Description
The Enchirito is a delicious Tex-Mex casserole combining seasoned ground beef, refried beans, and a blend of cheddar and mozzarella cheeses, all wrapped in warm flour tortillas, smothered with enchilada sauce, and baked to bubbly perfection. This hearty dish brings together bold flavors and a satisfying texture, perfect for a comforting family meal.
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 and Tortillas
- 1 can (8 oz) refried beans
- 4 large flour tortillas
Cheeses and Sauce
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1 can (10 oz) enchilada sauce (mild or hot, based on preference)
Vegetables and Garnish
- 1/2 onion, finely chopped
- Chopped green onions or cilantro for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish to prevent sticking.
- Cook Beef: In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef until fully browned, breaking it apart with a spoon. Drain off any excess fat.
- Season Beef: Add taco seasoning, garlic powder, cumin, salt, pepper, and 1/4 cup of water to the beef. Stir together and simmer for 5 minutes until the mixture thickens and the flavors meld.
- Heat Beans: While the beef simmers, warm the refried beans in a separate pot over low heat until smooth and heated through.
- Warm Tortillas: Soften the flour tortillas by microwaving for 10-15 seconds or warming them briefly in a skillet to make them pliable for rolling.
- Assemble Enchiritos: Spread a thin layer of refried beans down the center of each tortilla. Top with a generous spoonful of the seasoned beef, then sprinkle cheddar and mozzarella cheeses over the filling.
- Roll and Arrange: Tightly roll up each tortilla around the fillings and place seam-side down in the greased baking dish.
- Add Sauce and Cheese: Pour enchilada sauce evenly over the rolled tortillas. Sprinkle remaining cheese on top for a cheesy crust.
- Bake: Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes until the cheese is melted, bubbly, and edges are slightly crispy.
- Serve: Remove from oven and allow to cool for a few minutes. Garnish with chopped green onions or cilantro if desired, then serve warm.
Notes
- For a spicier dish, choose hot enchilada sauce.
- Substitute ground turkey or chicken for a leaner protein option.
- Use gluten-free tortillas for a gluten-free version.
- Beans can be substituted with black beans for variation.
- Let enchirito cool slightly before slicing to prevent fillings from spilling out.
