Tacoritos

Indulge in the delightful fusion of tacos and burritos with this mild and meaty Southwestern dish—Tacoritos. Blending the delicious flavors of both favorites, this hearty recipe is sure to become a beloved family meal. