Some meals have a way of turning an ordinary evening into something special. This enchirito recipe does exactly that. There’s no family heirloom cookbook, no secret ingredient passed down through generations—just a craving, a bit of creativity, and a moment that turned this dish into a family favorite. The moment? When Grandma, at 92 years old, finished her plate and quietly asked for seconds. That was the sign this recipe wasn’t just good—it was worth repeating.
Whether you’re looking for a weeknight dinner that satisfies everyone at the table or a dish that brings comfort with every bite, this enchirito fits the bill.
What Is an Enchirito?
An enchirito is the perfect blend of two classics: the heartiness of a burrito and the saucy, cheesy appeal of an enchilada. Imagine a soft flour tortilla filled with seasoned beef and creamy refried beans, rolled up and covered in enchilada sauce, then baked under a layer of melted cheese. It’s a warm, savory, and deeply satisfying meal that feels like comfort food at its finest.
Unlike some Mexican-inspired recipes that require a long list of ingredients and plenty of prep time, this enchirito comes together quickly, making it ideal for busy nights without sacrificing flavor.
Why This Recipe Works
- Flavor and Texture: The seasoned beef and refried beans create a rich, savory filling that pairs perfectly with the tangy enchilada sauce and gooey melted cheese.
- Ease and Simplicity: The ingredients are simple and easy to find. No special trips to specialty stores.
- Customizable: Want to make it vegetarian? Swap the meat for sautéed vegetables or lentils. Prefer it spicier? Add chopped jalapeños or use hot enchilada sauce.
- Make-Ahead Friendly: You can prepare the dish in advance, freeze it, or make extra for leftovers.
- Family-Approved: When Grandma asks for more, you know it’s a hit. This dish gets rave reviews from kids and adults alike.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Here’s everything you’ll need to make this enchirito recipe:
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 can (16 oz) refried beans
- 1 packet taco seasoning
- 1/4 cup water
- 6 large flour tortillas
- 1 can (10 oz) red enchilada sauce
- 1 1/2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/2 cup shredded Monterey Jack cheese
- Optional toppings: chopped onions, sliced black olives, sour cream, diced tomatoes
You can adjust the amount of cheese and toppings based on your taste. The combination of cheddar and Monterey Jack provides the best melt and flavor balance, but feel free to experiment.
How to Make It
Step 1: Preheat Your Oven
Set the oven to 375°F so it’s hot and ready when it’s time to bake.
Step 2: Cook the Beef
In a large skillet over medium heat, brown the ground beef until fully cooked. Drain the excess fat to avoid a greasy filling.
Step 3: Season the Meat and Add Beans
Stir in the taco seasoning and 1/4 cup water. Simmer for 2–3 minutes until the sauce thickens. Then add the refried beans and stir until the mixture is smooth and heated through.
Step 4: Fill and Roll
Spoon a generous portion of the meat and bean mixture into the center of each flour tortilla. Roll them up burrito-style, tucking in the ends, and place seam-side down in a greased 9×13-inch baking dish.
Step 5: Add Sauce and Cheese
Pour the enchilada sauce evenly over the rolled tortillas. Sprinkle with cheddar and Monterey Jack cheese. Make sure the sauce covers all the enchiritos so they stay moist during baking.
Step 6: Bake
Bake uncovered for 20–25 minutes, or until the cheese is melted, bubbly, and slightly golden on top.
Step 7: Serve
Serve hot with your choice of toppings like sour cream, onions, or olives. A squeeze of fresh lime juice adds a nice finishing touch.
Tips for Success
- Warm the Tortillas: Microwave the tortillas for 15–20 seconds before filling. This makes them easier to roll and prevents tearing.
- Use a Deep Baking Dish: A deeper dish helps hold the sauce and keeps everything moist and flavorful.
- Don’t Overfill: Leave enough room on the sides of the tortillas to roll them up easily without spilling.
- Make it Spicy: Add diced jalapeños or hot sauce to the meat mixture if you prefer extra heat.
- Double the Batch: This recipe freezes well. Make a second tray and freeze it for an easy future dinner.
Storage and Reheating
- Refrigerate: Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days.
- Freeze: Freeze unbaked enchiritos in a foil-covered dish for up to 3 months. Bake from frozen at 375°F for 50–60 minutes, until hot and bubbly.
- Reheat: Warm leftovers in the oven at 350°F for 15–20 minutes or microwave individual portions.
Nutrition (Per Serving)
Here’s an estimate for one enchirito without optional toppings:
- Calories: 430
- Protein: 24g
- Carbohydrates: 35g
- Fat: 22g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Fiber: 5g
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 890mg
This dish is hearty and filling, perfect for a balanced dinner.
The Story Behind the Recipe
Some of the best recipes happen by accident. This enchirito was the result of a late-night craving and a nearly empty fridge. Ground beef, a can of beans, some tortillas, and enchilada sauce—it wasn’t fancy, but it worked. Over time, the recipe got a few tweaks, and then came the real test: dinner with the whole family.
When Grandma cleaned her plate and asked for seconds, we knew it wasn’t just a decent meal—it was something special. That night, we all agreed it needed to be made again. And again. Now it’s one of the most requested meals in the house.
What to Serve With Enchiritos
Round out your meal with a few simple sides:
- Mexican Rice: Fluffy, seasoned rice complements the saucy enchiritos.
- Corn Salad or Elote: Adds sweetness and texture.
- Tortilla Chips and Salsa or Guacamole: Easy and crowd-pleasing.
- Simple Green Salad: For a lighter contrast.
- Drinks: Serve with horchata, iced tea, or a classic margarita.
Reader Reviews
Here’s what people are saying about this enchirito recipe:
“Made this last night—huge hit! My husband went back for thirds.” – Rachel L.
“Tastes better than any restaurant version I’ve tried. Easy, cheesy, and so good.” – Tom M.
“I added sautéed peppers and onions for extra flavor. This recipe is a keeper!” – Sandra P.
Final Thoughts
This enchirito is more than just a quick dinner—it’s a dish that brings people together. With simple ingredients and big flavor, it’s ideal for any night of the week. And if you’re lucky, maybe you’ll hear someone at your table ask for seconds too.
Try it once, and chances are, it’ll become a go-to in your kitchen—just like it did in ours.
