This recipe provides instructions for making a homemade version of the iconic Taco Bell Enchirito, a beloved menu item that combines the best of a burrito and an enchilada. This dish features a warm, seasoned ground beef filling and melted cheese, all wrapped in a soft flour tortilla and smothered in a flavorful, slightly tangy red sauce. The enchirito is then typically topped with shredded lettuce, diced onions, sliced black olives, and sometimes shredded cheddar cheese, creating a satisfying and nostalgic Tex-Mex experience. This homemade rendition aims to capture the essence of the original, offering a comforting and customizable meal that can be enjoyed by fans of Taco Bell and anyone craving a hearty, cheesy, and saucy delight.
The core of the enchirito is the seasoned ground beef filling, a staple in many Tex-Mex dishes. Ground beef is cooked until browned and then seasoned with a packet of taco seasoning, which usually contains a blend of spices like chili powder, cumin, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, oregano, and cayenne pepper. Water is often added to the cooked beef and seasoning to create a saucier consistency and allow the flavors to meld. This savory and slightly spicy beef mixture forms the heart of the enchirito.
The filling is then wrapped in a soft flour tortilla, a versatile flatbread that becomes pliable when warmed. The size of the tortilla can vary, but larger burrito-sized tortillas are common for enchiritos. Along with the seasoned beef, shredded cheese, typically cheddar or a blend, is added inside the tortilla before it is rolled up. The cheese melts during the baking or heating process, binding the filling and adding a gooey, cheesy element to each bite.
The rolled tortilla filled with beef and cheese is then generously smothered in a distinctive red sauce. This sauce is a key component of the enchirito’s flavor profile and often has a slightly tangy and savory taste. While Taco Bell’s exact sauce recipe is proprietary, homemade versions often include ingredients like tomato sauce or tomato soup, chili powder, cumin, garlic powder, onion powder, and sometimes a touch of vinegar or brown sugar to mimic the original’s flavor. The sauce is usually simmered to allow the flavors to combine and thicken slightly.
Once the enchirito is assembled and covered in sauce, it is typically baked in an oven or microwaved until the cheese inside is melted and the entire dish is heated through. This process allows the flavors to meld further and creates a warm, comforting meal.
The final touch is the toppings, which add freshness, texture, and visual appeal. Shredded lettuce provides a cool and crisp contrast to the warm and saucy enchirito. Diced onions offer a sharp and pungent bite. Sliced black olives contribute a briny and slightly salty flavor. Sometimes, additional shredded cheddar cheese is sprinkled on top for extra cheesiness. The combination of these toppings completes the homemade Taco Bell Enchirito, offering a satisfying and flavorful dish that captures the essence of the fast-food favorite. The image shows a close-up of a partially unwrapped enchirito on a white plate with a blue decorative border. The enchirito is filled with seasoned ground beef and topped with a melted orange cheese sauce, shredded lettuce, diced white onions, diced orange carrots (possibly tomatoes), and sliced black olives. The enchirito is sitting in a pool of a reddish-brown sauce. A person’s hands, wearing a red long-sleeved shirt, are holding the plate.
The texture of a Homemade Taco Bell Enchirito is a combination of a soft and slightly chewy flour tortilla, a warm and tender seasoned ground beef filling, gooey melted cheese inside, and a smooth, slightly thick red sauce. The toppings add a cool and crisp (lettuce), slightly crunchy (onions), and soft (olives) contrast.
The flavor profile is savory and slightly spicy from the seasoned ground beef, rich and cheesy from the melted cheese, and tangy and tomato-based from the red sauce. The toppings provide fresh, sharp, and briny notes that complement the overall richness of the dish.
A Homemade Taco Bell Enchirito is a dish featuring seasoned ground beef and melted cheese wrapped in a flour tortilla, smothered in a tangy red sauce, and topped with shredded lettuce, diced onions, and sliced black olives, aiming to replicate the fast-food favorite.
The preparation involves cooking and seasoning ground beef, warming a flour tortilla and filling it with the beef and cheese, rolling it up, covering it in a homemade red sauce, baking or microwaving until heated through and cheese is melted, and then topping with lettuce, onions, and olives.
