A golden, gooey fusion of two all-time favorites, this Grilled Cheese Burrito recipe combines the melty satisfaction of a grilled cheese sandwich with the bold, flavorful filling of a classic burrito. This irresistible mashup is the perfect answer to your craving for something warm, hearty, and downright indulgent. Filled with seasoned plant-based protein or beans, fluffy rice, creamy cheese, and fresh toppings, then grilled with even more cheese on the outside, it’s a crave-worthy creation that’s easy to whip up in your own kitchen.
Whether you’re prepping a quick dinner, packing a satisfying lunch, or heating up something special for a cozy movie night, this burrito delivers on flavor and comfort every single time.
Why This Grilled Cheese Burrito is a Must-Try
- Combines two comfort food classics in one bite
- Crispy, cheesy outer shell with warm, melty interior
- Fully customizable for different diets and preferences
- Packed with textures—soft, crunchy, creamy, and chewy
- Easy to make with pantry staples and leftovers
- Kid-approved, freezer-friendly, and perfect for meal prep
- Great for vegetarian, dairy-free, or plant-based lifestyles
- Much better than fast food—and healthier, too!
Ingredients
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
- Large flour tortillas (10-inch)
- Plant-based ground “meat” or black beans
- Olive oil (for sautéing, if needed)
- Taco seasoning (store-bought or homemade)
- Water (for seasoning mix)
- Cooked rice (white, brown, or Spanish-style)
- Sour cream or Greek yogurt
- Nacho cheese sauce or shredded cheddar
- Shredded Mexican blend cheese
- Butter or neutral oil (for grilling)
Optional Add-ins:
- Jalapeños or chipotle peppers
- Diced onions or sautéed bell peppers
- Avocado slices or guacamole
- Corn, cilantro, or lime juice for brightness
- Spicy mayo or chipotle crema for added heat
How to Make a Grilled Cheese Burrito
1. Prepare the Filling
Heat a nonstick skillet over medium heat. If using plant-based meat, add a little olive oil to help it brown. Cook the crumbles until heated through and lightly golden. Add taco seasoning and a splash of water. Let it simmer for 2–3 minutes until the mixture thickens. Remove from heat and set aside.
2. Warm the Tortillas
To keep your burritos from cracking while rolling, warm the tortillas in a skillet or microwave for 15–20 seconds. This makes them more flexible and easier to wrap.
3. Assemble the Burritos
Lay each tortilla flat and begin layering your fillings:
- ¼ of the seasoned filling
- A spoonful of cooked rice
- A few tablespoons of black beans (optional)
- A small drizzle of nacho cheese sauce or a sprinkle of shredded cheddar
- A dollop of sour cream or Greek yogurt
- Optional toppings like guacamole, peppers, or onions
Finish with a light handful of shredded Mexican blend cheese.
4. Wrap It Up
Fold in the sides, then roll the tortilla tightly from the bottom to enclose the fillings completely. You should end up with a sealed, compact burrito.
5. Grilled Cheese Exterior
Heat a skillet over medium-low heat. Sprinkle a thin layer of shredded cheese directly onto the skillet in a circle roughly the same size as your burrito. Once the cheese starts to melt and sizzle, carefully place the burrito seam-side down on top. Cook for 2–3 minutes until the cheese is crisp and golden. Flip and repeat for the second side if desired.
6. Serve and Enjoy
Slice each burrito in half and serve immediately while the cheese is melty and the tortilla is crispy. Enjoy with salsa, guacamole, spicy mayo, or your favorite dipping sauce.
Serving Size and Cooking Time
- Servings: Makes 4 hearty burritos
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
Flavorful Variations
Want to make this dish truly your own? Try these customizations:
- Vegetarian Delight: Use lentils, tofu, or double the beans for a hearty, plant-based filling.
- Low-Carb Option: Replace rice with cauliflower rice and use a low-carb tortilla.
