Meal planning can be a lifesaver for busy individuals and families, and finding simple, delicious solutions often makes the week much smoother. For many, a dedicated “Taco Tuesday” has become a beloved tradition, a weekly ritual that guarantees a burst of flavor and a comforting, familiar meal. You already know at least one dinner is taken care of, making half the decision-making process for the week’s menu a breeze!
But what happens when the taco fiesta leaves you with an abundance of flavorful taco meat? Instead of letting those delicious leftovers go to waste or resigning them to a repetitive fate, why not transform them into something new and exciting? This is where the magic of these grilled stuffed burritos comes into play. With just five core ingredients, you can easily repurpose your extra taco meat and rice into a spectacular second meal, perfect for a quick dinner or a satisfying lunch. It’s a win-win situation: less food waste and another incredible meal on the table in minutes!
Why These Grilled Stuffed Burritos Will Become Your New Favorite
This recipe isn’t just about making burritos; it’s about smart cooking, efficiency, and maximizing flavor with minimal effort. Here’s a closer look at why these grilled stuffed burritos are an absolute must-try:
- Masterful Use of Leftovers: The foundation of this incredible dish lies in repurposing. We frequently find ourselves with leftover taco meat and cooked rice after a festive taco night. This recipe provides an ingenious solution, transforming those remnants into a fresh, exciting meal that tastes far from “leftovers.” It’s an excellent way to reduce food waste and save precious time on meal prep, as your main components are already cooked and seasoned.
- Built on Pantry Staples: Beyond the leftover taco meat and rice, the remaining three ingredients are likely items you already have on hand: large burrito-sized flour tortillas, your favorite salsa, and plenty of cheese. This accessibility means you can whip up these burritos spontaneously without a special trip to the grocery store, making them an ideal choice for busy weeknights when time is of the essence.
- Incredibly Fast and Effortless: Speed and simplicity are at the heart of this recipe. With a mere 3 minutes of prep time and only 6-8 minutes of cooking, you can have a hot, delicious, and satisfying meal ready in under 15 minutes. This makes it perfect for those hectic evenings when you need something quick but don’t want to compromise on flavor or quality.
- Infinitely Adaptable and Flexible: While the basic recipe is fantastic on its own, its true beauty lies in its versatility. Once you master the fundamental technique, you’ll discover a world of possibilities for customization. Feel free to experiment with different fillings, cheeses, and sauces, tailoring each burrito to your personal preferences and whatever ingredients you have available. This adaptability ensures that these burritos will never get boring and can evolve with your culinary creativity.
Essential Ingredients for Your Perfect Burrito
To create these delightful grilled stuffed burritos, you’ll need just a handful of straightforward ingredients. Opting for good quality components will always enhance the final taste and experience.
- Leftover Taco Meat: Seasoned ground beef, chicken, or pork. Ensure it’s fully cooked and cooled if using fresh.
- Cooked Rice: Brown or white rice works perfectly.
- Salsa: Your favorite variety, from mild to spicy, chunky or smooth.
- Cheese: Slices of Monterey Jack, Cheddar, or a Mexican blend melt beautifully. About 3 ounces, or 4 slices, per two burritos.
- Large Flour Tortillas: Burrito-sized tortillas are essential for easy rolling and containment of the generous filling.
Crafting Your Grilled Stuffed Burritos: A Step-by-Step Guide
Making these burritos is a simple process, designed for efficiency without sacrificing flavor or satisfaction. Follow these steps for perfectly grilled, crispy-on-the-outside, gooey-on-the-inside burritos:
- Prepare the Flavorful Filling: Begin by combining your leftover taco meat, cooked rice, and salsa in a small mixing bowl. Stir everything together thoroughly to ensure the flavors are well distributed. If your ingredients are cold from the refrigerator, a quick minute or two in the microwave will take the chill off. This crucial step helps the cheese melt more effectively and ensures the burrito heats evenly all the way through during grilling. If you’re using freshly cooked, warm taco meat and rice, you can skip this warming step.
