Description
The Enchirito is a deliciously hearty and cheesy Tex-Mex casserole featuring seasoned ground beef, refried beans, and a blend of cheddar and mozzarella cheeses wrapped in soft flour tortillas, topped with rich enchilada sauce and baked to bubbly perfection. This crowd-pleaser is perfect for a family dinner or casual gathering, offering bold flavors with a comforting texture that melts in your mouth.
Ingredients
Scale
Meat and Seasoning
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 packet taco seasoning
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder
- 1/2 tsp cumin
- Salt and pepper to taste
Beans
- 1 can (8 oz) refried beans
Tortillas and Cheese
- 4 large flour tortillas
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
Sauce and Garnish
- 1 can (10 oz) enchilada sauce (mild or hot, based on preference)
- 1/2 onion, finely chopped
- Chopped green onions or cilantro for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat and Prepare: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish to prevent sticking and make cleanup easy.
- Cook Ground Beef: In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef until it is fully browned, breaking it apart with a spoon for even cooking. Drain any excess fat if necessary.
- Season the Beef: Add the taco seasoning, garlic powder, cumin, salt, and pepper to the beef, along with 1/4 cup water. Stir thoroughly and simmer for 5 minutes until the flavors meld and the mixture thickens slightly.
- Warm Refried Beans: While the beef is simmering, heat the refried beans in a small pot over low heat until they are warm and spreadable.
- Warm Tortillas: To make the tortillas pliable and easier to roll, warm them in the microwave for 10-15 seconds or briefly heat them on a skillet.
- Assemble Enchiritos: Spread a thin layer of warm refried beans in the center of each tortilla, spoon a generous amount of the seasoned beef mixture on top, then sprinkle with cheddar and mozzarella cheese.
- Roll and Arrange: Carefully roll each tortilla tightly and place it seam-side down in the prepared baking dish to secure the filling inside.
- Add Sauce and Cheese: Pour the enchilada sauce evenly over the rolled tortillas, then sprinkle the remaining cheese over the sauce for a gooey topping.
- Bake: Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the cheese is melted, bubbly, and the edges of the tortillas are crisp.
- Garnish and Serve: Remove from the oven, let cool for a few minutes, then garnish with chopped green onions or cilantro if desired. Serve warm and enjoy!
Notes
- For a spicier dish, use hot enchilada sauce or add chopped jalapeños to the beef mixture.
- You can substitute ground turkey or chicken for a leaner protein option.
- To make it gluten-free, use gluten-free tortillas and ensure taco seasoning and enchilada sauce are gluten-free.
- Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and reheated in the oven.
- Try adding diced green chilies or black olives for extra flavor variations.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 enchirito (1/4 of recipe)
- Calories: 520
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 720mg
- Fat: 28g
- Saturated Fat: 12g
- Unsaturated Fat: 14g
- Trans Fat: 0.5g
- Carbohydrates: 39g
- Fiber: 6g
- Protein: 28g
- Cholesterol: 85mg
