Enchirito Copycat Recipe (Taco Bell): Recreate This Taco Bell Classic at Home

I remember the first time I tried Taco Bell’s Enchirito and fell in love with its perfect blend of seasoned beef, beans, and zesty sauce wrapped in a warm tortilla. There’s something so satisfying about recreating that classic fast-food favorite right in your own kitchen.

Ingredients

• 1 pound ground beef
• 1 can (15 oz) pinto beans, drained and rinsed
• 1 medium onion, finely chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon ground cumin
• 1 teaspoon chili powder
• ½ teaspoon paprika
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 1 cup enchilada sauce
• 6 large flour tortillas
• 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
• 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
• Optional toppings:
• Diced tomatoes
• Sour cream
• Sliced jalapeños

Tools and Equipment

To master the Enchirito copycat recipe, having the right tools and equipment is essential. Here’s what you’ll need:

• Skillet or Large Frying Pan

Perfect for browning the ground beef and sautéing onions and garlic.

• Measuring Cups and Spoons

Ensure precise measurements of spices and liquids for balanced flavors.

• Medium Saucepan

Ideal for heating and combining the enchilada sauce with other ingredients.

• Mixing Bowl

Use this to mix the beef, beans, and sauce thoroughly.

• Whisk

Helps in stirring and blending the sauce smoothly.

• Baking Dish (9×13 inches)

Essential for assembling and baking the Enchiritos to perfection.

• Aluminum Foil

Covers the baking dish during baking to retain moisture and heat evenly.

• Cheese Shredder

For grating cheddar cheese uniformly over the top.

• Serving Utensils

Such as a spatula for easy serving and portioning.

Having these tools at hand will streamline the cooking process and help you achieve a delicious homemade Enchirito that rivals the original Taco Bell favorite.

Make-Ahead Instructions

Preparing your Enchirito ahead of time can save you valuable minutes when you’re ready to enjoy this delicious meal. Here’s how I like to organize the process to ensure everything comes together smoothly.

Step 1: Cook and Season the Ground Beef

1. Brown the Beef: In a large skillet, cook 1 pound of ground beef over medium heat until fully browned. Break it apart as it cooks.
2. Add Aromatics: Stir in 1 finely chopped onion and 2 minced garlic cloves. Sauté until the onion becomes translucent.
3. Season: Mix in 2 tablespoons of taco seasoning and 1 teaspoon of cumin. Cook for another 2 minutes.
4. Drain and Cool: Drain any excess fat and allow the seasoned beef to cool. Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

Step 2: Prepare the Bean Mixture

1. Combine Ingredients: In a medium saucepan, mix 1 can of pinto beans (drained and rinsed) with 1/2 cup of enchilada sauce.
2. Heat: Warm the mixture over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until heated through.
3. Store: Let the bean mixture cool and transfer it to a container. Keep it refrigerated for up to 4 days.

Step 3: Assemble the Components

1. Lay Out Tortillas: Place 6 flour tortillas on a clean surface.
2. Add Fillings: Spoon an equal amount of the seasoned beef and bean mixture onto each tortilla.
3. Top with Cheese: Sprinkle 1 cup of shredded cheddar cheese over the fillings.
4. Wrap and Store: Roll up each tortilla tightly and place them seam-side down in a baking dish. Cover with aluminum foil and refrigerate for up to 2 days.

Step 4: Prepare Optional Toppings

1. Chop Fresh Ingredients: Dice 1 tomato, slice 1 jalapeño, and portion out 1/2 cup of sour cream.
2. Store Separately: Keep these toppings in separate airtight containers in the refrigerator until ready to serve.

Step 5: Freeze for Longer Storage

If you need to make your Enchiritos further in advance, you can freeze the assembled, rolled tortillas:

1. Wrap Individually: Wrap each rolled Enchirito tightly in plastic wrap.
2. Freeze: Place the wrapped Enchiritos in a freezer-safe bag or container. They can be frozen for up to 3 months.
3. Thaw and Bake: When ready to eat, thaw them in the refrigerator overnight and bake as directed below.

Directions

Recreating Taco Bell’s iconic Enchirito at home is simpler than you might think. Follow these steps to master this delicious dish in your own kitchen.

