Can I make these enchiritos ahead of time for a party?

Absolutely! Prepare the meat and beans up to two days ahead. Assemble the enchiritos without sauce or cheese, cover, and refrigerate. When ready to serve, top with sauce and cheese, then heat until bubbly. This makes entertaining so much easier!

What's the difference between an enchirito and an enchilada?

The enchirito is Taco Bell's unique creation that's a hybrid between an enchilada and a burrito. Traditional enchiladas use corn tortillas and are fully covered in sauce, while enchiritos use flour tortillas and have sauce only on top. The rolling technique is also more burrito-style.

Can I make this recipe spicier?

Definitely! Add diced jalapeños or a dash of cayenne to your meat mixture, use a spicier taco seasoning blend, or top with hot sauce instead of milder enchilada sauce. You can even mix some diced green chiles into the refried beans for an extra kick.

How can I make this recipe healthier?

Try using lean ground turkey or chicken instead of beef, opt for low-fat refried beans or make your own from scratch, choose whole wheat tortillas, and use reduced-fat cheese. You can also add extra vegetables to the filling for more nutrition.

Taco Bell Enchirito Recipe

Name: Taco Bell Enchirito Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 25 min
Cuisine: Mexican-American
Ingredients: 1 pound ground beef; ¼ cup finely diced onion; 2 tablespoons taco seasoning; ¼ cup beef broth, or water; 1 (16 oz) can refried beans; 4 burrito-sized flour tortillas; 1 cup Taco Bell hot sauce, or red enchilada sauce; 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese

This mouthwatering Taco Bell Enchirito recipe brings the beloved fast-food classic right into your kitchen with incredible homemade flavor. It combines seasoned ground beef, creamy refried beans, and melty cheese all wrapped in a soft flour tortilla and smothered with zesty sauce. Ready in just 25 minutes, this recipe is perfect for those busy weeknights when you’re craving something delicious but don’t have hours to spend in the kitchen.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Fast Food Favorite at Home: Recreate this discontinued Taco Bell classic anytime the craving strikes, without leaving your house.
Quick and Simple: From start to finish in just 25 minutes, making it perfect for busy weeknights when you need dinner on the table fast.
Crowd-Pleaser: Kids and adults alike will devour these enchiritos, making family dinner drama-free and delicious.
Customizable: Easily adapt this recipe to suit your tastes or what you have on hand.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Ground Beef: The star protein that provides richness and substance. It browns beautifully and soaks up all those fantastic taco flavors.
Onion: Adds a sweet aromatic base that enhances the beef’s flavor and provides texture.
Taco Seasoning: The magical blend that transforms ordinary beef into something special with minimal effort.
Beef Broth: Creates moisture and depth in the meat mixture, preventing it from drying out while intensifying the beefy flavor.
Refried Beans: Adds creaminess and substance to each bite, while also helping to hold the filling together.
Flour Tortillas: The soft, pliable wrapper that holds everything together. Burrito-size gives you plenty of room for generous filling.
Hot Sauce or Red Enchilada Sauce: Provides that signature tangy, spicy flavor that makes this dish truly special.
Cheddar Cheese: Melts into gooey deliciousness, creating that perfect cheese pull when you take a bite.

Note: You’ll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Variations

Want to make this recipe your own? Here are some delicious twists:

Protein Swap: Use ground turkey or chicken for a lighter option, or try seasoned black beans for a vegetarian version.
Cheese Options: Replace cheddar with Monterey Jack, pepper jack for extra heat, or a Mexican cheese blend.
Sauce Upgrades: Make it green by using salsa verde or green enchilada sauce instead of red.
Extra Fillings: Add sautéed bell peppers, corn, or black olives to the filling for more texture and flavor.

How to Make Taco Bell Enchirito

Step 1: Prepare the Meat Mixture

Brown the ground beef with diced onions in a skillet over medium-high heat. Add the taco seasoning and beef broth, stirring well. Continue cooking until the beef is no longer pink and most of the liquid has been absorbed, creating a perfectly seasoned meat mixture.

