If you’re a fan of Tex-Mex classics with a hint of nostalgia and a whole lot of cheesy, saucy goodness, The Enchirito is bound to become your new weeknight obsession. This comforting dish brings together seasoned beef, creamy refried beans, gooey cheese, all wrapped in a soft tortilla and bathed in rich enchilada sauce. Whether you grew up craving fast-food favorites or simply love hearty, melty baked dishes, The Enchirito offers the best of both worlds in every bite.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The Enchirito is all about making the most of a few simple, pantry-friendly ingredients. Every component plays a starring role—giving richness, flavor, and irresistible texture. Here’s what you’ll need, plus a few handy tips for making your Enchirito truly shine:
- Ground beef: Opt for 80/20 or 85/15 for the perfect balance of flavor; drain well for best results.
- Taco seasoning: Classic packets keep things simple and delicious, or use your favorite homemade blend.
- Water: Helps the seasoning soak into the beef for even more layers of flavor.
- Flour tortillas: Small, soft tortillas (about 8 inches) are just the right size for rolling up tasty packages.
- Refried beans: Creamy beans provide a luscious base and hold all the flavors together.
- Enchilada sauce (red): For that signature saucy finish; use mild or hot to suit your spice preference.
- Shredded cheddar cheese: Melts beautifully inside and on top for gooey, cheesy comfort.
- Shredded Monterey Jack cheese: Adds a melty, mild contrast that pairs perfectly with cheddar.
- Onion (finely chopped): Sprinkle into the filling for crunch and a savory bite.
- Sliced black olives (optional): For a salty, briny accent—totally up to your taste!
- Sour cream (for serving): Cool, creamy, and tangy; the perfect finish to each serving.
How to Make The Enchirito
Step 1: Brown and Season the Beef
Start by heating a large skillet over medium heat, then add your ground beef. As it browns, break it into crumbles with a spatula for even cooking. Once there’s no pink left, drain any excess fat, then sprinkle in the taco seasoning and pour in the water. Stir everything together and let it simmer for about five minutes—this infuses the beef with flavorful Tex-Mex zest and gives it that classic Enchirito character.
Step 2: Warm the Refried Beans
The Enchirito filling is only as good as its creamy bean layer, so take a minute to gently heat your refried beans on the stove or in the microwave. You want them just soft enough to spread easily—this makes assembling and rolling your enchiritos less messy and way more satisfying.
Step 3: Assemble the Enchiritos
Laying out your ingredients helps streamline this step. Place each tortilla flat, then spread a generous line of refried beans down the center. Top with a heaping spoonful of seasoned beef, sprinkle on some chopped onions, and finish with a little cheddar cheese. Roll each tortilla snuggly, keeping the seam side down so they stay closed in the baking dish.
Step 4: Arrange in Baking Dish and Sauce Them Up
Gently nestle your rolled enchiritos side by side in a greased 9×13-inch baking dish. Once they’re all tucked in, pour that beautiful red enchilada sauce evenly over the top, making sure every inch is covered. Scatter the remaining cheddar and all the Monterey Jack cheese over everything, then sprinkle with olives if you love that extra pop of flavor.
Step 5: Bake to Melty Perfection
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Slide your filled baking dish inside and bake for about 20 to 25 minutes, until the cheese is melted, bubbly, and golden around the edges. The Enchirito should look irresistibly gooey and smell even better—let it rest a few minutes before serving to help everything set.
How to Serve The Enchirito
Garnishes
No Enchirito experience is complete without a dollop of sour cream right on top—cool, creamy, and just slightly tangy. A sprinkle of fresh chopped cilantro, additional sliced black olives, or even a handful of diced tomatoes adds gorgeous color and flavor in seconds.
Side Dishes
The Enchirito is hearty enough to shine as the main attraction, but it pairs beautifully with classics like Spanish rice, tangy Mexican slaw, or crisp tortilla chips. For a lighter meal, serve alongside a simple salad tossed with lime vinaigrette.
