Are you a fan of the iconic Taco Bell Enchirito? This beloved fast-food classic, a savory blend of a burrito and an enchilada, is packed with seasoned ground beef, creamy refried beans, and smothered in a rich red sauce and melted cheese. For those times when a trip to Taco Bell isn’t possible, you’re in luck. With this Taco Bell Enchirito recipe, you can recreate this mouth-watering dish right in your kitchen using a handful of simple ingredients.”
Making your own Enchirito at home is not only convenient but it can also be a fun and creative way to enjoy this classic dish. With the right ingredients and recipe, you can easily recreate the flavors of Taco Bell’s Enchirito in your own kitchen. There are many different recipes available online that claim to be the best copycat version of this beloved menu item. By doing a little research and finding a recipe that suits your taste preferences, you can create a homemade Enchirito that is just as delicious as the original.
History of the Enchirito
If you are a fan of Taco Bell, you may have heard of the Enchirito. The Enchirito is a delicious and unique menu item that has been on and off the menu for decades. The original Enchirito was introduced in the 1970s and was advertised as a special tortilla filled with ground beef, pinto beans, and onions, topped with red sauce, cheese, and olives. It was served in a reheatable aluminum foil tray.
Over the years, the Enchirito has been discontinued and reintroduced several times. It was removed from the menu in 1993 but was reinstated in 1999, only to be discontinued again in 2013. However, unlike other Taco Bell secret menu items that require hacks of existing menu offerings, getting an Enchirito at many franchises is as easy as asking for one.
According to CopyKat Recipes, the Enchirito is made up of a traditional beef, bean, and cheese burrito smothered in red enchilada sauce and topped with shredded cheese. This recipe is very similar to the original Enchirito that was introduced in the 1970s.
If you want to recreate the magic of the Enchirito at home, you can follow the recipe provided by Taco Bell Menus. They provide a step-by-step guide to perfecting this fan-favorite dish.
Ingredients Needed
Making your own Taco Bell Enchirito at home is easier than you think. You only need a few ingredients to get started. Here are the ingredients you will need to prepare your own Enchirito:
- Ground beef: You can also use ground turkey or chicken as a substitute.
- Flour tortillas: You can use any brand of flour tortillas.
- Refried beans: You can use canned refried beans or make your own.
- Cheddar cheese: Shredded cheddar cheese is the best choice for this recipe, but you can use any type of cheese you like.
- Enchilada sauce: You can use canned enchilada sauce or make your own.
- Onion: Chopped yellow onion is the best choice for this recipe.
- Garlic powder: You can use fresh garlic instead of garlic powder, but garlic powder is easier to use.
- Chili powder: This is the spice that gives the Enchirito its unique flavor.
- Salt: You need salt to enhance the flavor of the dish.
- Paprika: This gives the Enchirito a smoky flavor.
- Minced onion: This adds texture and flavor to the dish.
You can easily find all of these ingredients at your local grocery store. Now that you know what ingredients you need, let’s move on to how to make the Enchirito.
Preparation Tools
To make a delicious Taco Bell Enchirito, you will need a few essential preparation tools. These include:
1. Skillet
A skillet is a must-have tool for making the perfect enchirito. It allows you to cook the ground beef and other ingredients evenly and quickly. You can use a non-stick skillet or a cast-iron skillet depending on your preference.
2. Mixing Bowl
You will need a mixing bowl to combine the ground beef with the flour, chili powder, salt, minced onion, paprika, onion powder, and garlic powder. Make sure to use your hands to thoroughly mix the ingredients into the ground beef.
3. Microwave-Safe Bowl
You will need a microwave-safe bowl to heat up the refried beans. You can use canned refried beans or make your own from scratch. Heating up the beans will make them easier to spread on the tortillas.
4. Cutting Board and Knife
You will need a cutting board and a sharp knife to chop the onion and other ingredients for the enchirito. Make sure to chop the ingredients into small pieces so that they cook evenly.
5. Tortilla Warmer
A tortilla warmer is optional, but it can help keep your tortillas warm and soft while you prepare the other ingredients for the enchirito. It is a great tool to have if you are making multiple enchiritos.
By having these essential preparation tools, you will be able to make a delicious Taco Bell Enchirito in no time.
Cooking the Beef
To make the perfect beef for your Taco Bell Enchirito, you will need to follow a few simple steps. Here’s how:
- Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add 1 lb. of ground beef to the skillet and cook it until it’s browned and no longer pink.
- While the beef is cooking, add 1 tablespoon of chili powder, 1 teaspoon of salt, 1/2 teaspoon of minced onion, 1/2 teaspoon of paprika, 1/2 teaspoon of onion powder, and 1/4 teaspoon of garlic powder. Mix everything together well.
- Once the beef is browned, drain the excess fat from the skillet. Then, add the spice mixture to the skillet and stir until the beef is coated with the spices.
