Homemade Taco Bell Enchirito Recipe

Introduction

The Taco Bell Enchirito is a rich, flavorful twist on a classic Mexican favorite. Packed with seasoned ground beef, refried beans, and melted cheddar cheese, it’s smothered in a zesty homemade sauce for a truly satisfying meal. Perfect for a cozy dinner at home, this recipe brings that iconic restaurant taste right to your kitchen.

Ingredients

• 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. Step 1: In a small bowl, combine all beef seasoning ingredients—masa harina, chili powder, onion and garlic powders, salts, cumin, paprika, sugar, minced onion, and bouillon powder. Set aside.
2. Step 2: Brown the ground chuck in a skillet over medium heat, breaking it apart with a spoon as it cooks. Once fully browned, drain any excess fat.
3. Step 3: Return the meat to the skillet. Stir in the prepared seasoning mix and ¾ to 1 cup of water. Simmer uncovered over medium-low heat for 20 minutes until most of the liquid evaporates, stirring occasionally and ensuring it doesn’t dry out completely.
4. Step 4: In a small saucepan, combine all sauce ingredients. Stir well and bring to a gentle simmer over low heat. 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 and pliable. Spread ¼ cup of refried beans down the center of each tortilla, top with ¼ of the seasoned beef, then roll tightly and place seam-side down in the baking dish.
7. Step 7: Generously spoon the sauce over the rolled tortillas. Top with shredded cheddar cheese, chopped onions, and black olives if using. Bake uncovered for 15 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.

Tips & Variations

• Use fresh masa harina for the beef seasoning to add a subtle corn flavor and improve texture.
• For a spicier sauce, increase the cayenne pepper to taste or add a pinch of chipotle powder.
• Try substituting ground turkey for ground chuck for a leaner option.
• Top with sour cream or sliced jalapeños after baking for extra creaminess and heat.

Storage

Store leftover enchiritos in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10-15 minutes to keep the texture and flavor intact. Avoid microwaving if possible, as it can make the tortillas soggy.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use canned beans instead of refried beans?

Yes, you can mash canned pinto or black beans as a substitute. For best results, sauté the mashed beans with some spices to enhance flavor and texture before using.

What if I don’t have masa harina?

Masa harina adds a unique flavor and helps thicken the beef filling, but if you don’t have it, you can substitute with a small amount of cornstarch or all-purpose flour to help bind the mixture.

Homemade Taco Bell Enchirito Recipe

Print Recipe

★★★★★

4.5 from 110 reviews

This recipe replicates the iconic Taco Bell Enchirito, featuring seasoned ground beef cooked with a special blend of spices, a rich tomato-based sauce, refried beans, and melted cheddar cheese all wrapped in warm tortillas and baked to perfection.

• Author: Lila
• 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 and garlic powders, seasoning salt, paprika, ground cumin, garlic salt, sugar, dried minced onion, and beef bouillon powder. Mix well and set aside for use during cooking.
2. Cook the Beef: Heat a skillet over medium heat and add the ground chuck. Break it apart with a spoon as it cooks and brown evenly. When fully cooked, drain excess fat from the skillet to keep the filling flavorful but not greasy.
3. Season and Simmer: Return the browned 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 about 20 minutes, stirring occasionally, until most of the liquid evaporates but the mixture remains moist and flavorful. Be careful not to let it dry out completely.
4. Prepare the Sauce: In a small saucepan, combine all sauce ingredients including 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 to 20 minutes, stirring occasionally, then remove from heat and allow to cool slightly.
5. Preheat the Oven: Set your oven to 350°F (175°C) and lightly grease a baking dish to prepare for the enchirito assembly.
6. Assemble the Enchiritos: Warm the tortillas until soft and pliable. On each tortilla, spread about ¼ cup of heated refried beans down the center, then add ¼ of the seasoned beef mixture on top. Roll the tortillas tightly and place them seam-side down in the greased baking dish.
7. Top and Bake: Generously spoon the prepared sauce over the rolled tortillas. Sprinkle evenly with shredded cheddar cheese, chopped white onions, and sliced black olives if desired. Bake uncovered in the oven for 15 minutes or until the cheese is fully melted and bubbly, then serve hot.

Notes

• If you prefer a spicier sauce, increase the cayenne pepper slightly to taste.
• Using masa harina in the beef seasoning adds authentic flavor and helps thicken the filling.
• Drain excess fat from the beef to avoid a greasy enchirito but retain enough moisture for tenderness.
• Warming tortillas before assembly makes them more pliable and easier to roll without tearing.
• Leftover enchiritos can be refrigerated and reheated in the oven to maintain crispness.

Keywords: Enchirito, Taco Bell copycat, Mexican casserole, ground beef recipe, cheesy baked tortillas