Copycat Taco Bell Grilled Cheese Burritos Recipe

Craving that savory, melty, crispy magic of Taco Bell’s famous grilled cheese burritos? Say hello to these copycat Taco Bell Grilled Cheese Burritos—packed with seasoned beef, zesty Spanish rice, crunchy tortilla chips, a creamy chipotle mayo, gooey cheese, and a golden, toasted tortilla wrap. This recipe nails all the layers and flavors you love, and trust me, every bite is pure comfort wrapped up in a handheld feast.

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Ingredients You’ll Need

The secret to these copycat Taco Bell Grilled Cheese Burritos is starting with simple yet flavorful ingredients that work together to deliver irresistible layers—each component really counts for taste, texture, and that signature grilled goodness. Let’s break down what you’ll need and why!

• Basmati Rice: A fluffy, long-grain rice that toasts beautifully and soaks up the savory tomato sauce for authentic Spanish rice flavor.
• Unsalted Butter: Helps toast the rice and gives the whole dish a rich, savory edge.
• Garlic Powder, Onion Powder, and Kosher Salt: Essential for infusing both the rice and beef with flavor; you’ll use these in both layers.
• Low-sodium Chicken Broth: Adds depth and keeps the rice and beef gloriously moist and tender.
• Tomato Sauce: Lends the rice and beef their distinctive reddish hue and a hint of sweet tang.
• Ground Beef: The key protein—make sure to break it up well while browning for a tender, seasoned base.
• Ground Cumin, Chili Powder, Paprika: Classic taco spices that bring warmth, smokiness, and gentle heat to your beef filling.
• Neutral Oil (like canola or vegetable): For browning the beef without adding extra flavor that overshadows your spices.
• Sour Cream, Mayonnaise, & Chipotle Sauce: The dreamy trio behind the chipotle mayo—the touch of chipotle brings smoky heat, while the sour cream and mayo make it creamy-smooth.
• Flour Tortillas (10-inch): Big enough to hold all those generous fillings for a hearty burrito.
• Cheddar Cheese: Shred it yourself for maximum melt and the best “grilled cheese” effect on the outside.
• Queso Cheese Sauce: A gooey, pourable cheese that adds another layer of melt and flavor.
• Red Tortilla Chips: Broken up for that signature Taco Bell crunch inside every burrito.
• Sour Cream & Hot Sauce, for Serving: Cool, tangy, and spicy finishing touches to dip or drizzle at the table.

Variations

What makes these copycat Taco Bell Grilled Cheese Burritos so fun is how customizable they are—you can tweak the fillings to fit your pantry, your taste buds, or your dietary needs. Don’t be afraid to put your own spin on them!

• Make It Vegetarian: Swap out the ground beef for plant-based crumbles or seasoned sautéed mushrooms for a delicious meatless option.
• Spice Levels: Amp up the heat by adding pickled jalapeños inside or some extra chipotle in the mayo—or drop down the spice for kids by using plain mayo and mild taco sauce.
• Cheese Lover’s Dream: Use a mix of pepper jack, Monterey Jack, and cheddar for serious cheesy pull factor and a variety of flavors.
• Gluten-Free: Try with your favorite gluten-free tortillas if you avoid wheat, and check that your chips and seasoning are safe.

How to Make Copycat Taco Bell Grilled Cheese Burritos

Step 1: Toast and Cook the Spanish Rice

Start by melting butter in a small saucepan, then add your rinsed basmati rice. Toast the rice over medium heat, stirring every so often, until it’s golden and smells nutty—about 5 minutes. Stir in your seasonings and let them warm through, then pour in the chicken broth and tomato sauce. Bring everything to a boil, reduce to low, cover, and let it gently steam until fluffy, about 17 minutes. When finished, fluff the rice with a fork to keep the grains tender and separate.

Step 2: Cook the Seasoned Beef Filling

In a large skillet, heat neutral oil over medium heat and add your ground beef. Crumble and cook until browned, then sprinkle in garlic powder, cumin, chili powder, onion powder, salt, and paprika. Cook for another minute to bloom the spices, then add chicken broth and tomato sauce. Simmer until the beef is saucy but not watery—the mixture should be juicy, but not drippy, to prevent soggy burritos.

Step 3: Whip Up Chipotle Mayo

In a small bowl, stir together sour cream, mayonnaise, a spoonful of that glorious chipotle sauce (straight from the can of chiles in adobo), and a pinch of salt. Taste and adjust to your spice preference—you can always add an extra dash for more smoky depth!

Step 4: Assemble Your Copycat Taco Bell Grilled Cheese Burritos

Lay a flour tortilla flat, and in the center, layer about 1/2 cup of Spanish rice, 1/2 cup of seasoned beef, a tablespoon of chipotle mayo, a drizzle of queso, and a handful of broken red tortilla chips. Fold in the sides, then roll up the burrito tightly to keep all those flavors and textures inside. Repeat to make six burritos in total.

Step 5: Griddle the Burritos for That Signature Cheese Crust

Heat a large nonstick skillet over medium. Sprinkle about 1/4 cup of shredded cheddar in a burrito-length line down the center of the skillet. Place the burrito seam side down directly onto the cheese so it fuses to the tortilla. Once the cheese is crispy and golden-brown, use a spatula to carefully flip the burrito, pressing gently. Cook the other side until warm and slightly crisp—this step gives that coveted “sheet of cheese” on the outside!

Step 6: Serve and Enjoy

Transfer your hot, melty burritos to a platter, then serve immediately with sides of sour cream and hot sauce. Dig in while it’s freshly gooey and warm—this is Taco Bell, reimagined for your own kitchen!

How to Serve Copycat Taco Bell Grilled Cheese Burritos

Garnishes

Scatter fresh cilantro, extra shredded cheese, or a handful of sliced scallions over your Copycat Taco Bell Grilled Cheese Burritos for a pop of color and extra flavor. For those who like it zippy, a squeeze of lime or pickled jalapeños on the side is a wonderful touch!

Side Dishes

Serve these burritos with crunchy chips and guac, classic refried beans, or a lively corn salad. Even a simple side salad with lime vinaigrette will cut the richness and keep things fresh and fun.

Creative Ways to Present

Try slicing the burritos into halves or thirds and stacking the pieces on a platter for a casual, party-friendly vibe. You can also wrap each in wax paper like your favorite taco spot does for a playful, grab-and-go presentation!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Let leftover burritos cool to room temperature, then wrap tightly in foil or plastic wrap. Store them in the fridge for up to 3 days—the flavors only get deeper as they sit!

Freezing

For longer storage, tightly wrap cooled, un-griddled burritos in foil and freeze for up to a month. When ready to enjoy, thaw overnight in the fridge. Add the cheese crust and griddle just before serving for best results.

Reheating

To reheat, warm the burrito in a nonstick skillet over medium heat until heated through, re-crisping the cheese if needed. Alternatively, use the oven at 350°F, wrapped in foil for about 12–15 minutes—microwave in a pinch, but for the crispiest texture, always finish with a quick pan-toasting.

FAQs

Final Thoughts

If you’re looking to bring fast-food joy home, you simply have to try these copycat Taco Bell Grilled Cheese Burritos. It’s the perfect combination of comfort, crunch, and crazy-good cheese pulls—and once you try it, it just might become your new weeknight favorite. Whip up a batch, gather your favorite people, and savor that melty, homemade magic!

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