Last Updated on August 29, 2025 by Casia Valdés
Ever latch onto a fast‑food item so deeply it becomes part of your culinary DNA? That was me with Taco Bell’s Enchirito. It wasn’t just a menu item—it was a craving, a ritual, a childhood memory wrapped in a soft tortilla. The creamy beans, seasoned beef, smothered in red sauce and cheese… I’d sneak a fork, gather every napkin in sight, and savor every bite. When it disappeared in 2013, I didn’t just mourn; I started experimenting in my own kitchen to recreate that exact flavor.
Crafting this Copycat Enchirito wasn’t just about satisfying nostalgia; it was about capturing the spirit of that Community College food‑court gem—comforting, messy, cheesy, and iconic. With just four tortillas, a can of refried beans, some ground beef, and homemade red sauce, you can make a batch that hits all the right notes. It’s flexible, flavorful, fun to make—and calls for extra napkins just like the original did.
Table of Contents
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
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Authentic, nostalgic flavor — captures the essence of the original Taco Bell favorite
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Simple ingredients, big impact — pantry staples with bold results
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Fully customizable — add heat, swap protein, go veggie, or reduce sodium
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Crowd‑friendly comfort food — perfect for gatherings or solo indulgence
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Make‑ahead convenience — assemble early and reheat, or freeze for later joy
Ingredients (Serves 4)
Filling:
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1 lb ground beef
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1 (15 oz) can refried beans
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1 teaspoon onion powder (optional)
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1 teaspoon garlic powder
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Salt and pepper, to taste
Quick Red Chile Sauce:
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2 tablespoons chili powder
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1 teaspoon ground cumin
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2 cloves garlic, minced
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2 cups chicken or vegetable stock
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Salt, to taste
Assembly & Toppings:
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4 large flour tortillas
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1–2 cups shredded cheddar or cheese blend
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12 sliced black olives
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Optional garnishes: sour cream, chopped cilantro
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Red Chile Sauce
In a saucepan over medium heat, toast chili powder, cumin, and minced garlic for about 1 minute until fragrant. Gradually whisk in stock, bringing it to a gentle simmer. Let it reduce for about 10 minutes until slightly thickened. Taste and season with salt—it should be flavorful and pourable.
Step 2: Make the Beef-Bean Filling
In a skillet over medium heat, brown the ground beef until fully cooked. Drain the fat, then add refried beans, onion powder, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Stir well and heat through until the filling is hearty and cohesive.
Step 3: Assemble the Enchiritos
Lay a tortilla flat and spoon a generous portion of the beef-bean mixture across the center. Roll it tightly burrito-style and place it seam-side down in a baking dish. Repeat with each tortilla.
Step 4: Top and Broil
Pour the red chile sauce over the assembled enchiritos, ensuring each one is fully smothered. Sprinkle the cheese over the top and drizzle a bit more sauce over the cheese for extra zing. Place under the broiler for 1–2 minutes or until the cheese is melted and bubbling.
Step 5: Garnish and Serve
Top with sliced black olives, a dab of sour cream or a sprinkle of cilantro if you like. Serve piping hot, grab a fork, and let the gooey, flavorful mess begin.
Serving Suggestions
Pair your enchiritos with these companions for a fuller meal:
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Spanish rice or cilantro-lime rice for added color and texture
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A side of refried or black beans for double bean delight
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Fresh Mexican salad or pico de gallo for brightness
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A scoop of guacamole or sliced avocado for creamy relief
Tips & Variations
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Want a cleaner version? Use lean ground turkey or chicken.
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Go vegetarian: swap meat for sautéed mushrooms, spinach, or cubed tofu.
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Spice it up: stir in a diced jalapeño or chipotle in adobo for smoky heat.
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Cheese swap: Pepper Jack adds zest, Oaxaca adds melt, or use vegan cheese for a dairy‑free twist.
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Make a batch ahead: assemble fully, refrigerate, and broil just before reheating to enjoy freshly melted cheese.
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Freeze for later: wrap individual enchiritos in foil, freeze, reheat in oven or air fryer for easy meals ahead.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use canned or store‑bought sauce?
Yes, though homemade sauce adds freshness and better control over flavor and sodium. Just use about 2 cups of your favorite enchilada sauce if pressed for time.
Are these very spicy?
Nope! They’re mild but flavorful. Increase the chili powder or add diced chiles if you like them hot.
How do I reheat leftovers?
In the oven at 350°F for 10–15 minutes, or microwave with a cover for gooey, oven-fresh satisfaction.
Can I make this gluten-free?
Absolutely—just use gluten-free tortillas and ensure your seasoning and sauce are GF-certified.
Final Thoughts
Crafting this Copycat Enchirito is like savoring a piece of culinary happiness from my past. It’s not just a meal—it’s a food memory, a cheesy embrace of nostalgia with each forkful. The buttery tortillas, savory beef and beans, vibrant red sauce, and bubbling cheese come together in a way that’s both familiar and indulgent. Whether you’re feeding a crowd, prepping for a busy week, or just craving a little comfort, this recipe delivers it all—and then some.
Make it your own, make it messy, and most of all, make it delicious the way you remember—with a little sauce dribble for good measure.
Copycat of An Old Classic – The Enchirito
Ingredients
Method
- In a saucepan over medium heat, toast chili powder, cumin, and minced garlic for about 1 minute until fragrant. Gradually whisk in stock, bringing it to a gentle simmer. Let it reduce for about 10 minutes until slightly thickened. Taste and season with salt—it should be flavorful and pourable.
- In a skillet over medium heat, brown the ground beef until fully cooked. Drain the fat, then add refried beans, onion powder, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Stir well and heat through until the filling is hearty and cohesive.
- Lay a tortilla flat and spoon a generous portion of the beef-bean mixture across the center. Roll it tightly burrito-style and place it seam-side down in a baking dish. Repeat with each tortilla.
- Pour the red chile sauce over the assembled enchiritos, ensuring each one is fully smothered. Sprinkle the cheese over the top and drizzle a bit more sauce over the cheese for extra zing. Place under the broiler for 1–2 minutes or until the cheese is melted and bubbling.
- Top with sliced black olives, a dab of sour cream or a sprinkle of cilantro if you like. Serve piping hot, grab a fork, and let the gooey, flavorful mess begin.
