Name: Copycat Taco Bell Grilled Cheese Burrito Recipe
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 45 min
Yield: 6 servings
Ingredients: 1 tablespoon olive oil; 1 pound lean ground beef; 3/4 cup water; 1 tablespoon Taco Bell taco seasoning; 1 pouch (8.8 ounces) ready-to-serve Spanish rice; 3 tablespoons nacho cheese sauce; 6 flour tortillas (8 inches); 3 tablespoons Taco Bell chipotle sauce; 4 tablespoons reduced-fat sour cream; 2 cups shredded Mexican cheese blend, divided; 1/2 cup tortilla strips, divided; Extra chipotle sauce, nacho cheese sauce and reduced-fat sour cream, for serving

Copycat Taco Bell Grilled Cheese Burrito – the name itself conjures up images of cheesy, savory goodness, and let me tell you, this recipe delivers that and so much more! If you’ve ever found yourself craving that signature Taco Bell crunch and melty cheese combination, you’re in for a treat. This isn’t just any burrito; it’s an experience. People adore the Copycat Taco Bell Grilled Cheese Burrito because it perfectly captures the essence of the fast-food favorite, but with the added satisfaction of making it yourself, knowing exactly what goes into every delicious bite. What truly makes this version special is the incredible balance of textures and flavors – the perfectly seasoned ground beef, the creamy nacho cheese sauce, the fresh toppings, all hugged by a warm tortilla and then kissed by the grill to achieve that irresistible golden-brown crust and extra layer of melted cheese. Get ready to impress yourself and your taste buds!

Ingredients:

1 tablespoon olive oil
1 pound lean ground beef (90% lean)
3/4 cup water
1 tablespoon Taco Bell taco seasoning
1 pouch (8.8 ounces) ready-to-serve Spanish rice
3 tablespoons nacho cheese sauce
6 flour tortillas (8 inches)
3 tablespoons Taco Bell chipotle sauce
4 tablespoons reduced-fat sour cream
2 cups shredded Mexican cheese blend, divided
1/2 cup tortilla strips, divided
Extra chipotle sauce, nacho cheese sauce and reduced-fat sour cream, for serving

Preparing the Savory Ground Beef Filling

Step 1: Browning the Ground Beef

Begin extract by placing a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the 1 tablespoon of olive oil and let it shimmer. Once the oil is hot, carefully add the 1 pound of lean ground beef to the skillet. Use a spatula or spoon to break up the meat into smaller crum extractbles as it cooks. Continue to cook, stirring occasionally, until the beef is thoroughly browned and no pink remains. This usually takes about 7-10 minutes. It’s important to drain off any excess grease from the skillet at this point to ensure a cleaner, less oily filling. You can do this by tilting the skillet and carefully pouring the fat into a heat-safe container.

Step 2: Seasoning the Beef

Once the beef is browned and drained, it’s time to infuse it with classic Taco Bell flavor. Sprinkle the 1 tablespoon of Taco Bell taco seasoning evenly over the cooked ground beef. Immediately after, pour in the 3/4 cup of water. Stir everything together well to ensure the seasoning and water are fully incorporated into the beef. Bring the mixture to a simmer, then reduce the heat to low, cover the skillet, and let it cook for about 5-7 minutes. This simmering period allows the flavors to meld beautifully and the sauce to thicken slightly, creating a rich and delicious base for your burritos.

Assembling the Burritos

Step 3: Warming the Rice and Incorporating Cheese

While the beef is simmering, let’s prepare the other components of our filling. Open the 1 pouch (8.8 ounces) of ready-to-serve Spanish rice. You can usually warm this directly in its pouch according to package directions, or empty it into a microwave-safe bowl and heat until warm. Once the rice is heated, transfer it to the skillet with the beef and seasoning mixture. Add 1 tablespoon of the nacho cheese sauce and 1 tablespoon of the Taco Bell chipotle sauce to the skillet. Stir everything together until the rice is coated in the savory beef mixture and the cheese sauce has melted, creating a cohesive and flavorful filling. Gently fold in 1 cup of the shredded Mexican cheese blend. Stir until the cheese is mostly melted into the mixture.

Step 4: Preparing the Tortillas and Building the Burritos

Now it’s time to assemble our Copycat Taco Bell Grilled Cheese Burritos. Gently warm your 6 flour tortillas (8 inches) to make them pliable and easier to roll. You can do this by warming them briefly in a dry skillet, in the microwave wrapped in a damp paper towel, or directly over a low gas burner for a few seconds per side (be very careful if using this method!). On each warmed tortilla, spread a generous portion of the prepared beef and rice filling, making sure to distribute it evenly. Drizzle about 1 teaspoon of the remaining nacho cheese sauce and 1 teaspoon of the remaining Taco Bell chipotle sauce over the filling on each tortilla. Then, add about 1 tablespoon of the reduced-fat sour cream and sprinkle some of the 1/2 cup of tortilla strips onto the filling. Finally, sprinkle another 1/2 cup of the shredded Mexican cheese blend over the top of the filling.

Step 5: Rolling and Grilling the Burritos

To roll the burritos, fold in the sides of the tortilla towards the center, then tightly roll up from the bottom, tucking in the filling as you go. Repeat this process for all 6 burritos. Now for the “grilled cheese” magic! Lightly grease a large skillet or griddle with a little bit of extra olive oil or cooking spray and heat it over medium heat. Carefully place the rolled burritos seam-side down onto the hot skillet. Grill each burrito for about 2-4 minutes per side, or until they are golden brown and slightly crispy on the outside, and the cheese inside is beautifully melted. Press down gently with a spatula as they cook to ensure even browning and a flatter, more compact burrito.

Serving Your Masterpiece

Step 6: Garnishing and Enjoying

Once your Copycat Taco Bell Grilled Cheese Burritos are perfectly grilled and golden, it’s time to serve them immediately. For that authentic experience, have extra chipotle sauce, nacho cheese sauce, and reduced-fat sour cream readily available for dipping or drizzling. You can also sprinkle a few more of the remaining tortilla strips over the top for added crunch. These burritos are fantastic on their own, but they also pair wonderfully with a side of seasoned fries or a simple salad. Enjoy the satisfying crunch of the grilled tortilla, the cheesy, savory filling, and the flavorful sauces that make this burrito a true winner!

Conclusion:

And there you have it! You’ve now unlocked the secret to creating your very own

Copycat Taco Bell Grilled Cheese Burrito

right in your own kitchen. This recipe brings together all the savory, cheesy goodness you love from the popular fast-food chain, with a satisfying crunch from the perfectly grilled tortilla. It’s a dish that’s both comforting and incredibly flavorful, making it perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or a fun weekend treat.

Serve your

Copycat Taco Bell Grilled Cheese Burrito

hot, alongside some tortilla chips and your favorite salsa for an authentic experience. For a little extra flair, consider a dollop of sour cream or a sprinkle of fresh cilantro. Don’t be afraid to get creative with variations! You can easily customize the fillings with different types of seasoned ground beef, shredded chicken, or even a vegetarian option with seasoned black beans and corn. Adding a layer of seasoned rice can also give it an extra hearty boost.

We hope you enjoy making and devouring these delicious burritos as much as we do. It’s a rewarding process that delivers fantastic results. Happy cooking!

Frequently Asked Questions:

Q1: Can I make the

Copycat Taco Bell Grilled Cheese Burrito

ahead of time?

While you can prepare the filling components in advance (like cooking the seasoned beef or chopping vegetables), it’s best to assemble and grill the burrito just before serving for optimal texture and cheese melt. If you assemble it too early, the tortilla might become soggy.

Q2: What’s the best way to get a really crispy grilled exterior on the burrito?

For a super crispy shell, ensure your griddle or pan is hot before placing the burrito. Use a medium-high heat and a bit of oil or butter. Press down gently with a spatula as it cooks to promote even browning and crispiness on both sides.