Taquito Casserole Recipe

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Cook Time: 50 minutes

This delicious and hearty dish is a perfect blend of flavors with crispy taquitos, creamy cheese, and a zesty enchilada sauce. It's easy to prepare and a great way to bring the family together for a comforting meal.

Ingredients

• Cooking spray
• 1 (19-ounce) can mild red enchilada sauce
• 1 (15-ounce) can black beans, drained and rinsed
• 2 1/2 cups frozen corn
• 1 (8.8-ounce) package pre-cooked microwaveable white rice
• 1 cup finely chopped red bell pepper
• 1/2 cup finely chopped red onion
• 1/2 cup heavy whipping cream
• 1 (1-ounce) package mild taco seasoning
• 1 1/2 teaspoons kosher salt
• 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
• 1 teaspoon ground cumin
• 16 ounces shredded Mexican cheese blend, divided
• 20 frozen beef and cheese flour tortilla taquitos
• 1/2 cup sour cream
• 2 tablespoons freshly-squeezed lime juice
• 2 tablespoons pickling liquid from jarred pickled jalapenos
• 2 tablespoons drained pickled jalapenos
• 1/4 cup loosely packed fresh cilantro leaves

Directions

1. Gather all ingredients before you start cooking. Preheat the oven to 375F (190C). Lightly coat a 9x13-inch baking dish with cooking spray and set it aside.
2. In a large bowl, combine the enchilada sauce, black beans, corn, rice, chopped bell pepper, red onion, heavy cream, taco seasoning, salt, smoked paprika, cumin, and 3 cups of shredded cheese. Stir well until everything is evenly mixed.
3. Spread the rice mixture evenly into the prepared baking dish.
4. Arrange the frozen taquitos on top of the rice mixture in a single layer.
5. Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for about 40 minutes, or until the taquitos are crispy and the rice mixture is bubbling.
6. While the taquitos bake, prepare the jalapeo crema. In a small bowl, whisk together the sour cream, lime juice, and pickling liquid from the jarred pickled jalapeos. Set aside, uncovered, at room temperature until ready to serve.
7. Once the baking dish is out of the oven, sprinkle the remaining shredded cheese evenly over the taquitos. Top with sliced pickled jalapeos.
8. Return the dish to the oven and bake for another 8 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
9. Let the dish sit for about 10 minutes to cool slightly.
10. Before serving, top with freshly chopped cilantro leaves and drizzle with the jalapeo crema.

Nutrition Facts

Nutrient	Amount per Serving	% Daily Value
Calories	793
Total Fat	39g	50%
Saturated Fat	18g	88%
Cholesterol	91mg	30%
Sodium	1862mg	81%
Total Carbohydrate	80g	29%
Dietary Fiber	11g	38%
Protein	32g	65%
Vitamin C	35mg	39%
Calcium	533mg	41%
Iron	6mg	34%
Potassium	790mg	17%

The Fascinating Story of Taquito Casserole

Taquito casserole is a modern twist on traditional Mexican street food, combining the beloved rolled tortillas filled with meat and cheese into a hearty, oven-baked dish. Taquitos themselves date back to the 1920s and 1930s in Mexico, originally created as a convenient snack for quick meals. The casserole adaptation likely emerged in the United States, where home cooks sought to simplify preparation for family dinners while keeping the authentic flavors intact.

Regional Variations and Local Twists

While the classic taquito uses corn tortillas, regional variations often feature flour tortillas, particularly in northern Mexico and parts of the southwestern United States. The filling can vary from beef and chicken to beans and cheese, reflecting local tastes and ingredient availability. Some versions include additional layers, like rice, corn, or enchilada sauce, creating a fusion between a traditional taquito and a comforting casserole, especially popular in Tex-Mex cuisine.

What Sets It Apart from Similar Dishes

Taquito casserole is often confused with flauta casseroles, enchiladas, or even chimichanga dishes, but it has distinctive traits. Unlike flautas, which typically use flour tortillas and are fried until crisp, taquito casseroles are baked with pre-cooked frozen taquitos on top of a creamy rice and bean base. This results in a dish that combines both crispiness and a rich, layered texture, unlike traditional enchiladas, which are rolled and smothered entirely in sauce before baking.

Where It Is Commonly Served

This dish is especially popular in casual gatherings, family dinners, and game-day parties across the United States, particularly in areas with a strong Tex-Mex influence. Restaurants may feature it as a comfort-food entre, while home cooks appreciate its simplicity, making it ideal for meal prep and crowd-pleasing events. Often served with jalapeo crema, fresh cilantro, or a side of nachos, it brings both flavor and visual appeal to the table.

Interesting Facts About Taquito Casserole

• Despite its Americanized casserole form, taquitos remain a staple in Mexican cuisine, often served as snacks or street food.
• The layering technique in casseroles allows for creative variations, such as adding Spanish rice, corn, or different types of cheese.
• Some home cooks double the recipe for large gatherings, using it as both a main dish and a dip when paired with tortilla chips.
• It bridges the convenience of frozen taquitos with the homemade richness of casseroles, making it a practical yet festive dish.
• The combination of sour cream, lime, and pickled jalapeo sauce provides a tangy contrast that enhances the dish's bold flavors.

Ultimately, taquito casserole is a testament to culinary adaptation, transforming a street-food favorite into a satisfying baked dish that celebrates Mexican flavors while embracing American comfort food traditions.

FAQ about Taquito Casserole Recipe

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