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- 4 large flour tortillas - 2 cups cooked rice (choose between white or brown) - 1 can black beans, rinsed and drained - 2 cups shredded Monterey Jack cheese - 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese - 1 cup corn (fresh or frozen) - 1 small red onion, thinly sliced - 1 jalapeño, sliced (adjust according to heat preference) - 1 cup lettuce, shredded - 1 ripe avocado, sliced - 1/2 cup fresh cilantro, chopped - 1/4 cup chipotle sauce (or your go-to salsa) - Olive oil for grilling - Salt and pepper to taste Gather these ingredients before you start cooking. The flour tortillas are the base of your melt. You can use white or brown rice, depending on your taste. Black beans add fiber and protein. Cheese is key to a good melt. I use both Monterey Jack and cheddar for flavor. Fresh veggies make the dish vibrant and tasty. You can tweak the jalapeño based on how spicy you want it. Adding corn gives a nice sweetness. Chipotle sauce adds a smoky kick. Use olive oil for grilling. Don’t forget to season with salt and pepper. This mix of ingredients makes your melt flavorful. Enjoy the process of gathering everything; it sets the stage for a delicious meal! {{ingredient_image_2}} To make the filling, mix cooked rice, black beans, corn, sliced red onion, and jalapeño in a big bowl. Use about two cups of rice. You can choose white or brown rice. Rinse and drain the black beans to keep them clean. This mix gives your melt great flavor and texture. Season it well with salt and pepper. Add half of the chopped cilantro for a fresh taste. Good seasoning makes all the difference. It brings out the flavors of each ingredient. Next, lay out your flour tortillas on a clean surface. Spread the rice and bean mixture evenly on each tortilla. Be sure to leave space at the edges. This makes rolling easier. Sprinkle an even amount of Monterey Jack and cheddar cheese on top. Then, add a few avocado slices and a spoonful of chipotle sauce. This sauce adds a spicy kick. Make sure to distribute the fillings evenly. This helps each bite be as tasty as the last. Now it’s time to fold the tortillas. Gently fold in the sides of each tortilla first. Then, start rolling from the bottom, keeping the filling inside. Roll tightly to secure everything. When grilling, preheat your skillet over medium heat. Drizzle some olive oil to coat the pan. Place the filled tortillas seam side down. Grill for about 3-4 minutes until golden brown. Flip them carefully and grill the other side for another 3-4 minutes. This will give them a nice crispy exterior. To get that cheese just right, think about your cheese choices. Monterey Jack melts well and adds a creamy taste. Cheddar gives a sharp bite. Mix both for a delicious blend. Grilling temperature matters too. Preheat your skillet to medium heat. If it’s too hot, your tortilla may burn before the cheese melts. Aim for about 3-4 minutes on each side. You want golden brown and crispy! Garnishing makes a meal fun! Top your melts with fresh cilantro and a drizzle of chipotle sauce. It adds color and flavor. You can also serve them with a side of shredded lettuce for crunch. Pair your melts with sides like tortilla chips or a fresh salad. A creamy dip or salsa on the side will enhance the dish. Try guacamole for extra flavor! Cleaning up doesn’t have to be hard. Use one cutting board for all your prep work. This saves time and space. Soak any dirty pans in warm water right after cooking. It makes scrubbing easier. Keep tools simple. A good non-stick skillet is key. Use a spatula to flip your melts without tearing them. These shortcuts help you enjoy cooking more! Pro Tips Use Fresh Ingredients: Opt for fresh produce, especially the avocado and cilantro, to enhance the flavor and presentation of your melts. Customize the Heat: Adjust the amount of jalapeño according to your preferred spice level. For a milder taste, consider removing the seeds. Perfectly Melted Cheese: To ensure the cheese melts beautifully, cover the skillet with a lid while grilling the melts for the first few minutes. Make Ahead: Prepare the filling ahead of time and store it in the fridge. Assemble and grill the melts just before serving for a quick meal. {{image_4}} You can control the spice in your Copycat Chipotle Melt. If jalapeños are too hot, try these alternatives: - Bell Peppers: Sweet and mild, they add crunch without heat. - Poblano Peppers: They offer a mild heat and rich flavor. If you want more spice, consider these options: - Hot Sauce: Add a few drops to the filling. - Serrano Peppers: These are hotter than jalapeños and pack a punch. You can make your melts fit different diets. Here are some tasty swaps: - Vegetarian Option: Use black beans or extra veggies in place of meat. - Vegan Option: Replace cheese with vegan cheese made from nuts or soy. If you're avoiding dairy, try these: - Dairy-Free Cheese: Look for brands made from almond or coconut. To boost flavor, you can try new sauces and ingredients. Here are some ideas: - Other Sauces: Use salsa verde or a garlic aioli to change the taste. - Tweaking Fillings: Add different veggies like spinach or mushrooms for extra nutrients. Experiment with these changes to make the melts your own! To keep your melts fresh, place them in an airtight container. Store them in the fridge. They stay good for up to three days. When you’re ready to eat, reheat them on a skillet. This method keeps the tortilla crispy. Heat on medium for about 2-3 minutes per side. You can also use the microwave, but it may make them soft. You can freeze these melts before or after cooking. To freeze before grilling, wrap each melt in plastic wrap. Then, place them in a freezer bag. They can last up to three months. For freezing after grilling, let them cool first. Wrap them in foil and store in a freezer bag. To thaw, move them to the fridge overnight. Reheat on a skillet, aiming for 3-4 minutes per side until hot. These melts taste best fresh, but they last well. In the fridge, they stay fresh for about three days. If you notice any strange smells or colors, it’s best to toss them. Always check for mold or any off-putting signs. When in doubt, throw it out! Yes, you can prep the filling ahead. Cook the rice and mix it with beans, corn, onion, jalapeño, and spices. Store it in the fridge for up to three days. You can also assemble the melts a few hours before grilling. Just wrap them in foil to keep them fresh. When ready, grill them as directed. This saves time and makes meal prep easy. Pair your melts with fresh sides. Here are some great options: - Mexican street corn: Sweet and savory flavors complement the melt well. - Guacamole and chips: A classic side that adds creamy texture. - Pico de gallo: Fresh salsa adds a zesty crunch. - Refried beans: Creamy and comforting, they make a great addition. - Iced tea or lemonade: These drinks balance the heat and spice. Yes! You can find gluten-free tortillas at most stores. Look for brands made from rice or corn. Just ensure they are labeled gluten-free. If you add any sauces, check their labels too. This way, everyone can enjoy the Copycat Chipotle Melt without worry. You learned how to make a delicious copycat Chipotle Melt. We explored the best ingredients, from tortillas to cheese. I shared tips on preparing, assembling, and grilling. You can customize the heat to suit your taste and adapt for special diets. Don’t forget storage tips to keep leftovers fresh. Now you can enjoy this tasty meal anytime. Get creative and make it your own!

