If you are craving a unique twist on classic comfort food, this Grilled Cheese Burritos with Spicy Chipotle Mayo Recipe brings together the best of two worlds. Imagine the gooey, melty goodness of grilled cheese wrapped up inside a warm tortilla, filled with flavorful Mexican rice and zesty taco meat, then finished off with a smoky, spicy chipotle mayo that wakes up your taste buds. This dish is not only a feast for your senses but also a guaranteed crowd-pleaser, perfect for gatherings or just a fun weeknight indulgence.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of this recipe lies in its straightforward, everyday ingredients that each play a crucial role in creating layers of flavor, texture, and color. From the savory taco meat to the creamy chipotle mayo, every element harmonizes perfectly without overwhelming your pantry.
- Long grain white rice (1 cup): The base for our vibrant Mexican rice, providing a fluffy texture that soaks up all those rich flavors.
- Avocado oil (1 tablespoon): Adds a subtle nutty flavor and a high smoke point, ideal for cooking rice and grilling burritos.
- Chicken broth (1½ cups): Infuses the rice with savory depth, making it anything but plain.
- Tomato sauce (4 ounces): Gives the rice a beautiful reddish color and a tangy sweetness.
- Onion powder (½ teaspoon): A quick way to layer in savory onion flavor without chopping fresh.
- Garlic powder (½ teaspoon): Adds warmth and aromatic notes essential to Mexican rice.
- Chicken bouillon (½ teaspoon): Amplifies the chicken flavor in the rice with an extra savory punch.
- Salt (¼ teaspoon + ¾ teaspoon): Enhances all the flavors, used in both the rice and taco meat for balance.
- Ground beef (1 pound): The hearty protein that becomes juicy taco meat once seasoned.
- Chili powder (1 tablespoon): Brings a smoky spiciness that’s key to authentic taco flavor.
- Ground cumin (1 teaspoon): Offers earthy undertones that enrich the meat’s profile.
- Dried oregano (½ teaspoon): Gives a subtle herbal note that brightens the taco seasoning.
- Mayonnaise (¾ cup): The creamy base of our luscious chipotle mayo, perfectly balancing heat and richness.
- Sour cream (¼ cup + ½ cup): Adds smooth tanginess, used in both chipotle mayo and as a burrito topping.
- Lime juice (2 tablespoons): Brings a fresh, citrusy zing that cuts through the richness.
- Honey (1 teaspoon): A touch of sweetness to round out the smoky heat in the chipotle mayo.
- Chipotle chiles in adobo (2): These smoky, spicy peppers are the star ingredient in the mayo for that unmistakable kick.
- Smoked paprika (½ teaspoon): Enhances the smoky flavor profile and adds vibrant color.
- Large tortillas (8 burrito size): Sturdy and flexible, perfect for holding all fillings without tearing.
- Cooked Mexican rice (2 cups): Prepared with the ingredients above, filling that’s fluffy and flavorful.
- Taco meat (1 pound): The seasoned ground beef that adds richness and spice.
- Tortilla strips (1 cup): Adds a delightful crunch inside the burritos for texture contrast.
- Nacho cheese sauce (¾ cup, warmed): Creamy and cheesy, this sauce melts beautifully inside the burritos.
- Mexican cheese blend (1 cup, shredded): Essential for that ooey-gooey grilled cheese experience on the outside and inside.
How to Make Grilled Cheese Burritos with Spicy Chipotle Mayo Recipe
Step 1: Cook Mexican Rice
Start with heating avocado oil in a skillet over medium heat and add the long grain rice. Cook until the rice looks bright white and slightly toasted, which adds a lovely nutty aroma. Next, pour in the chicken broth, tomato sauce, and round it out with onion powder, garlic powder, chicken bouillon, and salt. Bring this to a gentle simmer, then cover and reduce heat to low for 25 minutes. Once done, keep it covered off the heat for 10 minutes to steam perfectly before fluffing and stirring again. This rice is the flavorful foundation of our burritos.
Step 2: Prepare the Taco Meat
While the rice cooks, brown the ground beef in a skillet over medium heat, breaking it up as it cooks. Drain any excess grease, then stir in chili powder, cumin, salt, and oregano. This spice blend transforms simple beef into mouthwatering taco meat, making the filling irresistible.
