Taco Bell Enchirito

The Taco Bell Enchirito is a beloved Tex-Mex dish that combines the flavors of a burrito and an enchilada into one satisfying meal. This recipe captures the essence of this iconic dish with seasoned ground beef, a savory sauce, and layers of refried beans and cheese, all baked to perfection. Ideal for those craving a taste of Mexican-inspired comfort food, this Enchirito promises to delight with its rich flavors and hearty ingredients.

Taco Bell Enchirito

Ingredients

Beef

1 1/2 tablespoons masa harina

4 1/2 teaspoons chili powder

1/2 teaspoon onion powder

1/2 teaspoon garlic powder

1/2 teaspoon seasoning salt

1/2 teaspoon paprika

1/4 teaspoon ground cumin

1/2 teaspoon garlic salt

1/4 teaspoon sugar

1 teaspoon dried minced onion

1/2 teaspoon beef bouillon powder

1 1/3 pounds ground chuck

Sauce

8 ounces tomato sauce

1/3 cup water

1/4 teaspoon chili powder

1 1/2 teaspoons cumin

1 1/2 teaspoons minced onion

1 tablespoon white vinegar

1/2 teaspoon garlic powder

1/2 teaspoon garlic salt

1/4 teaspoon paprika

1/4 teaspoon sugar

1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper

Assembly

4 tortillas

1 cup refried beans heated

1 cup shredded cheddar cheese

1/4 cup chopped white onions

sliced black olives optional

Instructions

In a small bowl, combine all the ingredients for the beef, except for the beef itself, and mix well.

Crumble the ground chuck into a large skillet (preferably nonstick) and brown, stirring well. Remove from the heat and drain the grease from the beef.

Return the beef to the pan and stir in the spice mix and 3/4 to 1 cup of water. Simmer uncovered on medium-low heat for 20 minutes, until most of the moisture has cooked away. Remove the pan from the heat before the meat is completely dry.

To make the sauce, combine all the ingredients for the sauce in a saucepan and mix well. Simmer at a very low temperature for 15 to 20 minutes. Remove from the heat and let cool.

Preheat the oven to 350°F.

To assemble the Enchirito, spread 1/4 of the heated refried beans onto a tortilla, followed by 1/4 of the ground beef. Roll up the tortilla and place it seam-side down in an ovenproof dish coated with non-stick spray. Repeat with remaining tortillas. Cover with the prepared sauce, cheese, chopped onions, and black olives, if desired.

Place the Enchiritos in the preheated oven for about 15 minutes, or until the cheese melts.

Notes

Note: Taco Bell never bakes up a pan of these enchritos. You can make them this way to serve to your family.

Flavorful Beef Mixture: The beef is seasoned with a blend of spices including chili powder, onion powder, garlic powder, paprika, cumin, and more, giving it a robust and savory taste that complements the other ingredients well.

Sauce Simplicity: The sauce combines tomato sauce with a variety of spices and seasonings, including cumin, garlic powder, and a touch of vinegar for tanginess. Simmering the sauce enhances its flavors and ensures it complements the dish without overpowering.

Assembly Ease: Assembling the Enchiritos involves layering heated refried beans and the seasoned beef mixture onto tortillas, rolling them up, and placing them seam-side down in a baking dish. This step-by-step process ensures each Enchirito is neatly prepared for baking.

Baking for Melty Goodness: Baking the assembled Enchiritos allows the flavors to meld together while melting the cheese and heating through the other ingredients. This step also ensures that the tortillas soften slightly and absorb flavors from the sauce and fillings.

Customizable Toppings: Topping the Enchiritos with shredded cheddar cheese, chopped onions, and optional sliced black olives adds texture and additional flavors, enhancing the overall appeal of the dish.

Serve Warm and Enjoy: Once baked, the Enchiritos are served hot, ready to be enjoyed with their flavorful blend of beef, beans, cheese, and savory sauce, making for a satisfying Tex-Mex meal.

Nutrition Information:

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can I use ground beef with a lower fat percentage for the filling?

Yes, you can use ground beef with a lower fat percentage if you prefer a leaner option.

Just be mindful that leaner beef might be less juicy and flavorful, so you can adjust the seasoning to taste.

What type of tortillas work best for making Enchiritos?

You can use soft flour tortillas for making Enchiritos.

If you prefer a specific size, like burrito-sized tortillas, that’s perfectly fine. Just make sure they are pliable for rolling.

Can I make the sauce in advance and store it for later use?

Yes, you can make the sauce in advance and store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator.

It can be reheated when needed for assembling the Enchiritos.

Are there any suitable alternatives for the minced onion and garlic salt in the sauce?

If you don’t have minced onion, you can use finely minced fresh onion or onion powder.

For garlic salt, you can use garlic powder and add a pinch of salt to taste.

Can I customize the toppings on the Enchiritos to my preference?

Absolutely! Feel free to customize the toppings to your liking.

You can add or omit ingredients like chopped onions, sliced black olives, sour cream, or jalapeños, depending on your taste preferences.

What is masa harina, and can I substitute it with something else?

Masa harina is a type of corn flour used to make tortillas and tamales.

While it’s integral to the recipe’s authenticity, you can substitute it with regular cornmeal if you can’t find masa harina.

Can I use ground beef with a different fat percentage?

Yes, you can use ground beef with a different fat percentage, but keep in mind that leaner beef might result in a drier filling.

Adjust the seasoning to taste if needed.