Flamin’ Hot Grilled Cheese Burrito Recipe

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The Flamin’ Hot Grilled Cheese Burrito, a fiery, cheesy kick wrapped up in a warm tortilla, is nothing short of an indulgent masterpiece. But let me tell you—there’s something special about recreating those bold flavors in your own kitchen.

How to make Flamin’ Hot Grilled Cheese Burrito

The Flamin’ Hot Grilled Cheese Burrito is a spicy, cheesy burrito from Taco Bell made with seasoned beef, Flamin’ Hot–flavored rice, nacho cheese, sour cream, chipotle sauce, and crunchy Flamin’ Hot Fritos, all wrapped in a flour tortilla that’s grilled with melted cheese on the outside.

Ingredients

To make your own Flamin’ Hot Grilled Cheese Burrito, you’ll need the following:

• 1 lb ground beef (or chicken as an alternative)
• 1 packet taco seasoning (or homemade blend of chili powder, paprika, cumin, garlic powder, and onion powder)
• 2 cups cooked rice, flavored with a sprinkle of chili powder or Flamin’ Hot seasoning for a spicy twist
• 1/2 cup Nacho Cheese Sauce (store-bought or homemade)
• 1 cup Flamin’ Hot chips or Flamin’ Hot Cheetos, crushed
• 1/3 cup sour cream (reduced-fat or regular, your choice)
• 1/4 cup chipotle sauce (store-bought or homemade blend of chipotle peppers in adobo sauce with sour cream or mayo)
• 1 cup shredded Mexican cheese blend, or a mix of cheddar, Monterey Jack, and mozzarella
• 1 cup of shredded Mexican cheese blend
• 4 large flour tortillas

Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Beef Filling

1. Heat a skillet over medium heat. Add the ground beef and cook until browned, breaking it up into crumbles with a wooden spoon. Drain excess grease.
2. Add the taco seasoning and 1/2 cup of water to the skillet and stir until the beef is evenly coated with the seasoning. Simmer on low for a few minutes until the liquid is absorbed.

Step 2: Prepare the Spicy Rice

1. Cook your rice according to package instructions. Add a sprinkle of Flamin’ Hot seasoning or chili powder for a spicy kick.
2. Mix the cooked, flavored rice with a handful of crushed Flamin’ Hot chips or Cheetos for extra crunch.

Step 3: Assemble the Burritos

1. Lay each flour tortilla flat on a cutting board or clean surface.
2. Add a scoop of seasoned beef in the center of each tortilla, followed by a spoonful of spicy rice.
3. Layer with Nacho Cheese Sauce, sour cream, a drizzle of chipotle sauce, and crushed Flamin’ Hot chips or Cheetos. Top it all off with a sprinkle of the shredded Mexican cheese blend.

Step 4: Wrap the Burritos

1. Carefully fold the tortilla over the filling by first folding the sides inward, then rolling the bottom of the tortilla tightly upward to form a burrito. Be sure to seal the ends.

Step 5: Prep the Grilled Cheese Exterior

1. Heat a nonstick skillet or griddle on medium.
2. Sprinkle a generous amount of shredded cheese directly onto the skillet. Place the burrito on top of the cheese, seam side down.
3. Cook the burritos until the cheese on the outside forms a crispy, golden crust and sticks to the tortilla (about 2–3 minutes). Flip and repeat for the other side.

Tips for Success

• Customize the Heat Level: If you’re not a big fan of super spicy food, you can reduce the amount of Flamin’ Hot seasoning and chips. On the flip side, if you want extra heat, add jalapeños or hot sauce to the filling.
• Homemade Nacho Cheese Sauce: If you want richness, you can make your own Nacho Cheese Sauce by melting cheddar cheese, mixing it with heavy cream, and seasoning it with spices like paprika and cayenne.
• Prevent Soggy Burritos: Avoid overfilling the burrito with wet ingredients like sour cream and sauce—keep it balanced.
• Work Quickly: When crisping the cheese on the outside, it’s essential to keep the heat at a medium level to prevent burning, and ensure you flip the tortilla correctly as the cheese crust sets.

What to serve with

The Flamin’ Hot Grilled Cheese Burrito is bold, spicy, cheesy, and super satisfying on its own. However, to elevate your meal and round it out, pairing it with complementary sides can make the experience even better!

• Guacamole: The creaminess of guacamole is a great way to offset the heat of the Flamin’ Hot spices. You can make it from scratch with ripe avocados, lime juice, cilantro, and salt, or pick up a pre-made version for convenience.
• Salsa (Mild, Medium, or Spicy): Fresh tomato salsa or a smoky chipotle salsa brings an extra pop of flavor, while balancing the richness of the Flamin’ Hot Grilled Cheese Burrito.
• Queso Dip: If you’re a huge fan of cheese, pair it with another bowl of queso. Dip those side chips in melty, spiced cheese for extra indulgence.
• Sour Cream: A little dollop of cool sour cream can act as both a topping for the burrito and a dip for chips. It helps cool off the spice.

Ingredients Substitutes

Sometimes you might not have certain ingredients on hand, or you may want to tweak the Flamin’ Hot Grilled Cheese Burrito recipe to suit your dietary needs and flavor preferences.

1. Ground Beef Substitutes

If you’d like to swap out ground beef in the filling, here are some alternatives:

• Ground Turkey or Ground Chicken: These are leaner options and work well in tacos or burritos. Season them with taco seasoning to enhance the flavor.
• Shredded Rotisserie Chicken: For a quicker option, shred cooked rotisserie chicken and mix it with taco seasoning or chipotle sauce.
• Plant-Based Ground Meat: For a vegetarian option, use plant-based ground meat substitutes like Beyond Beef, Impossible Meat, or textured vegetable protein (TVP). These options mimic the texture of ground beef but are entirely plant-based.
• Black Beans or Pinto Beans: For a budget-friendly or vegetarian option, seasoned beans make an excellent substitute for meat. Sauté them with onions, garlic, and spices for added flavor.

