📑 Table of Contents ▶
- Mexican Enchirito
- Crafting the Perfect Mexican Enchirito
- Fundamentals
- Preparation/Setup
- Assembling the Mexican Enchirito
- Technique
- Tips/Tricks
- Enhancing Your Mexican Enchirito Experience
- Perfecting Results
- Troubleshooting/Variations
- Serving and Enjoying Mexican Enchiritos
- Serving/Presentation
- Pairings/Storage
- Conclusion
- FAQs – Mexican Enchirito
If you’ve ever experienced the joy of preparing a Mexican enchirito, you know that cooking is about more than just following a recipe—it’s about creating memories. Mexican enchiritos hold a special place in my heart and always remind me of the bustling kitchen in my grandmother’s home. The aroma of simmering enchilada sauce mingling with the sizzle of ground beef on the stove brings me back to those cherished moments.
In my kitchen, the process of making Mexican enchiritos is a dance of flavors and textures. The soft flour tortillas, the savory beef filling, and the melted cheddar cheese come together in a delightful symphony. It’s a dish that invites creativity, yet remains comforting and familiar. Whether I’m cooking for family or experimenting with friends, the Mexican enchirito is always a favorite.
Creating these scrumptious delights is an experience that combines the playful and the practical. While the kitchen fills with the irresistible scent of onions and garlic, I find myself caught up in the rhythm of cooking. The Mexican enchirito has become more than a dish; it’s a tradition, a way to share love and laughter through food.
This blog post is dedicated to those who, like me, find joy in the kitchen. Let’s dive into the world of Mexican enchiritos and explore the steps that transform simple ingredients into a delicious meal. Join me as we recreate this beloved recipe, bringing a taste of tradition and a touch of creativity to your table.
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Mexican Enchirito
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 5 minutes
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Yield: 6-8 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Mexicaine
Description
Discover how to make a delicious Mexican Enchirito at home with our easy-to-follow recipe. Unlock the secrets to this savory, cheesy delight and impress your guests!
Ingredients
- 1 lb (454 g) ground beef – 85/15
- 1 small onion – chopped (about 1 cup (240 ml))
- 1 tablespoon (15 ml) oil
- 1/2 teaspoon (3 ml) kosher salt
- 2 garlic cloves – minced
- 6–8 burrito sized flour tortillas
- 15 oz (425 g). can refried beans
- 20 oz (567 g) can red enchilada sauce – or make your own enchilada sauce
- 4 green onions – sliced (about 3/4 cup (180 ml))
- 2 cup (480 ml) s shredded cheddar cheese – divided
- 1/4 cup (60 ml) optional – cilantro – chopped
Instructions
- Set your oven to 350°F.
- Cook the chopped onion in oil on medium heat until it becomes clear. Add the minced garlic and salt and continue cooking for another minute.
- Introduce the ground beef to the pan, ensuring it’s cooked thoroughly while breaking it apart.
- Remove the excess fat from the beef and onion mixture.
- Take the pan off the heat, mix in 5 oz of enchilada sauce and 3 tablespoons of chopped cilantro with the beef, and stir well. Set aside.
- Heat the refried beans in the microwave for about a minute to soften them.
- Pour approximately 5 oz of enchilada sauce into the base of a 9×13 baking dish.
- Fill each flour tortilla with a portion of the refried beans, the beef mixture, 1 cup of shredded cheese, and the sliced green onions. Divide evenly among 6-8 tortillas.
- Fold the sides of the tortilla inward, then roll it up from the edge closest to you to fully enclose the filling, placing each seam-side down in the baking dish. Repeat for all tortillas.
- Pour the rest of the enchilada sauce over the rolled tortillas and sprinkle with the remaining cheese.
- Cover the dish with foil and place it in the oven for 20 minutes. Remove the foil and continue baking for an additional 5-10 minutes until the cheese is bubbly.
- Allow them to rest for 10 minutes before serving, as they will be very hot. Garnish with extra sliced green onions and cilantro if desired.
- When assembling, roll the tortillas and pour 5 oz of enchilada sauce at the bottom of the dish. Place the rolled tortillas inside. Do not add more sauce and cheese at this stage. Cover with foil and store in the refrigerator for up to two days. Before baking, top with the remaining sauce and cheese. You might need to add an extra 5 minutes to the baking time to ensure they are heated through.
Notes
- Cook onions until translucent before adding garlic for a flavorful beef mixture.nDrain excess fat from beef to prevent soggy enchiladas and blend flavors well.nMicrowave refried beans for easy spreading to evenly fill tortillas without tearing.
