Copycat Taco Bell Grilled Cheese Burritos! (gluten-free)

These Copycat Taco Bell Grilled Cheese Burritos are a must make! Filled with seasoned rice, juicy beef, tortilla chips, cheese and more – these burritos are packed with flavor and are a delicious twist on burrito night.

There’s nothing quite like a burrito stuffed with all your favorite flavors, wrapped up and toasted to crispy perfection. But what if you took that same burrito, added a generous helping of cheese, and grilled it until the edges were golden brown and perfectly melted? That’s where the Grilled Cheese Burrito comes in—a mash-up of cheesy goodness and classic burrito ingredients, all rolled into one epic meal. This version takes it up a notch by adding seasoned beef, chipotle sauce, crunchy tortilla chips, and sour cream or Greek yogurt, making every bite full of flavor and texture.

Today, we’re diving into how to make this crave-worthy dish at home, step by step. Whether you’re looking for a weeknight dinner that’ll wow the family or something to impress guests at your next gathering, this Grilled Cheese Burrito recipe has got you covered.

What ingredients you need to make these Taco Bell Grilled Cheese Burritos:

• Olive oil – Olive oil is used to toast the rice, which brings out a rich, nutty flavor and enhances the rice’s texture. 
• Basmati rice – Basmati rice is a long-grain variety that becomes light and fluffy when cooked. It absorbs the tomato sauce and chicken broth, making it a flavorful base for the burrito. 
• Tomato sauce – Tomato sauce provides a savory, slightly tangy flavor to the rice. It adds moisture and depth of flavor, creating a subtle base that complements the spices and beef
• Chicken broth – Chicken broth is used to cook the rice and adds a savory, rich flavor that plain water can’t provide.
• Cumin, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, oregano – a handful of spices for the rice and beef
• Ground beef – Ground beef is the main protein in this burrito, offering a savory and hearty element. You can use a lean or fatty ground beef depending on your preference.
• Garlic cloves – Fresh garlic adds a robust, aromatic flavor to the beef. It has a sharpness that mellows as it cooks,
• Large flour tortillas – I used these gluten-free ones. Tortillas are the vessel that holds all the burrito components together. Flour tortillas are soft, pliable, and perfect for wrapping because they’re less likely to tear than corn tortillas.
• Shredded cheese – Cheddar or Mexican-blend. Cheese is a key ingredient in the grilled cheese burrito, providing gooey, melted goodness that contrasts with the crisp exterior of the burrito. 
• Tortilla chips – Crushed tortilla chips add a delightful crunch to the burrito, contrasting the creamy cheese and soft fillings. 
• Sour cream or plain greek yogurt – Sour cream or Greek yogurt adds a cool, tangy creaminess to the burrito. 
• Chipotle sauce – I actually used this dipping sauce. Chipotle sauce brings a smoky, spicy kick to the burrito. 

How to Make Grilled Cheese Burritos:

Let’s walk through the process of making these burritos. The recipe is simple and easy to follow, but the result is next-level in taste and texture.

Step 1: Make the Seasoned Rice

Rice is the heart of a good burrito. Here, we’ll infuse it with tomato sauce and flavorful spices to give it a rich, savory taste that pairs perfectly with the beef and cheese.

1. Toast the Rice: Start by warming the olive oil in a medium saucepan over medium heat. Add in the basmati rice and toast it for about 2 to 3 minutes. This step enhances the flavor of the rice by bringing out a slightly nutty taste.

2. Add Liquid and Spices: Once the rice is toasted, add in the chicken broth, tomato sauce, cumin, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Stir everything together to combine.

3. Cook the Rice: Bring the mixture to a boil, then cover the pan and reduce the heat to a simmer. Let it cook for about 18 to 20 minutes (or follow the package instructions). The liquid should be absorbed, and the rice should be tender and fluffy.

Step 2: Prepare the Beef

While the rice is cooking, you can get started on the seasoned beef filling. This savory, spiced ground beef is the backbone of the burrito’s flavor profile.

1. Heat the Olive Oil: In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add in the minced garlic and let it sauté for about 30 seconds, until fragrant.

2. Brown the Ground Beef: Add the ground beef to the skillet and break it up with a meat masher or the back of a spoon. Cook until the beef is fully browned.

3. Add Spices: Once the beef is browned, mix in the smoked paprika, onion powder, cumin, oregano, salt, and pepper. Stir well to ensure the spices are evenly distributed throughout the beef. Let everything cook together for another 2 to 3 minutes so the flavors meld.

Step 3: Assemble the Burritos

Now comes the fun part—putting all the components together to create your grilled cheese burrito masterpiece.

1. Warm the Tortillas: To prevent the tortillas from tearing while wrapping, warm them in between a clean dish towel or paper towels for about 15-30 seconds. You can do this in the microwave or use a skillet to warm them one by one.

2. Layer the Fillings: In the center of each tortilla, spread a layer of chipotle sauce. Then, add a scoop of the seasoned rice, followed by a handful of shredded cheese, a spoonful of sour cream or Greek yogurt, some crushed tortilla chips, and the seasoned ground beef.

3. Wrap It Up: Fold the sides of the tortilla over the filling, then roll it up tightly from the bottom. Warming the tortilla beforehand helps it stay together, so it’s important not to skip this step!

Step 4: Grill the Burritos

What sets these burritos apart is the grilled cheese finish. Here’s how you achieve that crispy, cheesy exterior:

1. Heat the Skillet: Set a non-stick skillet over medium heat and sprinkle some shredded cheese directly onto the skillet. This cheese will melt and form a crispy crust on the outside of the burrito.

2. Grill the Burrito: Place your wrapped burrito on top of the melting cheese. Let it cook for about 2 to 3 minutes, then flip it over and cook the other side for another 2 to 3 minutes. The goal is to achieve a golden-brown, crispy texture on the outside with gooey melted cheese inside.

3. Serve and Enjoy: Once the burritos are grilled to perfection, remove them from the skillet, slice them in half, and serve immediately. Pair your burritos with salsa verde, guacamole, or your favorite hot sauce for dipping.

Tips and Variations for the Perfect Grilled Cheese Burrito:

• Customize Your Protein: If beef isn’t your favorite, swap it out for chicken, pulled pork, or even a plant-based alternative.
• Vegetarian Version: Skip the meat altogether and load up on grilled veggies like bell peppers, zucchini, and onions for a delicious vegetarian burrito.
• Spice it Up: Want more heat? Add some diced jalapeños or a dash of hot sauce to the filling before wrapping the burritos.
• Extra Crunch: The crushed tortilla chips add a delightful crunch, but you can also experiment with other crispy elements like fried onions or crushed pretzels.

Grilled cheese burritos are a next-level comfort food that combines the best of both worlds—cheesy, crispy goodness with all the delicious fillings you love in a burrito. Whether you’re serving them for a casual dinner or a weekend treat, they’re sure to be a hit. Plus, with simple ingredients and easy-to-follow steps, you can whip them up any time you need a satisfying meal with a serious flavor punch.

So grab your ingredients, fire up that skillet, and get ready to enjoy the ultimate grilled cheese burrito experience!

A few other delicious Mexican-inspired recipes:

Taco Stuffed Sweet Potatoes (gluten-free)

High Protein Turkey Black Bean Enchiladas (gluten-free)

Easy Crispy Baked Tacos (gluten-free)

EASY Sheet Pan Quesadillas