Taco Bell created the Enchirito in the 1960s, and has been a favourite for many, even though it was removed from the menu in 2013. This delightful dish combines an enchilada and a burrito, filled with savoury ground beef, refried beans, and onions, and then topped with enchilada red sauce, melted cheese, and black olives.
While some people might order this off the secret menu, you no longer need to worry about keeping it a secret. With this recipe, you can proudly make your own Enchirito at home. Be loud and proud as you enjoy this nostalgic dish that brings a piece of living history to your kitchen.
What is in an Enchirito?
The Enchirito is a delicious blend of flavours that will remind you of your favourite Taco Bell dish. It’s made with a flour tortilla that wraps around seasoned ground beef, creating the perfect base.
You can substitute the taco meat with steak or chicken or remove meat if you prefer a vegetarian option.
Inside, you’ll find beans adding a creamy texture and diced onions for a bit of crunch. To bring it all together, the whole thing is topped with cheddar cheese and smothered in red sauce. This combination of ingredients creates a rich, savoury experience that will satisfy your cravings.
What are the Ingredients?
2 lbs ground beef (ground turkey, chicken or pork will also work)
One yellow diced onion
2 oz taco seasoning (store-bought or homemade)
10 oz can of Rotel
10 oz can of Enchilada Sauce
16 oz can of refried beans
(2) 6.4 oz Boxes of Rice-A-Roni Mexican Style
8 oz Grated Sharp Cheddar Cheese
8 oz Grated Pepper Jack Cheese
Instructions
First, heat a large pan over medium heat. Add the meat and diced onions to the hot pan. Break the larger pieces of meat as they cook and brown. Drain the fat and return the pot to the heat source. Season the beef with the taco seasoning packet. Add water and let it simmer for 5 minutes.
While the meat is cooking, heat refried beans in the microwave using a microwave-safe bowl or on the stovetop.
Next, warm the tortilla in the microwave. Place four tortillas on a microwave-safe plate and cover with a damp paper towel. Microwave for 45 seconds. Repeat for the next set of soft tortillas. (If you prefer not to use the microwave, refer to the note section below for directions on using the oven.)
To assemble:
Spread each tortilla out.
Spoon 3 tablespoons of refried beans into the centre of each tortilla.
Add three tablespoons of taco-seasoned beef over the refried beans.
Add 1-2 teaspoons of red enchilada sauce.
Fold the burrito and place it on a plate. Spoon 2-3 tablespoons of red enchiladas sauce over each wrapped burrito. Sprinkle shredded cheese over the burrito. Warm in the microwave for about 2 minutes. Remove from the microwave and top each enchirito with sliced black olives.
This simple recipe brings a touch of restaurant-quality flavor to your home. Enjoy the savory combination of seasoned meat, creamy refried beans, and rich enchilada sauce, all wrapped up in a soft tortilla.
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HOW DO YOU MAKE THE TACO BELL ENCHIRITO AT HOME?
First, brown the beef in a skillet with diced onions. Cook until the onions are soft, and then drain any grease. This ensures the meat is flavorful without being too oily. Next, add a taco seasoning packet and a quarter cup of water. Let this simmer for about ten minutes, stirring occasionally, to fully infuse the flavors.
While the beef is cooking, heat the refried beans and red sauce. You can do this on the stovetop or in the microwave, whichever you prefer. I usually use the microwave for convenience.
Once everything is ready, place your large tortilla in the microwave for 45 seconds to make it warm and pliable. Lay out the tortilla and spread three tablespoons of the seasoned meat mixture down the centre. Add three tablespoons of the warmed refried beans on top of the meat, then wrap the burrito. You can fold the sides and roll it up fully or leave one end open like an enchilada.
Now, it’s time to plate the burritos. Place two on a plate and spoon three to four tablespoons of the red sauce over them. Top with shredded cheddar cheese. For an authentic Taco Bell experience, use the Mexi-Melty blend, which includes mozzarella, sharp, white, and mild cheddar cheese. Add some sliced black olives for an extra touch.
If you want to heat the burritos further and melt the cheese, you can put them back in the microwave for two minutes or use the oven. Preheat your oven to 350 degrees, place the burritos in a casserole dish, top with the red sauce and cheese, and bake uncovered for about ten minutes until the cheese melts.
Finally, top with more sliced black olives and serve. This homemade Enchirito will bring back memories of your favourite fast-food spot.
If you’ve ever enjoyed a Mexi-Melt at Taco Bell, you’ll love this dish even more. Although the Mexi-Melt was discontinued in 2019, this recipe brings similar flavours to your kitchen.
Enjoy your homemade Enchirito, and let me know how it turned out in the comments. Please share your thoughts and tell me about other favourite menu items you miss.
What is the difference between an enchilada and an enchilada?
If you’re a fan of Mexican food, you might have wondered about the difference between an enchilada and an enchilada. The Enchiritois combines a burrito and enchilada uniquely, blending the best elements of both.
Imagine a burrito stuffed with refried beans and ground beef, then topped with enchilada sauce and melted cheese. This hearty dish has a delicious filling that includes all these savoury ingredients. Unlike a traditional enchilada, which doesn’t include refried beans in the filling, the Enchirito offers a flavorful twist that satisfies those cravings for a robust and cheesy meal.
The next time you want to recreate a Taco Bell favourite at home, try making an Enchirito for a delightful and satisfying experience.
Does Taco Bell still sell enchiritos?
If you’ve ever enjoyed the beef, beans, and diced onions in an Enchirito, you might wonder if this popular item is still available on the menus at Taco Bell. The soft flour tortilla is rolled and filled with seasoned meat, beans, and diced onions, then melted, shredded cheddar cheese.
This delicious creation is then smothered in a red sauce, making it a unique and flavorful option. As someone who has enjoyed this dish, I know it returns occasionally and is solely available for order on Taco Bell’s digital platforms. This limited-time offer is always a treat for fans who crave the nostalgic taste of the Enchirito.
