Taco Bell Enchirito

The Taco Bell Enchirito is more than just a nostalgic fast-food favorite—it’s a rich, comforting fusion of Tex-Mex tradition and American convenience.

With layers of spiced ground beef, creamy refried beans, and a bold, smoky enchilada-style sauce, this dish delivers warmth and satisfaction in every bite.

Recreating it at home allows you to elevate the original—using real ingredients, adjusting the heat to your liking, and serving it oven-hot with melted cheddar and tender tortillas. It’s a perfect example of how fast food classics can be transformed into soulful homemade comfort.

Why people Will Love The Taco Bell Enchirito Recipe:

Nostalgic Comfort: It brings back memories of a beloved discontinued Taco Bell classic, letting fans reconnect with a familiar flavor they’ve missed.

Deep Layers of Flavor: From seasoned beef infused with spices to tangy enchilada-style sauce, each bite delivers bold, complex taste.

Better Than Takeout: Made at home with fresh ingredients, this version is richer, cleaner, and far more satisfying than the fast-food original.

Customizable & Crowd-Pleasing: You can easily adjust the spice, cheese, or toppings to suit any preference, making it perfect for family meals or casual gatherings.

Hearty & Filling: Packed with beans, beef, and melted cheese, this dish satisfies serious cravings and leaves no one hungry.

Baked, Not Fried: The oven finish melts the cheese perfectly and adds a warm, comforting element without the heaviness of deep frying.

Celebration of Tex-Mex at Home: It’s a beautiful tribute to the bold, savory flavors of Tex-Mex cuisine—no drive-thru required.

Key Ingredients In The Taco Bell Enchirito Recipe:

Ground Chuck: Rich and hearty, this flavorful cut of beef forms the meaty backbone of the dish, absorbing the spice blend beautifully as it simmers.

Masa Harina & Spices: The unique blend of masa harina, chili powder, cumin, and paprika brings earthy depth and authentic Tex-Mex flavor that elevates the beef beyond ordinary taco meat.

Tomato Sauce-Based Enchilada Sauce: A slow-simmered mix of tomato, vinegar, and warming spices creates a bold, smoky, slightly tangy sauce that defines the Enchirito’s signature taste.

Refried Beans: Creamy and savory, they provide a soft, velvety base that contrasts perfectly with the spiced beef and melted cheese.

Cheddar Cheese: Melted over the top, it brings sharpness, richness, and gooey indulgence—an essential comfort element in every bite.

Soft Tortillas: The vessel that wraps it all together—tender, warm, and ready to soak up sauce and flavor, creating that perfect bite.

Optional Black Olives & Onions: These finishing touches add brightness, tang, and a hint of saltiness, enhancing both flavor and texture.

Expert Tips:

Toast the Masa Harina with Spices First: Before mixing with the beef, lightly toast the masa harina and spice blend in a dry pan for 1–2 minutes. This intensifies the aroma and brings out a richer, roasted flavor in the meat.

Simmer the Beef Low and Slow: After adding the spice mix and water to the ground beef, allow it to simmer uncovered at a gentle pace. This gives the meat time to fully absorb the spices, creating a deeper, more complex flavor.

Use Freshly Grated Cheese: Always shred your own cheddar from a block. Pre-shredded cheese contains anti-caking agents that prevent smooth melting and can dull flavor.

Layer Sauce Underneath and On Top: For maximum moisture and flavor, spoon a bit of enchilada sauce underneath the enchiritos before baking—not just over the top. This prevents sticking and ensures sauciness in every bite.

Warm the Tortillas Properly: Microwave the tortillas between damp paper towels or lightly warm them on a skillet. Soft, pliable tortillas are key to preventing tearing during assembly.

Balance the Sauce Acidity: If your tomato sauce tastes too acidic, a pinch more sugar or a drop of honey can round it out. Conversely, a squeeze of lime before serving can add brightness if it feels too heavy.

Bake Covered, Then Uncover to Finish: To melt the cheese without drying out the enchiritos, cover the dish loosely with foil for the first 10 minutes, then uncover for the final 5 to get a perfectly gooey and slightly golden finish.

Let Rest Before Serving: After baking, let the dish rest for 5 minutes. This allows the layers to settle and makes serving neater without losing any filling.

