Taco Grilled Cheese

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This recipe is quick, easy, and bursting with flavor. It combines all the elements of a taco—spiced meat, cheese, and optional toppings—in a crispy, buttery grilled cheese sandwich. It’s kid-friendly, adult-approved, and endlessly customizable. Whether you’re looking for a fun dinner idea or a creative way to use up leftovers, this sandwich hits the spot.

Ingredients

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

ground beef or ground turkey
taco seasoning
water
sliced bread (such as sourdough or white sandwich bread)
shredded cheddar cheese or Mexican blend cheese
butter (for spreading on bread)
optional add-ins: diced tomatoes, jalapeños, onions, or hot sauce
optional toppings: sour cream, salsa, or guacamole for dipping

Directions

1. In a skillet over medium heat, cook ground beef until browned. Drain excess grease.
2. Add taco seasoning and water, then simmer until thickened. Remove from heat.
3. Butter one side of each slice of bread.
4. Place one slice of bread, buttered side down, in a skillet over medium heat.
5. Layer with shredded cheese, a generous spoonful of taco meat, and any optional add-ins.
6. Top with more cheese and the second slice of bread, buttered side up.
7. Grill for 3–4 minutes per side, or until golden brown and the cheese is melted.
8. Remove from heat, slice in half, and serve with your favorite taco-inspired dips.

Servings and timing

This recipe makes 2 sandwiches.
Prep time: 10 minutes
Cook time: 10 minutes
Total time: 20 minutes

Variations

• Spicy Taco Melt: Add jalapeños, chipotle peppers, or hot sauce for extra heat.
• Loaded Taco Grilled Cheese: Include diced tomatoes, sautéed onions, or refried beans.
• Vegetarian: Use black beans, lentils, or a meatless crumble in place of ground beef.
• Breakfast Style: Add scrambled eggs and taco-seasoned breakfast sausage for a morning twist.
• Quesadilla-Inspired: Use flour tortillas instead of bread for a crispier, thinner version.

Storage/Reheating

Storage: Store leftover sandwiches in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days.
Reheating: Reheat in a skillet or toaster oven for 3–5 minutes until the outside is crispy and the filling is hot. Avoid microwaving if possible, as it softens the bread.

FAQs

Can I use leftover taco meat?

Yes, this recipe is a great way to repurpose leftover taco meat. Just reheat before using in the sandwich.

What bread works best?

Thicker bread like sourdough, Texas toast, or hearty white bread works well for a crispy, golden exterior.

Can I use pre-shredded cheese?

Yes, but freshly shredded cheese melts better and has a creamier texture.

What kind of cheese is best?

Cheddar, Monterey Jack, Colby Jack, or a Mexican blend all work well. You can mix cheeses for more flavor.

Can I make this in the oven?

Yes, bake assembled sandwiches at 400°F (200°C) for 10–12 minutes, flipping halfway for even browning.

Is this sandwich spicy?

Not unless you add spicy ingredients. You can control the heat with your choice of taco seasoning and toppings.

Can I freeze Taco Grilled Cheese?

It’s not ideal, as the bread may become soggy when thawed. Best enjoyed fresh or refrigerated short-term.

What sides go well with this?

Serve with tortilla chips, salsa, Mexican rice, or a simple green salad.

Can I make it dairy-free?

Yes, use dairy-free butter and cheese alternatives.

Do I need to cook the meat separately?

Yes, cook and season the meat before adding to the sandwich for full flavor and safety.

Conclusion

Taco Grilled Cheese is a fun, flavor-packed twist on the classic grilled cheese sandwich. It’s quick to make, easy to customize, and absolutely loaded with melty, taco-inspired goodness. Whether you’re spicing up taco night or reinventing leftovers, this sandwich is sure to become a go-to favorite.

Taco Grilled Cheese

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Taco Grilled Cheese combines the cheesy comfort of a classic grilled cheese with the bold flavors of a taco. Packed with seasoned ground meat and melty cheese between crispy, buttery bread, it’s an easy and irresistible meal.

• Author: Laura
• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 10 minutes
• Total Time: 20 minutes
• Yield: Makes 2 sandwiches
• Category: Main Course
• Method: Stovetop
• Cuisine: Mexican-American

Ingredients

• 1/2 lb ground beef or ground turkey
• 1 tablespoon taco seasoning
• 2 tablespoons water
• 4 slices bread (sourdough, white, or your choice)
• 1 cup shredded cheddar or Mexican blend cheese
• 2 tablespoons butter (for spreading)
• Optional: diced tomatoes, jalapeños, onions, hot sauce
• Optional toppings for serving: sour cream, salsa, or guacamole

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Instructions

1. In a skillet over medium heat, cook ground beef until browned. Drain excess grease.
2. Add taco seasoning and water, stirring to combine. Simmer until thickened, then remove from heat.
3. Butter one side of each bread slice.
4. Place one slice of bread, buttered side down, into a skillet over medium heat.
5. Layer with shredded cheese, taco meat, and any desired add-ins. Top with more cheese and another bread slice, buttered side up.
6. Cook 3–4 minutes per side until golden brown and cheese is melted.
7. Remove from skillet, slice, and serve with salsa, sour cream, or guacamole if desired.

Notes

• Great way to use up leftover taco meat.
• Freshly shredded cheese melts better than pre-shredded.
• Adjust heat with hot sauce or jalapeños.
• Use hearty bread like sourdough for best texture.
• Serve with tortilla chips or salad for a full meal.

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 sandwich
• Calories: 480
• Sugar: 3g
• Sodium: 680mg
• Fat: 30g
• Saturated Fat: 14g
• Unsaturated Fat: 14g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 28g
• Fiber: 2g
• Protein: 28g
• Cholesterol: 85mg