Crispy Cheese Burrito

Featured in Satisfying Main Dishes for Every Occasion.

Cook beef with taco seasoning, add it to tortillas with rice and nacho cheese, then grill with cheese on the outside for crunch.
Barbara Chef
Updated on Sun, 16 Mar 2025 22:18:31 GMT
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CRISPY CHEESE FILLED BURRITO | chefemmakitchen.com

Gooey cheese creates a crunchy, golden shell wrapping around flavorful beef, velvety nacho sauce, and snappy tortilla pieces in this mind-blowing food combo. This grilled cheese burrito blends two favorite comfort dishes into one amazing treat, giving you different textures and tastes with each awesome bite.

I stumbled on the trick of grilling burritos with cheese on the outside during a midnight cooking session, and I can't go back to regular ones now. My teenage kid, who usually just pushes food around while scrolling on his phone, actually set it down and told me this was 'the most amazing thing you've ever cooked.'

Key Ingredients

  • Ground Beef: Go with lean beef for a solid protein foundation without too much fat.
  • Nacho Cheese Sauce: This smooth, melty stuff adds incredible richness and that classic taste we all love.
  • Colby Jack Cheese: It melts just right to make that awesome crispy outer layer.
  • Chipotle Sauce: Adds smoky kick and mild heat that makes all other flavors pop.
  • Tortilla Strips: They give that necessary crunch against the soft filling and melty cheese.

Making Awesome Grilled Cheese Burritos

Cooking the Beef:
Start by cooking your ground beef until nicely browned, breaking it into tiny, uniform bits. Pour off extra grease before mixing in taco seasoning and water, then let it bubble until the liquid disappears and coats every piece with taste.
Mixing the Sauce:
Stir mayo with chipotle sauce until smooth, adding more or less spicy stuff based on what you like. This quick mix adds tons of flavor to your finished burrito.
Smart Layering:
Put your fillings in the right order—nacho cheese goes down first to keep the tortilla from getting soggy, while crunchy stuff goes last so it stays crisp.
Wrapping Like a Pro:
Tuck in the sides, then roll from the bottom while gently squeezing to make a tight wrap. This keeps everything inside and helps it heat evenly when you grill it.
Making the Cheese Shell:
Sprinkle shredded cheese right on your pan until it starts bubbling, then put your wrapped burrito seam-side down on the melting cheese. Let it turn golden before flipping and doing the other side.
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Cheesy Grilled Burrito Creation | chefemmakitchen.com

When I brought these burritos cut into chunks as snacks at a block party, they vanished in seconds, and three neighbors asked how to make them before we even got to the main dishes.

Tasty Companions

Enjoy these rich burritos with some zesty coleslaw to cut through the heaviness, or try them with fresh pico de gallo for a bright contrast. For a full meal, add some Mexican street corn sprinkled with chili and a squeeze of lime.

Tasty Twists

Switch things up by using seasoned chicken or shredded pork instead of beef. Make a morning version with eggs and sausage. Vegetarians can swap the meat for a filling mixture of black beans and oven-roasted veggies.

Keeping It Fresh

They're best eaten right away, but you can get all the parts ready ahead of time and put them together when you're hungry. If you've got extra assembled (but not yet grilled) burritos, wrap them tight in foil and keep in the fridge for up to two days.

After tweaking this creation many times, I've learned that being patient is the real trick—letting each part develop its full flavor and texture before putting it all together. The difference between the crispy cheese outside and the creamy inside makes for a meal that feels fancy yet doable, impressive but totally manageable.

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Mouthwatering Cheese-Crusted Burrito | chefemmakitchen.com

Frequently Asked Questions

→ Can I swap beef for chicken?
Sure thing! Use ground or shredded chicken, seasoning it just like you would the beef for a similar vibe.
→ What’s a good swap for nacho cheese?
Queso dip works wonders, or mix melted Velveeta and salsa. Shredded cheese with sour cream is another easy option.
→ How do I keep cheese from burning?
Stick to medium-low heat. Watch it closely—the cheese should bubble gently and turn golden without going too dark.
→ Can this be vegetarian?
Totally! Use black or pinto beans, or plant-based meats seasoned the same way to keep the flavors popping.
→ What are good sides for this?
Try some Mexican rice, refried beans, a fresh corn salad, or even a salad with a lime dressing to pair it up.

Ultimate Cheesy Burrito

Packed with spiced beef, gooey nacho cheese, and rice, this burrito gets grilled to crispy perfection with a cheesy outer layer.

Prep Time
15 Minutes
Cook Time
15 Minutes
Total Time
30 Minutes

Category: Main Dishes

Difficulty: Intermediate

Cuisine: Mexican and American Blend

Yield: 4 Servings (4 large wraps)

Dietary: ~

Ingredients

→ Burrito Middle Mixture

01 1/4 cup of water
02 15 oz. of Rico's cheese sauce (nacho style)
03 2 cups of ready-made Mexican-style rice
04 1 packet of taco spice mix
05 Sour cream (optional)
06 A handful of tortilla strips
07 1 pound of lean ground beef
08 1 tbsp chipotle sauce
09 2 tbsp mayo

→ Outer Burrito Components

10 2 cups of grated Colby Jack cheese
11 4 large tortillas (burrito-size)

Instructions

Step 01

On medium heat, cook the beef in a pan until browned, draining any fat. Toss in the taco seasoning and water, then stir and let it thicken for around 5 minutes.

Step 02

Combine mayo and chipotle sauce in a small bowl. Blend it well for a smooth, smoky flavor.

Step 03

Spread nacho cheese along the center of a tortilla. Add beef (1/4 portion), 1/2 cup of rice, some chipotle mayo, crunchy tortilla strips, and optional sour cream if you'd like.

Step 04

Fold the sides of each tortilla inward, then tightly roll from the bottom to enclose everything inside.

Step 05

Sprinkle 1/4 cup of cheese straight onto a heated non-stick skillet. Place a wrapped burrito seam-side down on top and cook until the cheese crisps up and turns golden.

Step 06

Turn the burrito over, add another 1/4 cup of cheese underneath on the skillet, and repeat until both sides are crispy. Do the same with remaining burritos.

Notes

  1. Want extra crunch? Toss some crushed Doritos inside.
  2. Crank up the spice by adding jalapeños or more hot sauce.
  3. To save time, cook your beef mixture in advance.

Tools You'll Need

  • Spatula
  • Mixing bowl (small size)
  • Non-stick cooking pan
  • Medium-sized skillet

Allergy Information

Please check ingredients for potential allergens and consult a health professional if in doubt.
  • Dairy products included (cheese, sour cream)
  • Gluten content present (flour tortillas)
  • Eggs found in mayo