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

Prepare the Seasoning Mix:

In a small bowl, whisk together all the beef seasoning ingredients—excluding the ground beef. Set aside.

Cook the Beef:

Add the ground chuck to a large skillet over medium heat.

Cook, breaking up the meat with a spoon, until fully browned.

Drain off excess fat.

Simmer with Spices:

Return the drained beef to the skillet.

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Stir in the prepared seasoning mix along with 3/4 to 1 cup of water.

Simmer uncovered over medium-low heat for about 20 minutes, or until most of the liquid evaporates.

Be sure not to let the mixture dry out completely.

Make the Sauce:

In a small saucepan, combine all the sauce ingredients.

Stir well and bring to a gentle simmer over low heat.

Cook for 15–20 minutes, stirring occasionally.

Remove from heat and allow to cool slightly.

Preheat the Oven:

Set your oven to 350°F (175°C).

Lightly grease a baking dish with non-stick spray.

Assemble the Enchiritos:

Warm the tortillas to make them pliable.

Spread about 1/4 cup of refried beans onto the center of each tortilla, then top with 1/4 of the seasoned beef.

Roll tightly and place seam-side down in the prepared baking dish.

Top and Bake:

Pour the enchilada-style sauce generously over the rolled tortillas.

Sprinkle with shredded cheddar cheese, chopped onions, and black olives if using.

Bake uncovered for about 15 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.

Important Notes When Making The Taco Bell Enchirito

Ingredient Quality Matters: Though inspired by fast food, this dish shines when made with high-quality ingredients—freshly ground spices, real cheddar, and a good tomato base make a dramatic difference in depth of flavor.

The Spice Blend Is the Heart: The homemade seasoning mix for the beef isn’t just background—it defines the entire character of the Enchirito. Measure carefully and give it time to bloom in the pan for full effect.

Sauce Consistency Is Key: The enchilada sauce should be smooth, pourable, and well-simmered. Too watery, and the tortillas get soggy; too thick, and it overpowers the filling.

Tortilla Thickness Affects Texture: Use medium-thickness tortillas—too thin and they’ll tear, too thick and the dish becomes doughy. Warm them before assembly to ensure flexibility.

Assembly Order Matters: Spreading the beans first creates a creamy base layer that seals the tortilla and helps hold in the beef. Rolling tightly, but not overstuffing, keeps them from unraveling during baking.

Balance in Every Bite: The onions and olives offer brightness and contrast to the richness of the beef and beans. Don’t skip them—they bring balance and texture to what might otherwise be a heavy dish.

Bake Just Until the Cheese Melts: Overbaking can dry out the beef and make the tortillas tough. Pull it from the oven once the cheese is melted and bubbly for the perfect finish.

How To Enjoy Your Taco Bell Enchirito After Cooking

Step 1: Let It Rest for a Few Minutes

After removing the Enchiritos from the oven, allow them to rest for 3–5 minutes. This helps the cheese settle, the sauce slightly thicken, and the fillings hold together—making for cleaner, neater servings.

Step 2: Plate Thoughtfully

Use a wide spatula to lift each Enchirito carefully onto a plate. Spoon any extra sauce from the baking dish over the top for added richness and presentation. A sprinkle of fresh chopped onions or olives adds a bright, textural contrast.

Step 3: Add Garnishes for Freshness

Top each serving with:

A dollop of sour cream for cool creaminess
Chopped cilantro for a burst of herbaceous flavor
A squeeze of lime to brighten and cut through the richness

These small additions elevate the dish and balance its deep, savory core.

Step 4: Serve with Perfect Sides

To complete the meal, pair the Enchirito with:

Mexican rice or cilantro-lime rice
Street corn (Elote) or a simple corn salad
Crispy tortilla chips and guacamole or salsa on the side

These accompaniments offer contrast in texture and temperature, making the meal more dynamic.

Step 5: Enjoy with a Drink

For the best experience, sip on:

A cold Mexican lager
A refreshing margarita (classic or spicy)
Or a sparkling lime agua fresca for a non-alcoholic option

The acidity and bubbles cut through the richness and cleanse your palate between bites.

Step 6: Embrace the Comfort

Whether you’re gathered around a family table or curled up on the couch, let the bold, nostalgic flavors remind you that comfort food isn’t just about taste—it’s about slowing down and savoring the moment.

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.