Jump to Recipe Print RecipeThe aroma of sizzling beef and bubbling cheese wafting through the kitchen always brings a smile to my face. As I prepare to share Grandma’s Enchirito recipe, I can’t help but remember how it became a staple in our home, blending the best of enchiladas and burritos into one delightful bite. This dish is not only quick to whip up on busy weeknights but also a guaranteed hit with everyone at the table—kids and adults alike! With its customizable toppings, you can cater to every palate, turning a simple dinner into a fun-filled feast. Curious how to bring this cheesy goodness to your family? Let me guide you through crafting your very own enchiritos! Why is this Enchirito Recipe a Must-Try? Irresistible Comfort: Every bite of this enchirito delivers a warm, satisfying embrace, making it perfect for family dinners. Customizable Joy: You can tailor each enchirito to suit individual tastes—try adding your favorite veggies or spice levels! Quick & Easy: On a busy weeknight? This recipe comes together in no time, ensuring minimal fuss and maximum flavor. Kid-Friendly Fun: The delightful combination of cheese and beef is sure to win over even the pickiest eaters, making mealtime enjoyable for everyone. Leftover Love: Enchiritos taste just as wonderful the next day, so you can savor your hard work longer. Serve with sides like fluffy Mexican rice or refreshing cabbage slaw for a complete meal! Enchirito Recipe Ingredients Get ready to create a delicious Enchirito that your whole family will love! For the Filling Ground Beef – The star protein that adds hearty flavor; feel free to substitute with turkey or a plant-based option for versatility. Taco Seasoning – A blend of spices that brings warmth and depth—consider making your own for more control over flavor. Refried Beans – Creamy and rich, they provide extra fiber; black beans or lentils can be great alternatives. For Assembly Tortillas (Flour) – The ideal base for rolling up those delicious fillings; use corn tortillas for a gluten-free option—just be sure to warm them first! Enchilada Sauce – This adds moisture and tang; for an extra kick, opt for homemade or add a splash of hot sauce for heat. Cheese (Cheddar or Mexican blend) – Melts beautifully for that gooey texture; swap for dairy-free cheese for a vegan-friendly twist. For Garnishing Fresh Onions and Cilantro – Add a burst of freshness and crunch; green onions or parsley can also brighten up your dish. With this enchirito recipe, you’re ready to deliver a meal that’s not just tasty, but also a comforting favorite in your home! Step‑by‑Step Instructions for Grandma’s Irresistible Enchirito Step 1: Preheat the Oven Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). This temperature is perfect for bringing the enchiritos to a bubbling golden perfection. While the oven heats, gather your baking dish and set it aside so you’re ready for assembly. Step 2: Cook the Ground Beef In a large skillet, brown the ground beef over medium heat for about 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally. Cook until the meat is no longer pink, then drain excess grease, leaving about a teaspoon for flavor. The cooked beef should be crumbled and evenly browned for optimal flavor in your enchirito recipe. Step 3: Add Taco Seasoning Stir in your favorite taco seasoning and ¾ cup of water into the browned beef mixture. Allow it to simmer for around 5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the sauce slightly thickens. You’ll know it’s ready when it coats the beef nicely, releasing a delicious aroma that fills your kitchen. Step 4: Warm the Refried Beans In a small saucepan, gently warm the refried beans over low heat until they’re creamy and spreadable. This usually takes 3-5 minutes. Stir occasionally to keep them from sticking, and ensure they stay nice and hot for easier assembly in your enchiritos. Step 5: Assemble the Enchirito Once the beans are warmed, lay out the flour tortillas on a clean surface. Spread a layer of refried beans down the center of each tortilla, add a generous spoonful of the seasoned beef mixture, and sprinkle cheese on top. Roll each tortilla tightly, placing them seam-side down in your prepared baking dish. Step 6: Add Sauce and Cheese Pour enchilada sauce evenly over the rolled enchiritos. Be sure to cover all surfaces for maximum flavor! Top with any remaining cheese, allowing it to create a delightful, gooey layer as it melts. Your baking dish should look inviting and delicious at this point. Step 7: Bake Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for about 20 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbling. Keep an eye on it; the top should achieve a lovely golden brown hue, indicating that your enchiritos are almost ready to be savored. Step 8: Let Rest