This enchirito is one of those easy, hearty dinners we love to make as a team for the whole family. Seasoned beef and beans rolled up, smothered in enchilada sauce, and baked under melted cheese feel like the ultimate comfort food, which for us is exactly what real food for real life is all about.
This enchirito recipe creates an enchilada and burrito fusion that is an easy and hearty Mexican dinner for the whole family. Packed with protein from the ground beef and beans, with a combination of cheeses for creaminess and flavor, it is a delicious way to use up tortillas with a satisfying filling. Smothered in enchilada sauce and baked until bubbly, this dish is pure comfort food.
What makes this enchirito so good is the combination. Seasoned beef and beans roll up burrito style, then bake under enchilada sauce and melted cheese like an enchilada.
Why You Will Love This Enchirito
- Hearty and filling. Packed with protein from beef and beans.
- Creamy and cheesy. A blend of cheddar and Monterey Jack.
- Best of both worlds. Part enchilada, part burrito.
- Easy family dinner. Simple to make and crowd pleasing.
- Great use of tortillas. A delicious filling rolled and baked.
What Makes This Enchirito So Good
The enchirito is a fun fusion dish, a flour tortilla filled like a burrito and baked under sauce and cheese like an enchilada.
Seasoned beef and beans make it hearty. Browned ground beef, taco seasoning, and refried beans create a rich, satisfying filling.
Sauce and cheese tie it together. A blanket of enchilada sauce and melted cheddar and Monterey Jack make every bite gooey and flavorful.
Baked under a savory red sauce, the enchirito takes its name and method from the classic enchilada, the beloved Mexican dish of a sauced, filled tortilla.
Optional Pro Tip: The Best Results
Drain the beef well. Removing excess fat keeps the dish from getting greasy.
Place seam side down. This keeps the rolled tortillas from unrolling as they bake.
Tips for the Best Enchirito
- Brown the beef well. Then drain the fat for the best texture.
- Simmer the seasoning. Let it thicken so the filling is not watery.
- Warm the tortillas. This makes them easier to roll without tearing.
- Do not overfill. A moderate amount of filling rolls and bakes best.
- Seam side down. This keeps the rolls closed in the dish.
- Cover with sauce. Make sure the tortillas are coated so they stay moist.
- Use freshly shredded cheese. It melts more smoothly than pre shredded.
- Bake until bubbly. The cheese should be melted and lightly golden.
Variations and Add Ins
This dish is easy to customize.
- Use ground turkey. A leaner swap for the ground beef.
- Make it vegetarian. Skip the beef and use extra beans.
- Use corn tortillas. For a more traditional enchilada feel.
- Add green chiles. Stir them into the filling for extra flavor.
- Make it spicier. Use a hot enchilada sauce or add jalapenos.
- Add toppings. Onions, black olives, and sour cream are classic.
- Use a green sauce. Swap the red sauce for salsa verde.
- Add rice. A spoonful in the filling makes it even heartier.
How to Store and Reheat
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to four days. It reheats well and makes a great next day lunch or dinner.
Reheat in the microwave or a 350 F oven until hot throughout. You can also assemble it ahead and bake it fresh when you are ready to serve.
Serving Suggestions for Enchirito
This dish is a hearty meal on its own, but it pairs beautifully with classic sides. Mexican rice and refried or black beans round it out into a full plate.
Top each one with chopped onions, black olives, and a dollop of sour cream, just like the classic. A side of fresh salad or chips and salsa is perfect too.
For a fresh finish, scatter cilantro over the top and serve with lime wedges. A spoonful of extra enchilada sauce makes each bite even saucier.
- With Mexican rice. A classic, filling side.
- With beans. Refried or black beans round it out.
- With classic toppings. Onions, olives, and sour cream.
- With chips and salsa. A fresh, crunchy pairing.
For another hearty, protein packed favorite, our high protein creamy beef pasta is a great one to try.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is an enchirito?
An enchirito is a fusion of an enchilada and a burrito, a flour tortilla filled with seasoned beef and beans, then baked under enchilada sauce and melted cheese.
What beef should I use?
Lean ground beef works well, since you drain the fat after browning. Ground turkey is a great lighter substitute.
Can I make it vegetarian?
Yes. Skip the ground beef and use extra refried beans, or add black beans and vegetables for a hearty meatless version.
Corn or flour tortillas?
Flour tortillas are traditional for an enchirito and roll up easily. Corn tortillas work too for a more classic enchilada texture.
How do I keep the tortillas from unrolling?
Place them seam side down in the baking dish, and avoid overfilling so they stay closed as they bake.
Can I make it ahead of time?
Yes. Assemble it, cover it, and refrigerate, then bake it fresh when ready. Add a few extra minutes if baking from cold.
What cheese is best?
A blend of cheddar and Monterey Jack melts beautifully. Freshly shredded cheese melts more smoothly than pre shredded.
What toppings go on an enchirito?
Classic toppings include chopped onions, sliced black olives, and a dollop of sour cream, plus cilantro and extra sauce.
How do I store and reheat leftovers?
Keep them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to four days, and reheat in the microwave or a 350 F oven until hot.
What should I serve with it?
Mexican rice, beans, a fresh salad, or chips and salsa all pair wonderfully with this hearty dish.
Hearty Comfort in One Dish
This enchirito brings together seasoned ground beef, creamy refried beans, melted cheddar and Monterey Jack, and a blanket of enchilada sauce, all rolled up and baked until bubbly. It is the best of an enchilada and a burrito in one.
Easy enough for a weeknight and hearty enough to please the whole family, it is comfort food at its finest. Once you try it, it is sure to become a regular.
Craving more cozy, comforting meals? Our slow cooker chicken stew is another warming favorite to try next.
Results vary by ingredients, equipment, and cooking conditions. Always taste and adjust seasoning as you go.
Enchirito
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Preheat the oven to 375 F.
- In a skillet over medium heat, brown the ground beef until fully cooked, then drain the fat.
- Stir in the taco seasoning and water, then simmer for 2 to 3 minutes until thickened.
- Add the refried beans and mix until combined and heated through.
- Spoon the beef and bean mixture down the center of each tortilla.
- Roll each enchirito up burrito style and place seam side down in a baking dish.
- Pour the enchilada sauce evenly over the top.
- Sprinkle with the cheddar and Monterey Jack cheeses.
- Bake uncovered for 20 to 25 minutes, until hot and bubbly.
- Serve with extra sauce spooned over the top, and toppings if desired.
Nutrition
Notes
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