Description: A deeply satisfying, crowd-pleasing enchirito recipe so delicious, it earned a 92-year-old’s double-request approval. This recipe combines seasoned ground beef, creamy refried beans, and a blend of cheddar and Monterey Jack cheeses, all wrapped in soft flour tortillas, smothered in a rich red enchilada sauce, and baked to bubbly perfection. It’s comfort food at its finest, a guaranteed family favorite passed down (or, in this case, earned) through generations.
Ingredients:
- 1 lb ground beef (80/20 blend recommended for flavor)
- 1 can (16 oz) refried beans (classic or vegetarian, your preference)
- 1 packet (1 oz) taco seasoning (low sodium recommended for health-conscious eaters)
- 1/4 cup water
- 6 large flour tortillas (burrito-size, approximately 10-12 inches in diameter)
- 1 can (10 oz) red enchilada sauce (mild, medium, or hot, depending on your heat preference)
- 1 1/2 cups shredded cheddar cheese (sharp or mild, your preference)
- 1/2 cup shredded Monterey Jack cheese
- Optional Toppings: Chopped white or red onions, sliced black olives, sour cream or Greek yogurt, chopped cilantro, diced tomatoes, guacamole
Preparation:
Before you even think about turning on the stove, let’s get organized! This is the culinary secret weapon of every great cook: mise en place. It means “everything in its place” in French, and it’s all about prepping your ingredients before you start cooking.
- Step 1: Prepare Your Ingredients
- Gather all the ingredients listed above. Read through the entire recipe once to ensure you understand the steps.
- Shred the cheddar and Monterey Jack cheeses if you are not using pre-shredded cheese. Freshly shredded cheese melts more evenly and tastes better. Set aside in separate bowls.
- Chop any desired toppings like onions, olives, cilantro, and tomatoes. Place them in small bowls or containers and set aside.
- Step 2: Brown the Ground Beef
- Place a large skillet (cast iron is ideal for even heating) over medium heat. Add the ground beef to the skillet.
- Using a spatula or wooden spoon, break up the ground beef into smaller pieces.
- Cook the ground beef, stirring occasionally, until it is fully browned and no longer pink. This usually takes about 7-10 minutes. Make sure to break up any larger clumps to ensure even cooking.
- Once the ground beef is cooked, carefully drain off any excess fat from the skillet. You can do this by tilting the skillet and spooning the fat out, or by using a colander. Removing the excess fat will result in a healthier and more flavorful enchirito.
- Step 3: Season the Beef and Beans
- Return the skillet with the browned ground beef to the stovetop over medium heat.
- Pour the taco seasoning packet over the ground beef.
- Add 1/4 cup of water to the skillet.
- Stir the taco seasoning and water into the ground beef until well combined.
- Bring the mixture to a simmer, and let it cook for 2-3 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the sauce has thickened slightly. This allows the flavors of the taco seasoning to meld with the ground beef.
- Add the can of refried beans to the skillet.
- Stir the refried beans into the ground beef mixture until everything is thoroughly combined and heated through. This usually takes about 3-5 minutes. The mixture should be smooth and creamy.
- Step 4: Assemble the Enchiritos
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Lightly grease a 9×13 inch baking dish with cooking spray or a small amount of oil. This will prevent the enchiritos from sticking to the dish.
- Warm the flour tortillas slightly to make them more pliable and prevent them from cracking when rolling. You can do this by wrapping them in a damp paper towel and microwaving them for 15-20 seconds, or by briefly heating them in a dry skillet.
- Lay one tortilla flat on a clean surface.
- Spoon a generous amount of the beef and bean mixture (about 1/6 of the total mixture) down the center of the tortilla, leaving a small border on each end.
- Fold the sides of the tortilla inward towards the center, and then tightly roll the tortilla up, burrito-style.
- Place the rolled enchirito seam-side down in the prepared baking dish. This will help prevent the enchiritos from unrolling during baking.
- Repeat the process with the remaining tortillas and beef and bean mixture, arranging the enchiritos snugly in the baking dish.
- Step 5: Bake and Serve
- Pour the red enchilada sauce evenly over the top of the assembled enchiritos, ensuring that they are well coated.
- Sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese and Monterey Jack cheese evenly over the enchiritos.
- Bake the enchiritos in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until the cheese is melted, bubbly, and lightly golden brown. The enchiritos should be heated through and the sauce should be simmering.
- Remove the baking dish from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes before serving. This will prevent you from burning your mouth.
- Garnish the enchiritos with your desired toppings, such as chopped onions, sliced black olives, sour cream or Greek yogurt, chopped cilantro, and diced tomatoes.
