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This Grilled Cheese Burrito is the ultimate comfort food mashup, born from a late night craving for something both cheesy and satisfyingly Tex Mex. It takes the best parts of a crispy grilled cheese sandwich and stuffs it with a perfectly seasoned beef filling, creamy sauces, and a surprise crunch, creating an unforgettable meal that’s pure indulgence.
I first threw this together using leftovers from taco night, and my family went absolutely wild for that crispy cheese crust. Now it’s our go to recipe for a fun, hands on dinner that feels like a special treat.
Ingredients
- One pound ground beef: Provides a hearty, savory base. An 80/20 blend works best for great flavor and moisture.
- One tablespoon olive oil: Is perfect for sautéing the aromatics without burning.
- One medium onion: Builds a sweet, flavorful foundation for the entire filling.
- One teaspoon salt: Is crucial for enhancing all the other flavors in the dish.
- One half teaspoon black pepper: Adds a familiar, mild background heat.
- One teaspoon smoked paprika: Lends a deep, smoky note that is essential for that classic Tex Mex taste.
- One half teaspoon dried oregano: Gives a subtle, earthy herbacousness that complements the beef.
- One 8 ounce can tomato sauce: Binds the beef mixture together and adds a touch of bright acidity.
- Four large flour tortillas: Are the vessel for this creation. Make sure they’re burrito sized to hold everything.
- One half cup spicy mayo: Adds a creamy kick of heat. You can buy it premade or mix sriracha into regular mayo.
- One cup fried rice: Day old rice is best as it's drier and prevents the burrito from becoming soggy.
- One half cup nacho cheese sauce: Delivers that gooey, nostalgic, and irresistible cheese flavor.
- One quarter cup sour cream: Provides a cool, tangy contrast that balances the richness and spice.
- One half cup crushed tortilla chips: Add an amazing, unexpected crunch that takes this to the next level.
- One cup shredded Mexican cheese blend: Is the star of the show, creating that beautiful, crispy grilled cheese exterior.
Step by Step Instructions
- Sauté the Aromatics:
- Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat until it shimmers. Add the diced onion and cook, stirring occasionally, for about 5 minutes. You want them to become soft and translucent with slightly golden edges to build a deep, sweet flavor base for the beef.
- Brown and Season the Beef:
- Add the ground beef to the skillet with the cooked onions. Use a wooden spoon to break the meat into small crumbles as it cooks. Continue cooking until no pink remains, about 6 to 8 minutes. Drain any excess grease if needed. Stir in the salt, black pepper, smoked paprika, and oregano, and cook for one more minute to toast the spices until they become very fragrant.
- Simmer with Tomato Sauce:
- Pour the tomato sauce over the seasoned beef. Stir everything together well, then reduce the heat to low. Let the mixture simmer for 5 minutes, allowing the sauce to thicken slightly and coat the beef completely.
- Set Up and Fill the Burritos:
- Lay a large flour tortilla on a clean, flat surface. Spread a layer of spicy mayo down the center. Top that with a layer of the fried rice, a drizzle of nacho cheese sauce, a dollop of sour cream, and a generous sprinkle of crushed tortilla chips. Finish by spooning a good amount of the beef mixture on top of the other fillings.
- Roll and Prep for Grilling:
- To roll the burrito, first fold the two shorter sides inward over the filling. Then, take the edge of the tortilla closest to you, pull it up and over the filling, and tuck it in as tightly as you can. Continue to roll it away from you into a snug, secure log.
- Grill to a Crispy Cheese Crust:
- Heat a large non stick skillet over medium heat. Sprinkle about a quarter cup of the shredded cheese directly onto the hot skillet, forming a rectangle roughly the size of your burrito. Place the burrito seam side down right on top of the cheese. Let it cook for 2 to 3 minutes, until the cheese melts and forms a golden, crispy crust that sticks to the tortilla. Carefully flip and repeat on the other side if you want cheese on both.
- Serve and Enjoy:
- Remove the finished burrito from the skillet. You can serve it whole or slice it in half on a diagonal to show off all those delicious layers inside. Enjoy it immediately while it's hot and the cheese is crispy.
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My favorite ingredient has to be the crushed tortilla chips inside. That surprising crunch in the middle of all the soft, gooey fillings is what makes this burrito so memorable. It was a happy accident the first time I made it, and now I could never imagine making it without them.
Storage and Reheating Tips
Leftover grilled cheese burritos can be stored by wrapping them tightly in aluminum foil and keeping them in the refrigerator for up to three days. To reheat, place the foil wrapped burrito in an oven preheated to 350°F for about 15 to 20 minutes. For the best results and to revive that crispy crust, unwrap it for the last few minutes or heat it in a dry non stick skillet over medium low heat. Avoid the microwave, as it will make the tortilla and the cheese crust soft and soggy.
Ingredient Swaps and Additions
This recipe is incredibly flexible. You can easily swap the ground beef for ground chicken, turkey, or even crumbled chorizo. For a vegetarian version, use a can of black beans mixed with sautéed bell peppers and corn. Feel free to add other fillings like jalapeños for more heat, a scoop of guacamole for extra creaminess, or some chopped cilantro for a fresh, vibrant flavor.
How to Serve Your Burrito
While this burrito is a full meal on its own, it’s also great with a few simple sides. Serve it with a lime wedge for squeezing over the top to add a bit of fresh acidity. A side of fresh salsa, pico de gallo, or extra guacamole for dipping is always a great choice. For a more complete meal, pair it with a light and refreshing cabbage slaw or a simple side salad with a cilantro lime dressing.
Frequently Asked Questions
- → Can I substitute the ground beef with another protein?
Yes, you can easily substitute the ground beef with ground chicken, shredded chicken, or even black beans for a vegetarian option.
- → What can I use in place of the spicy mayo?
If you don't have spicy mayo, you can mix your favorite hot sauce with regular mayonnaise. Adjust the amount of hot sauce to achieve your desired level of spiciness.
- → How do I prevent the burrito from becoming soggy?
Allow the beef mixture to cool slightly before assembling the burrito. This reduces the amount of moisture that can seep into the tortilla.
- → Can I prepare these burritos ahead of time?
Yes, you can assemble the burritos ahead of time and store them in the refrigerator. However, grilling them fresh is best for a crispy cheese crust.
- → What are some good side dishes to serve with these burritos?
These burritos pair well with guacamole, salsa, sour cream, lime wedges, or a refreshing cabbage slaw.
- → How do I get the cheese crust extra crispy?
Make sure your skillet is hot and use a non-stick skillet. Use a generous amount of shredded cheese and press the burrito down gently while it's grilling. Don't move it until the cheese is golden brown.