- Assemble Your Burritos with Precision: Lay out two large flour tortillas flat on a clean work surface. These large, burrito-sized tortillas are key for successful rolling. On each tortilla, arrange two slices of cheese in the center. The cheese acts as a delicious barrier and helps hold the filling together once melted.
- Place the Filling Strategically: Divide your mixed filling evenly between the two tortillas. Carefully spoon half of the filling onto the center of each tortilla, directly over the cheese. Spread the filling into a log shape, leaving approximately two inches of clear space on both ends of the log. This ample margin is vital, providing enough room to fold in the ends before rolling, ensuring a sealed and tidy burrito.
- Mastering the Roll: Achieving a tightly rolled burrito is paramount to its success and ensures it holds together during grilling. Start by folding in the two sides (the 2-inch margins) of the tortilla over the ends of the filling. Then, grab the edge of the tortilla closest to you, just under the filling, and begin to roll it upwards and away from you, tucking the filling in as you go. Apply firm, consistent pressure as you roll to create a snug burrito shape. Once rolled to the end, place the burrito seam-side down on your work surface or a plate. This helps the seam seal and prevents it from unraveling before cooking. Repeat the process for the second burrito.
- The Grilling Process: Preheat your griddle or a large skillet over medium-high heat. Once hot, carefully place the rolled burritos onto the griddle, starting with the seam-side down. This initial placement helps to secure the seam in place as it cooks. Cook for about 2-3 minutes per “side” or edge. Depending on how you turn the burrito, you’ll aim to brown three or four edges, creating a beautifully golden and crispy exterior with a satisfying crunch. The goal is a deep golden-brown color and melted cheese inside.
- Serve and Enjoy: Once uniformly browned and heated through, remove your grilled stuffed burritos from the griddle. Slice them in half diagonally if desired, and serve immediately with your favorite condiments.
Griddle vs. BBQ: Achieving the Perfect Golden Crisp
While I often default to my trusty cast iron griddle for its consistent, even heat, these “grilled” stuffed burritos truly shine with an authentic outdoor char. Both methods yield delicious results, but each offers a unique flavor and texture profile worth exploring.
Using a Griddle or Skillet: My preference for a griddle stems from its ability to maintain a uniform temperature across the entire cooking surface. This consistency makes it easier to achieve an even, golden-brown crust on all sides of the burrito, melting the cheese perfectly without scorching the tortilla. A cast iron griddle, in particular, distributes heat beautifully, resulting in a wonderfully crispy exterior. Simply preheat it to medium-high, place your burritos seam-side down first to seal them, then rotate to brown each edge for 2-3 minutes until golden and heated through.
Embracing the BBQ Grill: If you’re craving that distinctive smoky flavor and picturesque grill marks, a BBQ grill is an excellent option. There’s an undeniable charm to the name “grilled stuffed burritos” implying they should indeed be cooked over an open flame! When using a BBQ, ensure your filling is well warmed beforehand, as the direct heat of a grill can brown the exterior quickly before the interior fully heats. Set your grill to medium-high heat and close the lid between turns to create a more oven-like environment that helps cook the inside. Place the burritos directly on the grill grates, again starting seam-side down to help seal. Cook for 2-3 minutes per side, turning as beautiful brown grill marks appear. The slight char and smoky essence from the BBQ add another layer of complexity to the flavor profile, making for a truly memorable meal.
Regardless of your chosen method, the key is to achieve a deliciously crispy tortilla and a warm, melty interior. If you find your BBQ grill browns the outside too quickly, try slightly lower heat or cook for a minute or two less per side. The pre-warming of the filling is particularly important when grilling outdoors to ensure a hot core.