- Reduce the heat to low and let the beef simmer for 5-10 minutes. This will allow the flavors to meld together and create a delicious, savory taste.
- Once the beef is done cooking, remove it from the skillet and set it aside.
Congratulations! You’ve successfully cooked the beef for your Taco Bell Enchirito. Now, you’re ready to move on to the next step in the recipe.
Preparing the Sauce
The sauce is what makes the Taco Bell Enchirito unique. It’s a blend of savory and spicy flavors that perfectly complements the meat and beans. Here’s how to make it:
Ingredients
- 1/2 cup of water
- 1/3 cup of tomato paste
- 2 tablespoons of white vinegar
- 2 teaspoons of chili powder
- 1 teaspoon of paprika
- 1 teaspoon of onion powder
- 1/2 teaspoon of garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon of cumin
- 1/2 teaspoon of sugar
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- In a small saucepan, combine the water and tomato paste. Whisk until the tomato paste is fully dissolved.
- Add the white vinegar, chili powder, paprika, onion powder, garlic powder, cumin, sugar, salt, and pepper. Whisk until all the ingredients are fully combined.
- Place the saucepan over medium-high heat and bring the mixture to a boil.
- Once the mixture is boiling, reduce the heat to low and let it simmer for 10-15 minutes. Stir occasionally to prevent the sauce from sticking to the bottom of the pan.
- After 10-15 minutes, remove the saucepan from the heat and let it cool for a few minutes.
- Pour the sauce into a blender or food processor and blend until smooth.
- If the sauce is too thick, add a little water to thin it out.
That’s it! Your Taco Bell Enchirito sauce is ready to use. Pour it over the enchiladas before baking or serve it on the side as a dipping sauce. Enjoy!
Assembling the Enchirito
Now that you have prepared all the ingredients, it’s time to assemble the enchirito.
- Warm up the tortillas in the microwave or on a skillet to make them more pliable.
- Lay a tortilla on a flat surface and spread a generous amount of refried beans in the center, leaving about an inch of space around the edges.
- Add a layer of the ground beef mixture on top of the beans.
- Fold the sides of the tortilla over the filling, then fold the bottom up and the top down to create a rectangular shape.
- Place the enchirito seam-side down in a baking dish.
- Repeat the process with the remaining tortillas and filling.
- Pour the enchilada sauce over the enchiritos, making sure to cover them evenly.
- Sprinkle shredded cheese on top of the sauce.
- Bake the enchiritos in the oven for 10-15 minutes at 350°F/175°C, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Remove from the oven and let cool for a few minutes before serving.
Now you can enjoy your homemade Taco Bell enchiritos! Serve with your favorite toppings such as chopped tomatoes, lettuce, sour cream, or hot sauce.
Cooking Instructions
Making your own Taco Bell Enchirito at home is easy and delicious. Here are the steps to follow:
Ingredients
Before you begin, gather all the ingredients needed for the recipe. You will need:
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 packet of taco seasoning
- 1 can of refried beans
- 1 cup of water
- 8 flour tortillas
- 1 can of enchilada sauce
- 1 cup of shredded cheddar cheese
Steps
- Preheat your oven to 350°F.
- Cook the ground beef in a skillet over medium-high heat until it is no longer pink.
- Add the taco seasoning and 1 cup of water to the skillet. Simmer on medium-low heat for 20 minutes, until most of the moisture has cooked away.
- Warm the refried beans in a separate pot.
- Steam each flour tortilla for a few seconds to make them more pliable.
- Spread a spoonful of refried beans onto each tortilla, followed by a spoonful of the beef mixture.
- Roll up each tortilla burrito-style and place them seam-side down in an oven-safe dish coated with non-stick spray.
- Pour the enchilada sauce over the top of the tortillas and sprinkle with shredded cheddar cheese.
- Bake in the oven for 10-15 minutes, until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Serve hot and enjoy!
By following these simple instructions, you can easily make your own delicious Taco Bell Enchirito at home.
Serving Suggestions
Now that you know how to make a delicious Taco Bell Enchirito, it’s time to think about how to serve it. Here are a few serving suggestions to help you enjoy your Enchirito to the fullest.
1. Add Toppings
While the Enchirito is delicious on its own, you can add toppings to make it even more flavorful. Some great options include diced tomatoes, sliced jalapenos, sour cream, and guacamole. These toppings will add a burst of flavor and texture to your Enchirito, making it even more satisfying.
2. Pair with a Side
The Enchirito is a filling dish, but it can be even more satisfying when paired with a side. Some great options include Spanish rice, refried beans, or a simple green salad. These sides will complement the flavors of the Enchirito and make for a well-rounded meal.
3. Serve with a Beverage
To wash down your Enchirito, consider serving it with a beverage. A cold beer or a refreshing soda will complement the flavors of the Enchirito and make for a satisfying meal. If you’re looking for a healthier option, try serving it with a glass of iced tea or a fruit-infused water.
