can I make this recipe gluten-free?
Yes! Swap the flour tortillas for your favorite gluten-free tortillas. Just ensure they can hold the filling well and crisp up nicely when grilled.
Final Thoughts
The Grilled Cheese Burrito is a heartwarming twist on two beloved classics that’s easy to make and impossible not to love. Once you taste that crispy, cheesy, flavorful combination, it’ll likely become your go-to meal for busy days or cozy nights. Don’t hesitate to get creative with fillings or dips—this recipe invites personal touches. Give it a try and watch how this humble dish turns into a family favorite in no time!
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Grilled Cheese Burrito Recipe
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Yield: 4 burritos 1x
- Diet: Halal
Description
A delicious and easy-to-make Grilled Cheese Burrito featuring seasoned ground beef, rice, and melted cheddar cheese wrapped in a crispy grilled tortilla. Perfect for a quick lunch or dinner, served with optional sour cream for dipping.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 4 large flour tortillas (10 inches each)
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese (or your choice of cheese)
- 1 cup cooked and seasoned ground beef (or vegetarian alternative like black beans)
- 1 cup cooked rice (white or brown)
- 1/2 cup salsa
For Serving
- 1/2 cup sour cream (optional)
For Grilling
- 1 tablespoon butter (for grilling)
Instructions
- Prepare filling mixture: In a bowl, thoroughly mix the cooked and seasoned ground beef, cooked rice, and salsa until all ingredients are evenly combined.
- Assemble the burrito: Lay one flour tortilla flat on a clean surface and evenly sprinkle 1/2 cup of shredded cheese in the center of the tortilla.
- Add filling: Spoon about 1/2 cup of the ground beef and rice mixture on top of the cheese, spreading it evenly but keeping space around the edges for folding.
- Fold the tortilla: Fold the sides of the tortilla over the filling first, then carefully roll from the bottom up to fully enclose the mixture, forming a compact burrito. Repeat this process for the remaining tortillas and filling.
- Heat the skillet: Place a large skillet over medium heat and add 1/2 tablespoon of butter. Allow it to melt and become bubbly but not browned.
- Grill the burrito: Place one burrito seam-side down onto the skillet and grill for 3-4 minutes, or until the tortilla turns golden brown and crispy. Flip and grill the other side similarly until cheese is melted and the burrito is heated through.
- Rest and slice: Remove the grilled burrito from the skillet, transfer it to a cutting board, and let it cool for about a minute to set. Slice the burrito in half diagonally for easy serving.
- Serve: Serve the grilled cheese burrito warm with sour cream on the side for dipping, if desired.
Notes
- You can substitute the ground beef with black beans or a plant-based mince for a vegetarian version.
- Use whole wheat or gluten-free tortillas if preferred to accommodate dietary needs.
- Adjust the level of salsa according to your taste preference or add a bit of hot sauce for extra heat.
- To make it spicier, add jalapeños or chili powder to the filling mixture.
- Sour cream is optional but adds a creamy contrast to the crispy burrito.
- Ensure the skillet is not too hot to avoid burning the tortilla before the cheese melts inside.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Grilling
- Cuisine: Mexican-American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 burrito
- Calories: 550 kcal
- Sugar: 3 g
- Sodium: 650 mg
- Fat: 28 g
- Saturated Fat: 14 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12 g
- Trans Fat: 0.5 g
- Carbohydrates: 48 g
- Fiber: 4 g
- Protein: 30 g
- Cholesterol: 75 mg
Keywords: grilled cheese burrito, cheesy burrito, Mexican-American recipe, quick dinner, ground beef burrito, crispy burrito