Expert Tips for Burrito Perfection
Crafting a burrito that stays perfectly intact and delivers a satisfying bite every time is an art, but one that is easily mastered with a few key techniques:
- The Right Tortilla is Key: Always start with a large, fresh flour tortilla specifically designed for burritos. Smaller tortillas simply won’t offer enough surface area to contain the filling adequately, leading to overfilling and tears. A soft, pliable tortilla is much easier to roll and less prone to cracking.
- Mind Your Margins: When spreading the filling, remember the two-inch rule on each end of the tortilla. This un-filled space is crucial for folding in the ends securely before you begin rolling. Without these margins, your filling will inevitably spill out the sides, creating a messy (though still tasty!) situation.
- Roll with Confidence and Firmness: The success of a well-behaved burrito hinges on a tight, firm roll. Begin by folding in the two side flaps over the filling. Then, gently but assertively tuck the edge closest to you over the filling and roll it forward, pulling back slightly as you go to ensure a snug fit. Think of it like swaddling a baby or rolling a perfect cigar – you want it compact and secure. Loose wrapping is the enemy of a sturdy burrito!
- Practice Makes Perfect (and is Worth a Tortilla!): If you’re new to the art of rolling burritos (or even egg rolls, which share a similar technique), don’t be afraid to practice. Start with a slightly smaller portion of filling on your first tortilla. You can roll it, unroll it, and try again until you get a feel for the tension and folding required. You might sacrifice one tortilla in the process, but consider it a small investment for the higher purpose of consistently perfect burritos. You’ll quickly develop the muscle memory needed for flawless rolls.
- Don’t Overfill: While it’s tempting to cram in as much delicious filling as possible, overfilling is a common pitfall. Too much filling makes it almost impossible to roll tightly without tearing the tortilla or having the contents burst out. Stick to the suggested proportions, especially when you’re starting out.
Unleash Your Creativity: Delicious Burrito Variations
This recipe for grilled stuffed burritos serves as an exceptional canvas for culinary creativity. While the basic framework is undeniably delicious, don’t hesitate to personalize it to your taste and available ingredients. Once you’re comfortable with the rolling and grilling technique, experimenting with the filling mix is where the fun truly begins:
- Beans for Texture and Flavor: Introduce a layer of creamy refried beans or hearty black beans to the filling. Not only do they add a wonderful texture and depth of flavor, but they can also be a fantastic way to stretch the meal or serve as a full meat substitute for a delicious vegetarian version. Consider mashing the black beans slightly for a smoother consistency.
- Proteins Beyond Ground Beef: While taco meat is our starting point, the possibilities for protein are vast. Experiment with shredded salsa chicken for a lighter, zesty option, succulent pork carnitas for rich, savory notes, or even grilled steak for a more robust flavor. For plant-based eaters, spiced lentils or seasoned crumbled tofu make excellent alternatives, offering similar textures and flavors.
- Sweet Corn for a Pop of Freshness: The natural sweetness and slight crunch of corn kernels perfectly complement the savory Tex-Mex flavors. Add fresh, frozen, or canned (drained) corn to your filling mix for an extra layer of taste and texture. Fire-roasted corn can also add a smoky dimension.
- Explore Different Grains: While brown rice offers a nutty flavor and added fiber, white rice works equally well for a softer texture. For a nutritional boost and a different flavor profile, consider swapping rice for quinoa. Quinoa is a complete protein and adds a slightly different earthiness. Other grains like farro or even couscous (seasoned appropriately) could also be interesting alternatives. My brown rice and bean bake can also be transformed into an incredible burrito filling!
- Vibrant Veggies Galore: Elevate the nutritional value and fresh flavor by incorporating more vegetables. Sautéed bell peppers and onions, either cooked with the taco meat or added separately, provide sweetness and aromatic depth. For a burst of freshness and a slight tang, stir in diced raw tomatoes or a handful of fresh spinach just before rolling. Sautéed mushrooms, zucchini, or even finely chopped carrots can also be delightful additions.
