Taco Bell Enchirito Recipe
Introduction
The Taco Bell Enchirito is a nostalgic and flavorful Mexican-inspired dish that combines seasoned ground beef, refried beans, and a tangy sauce wrapped in warm tortillas topped with melted cheese. This recipe brings the iconic fast-food favorite into your kitchen with fresh, simple ingredients and satisfying results.

Ingredients
- 1⅓ pounds ground chuck
- 1½ tablespoons masa harina
- 4½ teaspoons chili powder
- ½ teaspoon onion powder
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon seasoning salt
- ½ teaspoon paprika
- ¼ teaspoon ground cumin
- ½ teaspoon garlic salt
- ¼ teaspoon sugar
- 1 teaspoon dried minced onion
- ½ teaspoon beef bouillon powder
- ¾ to 1 cup water
- 8 ounces tomato sauce
- ⅓ cup water
- ¼ teaspoon chili powder
- 1½ teaspoons cumin
- 1½ teaspoons minced onion
- 1 tablespoon white vinegar
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon garlic salt
- ¼ teaspoon paprika
- ¼ teaspoon sugar
- ¼ teaspoon cayenne pepper
- 4 tortillas, warmed
- 1 cup refried beans, heated
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- ¼ cup chopped white onions
- Sliced black olives (optional)
Instructions
- Step 1: In a small bowl, combine all beef seasoning ingredients—masa harina, chili powder, onion and garlic powders, seasoning salt, paprika, cumin, garlic salt, sugar, dried minced onion, and beef bouillon powder. Set this seasoning mix aside.
- Step 2: Brown the ground chuck in a skillet over medium heat, breaking it apart with a spoon as it cooks. Once fully browned, drain any excess fat.
- Step 3: Return the meat to the skillet. Stir in the seasoning mix and ¾ to 1 cup of water. Simmer uncovered over medium-low heat for about 20 minutes, stirring occasionally, until most of the liquid evaporates but the mixture remains moist.
- Step 4: In a small saucepan, combine all sauce ingredients: tomato sauce, water, chili powder, cumin, minced onion, white vinegar, garlic powder, garlic salt, paprika, sugar, and cayenne pepper. Stir, then heat gently over low heat and simmer for 15 to 20 minutes, stirring occasionally. Remove from heat and let cool slightly.
- Step 5: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease a baking dish to prevent sticking.
- Step 6: Warm the tortillas until soft and pliable. Spread ¼ cup of heated refried beans down the center of each tortilla, then top with ¼ of the seasoned beef mixture. Roll each tortilla tightly and place seam-side down in the prepared baking dish.
- Step 7: Generously spoon the prepared sauce over each rolled tortilla. Sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese, chopped white onions, and sliced black olives on top, if using. Bake uncovered for 15 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
Tips & Variations
- For extra flavor, add a pinch of smoked paprika or chipotle powder to the beef seasoning.
- Use flour or corn tortillas based on your preference; warming them in a dry skillet helps prevent cracking.
- Substitute ground beef with ground turkey or chicken for a lighter version.
- Serve with a side of sour cream or guacamole for added richness.
Storage
Store any leftover Enchirito covered in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in a 350°F oven until warmed through and cheese is bubbly again, or microwave covered for 1-2 minutes. For best texture, avoid reheating too long to prevent sogginess.
How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.
FAQs
Can I make the sauce ahead of time?
Yes, the sauce can be made a day in advance and refrigerated. Reheat gently before assembling the Enchiritos for the best flavor.
What can I use if I don’t have masa harina?
Masa harina helps thicken and adds authentic flavor, but you can substitute it with all-purpose flour or cornmeal in a pinch, adjusting the quantity as needed to achieve a similar texture.
Print
Taco Bell Enchirito Recipe
- Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
Description
This Taco Bell Enchirito copycat recipe recreates the classic Tex-Mex favorite with seasoned ground beef, rich refried beans, a flavorful enchilada-style sauce, and melted cheddar cheese, all wrapped in soft tortillas and baked to perfection. A nostalgic and satisfying dish perfect for Taco Bell fans craving homemade comfort food.
Ingredients
For the Beef Filling:
- 1⅓ pounds ground chuck
- 1½ tablespoons masa harina
- 4½ teaspoons chili powder
- ½ teaspoon onion powder
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon seasoning salt
- ½ teaspoon paprika
- ¼ teaspoon ground cumin
- ½ teaspoon garlic salt
- ¼ teaspoon sugar
- 1 teaspoon dried minced onion
- ½ teaspoon beef bouillon powder
- ¾ to 1 cup water
For the Sauce:
- 8 ounces tomato sauce
- ⅓ cup water
- ¼ teaspoon chili powder
- 1½ teaspoons cumin
- 1½ teaspoons minced onion
- 1 tablespoon white vinegar
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon garlic salt
- ¼ teaspoon paprika
- ¼ teaspoon sugar
- ¼ teaspoon cayenne pepper
For Assembly:
- 4 tortillas, warmed
- 1 cup refried beans, heated
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- ¼ cup chopped white onions
- Sliced black olives, optional
Instructions
- Make the Taco Bell-Style Seasoning: In a small bowl, combine all beef seasoning ingredients—masa harina, chili powder, onion and garlic powders, salts, cumin, paprika, sugar, minced onion, and bouillon. Set aside.
- Cook the Beef: Brown the ground chuck in a skillet over medium heat, breaking it apart with a spoon as it cooks. Once fully browned, drain any excess fat.
- Season and Simmer: Return the meat to the skillet, stir in the prepared seasoning mix and ¾ to 1 cup of water. Simmer uncovered over medium-low heat for 20 minutes until most of the liquid evaporates, stirring occasionally and ensuring it does not dry out completely.
- Prepare the Sauce: In a small saucepan, combine all sauce ingredients. Stir well and bring to a gentle simmer over low heat. Let cook for 15–20 minutes, stirring occasionally. Remove from heat and let cool slightly.
- Preheat the Oven: Set your oven to 350°F (175°C) and lightly grease a baking dish.
- Assemble the Enchiritos: Warm the tortillas until soft and pliable. Spread ¼ cup of refried beans down the center of each tortilla, top with ¼ of the seasoned beef, then roll tightly. Place rolled tortillas seam-side down in the baking dish.
- Top and Bake: Spoon the enchilada sauce generously over the rolled tortillas. Top with shredded cheddar cheese, chopped white onions, and black olives if using. Bake uncovered for 15 minutes or until the cheese is fully melted and bubbly.
Notes
- Use masa harina in the beef seasoning to give the authentic Taco Bell texture and flavor.
- Make sure not to dry out the beef mixture while simmering; it should be moist enough to stay flavorful.
- Warming the tortillas before assembly prevents cracking when rolling.
- Black olives are optional but add a nice touch of flavor and texture.
- For spicier sauce, increase cayenne pepper to taste.
- This recipe can be doubled to serve more people.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Tex-Mex
Keywords: Taco Bell, Enchirito, Copycat recipe, Tex-Mex, ground beef, enchilada sauce, refried beans, baked tortilla dish

