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This hearty enchirito combines the best of enchiladas and burritos into one unforgettable dish that has become a family legend. When my grandmother asked for seconds and then requested the recipe, I knew I had stumbled onto something special that would become part of our family cookbook forever.
This recipe came to life during a Sunday dinner at my house when Grandma was visiting. At 92 years old, she rarely asks for seconds of anything, but after one bite of this enchirito, she not only cleaned her plate but asked for another serving. That moment cemented this dish as our family favorite.
Ingredients
- Ground beef The foundation of flavor that creates a hearty filling everyone loves. Choose 80/20 for the best flavor balance
- Refried beans Adds creaminess and protein while helping bind the filling together. Traditional or vegetarian varieties work equally well
- Taco seasoning The perfect blend of spices that eliminates measuring individual seasonings. Use your favorite brand or make your own
- Flour tortillas Large size works best for proper rolling. Look for the freshest ones possible for best texture
- Enchilada sauce The signature flavor that transforms this from a burrito to an enchirito. Red sauce provides the classic taste
- Cheddar cheese Sharp varieties offer the most robust flavor. Freshly grated melts much better than pre-shredded
- Monterey Jack cheese Adds creaminess and melty texture that perfectly complements the cheddar
- Optional toppings Chopped onions add crunch, black olives provide brininess, and sour cream cools everything down
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Prepare the filling
- Brown the ground beef thoroughly in a skillet over medium heat until no pink remains. Make sure to break it into small, even crumbles as it cooks. Drain any excess fat completely to prevent a greasy filling.
- Season and combine
- Add the taco seasoning packet and water directly to the browned meat, stirring continuously to ensure even distribution. Allow this mixture to simmer for 2 to 3 minutes until it thickens slightly and the flavors intensify. Then fold in the refried beans, stirring until everything is fully incorporated and heated through. The mixture should be thick but spreadable.
- Assemble the enchiritos
- Lay out each tortilla on a flat surface and spoon a generous portion of the beef and bean mixture down the center in a straight line. Be careful not to overfill or the tortillas will tear when rolling. Use about 1/6th of the mixture for each tortilla to ensure even distribution.
- Roll and arrange
- Carefully fold the sides of each tortilla inward, then roll from bottom to top to create a secure burrito shape. Place each rolled enchirito seam side down in a 9x13 baking dish. Positioning them seam down prevents them from unraveling during baking.
- Add sauce and cheese
- Pour the enchilada sauce evenly over all the rolled tortillas, making sure to cover them completely. The sauce should coat every exposed surface to prevent drying. Sprinkle both cheeses across the top in an even layer, completely covering the sauce.
- Bake to perfection
- Place the uncovered baking dish in your preheated oven and bake for 20 to 25 minutes. The enchiritos are done when the sauce is bubbling around the edges and the cheese has melted completely with some golden brown spots appearing.
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The most memorable part of creating this recipe was watching my grandmother take her first bite. Her eyes lit up with that special twinkle that only appears when food transports you somewhere wonderful. She later told me it reminded her of a dish her own mother used to make, creating a beautiful connection across four generations of our family.
Make Ahead Options
This enchirito dish shines as a make-ahead meal. You can prepare the filling up to two days in advance and store it covered in the refrigerator. When ready to serve, simply warm the filling slightly before assembling. You can also completely assemble the enchiritos in the baking dish without the sauce and cheese, cover tightly with foil, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours. Add the sauce and cheese just before baking, adding about 5 extra minutes to the baking time since you're starting with a cold dish.
Serving Suggestions
Transform this enchirito into a complete feast with thoughtfully paired sides. A simple green salad with cilantro lime dressing provides a fresh contrast to the rich enchiritos. Mexican rice makes a traditional pairing that soaks up extra sauce beautifully. For a full spread, consider adding a bowl of tortilla chips with fresh pico de gallo or guacamole. When serving, provide small bowls of additional toppings like diced onions, sliced black olives, chopped cilantro, and sour cream so everyone can customize their plate to their liking.
Storage and Reheating
These enchiritos maintain their quality remarkably well as leftovers. Store any remaining portions in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. For best results when reheating, place individual portions in a microwave safe dish, cover with a damp paper towel, and heat in 30second intervals until warmed through. For a crispier texture, reheat in a 350°F oven for about 15 minutes. The enchiritos also freeze beautifully for up to 2 months. When freezing, wrap individual portions in foil then place in freezer bags. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
Frequently Asked Questions
- → Can I use corn tortillas instead of flour?
Flour tortillas are recommended for their softness and ability to hold the fillings well, but corn tortillas can work if you prefer their flavor. Warm them first to prevent cracking during assembly.
- → What’s the best way to reheat leftovers?
Cover the baking dish with foil and reheat in the oven at 350°F for 15–20 minutes, or microwave individual portions until heated through.
- → Can I add additional ingredients to the filling?
Absolutely! You can incorporate chopped onions, diced peppers, or even cooked rice into the beef and bean mixture for added flavor and texture.
- → How can I make this dish vegetarian?
Replace the ground beef with a plant-based alternative or sautéed mushrooms. Ensure the taco seasoning is vegetarian-friendly as well.
- → What toppings pair well with this enchirito?
Sour cream, chopped onions, sliced black olives, diced tomatoes, or guacamole are all great toppings that enhance the flavors of the dish.