By following these serving suggestions, you can enjoy your homemade Taco Bell Enchirito to the fullest. Whether you’re enjoying it for lunch or dinner, these tips will help you make the most of this delicious dish.
Nutritional Information
If you are watching your calorie intake, it is important to know the nutritional information of the Taco Bell Enchirito. According to the Taco Bell website, one Enchirito contains 350 calories. It also has 17 grams of fat, 34 grams of carbohydrates, and 18 grams of protein. Additionally, it has 1420 milligrams of sodium, which is over half of the recommended daily intake for an adult.
If you are looking for a lower calorie option, you can try ordering the Enchirito without the red sauce and cheese. This will reduce the calorie count to 290 and the sodium content to 1180 milligrams. However, keep in mind that the Enchirito is still high in fat and carbohydrates, so it should be consumed in moderation as part of a balanced diet.
It is important to note that the nutritional information may vary based on the specific ingredients used in the Enchirito, such as the type of meat or the amount of beans. It is always a good idea to check the nutritional information before ordering to make an informed decision.
Variations of the Recipe
If you want to put your own spin on the classic Taco Bell Enchirito, here are some ideas to get you started.
Vegetarian Enchirito
If you’re a vegetarian, you can easily make a meatless version of the Enchirito. Simply substitute the ground beef for a meatless alternative such as crumbled tofu or vegetarian ground beef. You can also add some extra veggies such as sautéed bell peppers or mushrooms to give it more flavor and texture.
Spicy Enchirito
If you like your food with a kick, you can add some extra heat to your Enchirito. Try adding some diced jalapeños or serrano peppers to the filling mixture. You can also use a spicier salsa or hot sauce to top it off.
Breakfast Enchirito
Who says you can’t have Enchiritos for breakfast? Try making a breakfast version by adding scrambled eggs, bacon, and cheese to the filling mixture. You can also top it off with some salsa or sour cream for extra flavor.
Enchirito Casserole
If you’re feeding a crowd, you can make a Enchirito casserole instead of individual Enchiritos. Simply layer tortillas, refried beans, ground beef, and cheese in a baking dish and bake until the cheese is melted and bubbly. You can also add some extra veggies or toppings to make it more flavorful.
Healthier Enchirito
If you’re watching your calorie intake, you can make a healthier version of the Enchirito by using lean ground beef, low-fat cheese, and whole wheat tortillas. You can also use a smaller amount of filling and add some extra veggies such as lettuce, tomatoes, and onions to make it more filling and nutritious.
Conclusion
Congratulations! You have successfully learned how to make a delicious Taco Bell Enchirito at home. By following the recipe and tips provided, you can now enjoy this classic Tex-Mex dish anytime you want.
Remember, the key to making a perfect enchirito is to use fresh ingredients and follow the recipe closely. You can experiment with different toppings and fillings to make it your own. For example, you can add shredded cheese, diced tomatoes, or sliced jalapeños for extra flavor and heat.
In summary, making a Taco Bell Enchirito is easy and fun. With a little bit of practice, you can impress your friends and family with your culinary skills. So why not give it a try today and enjoy a delicious meal that will satisfy your cravings for Mexican food?
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a Taco Bell Enchirito made of?
A Taco Bell Enchirito is made of a soft flour tortilla wrapped around seasoned ground beef, hearty beans, diced onions, real cheddar cheese, and tangy red sauce. The red sauce is a combination of tomato paste, water, vinegar, sugar, salt, onion powder, garlic powder, and spices. The Enchirito is then topped with more red sauce and grated cheddar cheese.
What’s the difference between an Enchirito and an enchilada?
An Enchirito is a cross between an enchilada and a burrito. It is made with a soft flour tortilla, whereas an enchilada is made with a corn tortilla. An Enchirito is also filled with seasoned ground beef, beans, onions, and cheese, while an enchilada can be filled with a variety of ingredients, including meat, cheese, beans, and vegetables. Finally, an Enchirito is topped with red sauce and cheese, while an enchilada can be topped with a variety of sauces, including red sauce, green sauce, or mole sauce.
What is the red sauce in Taco Bell burritos?
The red sauce in Taco Bell burritos is a combination of tomato paste, water, vinegar, sugar, salt, onion powder, garlic powder, and spices. It is a tangy and slightly spicy sauce that adds flavor to the burrito.
What was the Taco Bell Enchirito of the 1970’s?
The Taco Bell Enchirito of the 1970s was similar to the Enchirito of today, but it was made with a different red sauce. The original red sauce was made with a combination of chili powder, cumin, paprika, onion powder, garlic powder, and water. The sauce was thinner and spicier than the current sauce. In the 1980s, Taco Bell changed the recipe to the current red sauce, which is thicker and less spicy.
