This beef grilled cheese burrito wraps seasoned ground beef, rice, and two melty cheeses in a flour tortilla, then crisps it in butter like a grilled cheese sandwich for a golden, crunchy shell.
It is a handheld dinner that blends the flavors of a burrito with the golden crunch of a grilled cheese, and it comes together in about half an hour. Kids and adults both love the gooey center and crisp exterior.
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Why This Beef Grilled Cheese Burrito Recipe Works
Cooking the beef with chili powder, paprika, and cumin builds a deeply seasoned filling. Mixing in rice and tomatoes stretches it so each burrito feels full without being heavy.
Sour cream stirred in off the heat makes the filling creamy and helps the cheese melt into a cohesive center. Two cheeses give both sharp flavor and gooey stretch.
Grilling the rolled burritos in butter turns the outside golden and crisp. The seam side goes down first so the tortilla seals itself shut as it cooks.
Ingredients for Beef Grilled Cheese Burrito
- The filling uses one pound of ground beef, one small onion, two cloves of garlic, one tablespoon of olive oil, and a mix of chili powder, paprika, cumin, salt, and pepper.
- You also need half a cup of cooked rice, half a cup of diced tomatoes, a quarter cup of sour cream, one cup each of cheddar and Monterey Jack, four large flour tortillas, a tablespoon of cilantro, and a tablespoon of butter.
Ground beef. A little fat keeps the filling juicy, and draining removes the extra.
Rice. Leftover rice works well and soaks up the seasoned juices.
Cheeses. Cheddar adds bite and Monterey Jack adds creamy melt.
Tortillas. Large flour tortillas roll without tearing when warmed first.
Butter. It browns the shell and gives a rich, toasty flavor.
How to Make Beef Grilled Cheese Burrito
1. Cook the aromatics. Heat the oil in a skillet and cook the onion for three minutes until soft, then add the garlic for thirty seconds.
2. Brown the beef. Add the beef and cook for six to eight minutes until browned, then drain the fat.
3. Season. Stir in the chili powder, paprika, cumin, salt, and pepper, then add the rice and tomatoes and cook for two minutes.
4. Add the cream. Remove from the heat and stir in the sour cream.
5. Roll. Warm the tortillas, sprinkle with both cheeses, add the beef mixture and more cheese, and roll up tightly, folding in the sides.
6. Grill. Melt the butter in a clean skillet over medium heat and cook the burritos seam side down for two to three minutes per side until golden and crisp.
Wrap the burritos snugly so the filling stays put during grilling. If the tortilla browns before the cheese melts, lower the heat and cover the pan for a minute to finish the melt.
How to Serve Beef Grilled Cheese Burrito
Slice in half and serve with salsa, guacamole, or extra sour cream, plus a crunchy lime slaw. For more burrito ideas, try loaded bacon cheeseburger burrito, cheesy beef and potato burritos, grilled bacon cheeseburger burrito, or sausage scramble breakfast burritos.
How to Store and Reheat Beef Grilled Cheese Burrito
Cool the burritos fully, wrap them tightly, and refrigerate for up to three days or freeze for up to one month. Reheat in a skillet over medium heat until hot and crisp, or microwave briefly and crisp in the skillet after.
Tips and Variations for Beef Grilled Cheese Burrito
Flag the allergens. This dish contains milk and wheat, and the tortillas may contain soy.
Warm the tortillas. Warm tortillas roll without tearing.
Do not overfill. A modest amount of filling keeps the burrito closed.
Cool the filling slightly. Hot filling melts the cheese too early.
Use medium heat. Low and steady heat melts the cheese while the shell browns.
Do not taste raw beef. Never taste raw ground beef or the seasoning mix before cooking, and wash your hands after handling it.
Cook to temperature. Ground beef should reach 160 F.
Check trusted guidance. Review safe handling with University of Wisconsin Extension leftovers guidance.
Frequently Asked Questions About Beef Grilled Cheese Burrito
What is a beef grilled cheese burrito?
A burrito filled with seasoned beef, rice, and cheese that is browned in butter on the outside like a grilled cheese sandwich.
Can I freeze a beef grilled cheese burrito?
Yes. Wrap each burrito individually and freeze for up to one month, then reheat in a skillet until hot.
How do I keep a beef grilled cheese burrito from falling apart?
Roll it tightly, tuck in the sides, and cook it seam side down first.
Can I use chicken?
Yes. Shredded chicken or ground turkey works with the same seasoning.
Can I bake the burritos?
Yes. Brush with butter and bake at 425 degrees F for about fifteen minutes, turning once.
Beef Grilled Cheese Burrito
Equipment
- Large skillet
- Griddle or clean skillet
- Spatula
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 small onion finely diced
- 2 cloves garlic minced
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 tsp chili powder
- ½ tsp paprika
- ½ tsp ground cumin
- ½ tsp salt
- ¼ tsp black pepper
- ½ cup cooked rice
- ½ cup diced tomatoes
- ¼ cup sour cream
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 cup shredded Monterey Jack cheese
- 1 tbsp chopped cilantro optional garnish
- 4 large flour tortillas
- 1 tbsp butter for grilling
Instructions
Cooking
- Cook. Heat the oil, cook the onion until soft, add the garlic, then brown the beef 6 to 8 minutes. Drain the fat.
- Season. Stir in the chili powder, paprika, cumin, salt, and pepper, then add the rice and tomatoes and cook 2 minutes.
- Cream. Remove from the heat and stir in the sour cream.
- Roll. Warm the tortillas, add both cheeses and the beef mixture, and roll tightly.
- Grill. Melt the butter in a clean skillet and cook the burritos seam side down 2 to 3 minutes per side. Garnish with cilantro.
