Homemade Taco Bell Enchirito Recipe

Introduction

The Taco Bell Enchirito is a nostalgic Tex-Mex favorite, combining seasoned beef, creamy refried beans, and tangy sauce all wrapped in a warm tortilla. This homemade version captures the classic flavors with fresh ingredients and simple steps.

Ingredients

• 1⅓ pounds ground chuck
• 1½ tablespoons masa harina
• 4½ teaspoons chili powder
• ½ teaspoon onion powder
• ½ teaspoon garlic powder
• ½ teaspoon seasoning salt
• ½ teaspoon paprika
• ¼ teaspoon ground cumin
• ½ teaspoon garlic salt
• ¼ teaspoon sugar
• 1 teaspoon dried minced onion
• ½ teaspoon beef bouillon powder
• ¾ to 1 cup water
• 8 ounces tomato sauce
• ⅓ cup water
• ¼ teaspoon chili powder
• 1½ teaspoons cumin
• 1½ teaspoons minced onion
• 1 tablespoon white vinegar
• ½ teaspoon garlic powder
• ½ teaspoon garlic salt
• ¼ teaspoon paprika
• ¼ teaspoon sugar
• ¼ teaspoon cayenne pepper
• 4 tortillas, warmed
• 1 cup refried beans, heated
• 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
• ¼ cup chopped white onions
• Sliced black olives (optional)

Instructions

1. Step 1: In a small bowl, combine masa harina, chili powder, onion powder, garlic powder, seasoning salt, paprika, cumin, garlic salt, sugar, dried minced onion, and beef bouillon powder. Set this seasoning mix aside.
2. Step 2: Brown the ground chuck in a skillet over medium heat, breaking it apart with a spoon as it cooks. Drain any excess fat once browned.
3. Step 3: Return the meat to the skillet and stir in the prepared seasoning mix and ¾ to 1 cup water. Simmer uncovered over medium-low heat for 20 minutes, stirring occasionally, until most liquid evaporates but the mixture stays moist.
4. Step 4: In a small saucepan, combine tomato sauce, ⅓ cup water, chili powder, cumin, minced onion, white vinegar, garlic powder, garlic salt, paprika, sugar, and cayenne pepper. Bring to a gentle simmer over low heat and cook for 15–20 minutes, stirring occasionally. Remove from heat and let cool slightly.
5. Step 5: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and lightly grease a baking dish.
6. Step 6: Warm the tortillas until soft. Spread about ¼ cup of refried beans down the center of each tortilla, then top with ¼ of the seasoned beef. Roll each tortilla tightly and place seam-side down in the baking dish.
7. Step 7: Spoon the sauce generously over the rolled tortillas, then sprinkle with shredded cheddar cheese, chopped onions, and sliced black olives if using. Bake uncovered for 15 minutes or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.

Tips & Variations

• For a spicier version, add extra cayenne pepper or chopped jalapeños to the sauce.
• Use freshly shredded cheese for better melting and flavor.
• Substitute ground turkey or chicken for a leaner filling.
• Warm tortillas wrapped in a damp cloth for a minute to keep them pliable and prevent cracking.
• Add a dollop of sour cream or guacamole on top before serving for added richness.

Storage

Store leftover Enchiritos in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, cover with foil and warm in a 350°F (175°C) oven until heated through, about 15 minutes, or microwave until hot. Avoid reheating with sauce and cheese on top to prevent sogginess; instead, add them fresh after warming if possible.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I make the beef filling ahead of time?

Yes, the seasoned beef filling can be prepared a day in advance and refrigerated. Reheat gently before assembling the Enchiritos.

What can I use if I don’t have masa harina?

If masa harina isn’t available, you can substitute with cornmeal, but the texture and flavor will be slightly different. Alternatively, a small amount of flour can be used, though it won’t replicate the authentic taste exactly.