2. Flamin’ Hot Chips Substitutes

Flamin’ Hot chips (such as Flamin’ Hot Cheetos) add crunch and spice to the burrito, but if they’re not accessible or you want alternatives, consider these:

• Spicy Tortilla Chips: Look for spicy tortilla chip varieties like Doritos Spicy Nacho or any chili-flavored chips.
• Homemade Seasoned Panko: Combine plain panko crumbs with chili powder, smoked paprika, cayenne pepper, and a pinch of salt. Toast in the oven for crunch.
• Takis Fuego: If you want a similar spicy crunch but different flavor, crushed Takis are a great option.
• Regular Chips + Chili Powder: If you have plain chips, crush them and coat with chili powder, cayenne pepper, or taco seasoning for a DIY spicy snack.

3. Nacho Cheese Sauce Substitutes

Nacho cheese sauce adds richness and creaminess to the Flamin’ Hot Grilled Cheese Burrito. If you don’t have access to premade nacho cheese sauce, here are other options:

• Homemade Cheese Sauce: Combine shredded cheddar cheese, milk (or heavy cream), butter, and spices like chili powder and paprika. Melt everything down until smooth.
• Queso Dip: Many store-bought queso dips work perfectly as a substitute for nacho cheese sauce.
• Shredded Cheese: If you’re in a pinch, simply sprinkle shredded cheddar or Mexican blend cheese over the warm filling. It will melt once the burrito is assembled.
• Velveeta Cheese + Salsa: Melt Velveeta cheese with a bit of salsa to create a quick and easy faux nacho cheese sauce.

4. Mexican Cheese Blend Substitutes

The shredded cheese helps bind the filling and creates the delicious grilled cheese coating. Substitute with these options if needed:

• Cheddar Cheese: Use mild or sharp cheddar for a similar flavor and melt.
• Monterey Jack or Pepper Jack Cheese: Monterey Jack adds creaminess, while Pepper Jack infuses a mild spice.
• Mozzarella Cheese: If you prefer less tangy cheese, mozzarella works well for melting.
• Colby or Colby Jack Cheese: These cheeses are melty and mild, perfect substitutes for a Mexican cheese blend.
• Vegan Shredded Cheese: Brands like Daiya or Violife offer plant-based shredded cheeses that melt beautifully.

5. Flour Tortilla Substitutes

If you need to swap out traditional flour tortillas, consider these:

• Corn Tortillas: These work well if you’re gluten-free, though note that they are smaller and less stretchy, so you may need to use two layered corn tortillas for wrapping.
• Whole Wheat Tortillas: A healthier alternative that provides better fiber content.
• Gluten-Free Tortillas: Many grocery stores carry premade gluten-free tortillas made from rice flour or other alternatives.
• Low-Carb Wraps: Thin wraps made with almond flour or coconut flour can be used for those watching carbs.

6. Sour Cream Substitutes

Sour cream cools down the spice in the burrito filling. Here are suitable swaps:

• Plain Greek Yogurt: A healthier option with tang and creaminess similar to sour cream.
• Crema Mexicana: If you want a more authentic flavor, use Mexican crema, which is like sour cream but thinner and slightly sweeter.
• Cashew Cream (Dairy-Free): Blend soaked cashews with water and lemon juice for a dairy-free sour cream alternative.
• Mayo or Miracle Whip: If you don’t have sour cream, a light spread of mayo can work in a pinch.

7. Chipotle Sauce Substitutes

Chipotle sauce brings smoky heat to the burrito. Here are alternative options:

• Adobo Sauce: Use the sauce from a can of chipotle peppers in adobo; you can mix it with sour cream or mayo to mimic chipotle sauce.
• Hot Sauce + Mayo: Blend your favorite hot sauce with mayonnaise for a quick and creamy alternative.
• Sriracha Mayo: Mix Sriracha with mayo to create a spicy, smoky sauce.
• Smoked Paprika + Sour Cream: Combine sour cream with smoked paprika, lime juice, and a pinch of cayenne for a homemade chipotle-inspired sauce.

8. Spicy Rice Substitutes

If you don’t have time to make spicy rice or prefer something different, try these:

• Plain White or Brown Rice: Add a sprinkle of chili powder and lime juice for flavor.
• Cilantro Lime Rice: Add chopped cilantro and lime juice to cooked rice for a fresh and zesty twist.
• Quinoa: A protein-packed substitute that works just as well as rice.
• Cauliflower Rice: For a low-carb and veggie-forward substitute, season cooked cauliflower rice with taco spices and lime.

9. Flamin’ Hot Seasoning Substitute

If Flamin’ Hot seasoning isn’t available, here’s how to recreate a similar spice profile:

• Cayenne Pepper + Smoked Paprika + Garlic Powder: Mix these spices to mimic the fiery zest.
• Chili Powder + Lime Zest: Blend chili powder with lime zest for a tangy and spicy kick.
• Tajin Seasoning: This zesty Mexican seasoning (containing chili powder and lime) is perfect for adding spice and tang.

Final Thoughts

The Flamin’ Hot Grilled Cheese Burrito is already a star on its own, but great sides and pairings can make the meal truly unforgettable.

More Taco Bell Recipes:

• Copycat Taco Bell Choco Taco Recipe