Homemade Taco Bell Enchirito Recipe
If you find yourself dreaming of that legendary, saucy hybrid of a burrito and enchilada from your fast-food days, you’re going to be thrilled with this Homemade Taco Bell Enchirito. The dish brings together soft tortillas loaded with seasoned beef and creamy refried beans, all smothered in red enchilada sauce and gooey cheese, bringing pure nostalgia (and plenty of flavor) to your table. It’s an ultra-satisfying comfort food classic you can whip up at home in about 40 minutes with pantry staples and a generous helping of heart!
Ingredients You’ll Need
Ingredients You’ll Need
You might be surprised by how straightforward the ingredients are, but each plays a vital role in capturing that familiar taste, melting texture, and signature saucy appeal. Nothing fancy, just pure, crave-worthy flavor where every component shines.
- Ground beef: Use 80/20 for the best balance of flavor and juiciness in every bite.
- Onion powder: Adds that distinct “fast food” savoriness, no chopping required.
- Garlic powder: Gives a warm undertone that enhances the whole mixture.
- Cumin: Provides an earthy backbone and subtle heat essential for a Tex-Mex feel.
- Chili powder: For a mild but unmistakable depth, reminiscent of the original’s signature taste.
- Paprika: Lends a hint of smokiness and beautiful color to the filling.
- Salt and pepper: These simple seasonings pull everything together perfectly—taste as you go!
- Refried beans: Their creamy, hearty base is just classic enchirito, sealing in every layer.
- Small flour tortillas: Go for fajita-size; you want soft, foldable rounds for the perfect roll-up.
- Mild red enchilada sauce: The key to authentic Homemade Taco Bell Enchirito flavor—don’t skip it!
- Shredded cheddar cheese: For those irresistibly melty, bubbling pockets of goodness on top.
- Diced onions (optional): Adds a pop of bite and color, just like those little extras from the drive-thru.
- Sliced black olives (optional): These are the classic garnish—totally optional, but delicious for fans of the original.
How to Make Homemade Taco Bell Enchirito
Step 1: Brown and Season the Beef
Start by browning the ground beef in a skillet over medium heat. As the meat sizzles and browns, your kitchen will already start to smell irresistible! Once it’s cooked through, drain the excess fat and stir in the onion powder, garlic powder, cumin, chili powder, paprika, and a little salt and pepper. Let everything simmer together for a few minutes so those spices blend into the beef—this is where the flavor magic happens!
Step 2: Warm the Beans
While the beef simmers, heat your refried beans in a saucepan or in the microwave. You want them nice and creamy so they spread smoothly onto the tortillas. Warm beans make assembly so much easier and ensure every Homemade Taco Bell Enchirito is lusciously filled from edge to edge.
Step 3: Prep the Tortillas
Gently warm your flour tortillas until they’re soft and pliable. You can wrap them in a damp paper towel and microwave for about 30 seconds, or heat them in a dry skillet for a few seconds per side. This little step keeps them from tearing as you roll your enchiritos, so don’t skip it!
Step 4: Assemble the Enchiritos
Now the fun part: laying out each tortilla, spreading on a hearty spoonful of refried beans, and then adding a generous portion of savory seasoned beef. Roll each one up like a soft burrito, tucking the ends under, and place them seam side down in a greased baking dish. The simple assembly is honestly kind of therapeutic!
Step 5: Smother and Bake
Pour the mild red enchilada sauce evenly over your rolled enchiritos until they’re well coated (don’t be shy—it’s all about the sauce!). Sprinkle with lots of shredded cheddar and, if you love a bit of zip, those diced onions. Cover with foil and bake at 375°F for 15 to 20 minutes—just long enough for everything to heat through and get irresistibly melty.
Step 6: Finish and Serve
Once out of the oven, take in that gorgeous bubbling cheese and rich red sauce! Top your Homemade Taco Bell Enchirito with sliced black olives if you like, then serve them up hot and watch the smiles around your table. Time to dig in and enjoy!
How to Serve Homemade Taco Bell Enchirito
Garnishes
Just like its fast-food inspiration, the best Homemade Taco Bell Enchirito sports a finishing touch. Scatter on sliced black olives or a handful of diced onions for true-to-type Main Course. For a fresher spin, sprinkle with chopped cilantro, green onions, or even a drizzle of sour cream—it all adds color and a pop of flavor.
Side Dishes
Pair your enchiritos with Spanish rice, a crisp green salad, or a mound of tortilla chips and salsa for a complete meal. Black beans, street corn, or even a quick guacamole all work beautifully to round out this comfort food feast.
