Ever found yourself torn between a comforting grilled cheese sandwich and a hearty burrito? Well, the Grilled Cheese Burrito brilliantly combines these two beloved comfort foods into one mouthwatering creation. This fusion dish wraps all the gooey, melty goodness of a grilled cheese inside a warm tortilla with savory fillings.
Perfect for busy weeknights or weekend lunches, this recipe transforms ordinary ingredients into something truly special. The outside gets crispy and golden while the inside remains deliciously cheesy and packed with flavor – it’s the best of both worlds in every bite!
Why You’ll Love This
- Combines two comfort food favorites into one satisfying meal
- Customizable with your favorite burrito fillings
- Kid-friendly but sophisticated enough for adults
- Makes great leftovers for lunch the next day
- Perfect for using up leftover rice, beans, or proteins
Ingredients
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 1 tsp salt and black pepper to taste
- 1 tsp smoked paprika
- 1 tsp dried oregano
- ½ cup tomato sauce
- 4 large flour tortillas
- 3 tbsp spicy mayo
- 1 cup cooked fried rice
- 1 cup warm nacho cheese sauce
- 1 cup sour cream
- 1 cup crushed tortilla chips
- Shredded Mexican cheese blend (optional)
Instructions
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and cook for about 5 minutes until it's soft and see-through. Toss in the ground beef and cook until it's completely browned, breaking it up as you go. Sprinkle in the salt, pepper, smoked paprika, and oregano, stirring for about a minute to let those spices wake up. Pour in the tomato sauce, turn the heat down low, and let everything simmer together for 5 minutes.
- Lay each flour tortilla flat on your work surface. Spread about a tablespoon of spicy mayo down the center of each one – this will be your flavor base and help everything stick together.
- Start layering your fillings down the center of each tortilla. Add a scoop of fried rice first, then drizzle with warm nacho cheese sauce. Add a dollop of sour cream and sprinkle some crushed tortilla chips for that perfect crunch. Top it all off with a generous helping of your seasoned ground beef.
- Fold in the sides of each tortilla, then roll tightly from the bottom up, making sure to keep everything tucked in nice and snug. You don't want any filling escaping during the grilling process.
- Heat a non-stick skillet or griddle over medium heat. If you want extra cheesy goodness, sprinkle some shredded Mexican cheese directly on the hot surface. Place each burrito seam-side down on top and grill for 2-3 minutes per side until the outside is golden and crispy.
- Cut each burrito in half if you like and serve immediately while the cheese is still melty. Don't forget to put out some extra spicy mayo for dipping!
Tips & Variations
- Add cooked ground beef, shredded chicken, or seasoned tofu for extra protein
- Try different cheese combinations like pepper jack and Monterey for more flavor
- Spread a thin layer of refried beans inside the tortilla to help “glue” it closed
- Make it breakfast-style by adding scrambled eggs and breakfast potatoes
- For a crispier exterior, brush the outside of the burrito with butter before grilling
- Use a panini press instead of a skillet for even heating and those classic grill marks
Serving Suggestions
Serve these Grilled Cheese Burritos with small bowls of salsa, guacamole, and extra sour cream for dipping. A simple side salad with lime vinaigrette or some tortilla chips makes this a complete meal.
For a fun family dinner, set up a “burrito bar” with all the fillings and let everyone customize their own before you grill them to perfection.
Notes
- Store any leftover burritos wrapped in foil in the refrigerator for up to 2 days.
- Reheat in a 350°F oven for 15 minutes or in a skillet over medium-low heat until warmed through.
- The burrito is done when the tortilla is golden brown and crispy, and the cheese is completely melted.
FAQs
Can I make these ahead of time?
Yes! You can assemble the burritos up to a day ahead and refrigerate them wrapped in plastic. Just grill them when you’re ready to eat.
How do I prevent my burrito from falling apart while grilling?
Make sure not to overfill, fold tightly, and place seam-side down first when grilling to seal it.
Can I freeze these burritos?
Yes, you can freeze them before grilling. Wrap each in foil, freeze, then thaw in the refrigerator before grilling.
What’s the best cheese to use for maximum meltiness?
American cheese melts the smoothest, but a combination of cheddar and Monterey Jack also works beautifully.
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