Step 3: Make the Spicy Chipotle Mayo
In a blender or food processor, combine mayonnaise, sour cream, fresh lime juice, honey, chipotle chiles in adobo, garlic powder, smoked paprika, and a pinch of salt. Blend until silky smooth. This sauce perfectly balances creaminess with smoky heat and bright lime, elevating every bite of the burrito.
Step 4: Assemble the Burritos
Lay out each large tortilla flat and layer in this order: a scoop of the fluffy Mexican rice, a generous helping of seasoned taco meat, crunchy tortilla strips, warm nacho cheese sauce, dollops of sour cream and that amazing chipotle mayo, then finish with a sprinkle of shredded Mexican cheese. Roll each burrito tightly and place seam side down so they don’t unravel.
Step 5: Grill the Burritos
Heat a skillet or griddle over medium heat and sprinkle shredded Mexican cheese onto the surface to melt. Place one burrito seam side down onto the melted cheese and cook for about 2 minutes to get a golden crust, then add more cheese next to it and flip carefully to toast the other side. Let both sides get beautifully crisp and melty for the best grilled cheese flavor and texture.
Step 6: Serve Warm and Enjoy
Once grilled, remove the burritos from the skillet and keep warm. Serve immediately with extra spicy chipotle mayo on the side for dipping to add an extra punch. The combination of crunchy, melty, spicy, and creamy flavors will have you hooked from your first bite!
How to Serve Grilled Cheese Burritos with Spicy Chipotle Mayo Recipe
Garnishes
Brighten these burritos up with a sprinkle of fresh chopped cilantro, a squeeze of lime, or some sliced jalapeños for extra heat. A handful of diced tomatoes or a few avocado slices add freshness that complements the rich and smoky fillings beautifully.
Side Dishes
Pair your Grilled Cheese Burritos with a simple side salad to balance the richness, or try classic Mexican sides like refried beans, street corn, or chips and salsa. A crisp, citrusy slaw also cuts through the creaminess of the burritos, keeping the meal refreshing.
Creative Ways to Present
Cut the burritos in half diagonally to show off the colorful, layered fillings. Arrange on a platter with small bowls of extra chipotle mayo, sour cream, and nacho cheese sauce for dipping. You can even serve them with a drizzle of cilantro-lime crema to enhance the visual appeal and flavor complexity.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover grilled cheese burritos can be tightly wrapped in foil or plastic wrap and stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Keep the chipotle mayo separate to maintain its bright flavor and texture.
Freezing
For longer storage, wrap each burrito individually in foil and place them inside a freezer-safe bag or container. Frozen grilled cheese burritos are best enjoyed within 2 months for optimal flavor. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
Reheating
Reheat burritos in a preheated skillet over medium heat for 3 to 4 minutes per side to restore that crispy grilled cheese crust. Alternatively, unwrap and microwave for 1 to 2 minutes, then finish by crisping in a hot pan. Serve with a fresh dollop of chipotle mayo to brighten it back up.
FAQs
Can I make these burritos vegetarian?
Absolutely! Swap the ground beef for seasoned black beans, lentils, or sautéed vegetables. You can still enjoy the Mexican rice and chipotle mayo as is for a delicious vegetarian twist.
How spicy is the chipotle mayo?
The chipotle mayo has a smoky medium heat that builds gradually thanks to the chipotle chiles, balanced by creamy mayo and sour cream. Feel free to adjust the amount of chipotle chiles to make it milder or spicier based on your preference.
What cheese works best for melting?
A Mexican cheese blend is perfect because it melts beautifully and brings authentic flavor. You can also use Monterey Jack, cheddar, or a mild mozzarella if you prefer.
Can I prepare the components ahead of time?
Yes! You can make the Mexican rice, taco meat, and chipotle mayo up to a day ahead. Assemble and grill the burritos just before serving for the best texture and flavor.
Is it okay to use store-bought tortillas?
Definitely. Choose large burrito-size tortillas that are sturdy enough to hold the fillings without tearing. Fresh, room temperature tortillas work best for rolling.
