When planning ahead for meals, I like some easy solutions. Tuesday, for instance is always Taco Tuesday. Anyone else do the same?
We always know that at least once a week we’ll have something with our favorite flavors for dinner! And I am already half way to the decision of what to make for dinner!
But what about leftovers? When I make taco meat I always have some left over. So I like to have a variety of ways to re-purpose that meat.
That’s where these grilled stuffed burritos come in handy. Only 5 ingredients needed to make another dinner or lunch. Win-win!

Why I love this recipe
Use of leftovers – it uses leftover taco meat and rice, which I almost always have on hand.
Use of staples – the other 3 ingredients are staples in my house: burrito shells, salsa and cheese.
Fast and easy – it only takes about 3 minutes of prep time and 6-8 minutes to cook. Ready in under 15 minutes!
Flexible – once you try this, feel free to try some variations as described below!
Ingredients
How to make these grilled stuffed (Stuft) burritos
To start, mix the 3-ingredient filling. Put them all in a small bowl and microwave for a minute or two. This is to take the chill off from using refrigerated leftovers, so this step is unnecessary if you just made fresh taco meat and rice.
Prepare 2 large flour tortillas by laying them out flat and placing cheese slices in the center.
Then, place half the filling on each tortilla. Spread the filling out in a log shape but leave enough room (about 2 inches) on each end of the log to allow for the folding and rolling to make the burrito.
Roll the tortillas tightly to make each a burrito shape.
"Grill" each stuffed burrito on a griddle, about 2 minutes per “side”. Start with the seam edge down to help secure that in place. Depending upon how you turn it, you might brown 3 or 4 edges to the burrito.
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What about using a BBQ grill?
I make these on a griddle but of course a BBQ grill works as well. I like my cast iron griddle for its consistency in temperature, so I tend to default to that method. But if you’re in the mood for outdoor grilling, just go ahead and place the burritos right on the grill grates. Start with the seam side down first to help set that, then turn the burrito as the brown grill marks appear. I use medium-high heat and a closed lid. Just as with the griddle, 2-3 minutes per side or edge will brown the burrito up nicely.
There's definitely something about those distinctive grill marks you get with the BBQ. And it seems like with a name "grilled stuffed burritos" they should be made on a . . . grill.
However, sometimes I find it a little more challenging on the grill to get the burrito evenly heated all the way through, so if using this method be sure to warm up your filling well before starting.
Expert Tips
Making a burrito that stays together depends entirely on how well it is rolled. Make sure you are using a large, burrito-sized flour tortilla. Always leave enough room on the ends for folding in while rolling. And make the roll firm and kind of tight. Loose wrapping is not your friend here!
I approach this similarly to the way I make egg rolls. If you’ve never made either an egg roll or burrito, I suggest you start with a much smaller portion of filling and practice rolling the tortilla. You can roll, unroll and try again until you get the hang of it. You’ll end up sacrificing one of your tortillas but it’s for a higher purpose!
Variations
This basic recipe should always be used as a starting point, for you to revise to your personal taste. Once you get the hang of making them, it’s easy to revise the stuffing mix to keep things interesting. Here are some ideas for that:
- Beans – refried or black beans would be a wonderful addition or a full meat substitution to make a vegetarian version.
- Meat – you don’t have to limit yourself to ground beef, of course. In addition to a vegetarian version with beans, you could use salsa chicken for a different flavor.
- Corn – the sweet taste of corn always works with these flavors, so feel free to add some into the mix.
- Rice – I use brown rice, but white rice will also work. I also make a great brown rice and bean bake that would also make a great addition to these burritos. Or, instead of rice, try quinoa for another type of grain that is also a good source of protein!
- Veggies – feel free to add more veggies as you like. Bell peppers can be cooked before or with the meat, raw tomatoes added to the filling mix.
- Proportions – I go with a 50/50 mix of rice to meat, but you might prefer more meat and less rice, or vice versa. Go for it, this is when you do you!
- Cheese - readers of my blog know that my motto is: there's no such thing as too much cheese! Feel free to add more to your burrito filling before wrapping. It's never a bad choice!
- Sauces – you know how this goes, right? You can put sauce inside or have it outside for dipping. Or both! Consider guacamole or sour cream, but don’t forget about quesadilla sauce or cilantro-lime sauce. All excellent additions to your stuffed burrito!
More Tex-Mex Recipes to Love
If you love burritos (that's all of us...) you should really try a carne asada breakfast burrito for a delicious way to start the day!
When I have leftover taco meat I love to make ground beef quesadillas or taquitos in the air fryer. Or make burrito pie for an easy family meal.
And with all of these, brown rice and bean bake makes a fantastic vegetarian side dish!
📖 Recipe
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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.1 cup taco meat, 1 cup cooked rice, ½ cup salsa
- Take a large tortilla and lay flat, then arrange 2 cheese slices in the middle.2 flour tortillas, 4 slices cheese
- 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 brown.
- Serve with condiments of your choice!
Video
Nutrition
Nutrition values are estimates only, using online calculators. Please verify using your own data.
Cherice
Oh wow🙌🏾
Can you say 😋 tasty quick simple and easy!! Definitely a quick and easy go too!!
Sula
Excellent - thanks for the kind review!
Mihaela | https://theworldisanoyster.com/
Good rolling technique! I loved the video (and drooled through it!) LOL
Sula
LOL I'm glad you enjoyed it!
Alyssa Hixenbaugh
I love how easy these are! The crispy outside with the soft filling sounds irresistible.
Sula
They really are very irresistible!
Anaiah
These homemade burritos were so fun to make. I love how customizable it could be made for everyone in the family. Our burritos turned out delicious and grilling it took it to a whole 'nother level!
Sula
yes I love the customizable quality too - everybody gets what they want!
Akshita
That looks yum! Can't wait to try it ❤️
Sula
I hope you try it soon!
Gregory Halpen
Oh wow! As I am sitting here starving and thinking about what to eat for lunch, I am looking at your recipe and I think I need this now!
Sula
They are pretty darn delicious!
Gina Abernathy
This is my kind of quick weeknight meal. Good for your belly and my family would love it! 🙂
Sula
It's family friendly for sure!
Chef Dennis
My mouth is drooling. I wish this was in front of me.
Sula
I hope you try it soon!
Emily
Who knew gilling a burrito would take it from good to great?!? I made your recipe last night and my guys were in love. We will be making these grilled burritos again!
Sula
So glad your family enjoyed these, sounds like almost as much as mine does!