Homemade Taco Bell Enchirito Recipe

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★★★★★

4.5 from 143 reviews

This Taco Bell Enchirito recipe recreates the iconic fast-food favorite at home, featuring seasoned ground beef simmered to perfection, a rich tomato-based sauce, and refried beans wrapped in warm tortillas, then baked with melted cheddar cheese and a topping of onions and optional black olives for an authentic Tex-Mex experience.

• Author: Daniel
• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 45 minutes
• Total Time: 1 hour
• Yield: 4 servings 1x
• Category: Main Course
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: Mexican-American

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

For the Beef Filling:

• 1⅓ pounds ground chuck
• 1½ tablespoons masa harina
• 4½ teaspoons chili powder
• ½ teaspoon onion powder
• ½ teaspoon garlic powder
• ½ teaspoon seasoning salt
• ½ teaspoon paprika
• ¼ teaspoon ground cumin
• ½ teaspoon garlic salt
• ¼ teaspoon sugar
• 1 teaspoon dried minced onion
• ½ teaspoon beef bouillon powder
• ¾ to 1 cup water

For the Sauce:

• 8 ounces tomato sauce
• ⅓ cup water
• ¼ teaspoon chili powder
• 1½ teaspoons cumin
• 1½ teaspoons minced onion
• 1 tablespoon white vinegar
• ½ teaspoon garlic powder
• ½ teaspoon garlic salt
• ¼ teaspoon paprika
• ¼ teaspoon sugar
• ¼ teaspoon cayenne pepper

For Assembly:

• 4 tortillas warmed
• 1 cup refried beans heated
• 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
• ¼ cup chopped white onions
• Sliced black olives (optional)

Instructions

1. Make the Taco Bell-Style Seasoning: In a small bowl, combine all beef seasoning ingredients including masa harina, chili powder, onion powder, garlic powder, seasoning salt, paprika, ground cumin, garlic salt, sugar, dried minced onion, and beef bouillon powder. Mix well and set aside.
2. Cook the Beef: Heat a skillet over medium heat and brown the ground chuck. Break the meat into small pieces with a spoon as it cooks. Drain any excess fat once fully browned.
3. Season and Simmer: Return the cooked beef to the skillet. Stir in the prepared seasoning mix and add ¾ to 1 cup of water. Simmer uncovered over medium-low heat for 20 minutes, stirring occasionally, until most of the liquid evaporates but the mixture remains moist.
4. Prepare the Sauce: In a small saucepan, combine tomato sauce, water, chili powder, cumin, minced onion, white vinegar, garlic powder, garlic salt, paprika, sugar, and cayenne pepper. Stir well and bring to a gentle simmer over low heat. Cook for 15–20 minutes, stirring occasionally, then remove from heat and allow to cool slightly.
5. Preheat the Oven: Set the oven to 350°F (175°C) and lightly grease a baking dish to prepare for baking the enchiritos.
6. Assemble the Enchiritos: Warm the tortillas until soft and pliable. Spread ¼ cup of heated refried beans down the center of each tortilla, add a quarter of the seasoned beef on top, then roll each tortilla tightly and place seam-side down in the prepared baking dish.
7. Top and Bake: Spoon the sauce generously over the rolled tortillas. Sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese evenly, add chopped white onions, and optionally sliced black olives on top. Bake uncovered for 15 minutes or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.

Notes

• Use masa harina to help thicken the beef mixture and add traditional flavor.
• Adjust the cayenne pepper in the sauce to control the spiciness to your preference.
• Warming tortillas prior to assembly prevents cracking when rolling.
• Optional black olives add an extra layer of flavor but can be omitted.
• For a gluten-free version, ensure all seasoning ingredients are gluten-free and use corn tortillas.
• The beef bouillon powder adds depth of flavor but can be replaced with beef broth paste or omitted if desired.

Keywords: Enchirito, Taco Bell Copycat, Tex-Mex, Mexican Casserole, Ground Beef Recipes