I bring you a homemade version of the viral Taco Bell Grilled Cheese Burrito—the perfect union of spicy beef, creamy nacho cheese, rice, and chipotle sauce, all wrapped in a soft tortilla and grilled with melty cheese on the outside.
Why I’ll Love This Recipe
I love this recipe because it’s ready in under 30 minutes, uses everyday pantry ingredients, and is fully customizable (I can swap proteins, tweak the heat, or even go plant-based). It satisfies cravings faster—and tastier—than any drive-thru.
ingredients
(Here’s a tip: Check out the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
I use:
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1 lb ground beef
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1 packet taco seasoning (or my homemade blend)
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1 cup cooked white rice
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½ cup sour cream
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½ cup nacho cheese sauce
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¼ cup chipotle sauce (or smoky mayo/spicy ranch)
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1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
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1 cup shredded mozzarella
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4 large flour tortillas
directions
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I brown the ground beef in a skillet over medium-high heat, then drain any excess fat.
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I stir in the taco seasoning and a bit of water, simmering until the sauce thickens slightly.
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I spread each tortilla with nacho cheese sauce, then add seasoned beef, rice, chipotle sauce, sour cream, and a mix of cheddar and mozzarella.
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I roll each tortilla tightly.
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I heat a skillet over medium heat, sprinkle some cheese directly onto it, and place a burrito seam-side down so the cheese melts and crisps, creating a golden crust.
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I carefully flip the burrito onto more cheese to crisp the other side similarly.
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I repeat with remaining burritos and serve them warm, optionally with extra chipotle or dipping sauce.
Servings and timing
I typically make 4 burritos. Prep time is about 10 minutes, and cooking takes around 15 minutes, so I’m done in about 25 minutes total.
Variations
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I can swap ground beef for ground turkey, chicken, or seasoned jackfruit for a vegetarian twist.
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I may add beans, veggies, or extra heat with jalapeños.
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For dairy-free versions, I use plant-based cheese and sour cream alternatives.
storage/reheating
I store leftovers wrapped tightly or in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. When reheating, I prefer using a skillet over medium heat—this brings back that crispy cheese crust beautifully and warms the inside without making it soggy.
FAQs
What if I don’t have nacho cheese sauce?
I can use melted cheddar or a queso blend instead—anything creamy and cheesy works to bind the fillings.
Can I freeze these burritos?
Yes—I wrap them individually in foil and freeze for up to a month. When reheating, I thaw in the fridge, then crisp in a skillet for best texture.
How do I make it less spicy?
I reduce or omit the chipotle sauce and choose a mild taco seasoning or use just half a packet.
Can I make a vegetarian version?
Absolutely—I swap the beef with seasoned beans or spiced tofu and use plant-based cheese to keep it hearty and delicious.
What sides go well with this burrito?
I like pairing it with salsa, guacamole, tortilla chips, or a simple side salad—something fresh or crunchy to cut through the richness.
Conclusion
I hope this grilled cheese burrito becomes one of my go-tos when I want something indulgent, quick, and crowd-pleasing. It’s fun to make, flexible to adapt, and so satisfying with that melty, crispy exterior.
Print
Easy Grilled Cheese Burrito (Taco Bell Copycat)
- Total Time: 40 minutes to 4 hours (including marinating)
- Yield: 4 servings
- Diet: Low Salt
Description
Juicy grilled chicken marinated in a sweet and tangy honey mustard sauce that caramelizes beautifully, delivering a perfect balance of smoky, savory, and sweet flavors.
Ingredients
1 1/2 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs
1/4 cup honey
3 tbsp Dijon mustard
1 tbsp yellow mustard
2 tbsp olive oil
1 tbsp apple cider vinegar
1/2 tsp garlic powder
1/2 tsp salt
1/4 tsp black pepper
Fresh parsley, for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- In a bowl, whisk together honey, Dijon mustard, yellow mustard, olive oil, apple cider vinegar, garlic powder, salt, and pepper.
- Place chicken in a resealable bag or shallow dish. Pour in half the marinade (reserve the rest for basting) and refrigerate 30 minutes to 4 hours.
- Preheat grill to medium-high heat and oil the grates.
- Grill chicken 5–7 minutes per side, basting with reserved marinade during the last few minutes, until internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
- Transfer to a plate, rest a few minutes, garnish with parsley if desired, and serve.
Notes
Add hot sauce or cayenne pepper for a spicy kick.
Mix in rosemary or thyme for an herbal note.
For oven-baked chicken, cook at 400°F (200°C) for 20–25 minutes.
Swap honey for maple syrup for a different sweetness profile.
Marinate cubed chicken and grill on skewers for faster cooking.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes (plus marinating time)
- Cook Time: 12–15 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Grilling
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 270
- Sugar: 13g
- Sodium: 320mg
- Fat: 11g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 15g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 27g
- Cholesterol: 75mg