Taco Grilled Cheese

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Combines the best parts of tacos and grilled cheese.
• Quick and simple—ready in minutes.
• Perfect for kids and adults alike.
• Easily customizable with your favorite taco toppings.
• Great for using leftover taco meat.

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

• Ground beef or turkey
• Taco seasoning
• Onion (optional)
• Salsa or taco sauce
• Butter
• Bread slices
• Shredded cheese (cheddar, Monterey Jack, or Mexican blend)
• Jalapeños (optional)
• Sour cream (optional, for serving)

Directions

1. In a skillet, cook ground beef (and onion if using) over medium heat until browned. Drain excess grease.
2. Stir in taco seasoning and a splash of water. Simmer until thickened.
3. Butter one side of each bread slice.
4. Heat a clean skillet over medium-low heat. Place one slice of bread, buttered side down, into the skillet.
5. Add a layer of shredded cheese, a spoonful of taco meat, and additional toppings like jalapeños if desired.
6. Top with more cheese and the second slice of bread, buttered side up.
7. Cook until the bottom is golden, then carefully flip. Continue cooking until both sides are crisp and the cheese is fully melted.
8. Slice and serve with sour cream or salsa.

Servings and timing

Serves: 2 sandwiches
Prep time: ~10 minutes
Cook time: ~8–10 minutes
Total time: ~18–20 minutes

Variations

• Spicy: Add jalapeños, pepper jack cheese, or hot sauce.
• Chicken taco melt: Use shredded cooked chicken seasoned with taco seasoning.
• Veggie version: Use sautéed peppers, onions, black beans, and corn instead of meat.
• Quesadilla-style: Use tortillas instead of bread for extra crispiness.
• Cheesy deluxe: Add a mixture of cheddar, mozzarella, and Monterey Jack.

Storage/Reheating

• Storage: Best enjoyed fresh, but leftovers can be refrigerated for up to 2 days.
• Reheating: Warm in a skillet over medium heat to restore crispiness. Avoid microwaving, as it softens the bread.
• Freezing: Not recommended, as the bread becomes soggy once thawed.

FAQs

Can I use leftover taco meat?

Yes, this recipe is perfect for leftover taco beef or chicken.

What cheese melts best?

Cheddar, Monterey Jack, or a Mexican blend work wonderfully.

Can I make it without butter?

Use mayonnaise on the outside of the bread for crisp, golden grilling.

Can I make this vegetarian?

Absolutely—replace the meat with beans, sautéed veggies, or a meatless crumble.

How do I keep the sandwich from falling apart?

Use a moderate amount of filling and press gently with a spatula while cooking.

Can I use taco sauce inside the sandwich?

Yes, just use a small amount to avoid sogginess.

What bread works best?

Sturdy breads like sourdough, Texas toast, or thick white bread hold up well.

Can I make it in a panini press?

Yes, it grills evenly and helps seal the sandwich.

Can I prepare the filling ahead of time?

Yes, cook the taco meat in advance and refrigerate for up to 3 days.

What sides go well with taco grilled cheese?

Serve with chips, salsa, guacamole, or a simple green salad.

Conclusion

Taco grilled cheese is a fun, flavorful twist on a classic comfort food. With melty cheese, seasoned taco meat, and crispy grilled bread, it’s a quick and satisfying recipe you’ll want to make again and again. Perfect for busy days, movie nights, or whenever a cheesy, hearty meal is calling your name.

Taco Grilled Cheese

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A fusion of classic grilled cheese and flavorful taco fillings, featuring seasoned beef, melty cheese, and golden buttery bread for a quick, satisfying meal.

• Author: Laura
• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 8–10 minutes
• Total Time: 18–20 minutes
• Yield: 2 sandwiches
• Category: Sandwich
• Method: Stovetop
• Cuisine: Mexican-American Fusion
• Diet: Halal

Ingredients

• 1/2 lb (225 g) ground beef or turkey
• 1 tbsp taco seasoning
• 1/4 cup diced onion (optional)
• 1–2 tbsp salsa or taco sauce
• 2 tbsp butter
• 4 bread slices
• 1 cup shredded cheese (cheddar, Monterey Jack, or Mexican blend)
• Jalapeños, sliced (optional)
• Sour cream (optional, for serving)

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Instructions

1. Cook ground beef and diced onion (if using) in a skillet over medium heat until browned. Drain excess grease.
2. Add taco seasoning and a splash of water. Simmer until thickened.
3. Butter one side of each bread slice.
4. Heat a clean skillet over medium-low heat. Place one bread slice buttered side down.
5. Add shredded cheese, taco meat, and optional jalapeños.
6. Top with more cheese and the second slice of bread, buttered side up.
7. Cook until the bottom is golden, then flip and cook until the cheese is melted and both sides are crisp.
8. Slice and serve with sour cream or salsa.

Notes

• Use mayonnaise instead of butter for extra crispiness.
• Add a mix of cheeses for a richer melt.
• Use leftover taco meat to save time.
• Cook on low heat to melt cheese without burning the bread.

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 sandwich
• Calories: 520
• Sugar: 4 g
• Sodium: 860 mg
• Fat: 32 g
• Saturated Fat: 15 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 14 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 32 g
• Fiber: 2 g
• Protein: 28 g
• Cholesterol: 95 mg