Last Updated on August 24, 2025 by Casia Valdés
Craving a nostalgic twist on Tex-Mex classic? This Mexican Enchirito—a burrito smothered in enchilada sauce and cheese—combines savoriness, speed, and homey charm all in one dish. Ground beef, refried beans, juicy seasoning, and melty cheddar wrapped in a warm tortilla, then baked under a blanket of red sauce—what’s not to love? Whether it’s a cozy weeknight dinner or a casual gathering, this recipe delivers layered flavors with minimal effort.
Made with easy-to-find ingredients and straightforward steps, the Enchirito brings big taste and big smiles around the table. It blends creamy beans, seasoned meat, and warm tortillas into a comforting package, then transforms into comfort food royalty when topped with sauce and cheese. Ready in under 30 minutes using either microwave or oven—perfect for fast meals without sacrificing flavor.
Table of Contents
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
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Super Quick – From skillet to table in under 30 minutes
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Crowd-Pleasing – Everything you love about tacos, burritos, and enchiladas in one yummy package
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Customizable – Swap beef for chicken, beans for veggies, or adjust spice to suit your mood
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Make-Ahead Friendly – Assemble early; bake or microwave when hunger strikes
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Minimal Cleanup – One skillet, one tray—done!
Ingredients (Serves 4)
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1 lb ground beef
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¼ cup finely diced onion
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2 Tbsp taco seasoning
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¼ cup beef broth (or water)
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1 (16 oz) can refried beans
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4 burrito-sized flour tortillas
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1 cup red enchilada sauce
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1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
Step‑by‑Step Instructions
1. Cook the Beef
In a skillet over medium-high heat, cook the ground beef with diced onion, taco seasoning, and beef broth. Stir and break up the meat until fully browned and fragrant. Remove from heat and set aside.
2. Warm the Beans
Heat the refried beans either in the microwave or on the stovetop until warm and spreadable.
3. Soften the Tortillas
Wrap the tortillas in a damp paper towel and microwave for about 30 seconds, just until pliable.
4. Assemble the Burritos
On each tortilla, spread a quarter of the warm refried beans. Top with a quarter of the beef mixture. Fold in the sides, then roll up to form a burrito. Repeat for all four.
5a. Microwave Option
Nestle burritos in a microwave-safe dish. Microwave for 1 minute to heat through. Pour enchilada sauce over, sprinkle cheese on top, and microwave an additional minute, or until cheese melts and sauce bubbles slightly.
5b. Oven Option
Preheat oven to 425°F (220°C). Place burritos in an oven-safe dish. Cover with enchilada sauce and sprinkle with cheese. Bake for 7 minutes until cheese melts. For a golden top, broil for 30 seconds—but watch carefully to avoid burning.
6. Serve
Let the enchirito rest for a minute, then serve with extra sauce, chopped cilantro, or sour cream if desired.
Tips for Success
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Let it rest a minute before cutting; it holds together better
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Warm tortillas make rolling easier—don’t skip the microwave step
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Drain excess liquid from the cooked meat if needed to prevent soggy burritos
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Broil with caution—just long enough to melt cheese without burning it
Variations
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Use shredded pork, chicken, or ground turkey in place of beef
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Try black beans or pinto beans for a vegetarian twist
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Add jalapeños or green chilis for heat
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Use Monterey Jack or pepper jack instead of cheddar for a cheese variation
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Make smaller enchiritos in mini tortillas for appetizers
Make‑Ahead & Storage
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Assemble burritos ahead and refrigerate (covered) up to 24 hours before baking
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Store leftovers in the fridge for 3–4 days
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Rewarm in microwave or oven with extra sauce to preserve moisture
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make this gluten-free?
Absolutely! Use gluten-free tortillas and ensure sauces don’t contain wheat.
What’s the difference between an Enchirito and enchilada?
An enchirito is a burrito-style dish often smothered in sauce and cheese. Enchiladas are typically rolled corn tortillas filled with meat, sauce, and cheese.
Can I freeze enchiritos?
Yes—wrap tightly in foil or plastic, freeze up to 2 months, and bake from frozen (add 5–10 extra minutes for reheating).
Can I use canned chili instead of taco-seasoned beef?
Sure—just drain excess liquid and adjust seasoning to taste.
Final Thoughts
By merging creamy beans, seasoned beef, and tangy enchilada sauce in a warm tortilla, the Mexican Enchirito brings layers of flavor in every bite. Whether baked or microwaved, its cheesy, saucy goodness is sure to satisfy cravings and inspire second helpings. Simple yet indulgent, this dish proves that sometimes the most memorable meals are the easiest to make.
Mexican Enchirito
Ingredients
Method
- In a skillet over medium-high heat, cook the ground beef with diced onion, taco seasoning, and beef broth. Stir and break up the meat until fully browned and fragrant. Remove from heat and set aside.
- Heat the refried beans either in the microwave or on the stovetop until warm and spreadable.
- Wrap the tortillas in a damp paper towel and microwave for about 30 seconds, just until pliable.
- On each tortilla, spread a quarter of the warm refried beans. Top with a quarter of the beef mixture. Fold in the sides, then roll up to form a burrito. Repeat for all four.
- Nestle burritos in a microwave-safe dish. Microwave for 1 minute to heat through. Pour enchilada sauce over, sprinkle cheese on top, and microwave an additional minute, or until cheese melts and sauce bubbles slightly.
- Preheat oven to 425°F (220°C). Place burritos in an oven-safe dish. Cover with enchilada sauce and sprinkle with cheese. Bake for 7 minutes until cheese melts. For a golden top, broil for 30 seconds—but watch carefully to avoid burning.
- Let the enchirito rest for a minute, then serve with extra sauce, chopped cilantro, or sour cream if desired.
