Cheesy Skillet Grilled Cheese Burrito

Prep time: 5 minutes | Cook time: 10 minutes | Cost estimate: $5–7 | Serves: 1 hungry person (or maybe 2 little ones!)

Okay, mamas, let’s be real. Sometimes dinnertime feels like a wrestling match with tiny humans. But what if I told you I had a cheesy, melty, oh-so-satisfying weapon in my arsenal? Enter the Grilled Cheese Burrito! This is like Taco Bell snuck into your kitchen and gave your regular grilled cheese a major, flavor-packed upgrade. I swear, the first time I made this, my kids cheered. And the best part? It’s way easier (and cheaper!) than hitting the drive-thru. Plus, those crispy, golden cheese bits on the outside? Forget about it! Total game-changer. Prepare for dinnertime *victory*!

Why You’ll Love These

This isn’t just another burrito; it’s an experience. Why should you ditch the drive-thru and make your own? Let me count the ways:

• Super Speedy – Seriously, from craving to couch in under 15 minutes? Yes, please!
• Kid-Approved – My kiddos are OBSESSED. Enough said.
• Customizable – Want extra spice? Load it up with veggies? You’re the boss of this burrito!
• Budget-Friendly – Way cheaper than takeout, leaving you more cash for, you know, the important things (like that new pair of shoes you’ve been eyeing).
• Totally Delicious – That crispy, cheesy exterior combined with the warm, savory filling? It’s a symphony of flavors, I tell you!

Ingredients

• 1 large (10-12 inch) flour tortilla
• ½ cup cooked ground beef, seasoned with your favorite taco seasoning (pro tip: I like to use Old El Paso taco seasoning for that classic taste!)
• ¼ cup cooked rice (white, brown, or even chicken fried rice works!)
• 2 tablespoons nacho cheese sauce (I won’t judge if you use the jarred kind!)
• 1 tablespoon sour cream
• 1 tablespoon chipotle sauce (or your favorite taco sauce – I love Taco Bell’s Creamy Chipotle Sauce!)
• ½ cup shredded cheddar cheese or a three-cheese blend (cheddar, mozzarella, and Monterey Jack is my go-to)
• Optional: crispy tortilla strips or diced tomatoes for extra crunch and flavor

How to Make

1. Get Your Filling Ready: In a medium bowl, combine the cooked ground beef, cooked rice, nacho cheese sauce, sour cream, and chipotle sauce. Mix it all together until everything is nicely combined.Mom Tip: Taste the filling and adjust the seasonings to your liking! A little extra taco seasoning or a pinch of salt can really amp up the flavor.
2. Assemble the Burrito: Lay the flour tortilla flat on a clean surface. Spoon the filling into the center of the tortilla, leaving a couple of inches of space around the edges.Warning: Don’t overfill the tortilla, or you’ll have a hard time folding it! Trust me, I’ve been there. Overflowing burritos are sad burritos.
3. Fold It Up! Fold in the sides of the tortilla, then fold up the bottom edge tightly over the filling. Roll the burrito forward, tucking in the filling as you go, until you have a nicely wrapped burrito.Pro Tip: The tighter you fold the burrito, the less likely it is to fall apart while grilling.
4. Cheese Time! Sprinkle about half of the shredded cheese evenly on a plate or cutting board. Place the folded burrito on top of the cheese, pressing down slightly so the cheese sticks to the tortilla. Sprinkle the remaining cheese on top of the burrito.Cheese Alert: This is where the magic happens! Don’t skimp on the cheese – it’s what creates that glorious, crispy crust.
5. Grill It Up: Heat a large skillet (cast iron is my fave!) over medium heat. Carefully place the burrito, cheese-side down, into the hot skillet. Cook for 2-3 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and golden brown and crispy.Important! Keep a close eye on the burrito while it’s grilling, as the cheese can burn quickly. You want a golden brown, not a charred black, situation.
6. Flip and Finish: Carefully flip the burrito and cook for another 1-2 minutes, or until the other side is golden brown and the filling is heated through.Safety First: Use a spatula to carefully flip the burrito. Hot cheese is no joke!
7. Serve and Devour: Remove the grilled cheese burrito from the skillet and let it cool slightly before cutting in half and serving. Add your favorite toppings, like sour cream, salsa, or guacamole, if desired.Enjoy! And prepare for your family to shower you with praise. You’re a dinnertime rockstar!

Tips & Tricks

Want to take your grilled cheese burrito game to the next level? Here are a few of my favorite tricks:

• Spice it Up: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or a dash of hot sauce to the ground beef for an extra kick.
• Veggie Power: Mix in some diced bell peppers, onions, or corn to the filling for added nutrients and flavor.
• Queso Dreams: Use queso instead of nacho cheese sauce for an even cheesier experience.
• Make Ahead: Assemble the burritos ahead of time and store them in the refrigerator until you’re ready to grill. This is a great time-saver on busy weeknights.
• Freezer-Friendly: Wrap the assembled burritos tightly in plastic wrap and freeze them for up to 2 months. When ready to eat, thaw overnight in the refrigerator and grill as directed.

Dietary Variations

Got dietary restrictions? No problem! This recipe is easily adaptable.

• Vegetarian: Swap the ground beef for black beans or refried beans.
• Gluten-Free: Use gluten-free tortillas.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use shredded chicken instead of ground beef?

Absolutely! Shredded chicken, carnitas, or even leftover steak would be delicious in this burrito. Just make sure it’s seasoned well!