Final Thoughts
The Grilled Cheese Burritos with Spicy Chipotle Mayo Recipe is a joyful mash-up of flavors and textures that will quickly become a favorite in your kitchen. It’s simple enough for a weeknight dinner but impressive enough for sharing with friends. Once you try this recipe, you’ll find yourself craving the perfect melty, smoky, spicy comfort food that only a grilled cheese burrito packed with bold Mexican flavors can deliver. So go ahead, make a batch, and savor every delicious bite!
Print
Delicious Recipe
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Mexican
Description
These Grilled Cheese Burritos with Spicy Chipotle Mayo are a delicious fusion of Mexican flavors and cheesy goodness. Featuring perfectly cooked Mexican rice, seasoned taco meat, and a creamy, smoky chipotle mayo, these burritos are grilled to golden perfection with melted Mexican cheese for a crispy, flavorful exterior. Ideal for a satisfying lunch or dinner, this recipe serves 8 and offers a delightful balance of textures and spices.
Ingredients
Mexican Rice
- 1 cup long grain white rice
- 1 tablespoon avocado oil
- 1½ cups chicken broth (low or no sodium)
- 4 ounces tomato sauce
- ½ teaspoon onion powder
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon chicken bouillon
- ¼ teaspoon salt
Taco Meat
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 tablespoon chili powder
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- ¾ teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon dried oregano
Chipotle Mayo
- ¾ cup mayonnaise
- ¼ cup sour cream
- 2 tablespoons lime juice (approx 1 small lime)
- 1 teaspoon honey
- 2 chipotle chiles in adobo sauce
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon smoked paprika
- ¼ teaspoon salt
Burrito Assembly
- 8 large tortillas (burrito size)
- 2 cups Mexican rice (cooked, from above)
- 1 pound taco meat (from above)
- 1 cup tortilla strips
- ¾ cup nacho cheese sauce (warmed)
- ½ cup sour cream
- ½ cup chipotle mayo (prepared above)
- 1 cup Mexican cheese blend (shredded)
Instructions
- Cook Mexican Rice: Heat avocado oil in a skillet over medium heat and add the rice. Cook until the rice appears bright white. Pour in the chicken broth, tomato sauce, and season with onion powder, garlic powder, chicken bouillon, and salt. Stir and bring to a simmer. Reduce heat to low, cover, and cook for 25 minutes. Remove from heat and keep covered for an additional 10 minutes. Fluff rice and stir in tomato sauce again before using.
- Prepare Taco Meat: In a medium skillet over medium heat, cook ground beef while crumbling. Once browned and no longer pink, drain excess grease. Add chili powder, cumin, salt, and oregano to beef and stir well to combine and evenly season.
- Make Chipotle Mayo: Blend mayonnaise, sour cream, lime juice, honey, chipotle chiles in adobo sauce, garlic powder, smoked paprika, and salt in a small blender or food processor until smooth. Set aside for serving.
- Assemble Burritos: Lay out each large tortilla and layer with ¼ cup cooked Mexican rice, ⅛ of the seasoned taco meat, some tortilla strips, a drizzle of warmed nacho cheese sauce, a spoonful of sour cream, a spoonful of chipotle mayo, and sprinkle shredded Mexican cheese. Roll the tortilla tightly and place seam side down. Repeat until all burritos are assembled.
- Grill Burritos: Heat a large skillet or griddle over medium heat. Sprinkle a handful of shredded Mexican cheese onto the skillet and let it melt. Place one burrito seam side down onto the melted cheese and cook for about 2 minutes. Sprinkle another handful of cheese next to the burrito on the skillet, then use a spatula to flip the burrito so the other side rests on the melted cheese. Cook for another 2 minutes or until both sides are toasted and golden with melted cheese sealing the burrito.
- Serve: Remove burritos from skillet and keep warm. Serve with extra chipotle mayo on the side for dipping. Enjoy the burritos warm and cheesy.
Notes
- You can substitute ground beef with ground turkey or chicken for a leaner option.
- For a vegetarian version, replace the taco meat with seasoned black beans or sautéed vegetables.
- If you prefer a spicier mayo, add more chipotle chiles or a dash of cayenne pepper.
- Use low-fat mayonnaise and sour cream to reduce calories and fat content.
- Make sure to keep the burrito seam side down when grilling to prevent unrolling.
- Warm the tortillas before assembling to make them more pliable and easier to roll.
- Leftover burritos can be wrapped individually and refrigerated for up to 3 days; reheat in a skillet for best texture.