- Playing with Proportions: My recommended starting point is a balanced 50/50 mix of rice to meat, creating a satisfying and well-rounded filling. However, this is your burrito to customize! If you’re a true meat-lover, feel free to increase the meat ratio and reduce the rice. Conversely, if you prefer a lighter, more carb-centric burrito, lean heavier on the rice or other grains. Adjusting these proportions can significantly alter the overall experience.
- Cheese, Glorious Cheese: As a firm believer that there’s “no such thing as too much cheese,” I encourage you to indulge! Beyond the initial cheese slices, consider mixing shredded cheese directly into your filling for an extra layer of gooey goodness. Experiment with different varieties like spicy Oaxaca, creamy Monterey Jack, sharp Cheddar, or even crumbled cotija for a salty finish.
- Sauce Sensations: Sauces are the ultimate game-changer for burritos. You can either incorporate them directly into the filling for an internal burst of flavor or serve them on the side for dipping. Or, why not both? Classic options like guacamole, sour cream, or plain Greek yogurt add creaminess and tang. Venture further with zesty quesadilla sauce, a bright and herbaceous cilantro-lime sauce, a smoky chipotle mayo, or even your favorite hot sauce. Fresh pico de gallo or a vibrant green chili sauce can also add fantastic dimensions. These additions will transform your stuffed burrito into an unforgettable culinary experience!
More Tex-Mex Recipes to Love
If these grilled stuffed burritos have sparked your love for Tex-Mex cuisine and convenient, flavor-packed meals, you’re in for a treat! The world of Tex-Mex offers an abundance of delicious recipes, many of which are perfect for using up those versatile leftovers or whipping up quick family dinners.
For a fantastic start to your day with a Tex-Mex twist, you absolutely must try a carne asada breakfast burrito. It’s a hearty and flavorful option that brings exciting flavors to your morning routine. When I find myself with extra taco meat, beyond these incredible grilled burritos, I also love transforming it into crispy ground beef quesadillas or making quick and satisfying taquitos in the air fryer. These are all fantastic ways to ensure no delicious taco meat goes to waste. And for an incredibly easy and comforting family meal, a burrito pie is always a crowd-pleaser.
To complement any of these Tex-Mex delights, or as a standalone vegetarian side dish, my brown rice and bean bake is a superb choice. It’s flavorful, wholesome, and pairs wonderfully with nearly any Mexican-inspired main course. Enjoy exploring these delicious flavors and expanding your Tex-Mex repertoire!
📖 Recipe: Grilled Stuffed Burritos
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Grilled Stuffed Burritos
Ingredients
- 1 cup taco meat
- 1 cup cooked rice
- ½ cup salsa
- 4 slices cheese (~ 3 ounces)
- 2 flour tortillas (burrito size)
Instructions
In a small bowl, mix taco meat, rice, and salsa together. If cold, warm in the microwave for 1-2 minutes.
Take a large tortilla and lay flat, then arrange 2 cheese slices in the middle.
Place half the filling on top of the cheese in a log shape, leaving about 2 inches on each end for rolling and folding.
Roll the tortilla shell around the meat tightly while folding in the ends. Roll to the end of the tortilla and place it seam side down until ready to cook.
Repeat with remaining tortilla, cheese, and filling.
Place on a preheated griddle or skillet on medium-high heat. Cook 2-3 minutes per edge, then turn to brown additional edges of the tortilla until all are golden brown and crispy.
Serve with condiments of your choice!
Video
Nutrition
Carbohydrates: 43g |
Protein: 40g |
Fat: 38g |
Saturated Fat: 19g |
Polyunsaturated Fat: 2g |
Monounsaturated Fat: 14g |
Trans Fat: 1g |
Cholesterol: 135mg |
Sodium: 1087mg |
Potassium: 646mg |
Fiber: 2g |
Sugar: 4g |
Vitamin A: 873IU |
Vitamin C: 1mg |
Calcium: 480mg |
Iron: 4mg
Nutrition values are estimates only, using online calculators. Please verify using your own data.