Crafting the Perfect Mexican Enchirito
Fundamentals
To master the art of the Mexican enchirito, it’s essential to understand the basics of this dish. Ground beef is the heart of the enchirito, providing a rich and savory base. Choose beef with an 85/15 ratio for the perfect balance of flavor and juiciness. The combination of chopped onions and minced garlic enhances the beef, adding depth and aroma.
Flour tortillas are the perfect vessel for our flavorful filling. Opt for burrito-sized tortillas to accommodate the generous portions of beef and refried beans. These tortillas provide a soft and pliable wrap, ensuring each bite is filled with deliciousness.
Preparation/Setup
Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F. This ensures a consistent cooking environment for your enchiritos. Cook the chopped onion in oil over medium heat until it turns translucent. Add the minced garlic and kosher salt, stirring for another minute to release their flavors.
Add the ground beef to the pan, cooking thoroughly while breaking it apart. Once cooked, drain any excess fat from the mixture. Stir in 5 oz of enchilada sauce and 3 tablespoons of chopped cilantro, allowing the flavors to meld. Set this mixture aside while you prepare the rest of the components.
Assembling the Mexican Enchirito
Technique
With the beef mixture ready, it’s time to assemble the enchiritos. Start by microwaving the refried beans for about a minute to soften them. This makes spreading them onto the tortillas much easier. Pour 5 oz of enchilada sauce into the base of a 9×13 baking dish, creating a flavorful bed for your enchiritos.
Mexican Enchirito
Lay a tortilla flat and spread a portion of refried beans across the center. Add the beef mixture, followed by a sprinkle of shredded cheddar cheese and sliced green onions. Carefully fold the sides of the tortilla inward and roll it up from the edge closest to you, ensuring the filling is enclosed. Place each tortilla seam-side down in the baking dish.
Tips/Tricks
For even distribution, divide the ingredients evenly among 6-8 tortillas. This ensures each enchirito is packed with flavor. If you’re preparing the enchiritos in advance, cover the dish with foil and refrigerate for up to two days. Just remember to add the remaining sauce and cheese before baking.
To achieve a gooey, melted topping, remove the foil for the last 5-10 minutes of baking. This allows the cheese to become bubbly and golden, adding a delightful texture to your Mexican enchiritos.
Enhancing Your Mexican Enchirito Experience
Perfecting Results
The secret to a perfect Mexican enchirito lies in the balance of flavors. The savory beef, creamy beans, and tangy enchilada sauce create a harmonious blend. Use fresh ingredients, such as green onions and cilantro, to brighten the dish and add a touch of freshness.
For an extra layer of flavor, consider making your own enchilada sauce. This allows you to tailor the spice level and ingredients to your liking, enhancing the overall taste of your enchiritos.
Troubleshooting/Variations
If your tortillas crack while rolling, try warming them slightly before assembling. This makes them more pliable and easier to work with. For those who prefer a spicier kick, add diced jalapeños to the beef mixture or sprinkle them over the top before baking.
Experiment with cheese varieties. While cheddar is classic, Monterey Jack or a Mexican blend can add a different dimension to your enchiritos. The key is to personalize the recipe to suit your taste preferences while maintaining the essence of the dish.
Serving and Enjoying Mexican Enchiritos
Serving/Presentation
Once out of the oven, allow your enchiritos to rest for about 10 minutes. This ensures the filling sets and cools slightly, making them easier to serve. Garnish with extra sliced green onions and cilantro for a pop of color and flavor.
Serve your enchiritos with a side of fresh salsa or guacamole for added zest. The contrast of the cool, creamy avocado with the warm, savory enchiritos creates a delightful combination that is sure to please any palate.
Mexican Enchirito
Pairings/Storage
Pair your Mexican enchiritos with a refreshing beverage of your choice. Consider a cold soda or a tangy limeade to complement the rich flavors. For storage, cover any leftovers tightly and refrigerate. Reheat in the oven for best results, ensuring the cheese remains gooey and the tortillas do not become soggy.
If you’re looking for more Mexican-inspired dishes, try these Spicy Mexican Corn Bites for a delicious accompaniment that adds a delightful crunch to your meal.
Conclusion
The Mexican enchirito embodies the joy of cooking and sharing a meal with loved ones. With its vibrant flavors and comforting textures, it transforms simple ingredients into a memorable dish. The recipe’s adaptability allows for personalization, ensuring it fits seamlessly into any meal plan.
By following these easy steps, you’ll create enchiritos that are not only delicious but also a testament to the power of home-cooked meals. Whether you’re a seasoned cook or a kitchen novice, this dish invites you to explore and enjoy the art of cooking. Embrace the opportunity to make your own culinary memories with each mouthwatering bite.
