Craving the famous Taco Bell Enchirito? This beloved menu item combines all the flavors of a classic burrito and enchilada, rolled into one cheesy, savory delight. Follow this easy recipe to recreate the flavors of Taco Bell’s Enchirito right in your kitchen!
Why Make a Copycat Taco Bell Enchirito?
With layers of seasoned beef, beans, melty cheese, and red sauce, the Enchirito has developed a cult following over the years. But it’s not always available at Taco Bell locations, so making it at home means you can enjoy this treat anytime! Plus, it’s customizable to your taste and dietary needs.
Ingredients for the Enchirito
To make a delicious Enchirito, you’ll need a few simple ingredients. This recipe serves four but can be doubled for a larger crowd.
Ingredients:
- 1 lb ground beef (or swap for ground turkey or a plant-based option)
- 1 packet taco seasoning
- 8 flour tortillas
- 1 can (16 oz) refried beans
- 1 cup shredded cheese (cheddar or a Mexican blend)
- 1 can (10 oz) red enchilada sauce
- ¼ cup chopped onions
- Sour cream and sliced olives for garnish (optional)
How to Make Taco Bell Enchirito at Home
- Prepare the Ground Beef: In a skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef until browned. Drain any excess grease, then add the taco seasoning and ½ cup of water. Simmer until the beef is fully seasoned and most of the liquid has evaporated.
- Warm the Refried Beans: In a small saucepan over low heat, warm the refried beans to make them easier to spread.
- Assemble the Enchiritos:
- Spread about 2 tablespoons of refried beans down the center of each tortilla.
- Add a spoonful of seasoned beef on top of the beans, followed by a sprinkle of chopped onions.
- Roll the Tortillas: Roll each tortilla, folding in the sides, then place them seam-side down in a baking dish.
- Top with Sauce and Cheese: Pour the red enchilada sauce evenly over the rolled tortillas, then sprinkle with shredded cheese.
- Bake: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and bake for 10-15 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Garnish and Serve: Remove from the oven and garnish with a dollop of sour cream and sliced olives, if desired.
Tips for Perfecting Your Enchirito
- Customizable Fillings: Swap out beef for ground chicken, turkey, or black beans to make it vegetarian.
- Spice It Up: Add chopped jalapeños or hot sauce to the filling for an extra kick.
- More Cheese Please: Add extra cheese on top of each Enchirito for a richer flavor.
Nutritional Information
Each Enchirito serving contains approximately:
- Calories: 320
- Protein: 18g
- Carbohydrates: 29g
- Fat: 15g
(Please note that these values are estimates and may vary depending on specific ingredients used.)
Final Thoughts
The Taco Bell Enchirito combines everything you love about Mexican-inspired fast food into one amazing meal. Making this copycat Enchirito at home is quick, easy, and budget-friendly, perfect for family dinners or casual get-togethers. Enjoy every cheesy, saucy bite, and impress friends and family with your DIY Taco Bell creation!
Serving and Storage Tips for Taco Bell Enchirito
Once you’ve made your delicious Taco Bell Enchirito, it’s important to know how to serve and store it properly to ensure the best taste and texture. Here are some helpful tips:
Serving Tips
- Garnish Creatively: Serve your Enchirito hot from the oven, garnished with fresh toppings like:
- Sliced black olives
- Chopped green onions
- Fresh cilantro
- A dollop of sour cream or guacamole
- Pair with Sides: Enhance your meal with complementary sides, such as:
- Spanish rice or Mexican rice
- Refried beans
- A simple green salad with avocado dressing
- Offer Hot Sauce: Set out various hot sauces for guests who like an extra kick, including mild, medium, and spicy options.
- Presentation: Serve the Enchirito on a colorful plate or platter to make the meal visually appealing, showcasing the vibrant colors of the garnishes and toppings.
- Slice for Sharing: If you’re serving a group, consider slicing the Enchiritos in half before serving. This makes them easier to share and adds a lovely presentation.
Storage Tips
- Refrigeration: If you have leftovers, allow the Enchirito to cool completely before storing. Place it in an airtight container or wrap it tightly with aluminum foil or plastic wrap. Refrigerate for up to 3-4 days.