and Garnish Once baked, remove the enchiritos from the oven and let them rest for 5 minutes. This resting time helps the flavors settle. Just before serving, sprinkle fresh onions and cilantro on top for an extra burst of flavor and visual appeal. Enjoy your homemade enchiritos! Tips for the Best Enchirito Choose the Right Tortillas: Using flour tortillas gives you a sturdy base that won’t break apart. If opting for corn, remember to warm them thoroughly to prevent cracking. Let It Rest: After baking, allow the enchiritos to rest for 5 minutes before serving. This helps the flavors meld beautifully and makes for a less messy serving. Customize Wisely: Feel free to add different proteins or veggies to your enchirito recipe! However, avoid overstuffing to ensure they roll up neatly and cook evenly. Check Baking Time: Keep an eye on the enchiritos during baking. If the cheese is bubbling and golden, they’re ready to come out. Over-baking can lead to dryness. Store Leftovers Properly: Leftover enchiritos can be stored in an airtight container for 3-4 days. Reheat them in the oven to maintain that comforting melted cheese texture! How to Store and Freeze Enchirito Fridge: Keep leftovers in an airtight container; they can be stored for up to 3-4 days while maintaining their delicious flavor and texture. Freezer: Freeze enchiritos wrapped tightly in plastic wrap or foil, then place in a freezer-safe bag. They can last for up to 3 months. Reheating: For best results, reheat enchiritos in a 350°F (175°C) oven for about 20 minutes until heated through, preserving their cheesy goodness. Thawing: When ready to enjoy, thaw frozen enchiritos in the fridge overnight before reheating; it ensures even warming while keeping them tasty. What to Serve with Grandma’s Irresistible Enchirito To create a delightful dinner experience, let’s explore the perfect accompaniments that elevate your enchirito feast. Fluffy Mexican Rice: This classic side adds a comforting, starchy element that pairs wonderfully with the savory enchirito. Crispy Cabbage Slaw: A refreshing slaw with lime dressing offers a crunchy contrast, balancing the cheesy richness of the enchirito. Homemade Guacamole: Creamy and flavorful, guacamole enhances every bite with its buttery texture and zesty kick—optimal for dipping! Pickled Jalapeños: For those who enjoy a touch of heat, serving pickled jalapeños on the side provides a spicy crunch that complements the dish perfectly. Sour Cream: A dollop of cool sour cream cuts through the spice and adds a luscious, creamy element to your plate. Fresh Avocado Slices: Simple yet effective, cool avocado adds a luscious texture that enhances the overall flavor profile of this comforting meal. Refreshing Horchata: This cinnamon-infused rice drink is a delightful beverage that pairs beautifully with the spicy flavors of enchiritos while offering a sweet contrast. Chocolate Flan: Finish your meal with a slice of chocolate flan for a sweet, creamy dessert that balances the flavors of your hearty savory dish. Enchirito Recipe Variations Feel free to let your creativity shine with these delightful twists on the classic enchirito! Spicy Kick: Add diced jalapeños to the beef for an extra layer of heat. The zesty flavor pairs wonderfully with the creamy cheese! Vegetarian Delight: Switch out the beef for shredded chicken or use black beans and lentils for a hearty vegetarian option. It’s a fantastic way to enjoy comfort food without meat! Corn Tortillas: Opt for corn tortillas instead of flour for a gluten-free version. They add a lovely earthy flavor while being just as delicious. Cheese Melange: Use multiple types of cheese, like Monterey Jack and pepper jack, for a richer flavor profile. The gooey combination elevates the enchiritos to cheesy perfection! Flavorful Toppings: Experiment with toppings like guacamole or salsa for added freshness. These not only enhance the taste but also provide a fun, customized eating experience. Sides Galore: Serve enchiritos alongside fluffy Mexican rice and charro beans for a complete meal. The textures and flavors complement each other beautifully! Herb Boost: Sprinkle in some fresh herbs like basil or parsley for a fragrant twist. This brightens the dish and adds a touch of sophistication. Sweet Heat: For a unique spin, incorporate a dash of chipotle in adobo sauce into the beef mixture. This smoky sweetness will tantalize your taste buds! If you’re looking for more inspiration, consider pairing these enchiritos with Baked Cajun Salmon for a surf-and-turf experience, or perhaps a slice of Berry Peach Cheesecake for dessert! Make Ahead Options These enchiritos are perfect for meal prep enthusiasts! You can assemble the enchiritos up to 24 hours in advance and refrigerate them, which allows the flavors to meld together for even