Name: The Ultimate Copycat Grilled Cheese Burrito
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 45 min
Cuisine: Mexican-American
Ingredients: 1 Tbsp unsalted butter; ¾ cup uncooked basmati rice (rinsed); 1 tsp garlic powder; 1 tsp kosher salt; 1 tsp onion powder; 1 cup low-sodium chicken broth; ½ cup tomato sauce; 1 Tbsp neutral oil; 1 lb ground beef; 1 tsp garlic powder; 1 tsp ground cumin; ½ tsp chili powder; ½ tsp kosher salt; ½ tsp onion powder; ½ tsp paprika; ½ cup low-sodium chicken broth; ½ cup tomato sauce; ½ cup sour cream; ¼ cup mayonnaise; 1 Tbsp chipotle sauce from canned chipotles in adobo; ½ tsp kosher salt; 6 10” flour tortillas; ½ cup store-bought or homemade queso, divided; 1 cup red tortilla chips, broken into large pieces; 8 oz cheddar, shredded (about 1½ cups), divided; Sour cream & hot sauce for serving

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Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This Copycat Grilled Cheese Burrito brings all the indulgence of the fast-food version right to your kitchen, with a perfectly seasoned filling wrapped in a soft flour tortilla, crispy on the outside, and full of flavor inside. The combination of Spanish rice, seasoned beef, and the smoky chipotle mayo will have you coming back for more. Plus, it’s a quick, easy dinner that’s sure to satisfy!

Ingredients

For the Spanish Rice:

1 Tbsp unsalted butter
¾ cup uncooked basmati rice (rinsed)
1 tsp garlic powder
1 tsp kosher salt
1 tsp onion powder
1 cup low-sodium chicken broth
½ cup tomato sauce

For the Seasoned Beef:

1 Tbsp neutral oil
1 lb ground beef
1 tsp garlic powder
1 tsp ground cumin
½ tsp chili powder
½ tsp kosher salt
½ tsp onion powder
½ tsp paprika
½ cup low-sodium chicken broth
½ cup tomato sauce

For the Chipotle Mayo:

½ cup sour cream
¼ cup mayonnaise
1 Tbsp chipotle sauce from canned chipotles in adobo
½ tsp kosher salt

For the Assembly:

6 10” flour tortillas
½ cup store-bought or homemade queso, divided
1 cup red tortilla chips, broken into large pieces
8 oz cheddar, shredded (about 1½ cups), divided
Sour cream & hot sauce for serving

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

The Ultimate Copycat Grilled Cheese Burrito

Method

1. Make the Spanish Rice

In a small saucepan over medium heat, melt the butter.
Add the rice and toast, stirring for about 5 minutes until fragrant.
Stir in garlic powder, salt, and onion powder.
Pour in the broth and tomato sauce, bringing the mixture to a boil.
Reduce heat to low, cover, and cook undisturbed for 17 minutes.
Remove from heat, fluff with a fork, and set aside.

2. Prepare the Seasoned Beef

While the rice cooks, heat oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
Add the beef and cook, breaking it up with a spoon for about 7 minutes, until browned.
Drain any excess fat.
Sprinkle in garlic powder, cumin, chili powder, salt, onion powder, and paprika, stirring for 1 minute.
Pour in the broth and tomato sauce, simmering until the liquid is mostly absorbed and the mixture becomes saucy. Set aside.

3. Whip Up the Chipotle Mayo

In a small bowl, whisk together the sour cream, mayonnaise, chipotle sauce, and salt until smooth.

4. Assemble & Grill the Burritos

Lay a tortilla flat and layer in the center:
- ~⅓ cup Spanish rice
- ~⅓ cup seasoned beef
- 1 Tbsp chipotle mayo
- 1 Tbsp queso
- A handful of broken tortilla chips
Fold in the left and right edges of the tortilla, then roll from bottom to top tightly.
Heat a skillet over medium heat.
Sprinkle about ¼ cup shredded cheddar in a line in the skillet.
Place the burrito seam-side down onto the cheese. Cook for 2–3 minutes until the cheese crisps and forms a crust.
Flip and toast the opposite side for 1–2 minutes.
Repeat with the remaining burritos.

5. Serve

Plate the burritos, dollop with sour cream, drizzle with hot sauce, and enjoy immediately!

Servings and Timing

This recipe makes 6 burritos and takes approximately:

Prep time: 20 minutes
Cook time: 25 minutes
Total time: 45 minutes

Variations

Vegetarian Option: Swap the beef for seasoned crumbled tofu or black beans for a vegetarian-friendly burrito.
Extra Crunch: For maximum crispiness, drain the burritos on a wire rack after grilling.
Make It Spicy: Add extra chipotle sauce or sprinkle some jalapeño slices inside the burrito for a spicier kick.

Storage/Reheating

Storage: Store leftover burritos in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days.
Reheating: To reheat, wrap the burrito in foil and bake at 350°F for 10-15 minutes until heated through, or reheat in a skillet over medium heat until crispy.

FAQs

1. Can I use ground turkey instead of beef?

Yes, ground turkey or chicken can be substituted for the beef. Just make sure to season it well to enhance the flavor.

2. Can I make this burrito ahead of time?

You can prepare the rice and beef up to 2 days ahead of time and refrigerate them separately. Reheat and assemble the burritos when you’re ready to serve.

3. Can I make the chipotle mayo spicier?

Absolutely! If you like it spicier, add more chipotle sauce or toss in a few dashes of hot sauce to increase the heat level.

4. Can I use a different type of cheese?

Yes, you can substitute cheddar with Monterey Jack, pepper jack, or any other cheese you prefer.

5. Can I freeze the burritos?

Yes, you can freeze the assembled burritos before grilling. Wrap each burrito tightly in foil and freeze for up to 3 months. To reheat, bake at 350°F for 20-25 minutes.

6. Can I use a different type of tortilla?

Yes! You can use flour tortillas, whole wheat tortillas, or even gluten-free tortillas if needed.

7. How can I make this recipe vegetarian?

You can swap the beef for black beans or seasoned crumbled tofu, along with any veggies you’d like to add.

8. Can I serve this with other sides?

Yes! These burritos pair wonderfully with a simple salad, Mexican street corn, or a side of guacamole and chips.

9. How do I prevent the tortilla from breaking when rolling?

Make sure the tortilla is warm and flexible before assembling. You can briefly warm them in the microwave or on a skillet before rolling to make them more pliable.

10. Can I use homemade queso?

Yes, homemade queso works great in this recipe. You can make it ahead of time and store it in the fridge for easy assembly.

Conclusion

The Ultimate Copycat Grilled Cheese Burrito is a fun, indulgent, and flavorful twist on the classic fast-food favorite. With seasoned beef, Spanish rice, crunchy chips, and smoky chipotle mayo, these burritos will be a hit every time. They’re perfect for dinner, parties, or any time you want a delicious Tex-Mex treat!