Taco Grilled Cheese is exactly what it sounds like: a golden, crispy grilled cheese sandwich stuffed with savory taco meat and plenty of melty cheese. If you love tacos and grilled cheese, this easy mash-up gives you the best of both in one satisfying bite. It is also a delicious way to turn leftover taco night into a quick lunch, weeknight dinner, or game-day snack.
I would love to say that I thought of Taco Grilled Cheese, but I can’t. Fay, my youngest and our resident taco lover, came up with it and made it; I just took the pictures. Hopefully, I’m wearing off on her and she will continue to love cooking, experimenting, and creating recipes of her own!
What is the best cheese for a grilled cheese?
According to the internet…
- Colby
- Provolone
- Blue Cheese
- Muenster
- Monterey Jack
Those are the best cheeses for grilled cheese. Everyone will have there preferences and might choose the cheese based on the one who is eating it. My preference is American Cheese (just melts better), then Colby/Cheddar and then Muenster.
What can you add to grilled cheese?
- Uh…taco meat
- Lunch meats – Fried Bologna Grilled Cheese
- Tuna Salad
- Vegetables like avocados, spinach, tomatoes, onion, etc.
- Steak – Philly Grilled Cheese
- Bacon Wrapped Grilled Cheese
- Endless possibilities!!!
What condiment goes on grilled cheese?
If you feel the need to add a condiment, then your basics will work. Try ketchup, mayonnaise or mustard. Some unique grilled cheese sandwiches won’t need any condiments.
Fun Facts About Taco Grilled Cheese
- Grilled cheese is a great “blank canvas” recipe. Once you have crisp bread and properly melted cheese, fillings such as taco meat, vegetables, or bacon can turn the sandwich into a complete meal.
- Using two cheeses can give you the best of both worlds: one with a smooth melt, such as American or Monterey Jack, and one with a stronger flavor, such as cheddar or Colby.
- The browned, toasty flavor on the bread develops as it cooks against the hot pan. Cooking over moderate heat gives the bread time to turn golden while the cheese melts inside.
- This sandwich is especially handy for leftovers because the taco meat is already seasoned. A small amount goes a long way, so even one scoop left from dinner can become lunch the next day.
Tips and Tricks for the Best Taco Grilled Cheese
- Drain the taco meat. If the filling is very greasy or saucy, let the excess liquid drain before adding it to the bread. This helps prevent a soggy sandwich.
- Use room-temperature butter. Soft butter spreads in a thin, even layer without tearing the bread. Mayonnaise can also be used on the outside for browning.
- Keep the heat at medium-low. High heat can burn the bread before the center warms through. A slower cook gives the cheese time to become gooey.
- Do not overfill it. A modest layer of taco meat is easier to flip and keeps the cheese in contact with both slices of bread.
- Put cheese on both sides of the filling. Cheese acts like delicious glue, helping hold the taco meat in place.
- Cover the pan briefly. If the bread is browned but the cheese needs help melting, cover the skillet for 30 to 60 seconds. Watch closely so steam does not soften the bread too much.
- Rest before slicing. Give the sandwich a minute or two after cooking. The filling will settle, making it easier to cut and eat.
Easy Variations
Make it your own with a few simple swaps. Add sliced jalapeños or pepper jack for extra heat, tuck in a spoonful of refried beans for a heartier sandwich, or add diced green chiles for a mild kick. A thin layer of guacamole can be added after cooking so it stays fresh. You can also use ground turkey, shredded chicken, or seasoned black beans in place of ground beef. For extra crunch, sprinkle a few crushed tortilla chips over the taco meat just before closing the sandwich.
Serving Suggestions
Serve Taco Grilled Cheese hot, while the bread is crisp and the cheese is stretchy. Cut it into halves for lunch or into smaller wedges for an appetizer platter. Salsa, pico de gallo, guacamole, sour cream, queso, or taco sauce all make flavorful dips. For a full meal, pair the sandwich with tortilla soup, black bean soup, Mexican-style rice, corn salad, a simple green salad, or crunchy raw vegetables. Fresh lime wedges and chopped cilantro add a bright finish that balances the rich cheese and taco meat.
Storage and Reheating Tips
Taco Grilled Cheese tastes best right after cooking, but leftovers can still be saved. Let the sandwich cool, then wrap it or place it in an airtight container and refrigerate it promptly. Eat refrigerated leftovers within three to four days. For the crispiest result, reheat the sandwich in a skillet over low heat, turning once, until the center is hot. An air fryer or toaster oven also works well. The microwave is the quickest option, but it will make the bread softer.
For make-ahead prep, store the cooked taco meat separately and assemble the sandwich when you are ready to eat. This keeps the bread from absorbing moisture. Reheat the meat first if it is very cold, then build and grill the sandwich as usual. Freezing a fully assembled sandwich is not ideal because the filling can release moisture as it thaws, but the taco meat itself can be frozen separately for a future batch.
ITEMS/INGREDIENTS USED IN RECIPE – If you are interested in any of the items I may have used (or are similar to the items I used) in making this recipe, I have listed some of them below. NOTE: These links are affiliate links of which I receive a small commission from the sale of certain item. This does not affect your price, it remains the same.
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Rock on!
~Bobbi
Taco Grilled Cheese
Equipment
Ingredients
- 2 Slices Bread
- 1/3 Cup Taco Meat, Prepared
- 2 Tbsp Butter
- 2 Slice American Cheese, or your choice
Instructions
- Preheat skillet to medium high heat.
- Butter one side of each slice of bread. Place one slice, butter side down in skillet.
- Add one slice of cheese.
- Add taco meat…carefully. You can see Sarah is messy.
- Add another slice of cheese.
- Add the other slice of bread, butter side up. Cook about 5 minutes, or until grilled.
- Carefully flip. Cook the other side about 5 minutes, or until grilled.
Notes
Nutrition
I love adding leftover chicken, pork, or lunch meat to a grilled cheese sandwich, but now I need to try adding the taco meat too.
Thanks for the idea (or thank your daughter).
I think my favorite is with leftover chicken and then I add BBQ sauce. My husband hates BBQ sauce, so I’m always looking for opportunities to add it to my individual dishes.
Julie V. recently posted…Garlic Ranch Pizza with Bacon
I know how that goes…My family doesn’t love chinese much. My daughter said you’re welcome…LOL. Thanks for stopping by and checking it out!
Have a great day!
I will definitely add onion and tomato, but I love this idea! Grilled cheese is a go-to meal around here when we’re busy. My husband will appreciate this variation!
Shannon @ Of The Hearth recently posted…Going Without Makeup: Normal or Newsworthy?
If I could, I think I would have the same combo as you. I hope you get the chance to try it and your hubs loves it!
Thanks for stopping by!!
Have a great day!