Name: The Enchirito That Grandma Asked For
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 45 min
Ingredients: 1 lb Ground Beef; 1 can (16 oz) Refried Beans; 1 packet Taco Seasoning; 1/4 cup Water; 6 large Flour Tortillas; 1 can (10 oz) Red Enchilada Sauce; 1 1/2 cups Shredded Cheddar Cheese; 1/2 cup Shredded Monterey Jack Cheese; Chopped Onions (For topping); Black Olives (For topping); Sour Cream (For topping)

Jump to Recipe

There’s something irresistible about a saucy, cheesy, and downright comforting meal, and The Enchirito That Grandma Asked For absolutely steals the spotlight. Imagine layers of savory beef, creamy refried beans, and melty cheese—all cozily tucked inside a soft tortilla, then blanketed with tangy enchilada sauce. This recipe brings a wave of nostalgia and warmth, perfect for busy weeknights or casual family gatherings. Did you know it was inspired by the classic Taco Bell favorite but crafted with extra homemade love? If you adore recipes like our Cheesy Chicken Enchilada Casserole, you’re going to find this dish just as delightful and even simpler to whip up. Ready to dive into a plateful of comfort? Let’s spark some kitchen joy together!

What is The Enchirito That Grandma Asked For?

You might be asking yourself, “What on earth is an Enchirito, and why did Grandma ask for it?” Well, allow me to share the scoop. The Enchirito is a playful mashup of two favorites: the hearty enchilada and the ever-classic burrito. But the real twist? It’s made just the way Grandma used to ask—loaded, cheesy, and served with plenty of laughs around the dinner table. Legend has it she’d say, “The way to a man’s heart is through his stomach,” and this dish proves she was absolutely right. So, why not roll up your sleeves and treat your loved ones to this charmingly retro recipe? You won’t regret it!

Why You’ll Love This

First and foremost, The Enchirito That Grandma Asked For is all about comfort wrapped up in every single bite. The main highlight? The perfect balance of savory beef and creamy beans, topped with a luscious duo of cheddar and Monterey Jack cheese. Homemade means you get a wallet-friendly meal that tastes even better than takeout—no more drive-thru lines or mystery ingredients! Plus, you can pile on your favorite toppings, from tangy sour cream to fresh onions and briny black olives, giving each serving your own delicious touch. Just like our zesty Beef Taco Skillet, this recipe brings bold flavor to the table with minimal effort. Make it tonight and discover a new family favorite!

How to Make

Quick Overview

This dish is the ultimate in easy comfort food—you’ll have dinner on the table in about 35 minutes! It features layers of seasoned beef and refried beans snuggled inside pillowy tortillas, drenched in enchilada sauce, and crowned with gooey melted cheese. The standout element? It’s all about simplicity and big flavor, making it a perfect pick for times when you want maximum taste with minimum fuss.

A plate of enchiritos topped with melted cheese, red sauce, sour cream, and chopped onions.

Ingredients

1 lb ground beef
1 can (16 oz) refried beans
1 packet taco seasoning
1/4 cup water
6 large flour tortillas
1 can (10 oz) red enchilada sauce
1 1/2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
1/2 cup shredded Monterey Jack cheese
Optional: chopped onions, black olives, sour cream for topping

Step-by-Step

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease a large baking dish.
In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef until browned and cooked through, breaking it apart as it cooks. Drain excess fat if needed.
Stir in the taco seasoning and 1/4 cup water. Let it simmer for about 2 minutes until thickened and flavorful.
Add the refried beans to the skillet with the beef. Mix until well combined and heated through. Remove from heat.
Lay out the flour tortillas on a clean surface. Spoon an equal amount of the beef and bean mixture onto the center of each tortilla.
Roll up each tortilla and place seam-side down in the prepared baking dish.
Pour the red enchilada sauce evenly over the top of the rolled tortillas.
Sprinkle the shredded cheddar and Monterey Jack cheeses all over, making sure to cover every inch for that irresistible gooey top.
Bake uncovered in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
Remove from the oven and allow to cool for a few minutes. Serve warm, topped with optional onions, olives, and a generous dollop of sour cream.

What to Serve The Enchirito That Grandma Asked For With

This dish is a hearty meal on its own, but you can make it a full fiesta with a few simple sides. Try pairing it with a crisp green salad tossed in a cilantro-lime dressing, classic Mexican rice, or zesty corn salsa to add fresh flavor and color. For drinks, a cold glass of horchata or a tart limeade rounds out the meal beautifully. And if you’re feeding a crowd, set up a toppings bar so everyone can customize their own enchirito with lettuce, jalapeños, or diced tomatoes.

Top Tips for Perfecting

Use ground turkey or chicken for a lighter take, or swap in black beans for a meatless version.
Warm the tortillas briefly before rolling—this helps prevent cracking and makes assembly much easier.
Don’t overfill the tortillas; a heaping third-cup per enchirito ensures neat rolls.
Love it spicier? Opt for hot enchilada sauce and add a pinch of cayenne pepper to the beef.
Avoid sogginess by pouring the sauce just before baking—left to soak too long, tortillas get mushy.

Storing and Reheating Tips

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place enchiritos in a microwave-safe dish, cover loosely, and heat in 1-minute intervals until warmed through. For best results in the oven, cover the baking dish with foil and warm at 350°F for about 15 minutes. Want to freeze? Assemble your enchiritos without the sauce, wrap them tightly, and freeze up to 2 months. When ready to eat, add sauce and cheese, then bake directly from frozen, adding 15 extra minutes to the baking time.

FAQs

Can I use corn tortillas instead of flour?
While flour tortillas create a softer texture, you can substitute corn for a gluten-free version. Just be sure to warm them to prevent breaking.

How can I make this recipe vegetarian?
Simply swap the ground beef for extra refried beans or try sautéed veggies and black beans for a tasty meatless twist.

Can I make this ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can assemble the enchiritos, cover, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours. Add sauce and bake when ready.

What toppings go best with enchiritos?
Classic choices include chopped onions, black olives, sour cream, and even a sprinkle of fresh cilantro for a burst of freshness.

Can I double the recipe for parties?
Yes! Just use a larger baking dish and adjust baking time, ensuring the cheese is perfectly melted and bubbly before serving.

Conclusion

The Enchirito That Grandma Asked For isn’t just a fun name—it’s a culinary hug you’ll want to share again and again. From its gooey, cheesy top to the savory, beefy filling tucked inside every tortilla, this dish delights both young and old. Whether you’re after a quick family dinner or an easy crowd-pleaser, you really can’t go wrong. Give it a try tonight and see why this classic-meets-creative recipe will soon become a staple in your household. Happy cooking!