Taco Bell Enchirito Beef Beans

This copycat Taco Bell Enchirito is the ultimate comfort meal for anyone craving that classic mix of saucy beef, beans, melty cheese, and soft tortillas from the drive thru. Bursting with nostalgia and flavor, it is perfect for a hungry weeknight at home and needs just a handful of easy ingredients.

The first time I made these at home my kids all agreed they taste even better than the fast food version. Now we whip up Enchiritos on busy nights when everyone wants something cozy and familiar.

Ingredients

• Ground beef: Choose fresh beef with a bit of fat for juicy filling or swap for turkey or chicken if you prefer leaner meat
• Diced onion: Yellow or white onion brings out natural sweetness and makes the beef more flavorful look for firm onions with no soft spots
• Taco seasoning: Adds loads of taco flavor choose your favorite blend or make your own
• Beef broth or water: Keeps the beef juicy and helps meld flavors a high quality broth makes a difference
• Refried beans: Creamy and hearty canned or homemade both work well just be sure to taste for salt before adding extras
• Large flour tortillas: Pick soft burrito sized tortillas so they roll easily avoid any with cracks or dryness
• Taco Bell hot sauce or red enchilada sauce: Brings the authentic tangy spicy note use your favorite heat level
• Shredded cheddar cheese: Always use freshly shredded for best melt and flavor sharp cheddar stands up beautifully to the sauce

Step-by-Step Instructions

Prepare the taco meat:

Cook the ground beef with diced onion and taco seasoning in a large skillet over medium heat Stir often and use a spoon to break up the meat Once it has browned and is cooked through add a splash of beef broth and simmer briefly until most of the liquid is absorbed This gives you extra juicy and flavorful filling

Warm the beans and tortillas:

Place refried beans in a microwave safe bowl and heat in short bursts stirring until smooth Also wrap your tortillas in a damp paper towel and microwave for about thirty seconds until just warm and pliable This makes them easy to roll without breaking

Assemble the enchiritos:

Lay a warm tortilla flat and spread a generous layer of refried beans down the center Spoon on a layer of taco meat making sure to get plenty of savory onion and seasoning

Roll and place:

Roll each filled tortilla up tightly and place seam side down on a plate or tray Keep the edges tucked so none of the filling escapes

Sauce and cheese:

Pour plenty of Taco Bell hot sauce or enchilada sauce over the rolled tortillas Sprinkle with an even layer of shredded cheddar cheese If you want the cheese melted microwave until gooey or broil for about half a minute just until bubbling

Serve hot:

Serve the enchiritos immediately while they are hot and cheesy Add extra toppings like sour cream or chopped cilantro if you wish

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My favorite thing about these Enchiritos is the combination of gooey cheese with tangy hot sauce I have memories of making a mess at the table with my siblings as the filling tumbled out and we raced for the last bite It is tradition to let everyone add their own toppings

Storage tips

For leftovers keep each component separate in airtight containers in the fridge This way nothing gets soggy When ready to serve just reheat the beans meat and tortillas separately and build a fresh Enchirito Top with sauce and cheese right before eating They also freeze beautifully just leave off the sauce until serving

Ingredient substitutions

If you want to mix things up try ground chicken or a plant based crumble for the filling Black beans work in place of refried beans if you mash them a bit Monterey Jack or pepper jack cheese can replace cheddar for a creamier melt If you like it extra spicy stir some hot sauce right into the beef as it cooks

Serving suggestions

Serve Enchiritos with tortilla chips salsa and sliced avocado or guacamole A scoop of Mexican rice makes a perfect side Sweet corn or a simple street corn salad pairs well for color and crunch For a fun finish add cinnamon twists or churros for dessert

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Cultural context

The Enchirito is a true mashup of American style Mexican food blending the best parts of enchiladas and burritos into one cozy dish Taco Bell introduced it in the 1970s but it remains a beloved comfort food for many home cooks who crave restaurant nostalgia

Frequently Asked Questions

→ What type of meat works best?

Ground beef is classic, but ground turkey or chicken can be used for a lighter option or to suit taste preferences.

→ Can I substitute flour tortillas?

Large burrito-style flour tortillas are ideal for easy rolling, though corn tortillas can work for a different texture and flavor.

→ How do I melt the cheese perfectly?

Pop assembled enchiritos under a broiler for about 30 seconds, or bake in a hot oven until the cheese is golden and bubbly.

→ What toppings go well with this dish?

Try sour cream, cilantro, diced avocado, or creamy queso for extra richness and flavor variation.

→ How should leftovers be stored?

Keep fillings and toppings separate. Store wrapped burritos without sauce in the fridge for 3 days or freeze up to three months.

→ What sides complement this meal?

Classic choices include Mexican rice, street corn or a bright salsa with tortilla chips. Margaritas add festive flair.