Step 2: Prepare the Beans

Heat the refried beans until they’re warm and spreadable. You want them hot enough to easily spread on the tortillas but not so hot they’ll burn your fingers.

Step 3: Warm the Tortillas

Wrap your flour tortillas in a damp paper towel and microwave for about 30 seconds. This makes them pliable and prevents cracking when you roll them.

Step 4: Assemble the Enchiritos

Lay out a warmed tortilla and spread about a quarter of the refried beans down the center. Top with a quarter of the meat mixture. Fold in the sides, then roll from the bottom up to create a burrito shape. Repeat with the remaining ingredients.

Step 5: Add Sauce and Cheese

Place your assembled burritos in a microwave-safe dish or oven-safe baking dish. Top each with hot sauce or enchilada sauce, then sprinkle generously with shredded cheddar cheese.

Step 6: Heat Until Cheese Melts

Choose your preferred method:

Microwave for about 1 minute until the cheese is melty and gooey.
Or bake in a 425°F oven for about 7 minutes until the cheese bubbles and starts to brown slightly.

Pro Tips for Making the Recipe

Season Generously: Don’t be shy with the taco seasoning – it’s what gives this dish its signature flavor.
Proper Tortilla Technique: If your tortillas tear when rolling, they might not be warm enough. Try heating them a bit longer.
Cheese Strategy: Reserve a little extra cheese to sprinkle on top just before serving for that fresh, melty appearance.
Make-Ahead Tip: Prepare the meat mixture and beans in advance, then assemble and heat when you’re ready to eat.

How to Serve

These enchiritos are a meal in themselves, but here are some serving suggestions to elevate your dining experience:

Toppings:

Finish with a dollop of sour cream, chopped fresh cilantro, diced tomatoes, or sliced jalapeños for added flavor and presentation.

Side Dishes:

Pair with Mexican rice, a simple green salad, or corn salad for a complete meal.

Dipping Options:

Serve extra enchilada sauce, salsa, or guacamole on the side for dipping.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

For best results, store the components separately. If already assembled (without sauce), wrap tightly in foil or place in an airtight container for up to 3 days in the refrigerator.

Freezing

These enchiritos freeze beautifully without the sauce. Wrap each one individually in foil, then place in a freezer bag for up to three months. This makes for a perfect grab-and-heat lunch or dinner option.

Reheating

For refrigerated enchiritos, reheat in the microwave for 1-2 minutes or in a 350°F oven for about 10 minutes until heated through. If frozen, thaw overnight in the refrigerator first, then reheat. Add fresh sauce and cheese before the final heating for best results.

FAQs

Can I make these enchiritos ahead of time for a party?

Absolutely! Prepare the meat and beans up to two days ahead. Assemble the enchiritos without sauce or cheese, cover, and refrigerate. When ready to serve, top with sauce and cheese, then heat until bubbly. This makes entertaining so much easier!
What’s the difference between an enchirito and an enchilada?

The enchirito is Taco Bell’s unique creation that’s a hybrid between an enchilada and a burrito. Traditional enchiladas use corn tortillas and are fully covered in sauce, while enchiritos use flour tortillas and have sauce only on top. The rolling technique is also more burrito-style.
Can I make this recipe spicier?

Definitely! Add diced jalapeños or a dash of cayenne to your meat mixture, use a spicier taco seasoning blend, or top with hot sauce instead of milder enchilada sauce. You can even mix some diced green chiles into the refried beans for an extra kick.
How can I make this recipe healthier?

Try using lean ground turkey or chicken instead of beef, opt for low-fat refried beans or make your own from scratch, choose whole wheat tortillas, and use reduced-fat cheese. You can also add extra vegetables to the filling for more nutrition.

Final Thoughts

This Taco Bell Enchirito recipe brings fast food nostalgia straight to your dining table, but with fresher ingredients and customizable flavors. It’s the perfect solution for those busy weeknights when you want something satisfying that doesn’t require hours in the kitchen. Give it a try tonight – I promise your family will be asking for these enchiritos on repeat!