Cheesy Chipotle Melt Delight

A delicious and cheesy tortilla melt filled with rice, beans, and fresh toppings, perfect for a quick meal.
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 10 minutes
Total Time 25 minutes
Course Main Course
Cuisine Mexican
Servings 4
Calories 400 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • 4 large flour tortillas
  • 2 cups cooked rice
  • 1 can black beans, rinsed and drained
  • 2 cups shredded Monterey Jack cheese
  • 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
  • 1 cup corn
  • 1 small red onion, thinly sliced
  • 1 whole jalapeño, sliced
  • 1 cup lettuce, shredded
  • 1 ripe avocado, sliced
  • 1 2 fresh cilantro, chopped
  • 1 4 cup chipotle sauce
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil for grilling
  • to taste salt and pepper

Instructions
 

  • In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked rice, black beans, corn, sliced red onion, and sliced jalapeño. Season the mixture generously with salt, pepper, and half of the chopped cilantro. Stir thoroughly until all ingredients are well integrated.
  • On a clean surface, lay out the flour tortillas. Evenly distribute the rice and bean mixture onto each tortilla. Top each with an equal portion of shredded Monterey Jack and cheddar cheese. Gently place avocado slices and add a spoonful of chipotle sauce over the filling for flavor enhancement.
  • Carefully fold in the sides of each tortilla to encase the filling. Then, starting from the bottom, roll the tortilla tightly upwards, ensuring the filling remains secure and contained.
  • Preheat a skillet or grill pan over medium heat and drizzle a small amount of olive oil to coat the bottom. Place the filled tortillas seam side down in the heated pan. Grill for approximately 3-4 minutes until the bottom is golden brown and crispy. Carefully flip and grill the other side for another 3-4 minutes until similarly golden.
  • Once the melts are golden and the cheese has melted to perfection, remove them from the heat. Cut each wrap in half diagonally for an appealing presentation. Serve hot, garnished with the remaining chopped cilantro and a mound of shredded lettuce. Additionally, provide extra chipotle sauce or your preferred salsa on the side for dipping.

Notes

Serve with lime wedges for added flavor.
Keyword cheese, chipotle, melt, tortilla, vegetarian