better taste. Simply prepare the beef mixture and warm the refried beans as instructed. Once they’re cooled slightly, wrap the filled tortillas tightly in your baking dish, cover with plastic wrap, and refrigerate. When you’re ready to bake, just remove the cover, add enchilada sauce and cheese, and pop them in the oven for 20 minutes. This way, you’ll have a delightful dinner ready with minimal effort, making busy weeknights feel less overwhelming! Enchirito Recipe FAQs How do I choose the right ground beef for this recipe? Absolutely! For the best flavor, I recommend using lean ground beef (80/20). This balance provides enough fat for taste while keeping the dish from being too greasy. Alternatively, you can swap it out with ground turkey or chicken if you prefer a lighter option, or even use a plant-based ground meat for a delicious vegetarian twist. What’s the best way to store leftovers of my enchiritos? I often keep leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3-4 days. Make sure they are fully cooled before sealing to ensure freshness. If you’d like to enjoy them later, you can freeze them too! Can I freeze my enchiritos? Yes, you can! To freeze enchiritos, wrap each one tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil, then place them into a freezer-safe zip-top bag. They can be stored for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to enjoy, thaw them in the fridge overnight and reheat in a preheated 350°F (175°C) oven for about 20 minutes until heated through. What should I do if my enchiritos are falling apart when I roll them? Very! If your tortillas are cracking or breaking, it might be due to them being too cold or not warm enough. I recommend warming them in the microwave for about 10-15 seconds or on a skillet until they’re pliable. This extra step can make a huge difference in keeping everything together during assembly! Are there any dietary considerations I should keep in mind with this recipe? Definitely! For those with gluten sensitivities, using corn tortillas is an excellent alternative. If you’re lactose intolerant, you can use dairy-free cheese. Always check the labels on taco seasoning and enchilada sauce to ensure they meet your dietary needs, and feel free to customize with your favorite ingredients! How can I make sure my enchiritos have the perfect flavor? For the ultimate flavor experience, allow your enchiritos to sit for about 5 minutes after baking. This resting period lets the flavors meld together beautifully. If you’re a spice lover, adding a pinch of cayenne or some diced jalapeños to the meat mix can kick things up a notch wonderfully! Ultimate Enchirito Recipe: A Comforting Family Favorite This enchirito recipe combines the best of enchiladas and burritos into a comforting family favorite, sure to please everyone at the table. Print Recipe Pin Recipe Prep Time 15 minutes minsCook Time 25 minutes minsResting Time 5 minutes minsTotal Time 45 minutes mins Servings: 4 enchiritosCourse: DinnerCuisine: MexicanCalories: 350 Ingredients Equipment Method Nutrition Notes Ingredients 1x2x3x? For the Filling1 lb Ground Beef or turkey or plant-based options1 packet Taco Seasoning homemade or store-bought3/4 cup Water1 can Refried Beans or black beans/lentilsFor Assembly4 large Flour Tortillas or corn tortillas for gluten-free2 cups Enchilada Sauce homemade or store-bought2 cups Cheese (Cheddar or Mexican blend) or dairy-free cheeseFor Garnishing1/4 cup Fresh Onions chopped1/4 cup Fresh Cilantro chopped Equipment OvenLarge skilletSmall saucepanBaking Dish Method Step-by-Step Instructions for Grandma's Irresistible EnchiritoPreheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Gather your baking dish for assembly.Brown the ground beef in a skillet over medium heat for 5-7 minutes until no longer pink. Drain excess grease.Mix in taco seasoning and 3/4 cup water; simmer for 5 minutes until the sauce thickens.Warm the refried beans in a small saucepan over low heat for 3-5 minutes until creamy.Lay out the tortillas and layer with refried beans, seasoned beef, and cheese. Roll tightly and place seam-side down in the baking dish.Pour enchilada sauce over rolled enchiritos, top with remaining cheese.Bake in the oven for about 20 minutes, until cheese is melted and bubbly.Let rest for 5 minutes before serving, then garnish with fresh onions and cilantro. Nutrition Serving: 1enchiritoCalories: 350kcalCarbohydrates: 40gProtein: 25gFat: 15gSaturated Fat: 7gPolyunsaturated Fat: 1gMonounsaturated Fat: 3gCholesterol: 70mgSodium: 800mgPotassium: 500mgFiber: 8gSugar: 2gVitamin A: 500IUVitamin C: 10mgCalcium: 200mgIron: 2mg NotesServe with sides like Mexican rice or cabbage slaw for a complete meal. Store leftovers in an airtight container for 3-4 days. Tried this recipe?Let us know how it was!