Ingredients:
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 packet taco seasoning (about 1 ounce)
- ¼ cup water (as directed on taco seasoning packet)
- 6 medium flour tortillas
- 1 ½ cups shredded cheddar cheese (or a Tex-Mex blend)
- For the Red Sauce:
- 1 (10.75 ounce) can condensed tomato soup
- ¼ cup water
- 1 tablespoon chili powder
- ½ teaspoon ground cumin
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ¼ teaspoon onion powder
- ¼ teaspoon dried oregano
- ⅛ teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional, for heat)
- ½ teaspoon white vinegar (optional, for tang)
- Salt and pepper to taste
- For Toppings:
- 1 cup shredded lettuce
- ½ cup diced white onion
- ½ cup sliced black olives
Equipment:
- Large skillet
- Spoon or spatula
- Measuring cups and spoons
- 9×13 inch baking dish (or microwave-safe dish)
- Small saucepan
- Whisk
- Serving plate
Instructions:
Part 1: Prepare the Ground Beef Filling:
- Brown the Beef: In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef until it is browned and no longer pink. Drain off any excess grease.
- Season the Beef: Add the entire packet of taco seasoning to the browned ground beef. Stir well to coat the beef evenly with the spices.
- Add Water: Pour in the ¼ cup of water (or the amount specified on your taco seasoning packet). Bring the mixture to a simmer and cook for about 5-10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until most of the liquid has evaporated and the beef is flavorful and slightly saucy. Set aside.
Part 2: Prepare the Red Sauce:
- Combine Ingredients: In a small saucepan, whisk together the condensed tomato soup, ¼ cup of water, chili powder, ground cumin, garlic powder, onion powder, dried oregano, and cayenne pepper (if using).
- Simmer the Sauce: Bring the sauce to a gentle simmer over medium heat. Stir in the white vinegar (if using). Taste and adjust the seasoning with salt and pepper as needed. Simmer for about 5-10 minutes, stirring occasionally, to allow the flavors to meld. Keep warm.
Part 3: Assemble the Enchiritos:
- Warm the Tortillas: Lightly warm the flour tortillas to make them more pliable. You can do this by microwaving them for about 15-20 seconds, or by heating them in a dry skillet for a few seconds per side.
- Fill the Tortillas: Lay each warmed tortilla flat. Spoon a generous amount of the seasoned ground beef down the center of each tortilla. Sprinkle some shredded cheddar cheese over the beef.
- Roll Up the Enchiritos: Fold in the sides of the tortilla, then roll it up tightly to form an enchilito.
- Arrange in Baking Dish: Place the rolled enchiritos seam-down in a 9×13 inch baking dish (or a microwave-safe dish if you plan to microwave). You should be able to fit all 6 enchiritos in the dish.
Part 4: Bake or Microwave the Enchiritos:
- To Bake: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Pour the prepared red sauce evenly over the enchiritos in the baking dish, ensuring they are well covered. Sprinkle any remaining shredded cheddar cheese over the top of the sauce. Bake for 15-20 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly and the enchiritos are heated through.
- To Microwave: Pour the prepared red sauce evenly over the enchiritos in the microwave-safe dish. Sprinkle any remaining shredded cheddar cheese over the top. Microwave on high for 3-5 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and the enchiritos are heated through. Cooking times may vary depending on your microwave.
Part 5: Add Toppings and Serve:
- Plate the Enchiritos: Carefully transfer the hot enchiritos to individual serving plates.
- Add Toppings: Top each enchirito with a generous amount of shredded lettuce, diced white onion, and sliced black olives.
- Serve Immediately: Serve the homemade Taco Bell Enchiritos immediately while they are hot and the toppings are fresh.
Tips and Variations:
- Spice Level: Adjust the amount of chili powder and cayenne pepper in the red sauce and the type of taco seasoning to control the spiciness of the dish.
- Cheese Options: You can use Monterey Jack, Colby Jack, or a Mexican cheese blend instead of cheddar.
- Vegetarian Option: Substitute the ground beef with crumbled plant-based ground meat or cooked lentils and black beans seasoned with taco seasoning.
- Add Rice or Beans: You can add a layer of cooked rice or refried beans to the filling for a heartier enchirito.
- Sour Cream or Salsa: Serve with a dollop of sour cream or a side of your favorite salsa for extra flavor.
- Make Ahead: You can assemble the filled enchiritos and arrange them in the baking dish ahead of time. Cover and refrigerate. Add the sauce and bake just before serving.
- Freezing: Leftover cooked enchiritos can be frozen. Wrap them individually in plastic wrap and then in a freezer-safe bag. Thaw in the refrigerator and reheat in the oven or microwave.
Enjoy this homemade version of the classic Taco Bell Enchirito! It’s a fun and flavorful way to satisfy your Tex-Mex cravings.