Craving a comforting, family-friendly meal without spending hours in the kitchen? Look no further than these taquito enchiladas, a simple yet satisfying dish that’s sure to become a weeknight staple. Inspired by the queen of easy home cooking, the Pioneer Woman, this recipe takes convenience to the next level by using frozen taquitos to create a cheesy, flavorful enchilada casserole. Forget about rolling individual enchiladas – this is all about quick assembly and maximum taste, perfect for busy families and anyone who loves a good shortcut in the kitchen.
An overhead view of a cheesy taquito enchilada casserole in a baking dish, ready to be served.
Why You’ll Love This Pioneer Woman Style Taquito Enchilada Recipe
If you’re a fan of Ree Drummond’s (The Pioneer Woman) approachable and delicious recipes, you’ll adore this twist on classic enchiladas. This recipe embodies her spirit of making home-cooked meals accessible and enjoyable for everyone. Here’s why these taquito enchiladas are a winner:
- Effortless and Fast: Seriously, this is one of the laziest (and tastiest!) dinners you can make. Just layer, bake, and enjoy!
- Kid-Friendly Favorite: Picky eaters rejoice! The cheesy, saucy goodness and familiar taquito shape make this a hit with kids of all ages.
- Budget-Friendly Ingredients: Utilizing frozen taquitos and pantry staples, this meal is incredibly affordable without compromising on flavor.
- Customizable to Your Taste: Easily adapt this recipe with your favorite enchilada sauce, cheese, and toppings to create a dish your family will request again and again.
- Perfect for Weeknights: When time is short and hunger is high, this taquito enchilada casserole comes to the rescue, delivering a hearty and satisfying meal in minutes.
A close-up shot of a slice of taquito enchilada casserole being lifted from the baking dish, showcasing the layers of beans, taquitos, sauce, and melted cheese.
Ingredients for Your Taquito Enchilada Casserole
This simple recipe requires just a handful of ingredients, most of which you might already have on hand. Here’s what you’ll need to create this Pioneer Woman-approved lazy enchilada dinner:
- Frozen Taquitos: 20-pack of your favorite chicken or beef taquitos. Any brand will work!
- Refried Beans: 1 (16oz) can of refried beans. Choose your preferred type – pinto, black, or even seasoned beans.
- Enchilada Sauce: 1 (19oz) can of enchilada sauce. Red or green enchilada sauce both work wonderfully, depending on your spice preference.
- Shredded Cheese: 2 cups of shredded cheese. Mexican blend, cheddar, Monterey Jack, or Colby Jack are all great options.
- Sour Cream (for serving): A dollop of sour cream adds a cool and tangy finish.
- Optional Toppings: Get creative! Chopped lettuce, diced tomatoes, jalapeños, avocado, guacamole, or fresh lime juice can elevate this dish even further.
Ingredients laid out for taquito enchilada casserole: frozen taquitos, canned refried beans, enchilada sauce, and shredded cheese.
How to Make Taquito Enchiladas: Step-by-Step Instructions
Ready to make this incredibly easy taquito enchilada casserole? Follow these simple steps:
Step 1: Bean Base
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Grease a 9×13 inch baking dish to prevent sticking.
- Scoop the refried beans into the prepared baking dish.
Refried beans spread evenly at the bottom of a greased baking dish as the first step in making taquito enchilada casserole.
- Spread the beans evenly across the bottom of the dish using the back of a spoon. This creates a delicious and sturdy base for your casserole.
Step 2: Taquito Layer
- Arrange the frozen taquitos in a single layer over the refried beans.
Frozen taquitos neatly arranged in a single layer over the refried bean base in the baking dish.
- To maximize coverage, place some taquitos in one direction and then fill in gaps by placing a few in the opposite direction as shown in the image.
Step 3: Enchilada Sauce Bath
- Pour the enchilada sauce evenly over the taquitos, ensuring they are nicely coated.
Step 4: Bake to Perfection
- Bake in the preheated oven for 20 minutes. This allows the taquitos to heat through and the flavors to meld together.
Step 5: Cheesy Finish
- Remove the dish from the oven and sprinkle the shredded cheese evenly over the top of the casserole.
Step 6: Melted Cheese Goodness
- Return the dish to the oven for another 5 minutes, or until the cheese is melted, gooey, and bubbly.
The finished taquito enchilada casserole with perfectly melted and bubbly cheese, ready to be served.
Step 7: Serve and Enjoy!
- Let the casserole cool slightly before serving.
- Serve hot with a dollop of sour cream and your favorite toppings like guacamole, chopped tomatoes, lettuce, or jalapeños. A squeeze of fresh lime juice adds a bright finish.
Tips and Variations for Your Taquito Enchiladas
- Cheese Variety: Experiment with different cheese blends! Pepper jack for a spicy kick, or a blend of cheddar and Monterey Jack for classic flavor.
- Spice it Up: Add a layer of diced jalapeños or a sprinkle of red pepper flakes for extra heat.
- Bean Swap: Try black beans or seasoned refried beans for a different flavor profile.
- Topping Bar: Set up a topping bar and let everyone customize their own serving.
- Make it Vegetarian: Use vegetarian taquitos and ensure your enchilada sauce and refried beans are vegetarian-friendly.
- Add Some Veggies: Sauté some onions, bell peppers, or corn and layer them in with the beans for added nutrients and flavor.
The Ultimate Lazy Enchilada Dinner
These taquito enchiladas are truly a game-changer for busy weeknights. Inspired by the simplicity and deliciousness of Pioneer Woman recipes, this casserole transforms humble frozen taquitos into a comforting and satisfying family meal. Keep a box of frozen taquitos in your freezer, and you’re always just minutes away from a cheesy, flavorful dinner that everyone will love. Enjoy the ease and the deliciousness!
