Make the Original Grilled Stuffed Burrito at home—just like the Grilled Stuft Burrito Taco Bell served around 2005. This is the original version with Baja sauce (not the later XXL), recreated simply with flour tortillas, rice, refried beans, pico de gallo, Baja sauce, and cheese.
I love Taco Bell and have recreated several nostalgic menu items at home, from creamy jalapeño sauces to Fiesta Potatoes and cheesy potato grillers. Many of the items have changed or been discontinued over the years, so this recipe is my attempt to bring back that familiar Grilled Stuft Burrito flavor in an easy, homemade version.
The Original Grilled Stuffed (Stuft) Burrito
The original Grilled Stuft Burrito was a large flour tortilla filled with refried beans, rice, pico de gallo (fiesta salsa), a three-cheese blend, and taco bell’s Baja sauce, then pressed on a commercial grill. Customers could add seasoned beef, grilled chicken, or steak, but the vegetarian version—extra cheese and lots of Baja—was just as satisfying. The Baja sauce was a standout that tied the whole burrito together.
What Happened to the Grilled Stuft Burrito?
Taco Bell phased out the original Grilled Stuft Burrito. Later they introduced an XXL Grilled Stuft Burrito with seasoned beef, sour cream, guacamole, and avocado ranch—quite different from the original. Both versions are discontinued now, but the core flavors can still be recreated at home. Taco Bell’s Baja Sauce is available in many grocery stores, which makes reproducing the original taste simple. If you can’t find the bottled Baja sauce, a creamy jalapeño-style sauce works well as a substitute.
If you don’t own a panini press, a skillet works fine—toast each side over medium-high heat until the tortilla is golden and crispy. These homemade burritos come together quickly and capture the spirit of the original for a fraction of the price.
FAQ:
What goes in a Grilled Stuffed Burrito?
The classic Grilled Stuft Burrito contains rice, refried beans, pico de gallo (fiesta salsa), Baja sauce, and a three-cheese blend, with optional seasoned beef, grilled chicken, or steak.
Ingredients overview:
- Flour tortillas—large 10-inch tortillas
- Cooked rice—about 2 cups cooked (from 1 cup uncooked)
- Pico de gallo—fresh salsa or a simple mix of tomatoes, onion, and cilantro
- Baja sauce—available bottled in many grocery stores
- Mexican cheese—or any three-cheese blend, shredded
- Refried beans—canned or homemade (pinto beans mashed with taco seasoning)
- Optional: grilled steak, grilled chicken, or seasoned ground beef
XXL Grilled Stuffed Burrito vs Grilled Stuffed Burrito?
The XXL version included additional fillings like sour cream, guacamole, and avocado ranch along with seasoned beef. The original stayed simpler—rice, refried beans, pico de gallo, Baja sauce, and cheese, with the option to add meat. Both were grilled, but the XXL’s flavor profile differed significantly from the original.
Did Taco Bell discontinue the Grilled Stuft Burrito?
Yes. Both the original Grilled Stuft Burrito and the later XXL Grilled Stuft Burrito have been discontinued.
Can I make the Fiesta Salsa?
Yes. For a quick pico de gallo, finely mince 1/2 white onion, 1/2 cup fresh cilantro, and 1 beefsteak tomato. Toss together and use as the fresh salsa for the burritos.
How to prepare rice for burritos?
I use seasoned white jasmine rice. For a simple batch sized for these burritos, combine 1 cup uncooked rice with 1 1/2 cups water, 1/2 tsp salt, and 1 tbsp oil, then cook according to your rice cooker or Instant Pot rice setting. This yields about 2 cups cooked rice—enough for six large burritos.
I don’t have refried beans—can I use other beans?
Yes. Mash a 15-ounce can of pinto or red kidney beans in a saucepan with about 2 tablespoons taco seasoning. Heat and mash until smooth; use warm so the beans spread easily inside the tortilla.
Tips:
- Mash canned beans with taco seasoning for quick refried beans.
- Use fresh pico de gallo for bright flavor; three ingredients (tomato, onion, cilantro) are enough.
- A panini press gives even browning; a skillet works too.
- To make the burritos heartier, add 1 lb of seasoned ground beef, grilled steak, or chicken.
More Taco Bell Recipes:
- Taco Bell Quesadilla Recipe
- Fiesta Potatoes (Copycat Recipe)
- Taco Bell’s Creamy Jalapeño Sauce
- Cheesy Potato Griller (Copycat)
- Cheesy Potato Burrito (Copycat)
How To Make A Grilled Stuffed Burrito:
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Grilled Stuffed Burrito
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Equipment
- Panini press or skillet
Ingredients
Ingredients:
- 6 flour tortillas (10-inch)
- 2 cups cooked rice
- 1 1/2 cups pico de gallo
- 5 oz Baja Sauce (bottled)
- 2 cups Mexican cheese, shredded
- 15 oz refried beans, warmed
Instructions
How to make a Grilled Stuffed Burrito:
- Top each tortilla with about 1/3 cup refried beans, 1/2 cup cooked rice, 1/3 cup pico de gallo, and a generous handful of shredded cheese.
- Drizzle each with about 2 tablespoons Baja sauce, then roll the tortilla, tucking in the sides for a snug wrap.
- Grill in a preheated panini press at medium-high heat or in a dry skillet for about 24–30 seconds per side, until the tortilla is golden and the cheese is melted.
Notes
- Refried beans: Use canned refried beans or mash 1 1/2 cups cooked pinto beans with 2 Tbsp taco seasoning. Heat thoroughly before filling.
- To cook rice: Combine 1 cup uncooked rice, 1 1/2 cups water, 1/2 tsp salt, and 1 Tbsp oil; cook on the rice setting in an Instant Pot or follow stovetop instructions to yield about 2 cups cooked rice.
- To make pico de gallo: Mince 1/2 cup cilantro, 1 beefsteak tomato, and 1/2 white onion; toss and season with a pinch of salt.
Nutrition (per serving)
Per serving: 481 kcal, 48 g carbs, 16 g protein, 25 g fat (values are estimates).