Homemade Taco Bell Enchirito

Here’s a Homemade Taco Bell Enchirito recipe that closely replicates the beloved discontinued menu item — a soft flour tortilla filled with seasoned beef, beans, onions, and cheese, then smothered in red enchilada sauce and more cheese.

---

🌮 Homemade Taco Bell Enchirito (Classic Style)

Servings: 4
Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 15 minutes
Total Time: 35 minutes

---

🧂 Ingredients

For the filling:

• 1 lb ground beef (80/20)

• 1 packet Taco Bell-style taco seasoning (or homemade*)

• 1/2 cup water

• 1 can (16 oz) refried beans (or make your own)

• 1/4 cup diced white onions (raw)

• 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese (or cheddar-jack blend)

• 4 soft flour tortillas (8-inch)

For the enchilada sauce:

• 1 can (10 oz) mild red enchilada sauce (Old El Paso or Las Palmas)

• Optional: Simmer with 1/4 tsp garlic powder + 1/4 tsp onion powder + pinch of cumin for flavor boost

---

🥄 Instructions

1. Cook the Beef:

   • In a skillet over medium heat, brown the ground beef.

   • Drain excess grease, then stir in taco seasoning and water.

   • Simmer until thickened (about 5 minutes).

2. Warm the Beans:

   • Heat the refried beans in a small saucepan or microwave until hot and spreadable.

3. Prep the Tortillas:

   • Warm tortillas slightly in the microwave or a pan to make them pliable.

4. Assemble the Enchiritos:

   • On each tortilla, spread a generous layer of refried beans down the center.

   • Add a scoop of seasoned beef on top of the beans.

   • Sprinkle with raw diced onions and a small amount of shredded cheese.

5. Roll and Place in Dish:

   • Roll the tortillas burrito-style (fold in the sides, then roll up).

   • Place seam-side down in a baking dish.

6. Top and Bake:

   • Pour enchilada sauce over each rolled tortilla generously.

   • Sprinkle remaining shredded cheese on top.

   • Bake uncovered at 350°F (175°C) for 10–15 minutes, or until cheese is melted and sauce is bubbly.

7. Serve:

   • Serve hot, optionally topped with a few sliced black olives (as per original 80s version) and a dollop of sour cream.

---

🧄 Optional Homemade Taco Seasoning

Combine the following:

• 1 tbsp chili powder

• 1/2 tsp garlic powder

• 1/2 tsp onion powder

• 1/2 tsp paprika

• 1/2 tsp ground cumin

• 1/2 tsp salt

• 1/4 tsp black pepper

• Pinch of cayenne (if desired)

---

🍴 Tips

• Use steam-table style tortillas or restaurant-style if available — softer and stretchier.

• For an authentic texture, you can briefly steam the finished Enchiritos instead of baking.

• Taco Bell used a red sauce similar to a mild enchilada sauce, not the spicier ones used in Mexican dishes.

Want a vegetarian version? Just omit the beef and double the beans and onions.