
This Grilled Cheese Burrito mashes up cheesy sandwich comfort with bold Mexican flavors for a handheld treat that’s hard to put down. Inspired by the Taco Bell classic, but made at home with well-seasoned meat, zesty Spanish rice, rich chipotle sauce, and that extra crunchy cheese crust on the outside. Honestly, this version is tastier and totally hits the spot.
Made a batch at my place last weekend and my friends swore I got takeout. Even my Taco Bell fanatic neighbor swears these are top-tier—no bigger compliment! That cheese-outside trick? It’s my new go-to for turning any burrito into the main event.
Mouthwatering Ingredients for a Grilled Cheese Burrito
- Shredded Mexican Cheese Blend (1 cup): Forms that golden crunchy outside everyone loves.
- Tortilla Strips (½ cup): Tosses in big-time crunch beside the creamy stuff inside.
- Nacho Cheese (½ cup): Brings that classic fast food cheesy richness.
- Adobo Paste (3-4 tbsp): Kicks in extra smoky heat—add more or less, your call.
- Mayonnaise (¾ cup): Creamy stuff for the chipotle sauce.
- Jasmine Rice (1 cup): Soaks up all those bold flavors and adds some fluffiness.
- Cumin (1 tsp): Does that earthy thing all good taco fillings have.
- Smoked Paprika (1 tsp): Pushes in a touch of smoky depth.
- Coriander (1 tsp): Brightens everything with mild citrusy vibes.
- Chili Powder (2 tsp): Warms things up with a little mild spice.
- Minced Garlic (2 tsp): Makes the meat extra aromatic and full of flavor.
- Ground Beef (1 lb, 90/10 or 85/15): Main protein and keeps you full for hours.
Step-by-Step How-To
Here’s how to whip up your own Grilled Cheese Burrito:
- Make the Cheese Shell
- Heat a pan, scatter shredded cheese in, and press the burrito seam-down on top. Give it a bit till the cheese crisps and turns golden.
- Put the Burritos Together
- Warm tortillas. Swipe on some chipotle sauce, then layer Spanish rice, nacho cheese, sour cream, tortilla strips, and the meat. Roll it all up right.
- Mix Up the Chipotle Sauce
- Throw mayo, sour cream, lime juice, honey, adobo paste, chili powder, black pepper in a bowl and stir until silky. Add more heat if you want.
- Prep the Spanish Rice
- Toast jasmine rice in butter for a couple minutes till it gets a little brown. Pour in chicken broth, tomato sauce, salt, cumin, garlic powder. Let it simmer covered about 20 minutes. Don’t forget to fluff after resting!
- Season & Brown the Meat
- Warm oil in a skillet, toss in the beef and cook till browned. Stir in garlic, all the spices, a bit of salt and pepper. Let it all bubble away with beef broth and tomato sauce, about 5 minutes.

Unbeatable Crunch & Cream
This one’s all about the combo—crispy cheese outside, soft tortilla, saucy fillings, tender rice and beef, and that awesome crunch from tortilla strips. No two bites taste exactly the same, which keeps it fun all the way through.
Switch It Up Your Way
Use these basics as a springboard. Swap in ground turkey or chicken for beef if you want something lighter. Go veggie with spiced black beans or roasted veggies. If you love heat, chop in some jalapeños or shake on extra hot sauce. Trust me, that cheese pan-crust trick is good with whatever you stuff inside.

First time I tried the cheese crust, I flipped the burrito too soon and made a gooey disaster. Gotta be patient—wait until you see the edges brown before touching it. Line this up with every burrito I make now. Seriously, the crunch takes a regular wrap to the next level. Every bite just makes you want another.
Frequently Asked Questions
- → Can I make the different parts for Burrito Supreme Grillito in advance?
- Go for it! Cook the beef filling and Spanish rice a day or two early, pop them in the fridge, and make your chipotle sauce a couple of days ahead too. When you’re set to eat, just warm up the meat and rice, put everything together, and grill as usual so the cheese layer gets super crispy.
- → What if I can’t find adobo paste for the chipotle sauce?
- No worries—grab a small handful of chipotle peppers from a can of adobo, mince them, and use some of that saucy stuff they’re packed in. If you’re in a pinch, mix some chipotle powder with tomato paste and a bit of vinegar to get that smoky kick.
- → Can I do this with chicken instead of beef?
- Totally! Swap in ground chicken or turkey, or cut up boneless chicken thighs or breasts. Just cook them till they’re done (smaller pieces need about 7-8 minutes). Use the same seasonings so you still get that big flavor.
- → How should I keep and reheat leftover grilled burritos?
- Put any leftovers in a sealed container in the fridge for three days max. Don’t microwave them if you want to keep things crisp—warm them in the oven at 350°F for about 10-15 minutes or toss them in a skillet on medium-low, flipping to heat them up all the way through.