- Spicy Kick: Add jalapeños, spicy chipotle mayo, or a splash of hot sauce.
- Fresh and Bright: Toss in corn, chopped red onions, or a handful of chopped cilantro for extra freshness.
- Vegan Twist: Use vegan sour cream and shredded plant-based cheese for a 100% dairy-free burrito.
How to Store and Reheat Grilled Cheese Burritos
Refrigerator: Wrap individual burritos tightly in foil or place in an airtight container. Store in the fridge for up to 3 days.
Freezer: Wrap tightly in parchment or foil, then place in a freezer-safe bag. Freeze for up to 2 months.
Reheating Tips: For best texture, reheat in a skillet or toaster oven until warm and crispy. Avoid the microwave as it can make the tortilla soggy.
Grilled Cheese Burrito
Ingredients
- 1 lb ground beef or plant-based crumbles
- 1 tbsp olive oil (if needed)
- 1 packet taco seasoning or 2 tbsp homemade
- 1/3 cup water
- 1 cup cooked rice white, brown, or Spanish
- 1/2 cup black beans rinsed and drained
- 1/4 cup nacho cheese sauce or shredded cheddar
- 1/2 cup sour cream
- 1 cup shredded Mexican blend cheese
- 4 large flour tortillas (10-inch)
- 1/2 cup shredded cheddar or Mexican blend cheese for grilling
- 1 tbsp butter for skillet
Instructions
- In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef or plant-based crumbles. Add taco seasoning and water, then simmer for 2–3 minutes until the mixture thickens.
- Lay out each tortilla and fill with 1/4 of the meat, rice, beans, cheese sauce or shredded cheddar, and sour cream. Top with Mexican blend cheese.
- Fold in the sides of the tortilla and roll tightly into a burrito shape.
- Heat a skillet over medium-low heat. Sprinkle shredded cheese onto the skillet in a circular shape the size of a burrito, then place the burrito seam-side down on top.
- Grill until the bottom cheese is golden and crispy, about 2–3 minutes. Flip and cook the other side until golden as well.
- Slice in half and serve warm with your choice of dips like salsa or guacamole.
Notes
Nutrition
Frequently Asked Questions
What sets this apart from a regular burrito?
The cheesy, crispy crust on the outside gives this burrito a unique grilled cheese twist that’s both crunchy and gooey.
Can I make this recipe vegetarian or vegan?
Definitely! Swap the plant-based meat for beans, lentils, or tofu, and use dairy-free cheese and yogurt for a vegan version.
Do I need nacho cheese sauce?
It adds creaminess, but shredded cheese works just as well if you prefer a less saucy version.
Can I prep these ahead of time?
Yes—assemble and refrigerate or freeze them ungrilled, then grill when ready to serve for the best texture and flavor.
What’s the best cheese to use?
Shredded cheddar, Monterey Jack, or a Mexican blend melt beautifully and add rich, savory flavor.
How do I keep the burritos from falling apart?
Warming the tortilla before rolling and not overfilling them is key to keeping them intact.
Are these spicy?
Not by default. You can easily make them mild or turn up the heat with spicy add-ins.
Can I use pre-cooked ingredients?
Yes! Leftover rice, canned beans, or pre-cooked protein make this recipe even faster.
What can I serve with grilled cheese burritos?
Chips and salsa, guacamole, a fresh side salad, or even roasted veggies make great accompaniments.
Can I use a panini press?
Absolutely! It’s great for achieving an evenly crispy, melty finish without needing to flip the burrito.
Final Thoughts
This Grilled Cheese Burrito recipe is a comforting, flavor-packed mashup you’ll come back to again and again. Whether you’re cooking for the whole family or just making yourself something extra special, this golden, gooey, satisfying wrap hits the spot every time. With simple ingredients and endless customization, it’s a guaranteed crowd-pleaser that transforms everyday staples into something extraordinary.
Ready to ditch takeout and make your own irresistible grilled cheese burritos at home? Let’s get cooking!