Creative Ways to Present
Try stacking enchiritos on a big platter for a party, slicing them into mini rolls for crowd-friendly bites, or layering with extra sauce and cheese for a “casserole-style” presentation. Let your creativity (and appetite!) lead the way—Homemade Taco Bell Enchirito is forgiving and fun to serve however you like.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you find yourself with leftover Homemade Taco Bell Enchirito, you’re in luck: it’s just as delicious the next day. Cover the baking dish with foil or transfer to an airtight container, then refrigerate for up to three days. The flavors meld beautifully as they rest.
Freezing
This dish freezes surprisingly well. To do so, assemble the enchiritos (with sauce and cheese), then wrap tightly and freeze unbaked. When you’re ready, bake straight from the freezer at 350°F, covered, for about 35–40 minutes. You can also freeze fully cooked leftovers in individual portions for quick lunches.
Reheating
To reheat, place your covered enchiritos in a 350°F oven until hot and bubbly—usually about 15 minutes. If you’re in a hurry, the microwave will do the trick, but keep them loosely covered to avoid drying out. Add a fresh sprinkle of cheese if you want to revive that just-baked magic!
FAQs
Can I make Homemade Taco Bell Enchirito vegetarian?
Absolutely! Swap the ground beef for plant-based crumbles, extra refried beans, or a mix of sautéed peppers, onions, and black beans. The bold spices and saucy finish guarantee amazing flavor either way.
What kind of cheese works best?
Classic shredded cheddar melts beautifully and has that familiar tangy bite, but you can also blend in Monterey Jack or use a Mexican cheese blend for extra creaminess. Freshly shredded cheese will melt more evenly than pre-packaged, if you have time.
How can I make it spicier?
To turn up the heat, add finely chopped jalapeños or a squirt of your favorite hot sauce inside each Homemade Taco Bell Enchirito before rolling. You can also choose a medium or hot enchilada sauce if your crowd loves spice.
Are store-bought or homemade tortillas better?
Either will work! Store-bought tortillas make this recipe fast and convenient, but if you have homemade, the flavor and texture are that much more special. Just be sure they’re soft and pliable for easy rolling.
Can I double the recipe for a crowd?
Yes—this recipe is easy to double or even triple. Lay the enchiritos out in a large casserole or on a sheet pan so everyone gets a saucy, cheesy bite. They’re always a hit at potlucks and game-day gatherings!
Final Thoughts
There’s something so satisfying about recreating a longtime favorite from scratch, and Homemade Taco Bell Enchirito absolutely delivers that nostalgic, saucy comfort at home. I hope you grab these simple ingredients and treat yourself to a delicious trip down memory lane—you won’t regret it!
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Homemade Taco Bell Enchirito Recipe
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings (2 enchiritos each) 1x
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
Enjoy the comforting flavors of Taco Bell at home with this easy and delicious Homemade Taco Bell Enchirito recipe. A flavorful combination of seasoned ground beef, refried beans, and gooey cheese, all rolled up in a warm tortilla and smothered in enchilada sauce.
Ingredients
Seasoned Ground Beef:
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon cumin
- 1/2 teaspoon chili powder
- 1/4 teaspoon paprika
- Salt and pepper to taste
Other Ingredients:
- 1 can (15 oz) refried beans
- 8 small flour tortillas
- 1 can (10 oz) mild red enchilada sauce
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/2 cup diced onions (optional)
- Sliced black olives for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Cook the Ground Beef: In a skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef until browned. Drain excess fat, then season with onion powder, garlic powder, cumin, chili powder, paprika, salt, and pepper. Simmer to blend flavors.
- Prepare the Fillings: Heat refried beans until warmed. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Warm tortillas and assemble by spreading beans, adding seasoned beef, rolling up, and placing in a baking dish.
- Bake: Pour enchilada sauce over the top, sprinkle with cheese and onions. Bake covered for 15–20 minutes until heated through and cheese melts.
- Serve: Garnish with black olives and serve hot.
Notes
- To replicate Taco Bell flavor, use mild red enchilada sauce and simple fillings. For a spicier version, add jalapeños or hot sauce.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking, Stovetop
- Cuisine: Mexican-American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 2 enchiritos
- Calories: 610
- Sugar: 4 g
- Sodium: 980 mg
- Fat: 32 g
- Saturated Fat: 14 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 15 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 50 g
- Fiber: 6 g
- Protein: 28 g
- Cholesterol: 75 mg