Creative Ways to Present
Hosting friends or a game night? Serve The Enchirito family-style in the baking dish for a cozy, casual vibe. For lunchboxes or parties, wrap each rolled Enchirito individually in foil for ultimate grab-and-go convenience. Or, slice into bite-sized portions and arrange on a platter for a unique Tex-Mex appetizer spread.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftovers are a lifesaver with The Enchirito. Simply cover any remaining portions tightly with foil or transfer to an airtight container. Store in the refrigerator for up to 3 days—the flavors actually deepen overnight, making next-day lunches extra special.
Freezing
The Enchirito freezes like a dream. Cool completely, then wrap each Enchirito or the whole dish in a layer of plastic wrap and foil. Freeze for up to 2 months. When you’re ready for a cheesy fix, thaw overnight in the fridge for best texture.
Reheating
To reheat, place The Enchirito (covered) in a 350°F oven for about 15–20 minutes or until hot and bubbling. Individual portions microwave well, too—just cover with a damp paper towel and heat for about 90 seconds. Add a bit of fresh cheese or an extra spoonful of enchilada sauce to revive that oven-baked goodness.
FAQs
Can I make The Enchirito with chicken instead of beef?
Absolutely! Just substitute cooked, shredded chicken for the ground beef, season it as desired, and follow the same assembly process. It’s a lighter twist that still delivers on all the Tex-Mex flavor.
Is The Enchirito gluten-free?
As written, The Enchirito uses regular flour tortillas. To make it gluten-free, swap in gluten-free tortillas and check that your taco seasoning and enchilada sauce are labeled gluten-free as well.
Can I use homemade enchilada sauce?
Homemade enchilada sauce is a delicious upgrade and will work beautifully in The Enchirito. Whether you go mild or spicy is totally your call—just be generous so every roll is richly coated.
How can I make The Enchirito spicier?
To crank up the heat, use a hot variety of enchilada sauce or mix some diced green chiles or jalapeños into the beef filling. A sprinkle of hot sauce just before serving is another quick trick.
What’s the best way to prevent soggy enchiritos?
If you prefer a firmer tortilla texture, try warming the tortillas and spreading a very thin layer of refried beans—just enough to keep everything together but not so much that things get heavy. Baking uncovered also helps everything crisp up just a little on the edges!
Final Thoughts
It’s truly amazing how something so simple can deliver so much joy—The Enchirito is Tex-Mex comfort on a plate. If you’re craving the flavors of a favorite fast-food classic (or maybe just need a new family dinner hero), give this recipe a try. You might just find yourself making an extra batch, because everyone will be coming back for more!
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The Enchirito Recipe
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 8 enchiritos 1x
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
Learn how to make delicious Enchiritos at home with this easy recipe. These cheesy beef burritos topped with enchilada sauce are a Tex-Mex favorite!
Ingredients
For the Beef Filling:
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 packet taco seasoning
- 1/2 cup water
For Assembly:
- 8 small flour tortillas
- 1 (15-ounce) can refried beans
- 1 cup enchilada sauce (red)
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/2 cup shredded Monterey Jack cheese
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- Sliced black olives (optional)
- Sour cream (for serving)
Instructions
- Cook the Beef Filling: In a skillet over medium heat, brown the ground beef until fully cooked. Drain excess fat, then stir in taco seasoning and water. Simmer for 5 minutes until thickened.
- Assemble the Enchiritos: Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Warm the refried beans and spread down the center of a tortilla. Top with seasoned beef, onions, and cheddar cheese. Roll up and place seam-side down in a baking dish. Repeat for remaining tortillas.
- Bake: Pour enchilada sauce over the rolled tortillas, top with remaining cheeses and olives. Bake for 20-25 minutes until cheese is melted and bubbly. Serve hot with sour cream.
Notes
- For a spicier version, use hot enchilada sauce or add diced green chiles to the beef mixture.
- The Enchirito is a nostalgic fast-food favorite that combines enchilada-style saucing with burrito-style stuffing.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Tex-Mex
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 enchirito
- Calories: 390
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 810mg
- Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 9g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 31g
- Fiber: 4g
- Protein: 20g
- Cholesterol: 60mg