- Freezing: For longer storage, freeze individual Enchirito portions. Wrap them in foil or plastic wrap and place them in a freezer-safe container or bag. They can be frozen for up to 2-3 months.
- Reheating:
- Oven: For the best results, reheat the Enchirito in the oven. Preheat to 350°F (175°C), place the Enchirito in a baking dish, cover with foil, and heat for about 15-20 minutes, or until warmed through.
- Microwave: If you’re short on time, you can use the microwave. Place the Enchirito on a microwave-safe plate, cover it with a damp paper towel, and heat in 30-second intervals until warmed through. Note that the texture may be less desirable compared to oven reheating.
- Avoid Repeated Heating: Try to reheat only what you plan to eat to maintain the best flavor and texture. Repeated heating can make the tortillas soggy and the filling lose its freshness.
By following these serving and storage tips, you can enjoy your Taco Bell Enchirito at its best, whether you’re serving it fresh out of the oven or saving leftovers for later!
1. Can I make the Taco Bell Enchirito vegetarian?
Yes! You can easily make a vegetarian version of the Enchirito by substituting the ground beef with a plant-based protein, such as black beans, lentils, or crumbled tofu. You can also add more vegetables like bell peppers, zucchini, or corn for added flavor and nutrition.
2. How can I make the Enchirito spicier?
To add some heat to your Enchirito, consider mixing chopped jalapeños or diced green chilies into the meat mixture. You can also use a spicier enchilada sauce or serve it with hot sauce on the side for those who like an extra kick.
3. Can I prepare the Enchirito ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can assemble the Enchiritos ahead of time and store them in the refrigerator, covered, for up to 24 hours before baking. Just add a few extra minutes to the baking time to ensure they heat through completely.
4. What can I use instead of flour tortillas?
If you want a gluten-free option, you can substitute flour tortillas with corn tortillas, which are naturally gluten-free. You can also try using whole wheat tortillas for a healthier alternative, or even lettuce wraps for a low-carb option. Just ensure they are sturdy enough to hold the filling without breaking apart.
Taco Bell Enchirito
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course, Tex-Mex
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American-Mexican Fusion
Description
This Taco Bell-inspired Enchirito combines the best of enchiladas and burritos! It features a soft flour tortilla filled with seasoned ground beef, refried beans, and onions, then rolled up, smothered in red enchilada sauce, and topped with melty cheese.
Ingredients
- 1 lb (450g) ground beef
- 1 packet (1 oz) taco seasoning mix
- 1/2 cup water
- 1/2 cup diced onion
- 1 can (15 oz) refried beans
- 8 small flour tortillas
- 1 can (10 oz) red enchilada sauce
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese or Mexican blend cheese
- Sliced black olives (optional, for garnish)
Instructions
-
Cook the Ground Beef:
- In a skillet over medium-high heat, cook the ground beef until browned, breaking it up with a spoon as it cooks. Drain any excess fat.
- Add the taco seasoning mix and water, stirring to combine. Simmer for 5 minutes until thickened.
-
Warm the Refried Beans:
- In a small saucepan or microwave-safe bowl, heat the refried beans until warmed through for easy spreading.
-
Assemble the Enchiritos:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Spread a layer of refried beans down the center of each flour tortilla.
- Add a layer of the seasoned ground beef, followed by a sprinkle of diced onion.
- Roll up each tortilla like a burrito and place them seam-side down in a baking dish.
-
Add Sauce and Cheese:
- Pour the enchilada sauce evenly over the rolled tortillas, covering them completely.
- Sprinkle the shredded cheese over the top and add sliced black olives, if desired.
-
Bake:
- Bake in the preheated oven for 15-20 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
-
Serve:
- Serve hot, and enjoy with a side of sour cream or guacamole if desired.
Notes
- Customize the filling: Add jalapeños or extra onions for more flavor.
- Make it spicier: Use a spicy enchilada sauce or add hot sauce to the beef mixture.
- Storage: Store leftovers in the fridge for up to 3 days and reheat in the microwave or oven.