Introduction

The Taco Bell Enchirito is a nostalgic, flavorful dish that combines seasoned beef, refried beans, and a rich, homemade sauce all wrapped in a soft tortilla. This recipe brings that classic fast-food favorite into your kitchen with fresh ingredients and simple steps.

Homemade Taco Bell Enchirito Recipe - Recipe Image

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

Step 1: In a small bowl, combine all the beef seasoning ingredients: masa harina, chili powder, onion powder, garlic powder, seasoning salt, paprika, cumin, garlic salt, sugar, dried minced onion, and beef bouillon powder. Set aside.
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 excess fat.
Step 3: Return the browned 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, stirring occasionally until most of the liquid evaporates. Be careful not to let the mixture dry out completely.
Step 4: In a small saucepan, combine all sauce ingredients: 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. Remove from heat and let cool slightly.
Step 5: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease a baking dish.
Step 6: Warm the tortillas until soft and pliable. On each tortilla, spread ¼ cup of heated refried beans down the center, then top with ¼ of the seasoned beef. Roll tightly and place seam-side down in the prepared baking dish.
Step 7: Generously spoon the sauce over the rolled tortillas. Top with shredded cheddar cheese, chopped onions, and sliced black olives if using. Bake uncovered for 15 minutes or until the cheese is fully melted and bubbly.

Tips & Variations

For extra flavor, try adding a pinch of smoked paprika or chipotle powder to the beef seasoning for a smoky kick.
Use corn tortillas instead of flour for a more traditional taste.
Black olives are optional but add a nice briny contrast—feel free to omit if you prefer.
Try substituting cheddar cheese with Monterey Jack or a Mexican blend for a different cheese flavor.
If you like it spicy, add extra cayenne or diced jalapeños to the sauce.

Storage

Store leftover enchiritos covered in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until warmed through and the cheese is bubbly again, about 10 minutes. Avoid microwaving for best texture.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use ground beef other than chuck?

Yes, you can use ground beef with a lower fat content, but ground chuck offers the best flavor and juiciness. If using leaner beef, consider adding a little oil during cooking to prevent dryness.

Can I prepare the beef filling and sauce ahead of time?

Absolutely. Both the beef filling and the sauce can be made a day ahead and refrigerated. Reheat gently before assembling the enchiritos for best results.

Homemade Taco Bell Enchirito Recipe

Print Recipe

★★★★★

4.8 from 147 reviews

This Taco Bell Enchirito recipe recreates the classic fast-food favorite with seasoned ground beef, a flavorful enchilada sauce, and toppings like refried beans, cheddar cheese, onions, and olives all baked inside warm tortillas until bubbly and melty.

Author: Dana
Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 40 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour
Yield: 4 servings 1x
Category: Main Dish
Method: Baking
Cuisine: Mexican-American

Ingredients

Scale

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

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, cumin, paprika, sugar, dried minced onion, and beef bouillon powder. Set this seasoning mix aside to add to the beef later.
Cook the Beef: In a medium skillet over medium heat, brown the ground chuck. Use a spoon or spatula to break up the meat into small crumbles as it cooks. When fully browned with no pink remaining, drain any excess fat from the pan.
Season and Simmer: Return the drained ground beef to the skillet. Stir in the prepared seasoning mix along with ¾ to 1 cup of water. Reduce heat to medium-low and let the beef simmer uncovered for approximately 20 minutes. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking, allowing most of the liquid to evaporate but leaving the mixture moist and cohesive.
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 to mix well, then bring to a gentle simmer over low heat. Let cook for 15 to 20 minutes, stirring occasionally. Remove from heat and allow to cool slightly.
Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease a baking dish suitable for oven use, such as a 9×9 inch casserole dish.
Assemble the Enchiritos: Warm the tortillas until they are soft and pliable to prevent tearing when rolled. Spread about ¼ cup of warmed refried beans down the center of each tortilla. Top the beans with roughly a quarter of the seasoned beef mixture. Roll each tortilla tightly and place seam-side down in the prepared baking dish.
Top and Bake: Spoon the enchilada sauce generously over the rolled tortillas. Sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese over the top, followed by chopped white onions and black olives if using. Bake uncovered in the preheated oven for 15 minutes or until the cheese has melted completely and is bubbly and lightly golden.