Why you will love this recipe:
This isn’t just another enchirito recipe; it’s a shortcut to a truly soul-satisfying meal. The balance of savory ground beef, creamy refried beans, and the melty cheese blend is irresistible. The taco seasoning adds a zesty kick, while the red enchilada sauce provides a rich, flavorful base. It’s a dish that’s both familiar and exciting, perfect for weeknight dinners or weekend gatherings. Plus, the “Grandma approved” stamp guarantees its deliciousness! It’s also easily customizable to your dietary needs and preferences – swap out the ground beef for ground turkey or a plant-based alternative, use gluten-free tortillas, or adjust the spice level with different types of enchilada sauce. The possibilities are endless, ensuring that everyone can enjoy this delicious dish.
COOKING Rating:
- Ease of Preparation: 4/5 (Relatively easy, suitable for beginner cooks)
- Taste: 5/5 (Outstanding flavor profile, a guaranteed crowd-pleaser)
- Overall: 5/5 (A must-try recipe that’s both delicious and satisfying)
Serving Suggestions:
- Serve hot, directly from the baking dish.
- Spoon extra enchilada sauce over the top for added flavor.
- Offer a variety of toppings in separate bowls, allowing guests to customize their enchiritos. Some popular options include:
- Sour cream or Greek yogurt
- Chopped white or red onions
- Sliced black olives
- Chopped fresh cilantro
- Diced tomatoes
- Guacamole
- Shredded lettuce
- Pair with a side of Mexican rice and a fresh green salad.
- Serve with a cold beverage, such as a margarita, iced tea, or Mexican soda.
Tips:
- For a spicier kick, use a hot enchilada sauce or add a pinch of cayenne pepper to the ground beef mixture.
- If you don’t have Monterey Jack cheese, you can substitute it with pepper jack or mozzarella cheese.
- To prevent the tortillas from becoming soggy, avoid overfilling them with the beef and bean mixture.
- For a vegetarian option, substitute the ground beef with cooked lentils, black beans, or crumbled tofu.
- Make ahead: Assemble the enchiritos ahead of time and store them in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours. Add an extra 5-10 minutes to the baking time.
- Freezing: Baked enchiritos can be frozen for up to 3 months. Wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and then foil. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.
Prep Time: 20 minutes Cook Time: 30 minutes Total Time: 50 minutes
Nutritional Information (approximate, per serving):
- Calories: 450-550 (depending on toppings and ingredients)
- Protein: 30-35g
- Sodium: 700-900mg (depending on taco seasoning and enchilada sauce)
Conclusion:
Grandma’s Double-Requested Enchirito is more than just a recipe; it’s a testament to the power of simple, flavorful ingredients coming together to create something truly special. This recipe is a guaranteed hit, promising a symphony of flavors and textures that will leave you and your loved ones craving more. It’s a versatile dish that can be customized to suit your preferences and dietary needs, making it a perfect choice for any occasion. Whether you’re a seasoned cook or just starting out, this enchirito recipe is sure to become a staple in your kitchen. So, gather your ingredients, preheat your oven, and prepare to indulge in a taste of home-style comfort food at its finest! And remember, the most important ingredient of all is love, so don’t be shy when putting together your enchiritos!
Questions and Answers:
- Can I make this recipe vegetarian or vegan? Absolutely! You can easily make this recipe vegetarian by substituting the ground beef with cooked lentils, black beans, or crumbled tofu. To make it vegan, use plant-based refried beans (ensure they don’t contain lard), vegan cheese shreds, and vegetable broth instead of water in the ground beef mixture. You can also use a vegan sour cream alternative for topping.
- Can I use corn tortillas instead of flour tortillas? While flour tortillas are traditionally used for enchiritos due to their pliability, you can use corn tortillas. However, corn tortillas tend to crack more easily, so it’s important to warm them up thoroughly before rolling. You can do this by briefly heating them in a dry skillet or microwaving them wrapped in a damp paper towel. Also, consider lightly frying the corn tortillas for just a few seconds on each side to make them more pliable.
- How can I control the spiciness of this recipe? The spiciness of this recipe is primarily determined by the taco seasoning and the enchilada sauce. To control the spiciness, you can use a mild taco seasoning and enchilada sauce. If you prefer a spicier dish, use a hot taco seasoning and enchilada sauce, or add a pinch of cayenne pepper to the ground beef mixture. You can also offer a variety of hot sauces as toppings for those who like extra heat.
- Can I prepare the enchiritos ahead of time? Yes, you can definitely prepare the enchiritos ahead of time. Assemble the enchiritos as instructed, but do not bake them. Cover the baking dish tightly with plastic wrap and store it in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours. When you’re ready to bake, remove the plastic wrap and bake the enchiritos as directed, adding an extra 5-10 minutes to the baking time to ensure they are heated through.
- How do I reheat leftover enchiritos? Leftover enchiritos can be reheated in the oven or microwave. To reheat in the oven, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Place the enchiritos in a baking dish and cover with foil. Bake for 15-20 minutes, or until heated through. To reheat in the microwave, place the enchiritos on a microwave-safe plate and cover with a paper towel. Microwave on high for 1-2 minutes, or until heated through. Be careful not to overheat them, as the tortillas can become soggy.
