This Taco Grilled Cheese Sandwich is the ultimate fusion of two classic comfort foods that will leave you craving more with every bite.
With just a handful of simple ingredients and a few minutes of your time, you can whip up a batch of these mouthwatering sandwiches that will impress your family and friends.
You can customize it with your favorite taco toppings, experiment with different cheeses, or even swap the bread for tortillas to make taco quesadillas. The possibilities are endless.
Why You Will Love This Taco Grilled Cheese Sandwich
Here’s why you’ll be addicted to this dish:
A delicious fusion of two beloved comfort foods - the flavors of a zesty taco combined with the gooey, melty goodness of a classic grilled cheese sandwich.
The taco meat filling is well-seasoned with chili powder, cumin, garlic powder, and other spices, packing a flavorful punch reminiscent of your favorite taco.
Multiple types of cheese are used cheddar in the taco meat, and Monterey jack on one slice, creating an ultra cheesy, melty interior when grilled.
Fresh elements like shredded lettuce, diced tomatoes, and creamy guacamole provide bright flavors and contrasting textures against the rich meat and cheese.
Buttering and grilling the bread to golden-brown perfection gives you that signature crispy, crunchy exterior that makes grilled cheese so irresistible.
It's a quick and easy recipe using basic ingredients you likely already have on hand, making it an effortless meal option.
INGREDIENTS
Here’s what you need for this irresistible dish:
- Ground Beef: This is the main protein component of the taco filling. Lean ground beef works best to avoid excess grease.
- Taco Seasoning: A pre-made packet or homemade blend of spices like chili powder, cumin, garlic powder, paprika, oregano, salt, and pepper gives the beef its classic taco flavor.
- Bread: Soft white bread is traditionally used for grilled cheese, but you can experiment with other varieties like sourdough or Texas toast.
- Butter: Spreading butter on the bread before grilling gives it that signature crispy, golden-brown exterior.
- Lettuce: Crisp iceberg or romaine lettuce adds freshness and crunch.
- Tomatoes: Diced tomatoes provide juicy bursts of flavor and texture.
- Cheddar Cheese: Shredded cheddar is a must for that ooey-gooey, melty cheese factor.
- Condiments: Salsa, guacamole, and sour cream are classic dippers and toppers to complement the taco flavors.
How To Make Taco Grilled Cheese Sandwich
Making this dish couldn’t be easier:
Step1.Start by browning the ground beef in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Use a spatula to break up the meat as it cooks, ensuring even cooking throughout.
Step2.Once the beef is no longer pink, drain off any excess fat to prevent a greasy filling.
Step3.Sprinkle the taco seasoning over the cooked beef and stir well to distribute the spices evenly. Remove the seasoned beef from the heat and set aside.
Step4.Lay out 9 slices of bread and butter one side of each slice generously.
Step5.Flip the bread slices over so the buttered sides are facing down. On the unbuttered sides, layer shredded lettuce, diced tomatoes, a scoop of the taco meat mixture, and a handful of shredded cheddar cheese.
Step6.Place the remaining bread slices on top, buttered sides facing up.
Step7.Heat a large skillet or griddle over medium heat. Carefully transfer the assembled sandwiches to the hot surface.
Step8.Grill the sandwiches for 2-3 minutes on each side, using a spatula to peek underneath and check for a golden-brown crust. Adjust the heat if needed to prevent burning.
Step9.Once both sides are crispy and the cheese is melted, remove the sandwiches from the heat.
Step10.Allow the sandwiches to cool slightly before cutting each in half diagonally with a sharp knife.
Step11.Serve the taco grilled cheese sandwiches hot, alongside small bowls of salsa, guacamole, and sour cream for dipping.
Tips For The Best Taco Grilled Cheese Sandwich
By following these tips, you'll be well on your way to creating a taco grilled cheese sandwich that's sure to impress your family and friends.
- For extra flavor, cook the beef with diced onions, garlic, and a squeeze of lime juice before adding the taco seasoning.
- Shred your cheese from a block for superior melting power compared to pre-shredded.
- Use a panini press or weighted pan to compact the sandwiches and create an irresistible crispy, melty interior.
- Spice it up with pepper jack cheese, sliced jalapeños, or a drizzle of hot sauce over the taco meat.
- Take it over the top by adding crumbled tortilla chips or crushed Doritos inside for a Taco Bell-inspired crunch.
- Make these taco melts into sliders using small dinner rolls for easy hand-held portions perfect for parties.
How To Store
If you have a leftover taco grilled cheese sandwich, follow these steps to enjoy it a second time around:
Storing: Store the assembled sandwiches in an airtight container or wrap them tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil. Keep them in the refrigerator for up to 2-3 days.
Freezing: To freeze the sandwiches, wrap them tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil and place them in a freezer-safe bag or container. Label with the date and store in the freezer for up to 2-3 months.
Reheating: To reheat from frozen, unwrap the sandwich and place it on a baking sheet. Bake in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10-15 minutes until heated through and the cheese is melted.
Taco Grilled Cheese Sandwich
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Ingredients
- 1.1 kg 2.4 lbs lean ground beef
- 2 packets 2 oz/56g total taco seasoning mix
- 18 slices hearty sandwich bread
- 120 g 8 tablespoon salted butter, softened
- 280 g 2 ¼ cups shredded iceberg lettuce
- 2 large tomatoes diced (about 2 ¼ cups)
- 560 g 2 ¼ cups shredded cheddar cheese
- Salsa guacamole, sour cream for serving
Instructions
- In a large skillet over medium-high heat, cook the ground beef until browned and crumbled. Drain any excess fat.
- Stir in the taco seasoning packets until the beef is fully coated. Remove from heat and set aside.
- Generously spread butter on one side of each bread slice.
- On the unbuttered side of half the slices, layer the shredded lettuce, diced tomatoes, seasoned taco beef, and shredded cheddar cheese.
- Top each with another slice of bread, buttered side facing out.
- Heat a large skillet or griddle over medium heat. Cook the sandwiches for 2-3 minutes per side, until the bread is golden brown and the cheese is melted.
- Remove from heat, slice in half diagonally, and serve hot with salsa, guacamole, and sour cream for dipping.
Notes
- For a spicier kick, use pepper jack cheese or add diced jalapeños.
- Substitute ground turkey or plant-based meat crumbles for the beef.
- Use your favorite type of bread - sourdough, whole wheat, or Texas toast work great.
- Leftover taco meat? Use it up in these sandwiches for an easy meal.
- Let the sandwiches cool slightly before eating to avoid burning your mouth on the melty cheese filling.
Nutrition
Frequently Asked Questions
What other toppings go well on these?
Get creative with your favorite taco toppings like diced onions, sliced jalapeños, black olives, avocado, or cilantro.
How do I prevent the bread from getting soggy?
Toasting or grilling the bread well on both sides helps create a crispy exterior to hold up to the moist fillings.
Can I use flour tortillas instead of bread?
Absolutely! This filling would be delicious and stuffed into large flour tortillas for a taco grilled quesadilla
Isabella says
I made the Taco Grilled Cheese Sandwich, and it was a game-changer! The crunch of the grilled bread mixed with the bold taco flavors and melted cheese was perfection. Super easy to make and absolutely delicious!
Margaret says
The Taco Grilled Cheese Sandwich is a game-changer! The taco seasoning brings a bold flavor, while the melted cheese adds that perfect creamy texture. It’s an easy-to-make, filling meal that’s packed with flavor. A must-try for sandwich and taco lovers!