Key Takeaways
This Copycat Taco Bell Grilled Cheese Burrito is a masterclass in ground beef recipes easy enough for a weeknight yet delicious enough for any occasion. It transforms simple pantry staples into a gooey, cheesy, and crispy meal that feels like a treat. You’ll get pro-level results with a straightforward process that includes cooking seasoned beef, assembling with plenty of cheese, and grilling to golden perfection. It’s also wonderfully customizable, so you can adapt it to your family’s tastes with ease.
Copycat Taco Bell Grilled Cheese Burrito
Hey everyone, it’s Betty from Betty Cooks! Is there anything better than finding a restaurant favorite you can make at home? For me, that’s half the fun of cooking. That’s why I’m so excited to share my take on the viral Taco Bell Grilled Cheese Burrito. My goal is always to give you ground beef recipes easy to follow that deliver incredible flavor without a fuss. This burrito hits the spot—it’s loaded with savory, seasoned beef, melty cheese inside and out, and grilled to crispy, buttery perfection. It’s the ultimate solution for a quick, satisfying dinner that feels indulgent.
Why This is the Best Ground Beef Burrito Recipe
Let’s be honest: we’ve all had bland, dry burritos. What makes this version stand out is its focus on texture and flavor. It’s not just another easy recipe with ground beef; it’s a carefully crafted experience. The double-cheese method (cheese sauce mixed into the filling plus shredded cheese rolled inside) ensures maximum gooeyness. Grilling the assembled burrito in butter transforms the tortilla into a crispy, golden shell that contrasts beautifully with the soft, flavorful filling inside. It’s a simple technique that elevates it from ordinary to extraordinary.
Key Ingredients for an Easy Burrito Recipe
Great meals start with great ingredients, and simplicity is key here. The foundation is quality ground beef—I recommend 80/20 for the best flavor. The taco seasoning, whether from a packet or your own blend, is the flavor powerhouse. Don’t skip the refried beans; they add creaminess and help bind the filling. The star of the show is, of course, the cheese. Using a blend like a Mexican mix inside and a buttery cheese crust outside creates that iconic, irresistible cheesy pull in every single bite. This combination is what makes these quick and easy recipes feel like a restaurant-quality meal.
Step-by-Step to a Crispy Burrito with Ground Beef
The process is as satisfying as the result. First, you’ll brown the beef and simmer it with seasoning to build a deeply flavored base. The assembly is where the magic happens: layering that hot, cheesy beef mixture over a generous bed of shredded cheese before rolling it up tightly. The final, crucial step is grilling. Spreading softened butter on the outside and cooking it in a hot skillet is the secret to achieving that signature crispy, golden-brown exterior. This hands-on method guarantees a perfect easy dinner that’s far superior to any drive-thru version.
Pro Tips for Perfect Ground Beef Recipes Easy Every Time
Want to make sure your burrito turns out perfectly? Here are my top tips from the kitchen at Betty Cooks. Drain the beef well after browning to prevent a soggy filling. Warm your tortillas briefly in the microwave or a dry skillet—it makes them much more pliable and less likely to tear. When rolling, don’t overfill! It’s tempting, but a slightly tighter roll ensures everything stays inside while grilling. Finally, let the burrito rest for a minute after cooking. This allows the cheese to set slightly, making it easier to slice cleanly and enjoy without everything spilling out. Mastering these small details is the key to quick and easy recipes that look and taste fantastic.
Serving Suggestions & Variations
The beauty of this burrito is its versatility. Serve it sliced in half with classic sides like Mexican rice, a simple corn and black bean salad, or creamy guacamole. For a fun twist, try different proteins like seasoned ground turkey or shredded chicken. You can also mix up the cheeses—pepper jack adds a nice kick! For a lighter version, load it up with extra lettuce, pico de gallo, and a dollop of Greek yogurt instead of sour cream. This recipe is a fantastic canvas for creating your own family-favorite easy dinner recipes.
Why You Should Trust Betty Cooks
At Betty Cooks, my mission is to demystify cooking. I believe that everyone can create delicious, memorable meals at home without stress or complicated techniques. Every recipe I share, including this one for a cheese burrito, is tested thoroughly to ensure it works in real home kitchens. I focus on clear instructions, reliable results, and, most importantly, flavor that makes you want to come back for seconds. I’m here to be your guide in the kitchen, helping you build confidence and create meals that bring people together.
The Full Recipe
Ready to make it? Find the complete ingredient list and step-by-step instructions for this delicious copycat recipe on the main recipe card. It includes precise measurements, cook times, and my best notes to guide you to success.
Notes & Tips
This section provides additional helpful information for perfecting your burrito, including storage instructions, reheating tips, and ideas for customizing the recipe to suit different dietary needs or flavor preferences.
Copycat Taco Bell Grilled Cheese Burrito: Easy Recipe
Ingredients
For the Beef Filling
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 packet taco seasoning (or 2 Tbsp homemade blend)
- 1/2 cup water
- 1/2 cup refried beans
- 1/2 cup nacho cheese sauce or melted cheddar cheese
For Assembly
- 4 large burrito-sized flour tortillas
- 1 1/2 cups shredded Mexican blend cheese
- 2 Tbsp butter, softened
Optional Toppings
- Sour cream
- Diced tomatoes
- Shredded lettuce
- Sliced jalapeños
- Guacamole or sliced avocado
Instructions
For the Filling
- In a skillet over medium-high heat, cook the ground beef until browned and crumbled. Drain excess fat.
- Add the taco seasoning and water to the skillet. Stir well and simmer for 3-5 minutes until the sauce thickens.
- Remove from heat and stir in the refried beans and nacho cheese sauce until evenly combined.
To Assemble and Cook
- Lay a tortilla flat. Spread about 1/4 cup of shredded cheese in a line down the center.
- Spoon a generous portion of the beef mixture over the cheese.
- Fold the sides of the tortilla inward, then roll tightly from the bottom to form a burrito.
- Spread a thin layer of softened butter on the outside of the burrito.
- Heat a clean skillet or griddle over medium heat. Place the burrito seam-side down and cook for 3-4 minutes per side, until golden brown and crispy and the cheese inside is melted.
- Repeat with remaining tortillas and filling.
- Let cool for 1-2 minutes before slicing. Serve with your favorite toppings.
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