Description
The Enchirito is a delicious Mexican-inspired baked casserole featuring seasoned ground beef and refried beans wrapped in warm flour tortillas, topped with rich enchilada sauce and melted cheese. This hearty dish is perfect for a comforting family dinner and includes a blend of cheddar and mozzarella cheeses for a perfect cheesy topping.
Ingredients
Scale
Meat Mixture
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 packet taco seasoning
- 1/2 onion, finely chopped
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder
- 1/2 tsp cumin
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1/4 cup water
Beans and Tortillas
- 1 can (8 oz) refried beans
- 4 large flour tortillas
Toppings and Sauce
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1 can (10 oz) enchilada sauce (mild or hot, based on preference)
- Chopped green onions or cilantro for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat Oven and Prepare Baking Dish: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish to ensure the enchiritos don’t stick during baking.
- Cook Ground Beef: In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef until browned, breaking it apart with a spoon. Drain any excess fat to keep the dish from being greasy.
- Season the Beef: Add taco seasoning, garlic powder, cumin, salt, pepper, and 1/4 cup water to the cooked beef. Stir well and simmer for 5 minutes until the beef mixture thickens and flavors meld.
- Heat Refried Beans: Warm the refried beans in a separate pot over low heat, stirring occasionally until smooth and heated through.
- Warm Tortillas: Make the flour tortillas pliable by warming them in the microwave or on a skillet for 10-15 seconds each.
- Assemble Enchiritos: Spread a thin layer of refried beans down the center of each tortilla, then add a generous spoonful of the seasoned beef mixture on top. Sprinkle cheddar and mozzarella cheese over the beef.
- Roll and Arrange: Carefully roll each tortilla tightly and place them seam-side down in the prepared baking dish.
- Add Sauce and Cheese: Pour enchilada sauce evenly over the rolled enchiritos, then sprinkle the remaining shredded cheese on top for a deliciously cheesy crust.
- Bake: Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until the cheese is melted, bubbly, and the edges are slightly crispy.
- Serve: Remove from the oven and let the enchiritos cool for a few minutes. Garnish with chopped green onions or cilantro if desired, then serve warm.
Notes
- For a spicier dish, use hot enchilada sauce instead of mild.
- You can substitute ground turkey or chicken for beef for a leaner option.
- Use gluten-free tortillas if you need a gluten-free version.
- Leftover enchiritos can be refrigerated and reheated in the oven or microwave.
- Adding diced jalapeños to the beef mixture can enhance the heat level.
