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Bring that famous grilled cheese burrito from Taco Bell straight to your kitchen with this twist on Tex-Mex street eats. Each bite is packed with comfort—think spicy ground beef, super creamy nacho cheese, and crunchy tortilla chips all wrapped inside a crispy toasted tortilla. It’s a hit whether you’re chilling with friends or cozying up at home. Trust me, each mouthful brings a smile.
When I first made this for my crew, they were instantly hooked—now it’s a total go-to for our movie marathons.
Tasty Ingredients
- Ground beef: super hearty, fills you right up; try to grab some fresh stuff if you can
- Olive oil: mild flavor, helps things sizzle up; go with extra virgin for best results
- Onion: chop it tiny for sweetness and depth; red ones taste milder if you like that vibe
- Salt and black pepper: make everything pop; freshly cracked pepper’s where it’s at
- Smoked paprika: gets you a smoky kick; Spanish paprika has an extra-bold flavor
- Dried oregano: pulls all those Tex-Mex flavors together; go for Greek or Italian oregano
- Tomato sauce: brings some juiciness; pick plain crushed tomatoes for clean taste
- Big wheat tortillas: easy to wrap, holds tons of filling; always check for freshness before buying
- Spicy mayo: adds zip and creaminess; spice it up with chili powder if you want
- Fried rice: extra texture and heartiness; using yesterday’s rice is perfect here
- Nacho cheese sauce: gets everything melty and smooth; homemade or top-shelf stuff is best
- Sour cream: bright and cool, cuts through the rich stuff; look for the ultra creamy kind
- Tortilla chips: all about that crunch; open a fresh bag for each batch
Step-by-Step Guide
- Brown and season the meat:
- Toss the ground beef into your pan and cook until it’s all the way done, breaking up those chunks as you go. Sprinkle in smoked paprika, dried oregano, salt, and pepper. Let the seasonings toast for at least a minute so they get even more flavorful.
- Prep those onions:
- Heat olive oil in a big pan, then toss in the diced onions and let 'em cook until golden—about eight minutes. They'll take your filling to the next level with all that flavor.
- Simmer with tomato sauce:
- Pour your tomato sauce over the meat mixture. Turn the heat down and simmer for five minutes or so, just long enough to blend the flavors and make sure everything stays juicy.
- Build your burritos:
- Lay out a tortilla, spread spicy mayo down the center, then spoon on the fried rice. Drizzle plenty of nacho cheese, add sour cream, and sprinkle some tortilla chips right over the top. Heap on the meaty filling to finish it off.
- Grill and wrap:
- Fold the sides in a bit and roll it up super tight so nothing falls out. Preheat your pan, toss a bit of shredded cheese in, and set the burrito seam-side down so it gets that perfect golden crunch. Let it cook for two or three minutes on each side till the cheese is crisp and gorgeous.
- Dig in:
- Grab those burritos while they’re hot and dunk them in some extra spicy mayo or cheesy sauce if you’re feeling it.
Good to Know
- There’s loads of protein thanks to all the dairy and beef
- Super satisfying, makes a great meal to share
- You can prep ahead and reheat the next day—no problem
I always go nuts for that crunchy cheese crust on the outside—the first bite is so loud. My brother and I always fought for that last little piece that had all the extra crispy bits. Seriously so tasty.
Storing Tips
They’re easy to make ahead, just roll them up and wrap each one in plastic wrap. Keep in the fridge for up to two days. When you want to heat them, pop onto a grill pan or in the oven to get the outside crunchy again.
Swap Options
You can switch out the beef for chicken or even plant-based ground—tastes just as awesome. Veggie lovers, toss in some corn and kidney beans for more bite if you’re skipping meat. No nacho cheese sauce? Melt some cheddar in the oven for a homemade sauce instead.
How to Serve
Try these with pico de gallo, guac, or some fresh cilantro on top. A quick salad of cucumber, corn, and red onion goes great on the side for fresh crunch.
Tex-Mex Evolution
This dish is a perfect example of modern Tex-Mex in Germany. Families and teens go crazy for these fun, bold flavors. We’ve had plenty of game nights where these grilled cheese burritos totally stole the show at dinner.
Common Questions About This Recipe
- → How can I make these burritos super crispy?
Sprinkle shredded cheese right into your hot pan, then put the rolled burrito on top. That way you get a crunchy, golden cheese crust.
- → Could I use different types of cheese?
Definitely! Grab whatever cheese you like—try cheddar, gouda, or a Mexican blend for more flavor variety.
- → What’s a good sidekick for this burrito?
Fresh salad, salsa, or maybe some guacamole works great for a cool and tasty side.
- → How do I turn up the heat in my burrito?
Add more spicy mayo or toss in some jalapeños for a fiery kick and bold flavor.
- → Can I swap the beef for something vegetarian?
Yep! Use plant-based meat, or try roasted veggies and black beans for a meatless option.