The Easiest Frozen Taquito Enchilada Casserole

Are you searching for the ultimate shortcut dinner that delivers all the comforting, cheesy flavor of enchiladas with almost zero effort?

Then you absolutely have to try this frozen taquito enchilada casserole. It’s a brilliant kitchen hack that transforms a box of frozen taquitos into a hot, bubbly, and incredibly satisfying meal.

This recipe is the definition of a “dump-and-bake” wonder. We’ll be layering crispy frozen taquitos with a rich, savory red enchilada sauce and a generous amount of gooey, melted cheese.

As it bakes, the bottoms of the taquitos soften in the sauce, mimicking a classic enchilada, while the tops stay wonderfully crispy under a blanket of cheese. It’s a fantastic combination of textures and flavors.

This is the perfect last-minute dinner for a busy weeknight when you need something hearty, delicious, and on the table fast. Let’s get baking!

Essential Tools

• 9×13 inch Baking Dish
• Large Mixing Bowl
• Spatula or Large Spoon
• Can Opener
• Cheese Grater

Quick Recipe Snapshot

Here’s a quick look at how incredibly fast this family-friendly meal comes together.

Ingredients

This super-easy casserole uses just a handful of ingredients for a delicious and fast dinner.

For the Casserole:

• Frozen Taquitos: 1 large box (about 20-24), chicken or beef.
• Red Enchilada Sauce: 1 large (28 oz) can. Choose your favorite mild, medium, or hot variety.
• Shredded Mexican Blend or Cheddar Cheese: 3 cups.
• Optional Add-ins:
  • Black Beans: 1 (15 oz) can, rinsed and drained.
  • Corn: 1 (15 oz) can, drained.

For Serving (Optional):

• Sour Cream
• Chopped Fresh Cilantro
• Diced Avocado or Guacamole
• Sliced Jalapeños

The Flavor Architects A Look at the Ingredients

• Frozen Taquitos: This is the ultimate shortcut and the star of the show. Using pre-made, frozen taquitos provides the crispy texture, the savory filling, and the tortilla all in one easy, ready-to-use component, completely eliminating the need for rolling.
• Canned Enchilada Sauce: A good quality canned sauce is another fantastic shortcut that provides all the complex, savory, and chile-infused flavor needed to bring the casserole together and create that classic enchilada taste.
• Shredded Cheese: This is the delicious finishing touch that brings everything together. A generous layer of a good melting cheese is essential for that signature gooey, cheesy pull and a beautiful golden-brown crust.
• Black Beans & Corn: While optional, adding a layer of beans and corn is a great way to make the casserole even heartier, add more texture, and sneak in some extra fiber and vegetables.

Cooking Instructions

This crowd-pleasing casserole is one of the easiest baked dishes you can make, with just a few minutes of active prep time.

Step 1: Prepare the Casserole Dish

First, preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Pour about one cup of the red enchilada sauce into the bottom of a 9×13 inch baking dish.

Use a spatula to spread the sauce around, creating an even layer that completely covers the bottom of the dish. This prevents the taquitos from sticking and ensures the bottom layer gets nice and saucy.

Step 2: Layer the Ingredients

If you are using the optional black beans and corn, sprinkle them evenly over the sauce in the bottom of the dish.

Next, arrange the frozen taquitos in a single, snug layer in the baking dish on top of the sauce and beans. Depending on the size of your dish and your taquitos, you may have two long rows.

Step 3: Smother and Top with Cheese

Once your taquitos are arranged in the dish, pour the rest of the enchilada sauce all over the top of them. Use a spatula to gently spread the sauce out, making sure that all the taquitos are completely covered and smothered in the sauce. This is an important step to ensure they soften nicely on the bottom while the exposed tops get crispy.

Step 4: Bake to Bubbly, Golden Perfection

Sprinkle the shredded cheese evenly all over the top of the sauced taquitos, covering them from edge to edge. Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake, uncovered, for 25 to 30 minutes.

The casserole is done when the sauce is hot and bubbling around the edges and the cheese on top is completely melted and a beautiful golden-brown. Let the casserole rest for 5-10 minutes before serving.

Recipe Variations

This easy casserole is a perfect template for your own favorite Tex-Mex flavors.

• Make it Spicy: For a spicier casserole, use a “hot” enchilada sauce, add a can of drained, diced jalapeños along with the beans, and use a pepper jack cheese for the topping.
• Creamy Version: For a richer, creamier sauce, whisk about 4 ounces of softened cream cheese into the enchilada sauce before pouring it over the taquitos.
• Green Chile Casserole: For a different flavor profile, simply substitute the red enchilada sauce with an equal amount of green enchilada sauce (salsa verde).

Serving Suggestions

This is a hearty, all-in-one meal that is perfect served on its own.

• Top it Off: The best way to serve this casserole is to set out a “toppings bar” of small bowls containing sour cream, chopped cilantro, diced avocado or guacamole, and sliced jalapeños so everyone can customize their own portion.
• Simple Green Salad: A crisp and simple green salad with a zesty cilantro-lime vinaigrette is the perfect fresh and light accompaniment to the rich, cheesy casserole.
• Mexican Rice: While the casserole is very filling, a side of simple Mexican-style rice is a classic pairing.

Storage & Reheating Tips

Leftovers of this casserole are delicious, though the taquitos will continue to soften.

• Storage: Let the casserole cool completely. Cover the baking dish tightly with foil or transfer leftovers to an airtight container. Store in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
• Reheating: Reheat individual portions in the microwave until hot. To reheat a larger portion, place it in an oven-safe dish, cover with foil, and bake at 350°F (175°C) for 20-25 minutes, or until heated through.

Common Mistakes & Fixes

FAQs

Do I need to thaw the taquitos before baking?

No, you do not. The beauty of this recipe is that you use the taquitos straight from frozen. They will cook through completely as the casserole bakes in the oven, saving you a lot of time.

Can I make this casserole ahead of time?

Yes, this is a great make-ahead meal. You can fully assemble the entire casserole, cover it tightly, and store it in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours.

When you’re ready to eat, you may need to add about 10-15 minutes to the total baking time since it’s starting from cold.

Can I use a different kind of taquito?

Absolutely! This recipe works perfectly with beef taquitos, bean and cheese taquitos, or any other flavor of frozen taquito you enjoy. The method is exactly the same.

Enjoy Your Ultimate Shortcut Casserole!

You are now ready to make a fun, cheesy, and incredibly easy frozen taquito enchilada casserole that the whole family will love.

It’s the perfect solution for a busy weeknight when you need a comforting and satisfying meal without a lot of effort. Enjoy!