Prep the Ingredients

1. Gather Ingredients: Measure out 1 pound of ground beef, 1 can of pinto beans (15 oz), 1 medium onion, 2 cloves of garlic, and 2 cups of enchilada sauce.
2. Chop Vegetables: Finely dice the onion and mince the garlic cloves.
3. Shred Cheese: Prepare 1 cup of shredded cheddar cheese and set aside any optional toppings like diced tomatoes or sliced jalapeños.
4. Prepare Tortillas: Warm 6 large flour tortillas in a microwave or on a dry skillet until pliable.

Cook the Beef

1. Heat Skillet: Place a large skillet over medium heat and add 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil.
2. Brown the Beef: Add the ground beef to the skillet, breaking it apart with a spatula. Cook until browned, about 5-7 minutes.
3. Add Aromatics: Stir in the diced onion and minced garlic. Cook until the onion becomes translucent, approximately 3 minutes.
4. Season: Sprinkle in 1 teaspoon of chili powder, ½ teaspoon of cumin, and salt to taste. Mix well to combine all flavors.

Prepare the Beans

1. Drain Beans: Open the can of pinto beans and drain any excess liquid.
2. Mix with Beef: Add the drained beans to the skillet with the cooked beef mixture. Stir to evenly distribute the beans.
3. Simmer: Pour in 1 cup of enchilada sauce and bring the mixture to a gentle simmer. Let it cook for another 5 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together.

Assemble the Enchiritos

1. Fill Tortillas: Place a warmed flour tortilla on a flat surface. Spoon an equal amount of the beef and bean mixture onto the center of each tortilla.
2. Add Cheese: Sprinkle a generous amount of shredded cheddar cheese over the filling.
3. Roll Tortillas: Fold the sides of the tortilla inward and tightly roll it up to encase the filling completely.
4. Arrange in Baking Dish: Place each rolled Enchirito seam-side down in a greased baking dish, ensuring they are snug but not overlapping.

Bake the Enchiritos

1. Preheat Oven: Set your oven to 375°F (190°C) and allow it to fully preheat.
2. Add Sauce and Cheese: Pour the remaining enchilada sauce evenly over the top of the assembled Enchiritos. Sprinkle additional shredded cheddar cheese over the sauce.
3. Cover with Foil: Loosely cover the baking dish with aluminum foil to prevent the cheese from burning.
4. Bake: Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for 20 minutes. Remove the foil and bake for an additional 10 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and golden brown.
5. Serve: Let the Enchiritos cool for a few minutes before serving. Top with your favorite extras like diced tomatoes, sour cream, or sliced jalapeños.

Serving Suggestions

After baking your Enchiritos to perfection, it’s time to think about how to serve them to elevate the dining experience. Here are some of my favorite ways to enjoy this classic favorite:

Garnish with Fresh Toppings

Adding fresh toppings can enhance both the flavor and presentation of your Enchiritos:

• Diced Tomatoes: Provide a burst of freshness.
• Sour Cream: Adds a creamy, tangy contrast.
• Sliced Jalapeños: For an extra kick of heat.
• Chopped Cilantro: Offers a hint of herbal brightness.
• Sliced Green Onions: Adds mild onion flavor and crunch.

Pair with Sides

Complement your Enchiritos with delicious side dishes:

• Mexican Rice: Fluffy and savory, perfect for balancing the flavors.
• Refried Beans: Creamy and rich, they add substance to the meal.
• Corn on the Cob: Grilled or boiled, it’s a sweet addition.
• Chips and Salsa: A crunchy starter or side to accompany each bite.

Beverage Recommendations

Choosing the right beverage can enhance your meal:

Presentation Tips

• Use a Baking Dish: Serve directly from the baking dish for a rustic look.
• Add Colorful Garnishes: Sprinkle chopped cilantro or red onions for vibrancy.
• Layer with Care: Ensure toppings are evenly distributed for an attractive appearance.
• Serve with Warm Tortillas: Keep tortillas soft and warm to complement the Enchiritos.

Conclusion

Recreating the Enchirito at home has been a fun adventure for me. It’s amazing how simple ingredients can bring back those Taco Bell memories and let me enjoy them whenever I want.

I can’t wait to experiment with different toppings and make this dish my own. If you decide to try this copycat recipe I hope it brings you as much joy as it has brought me.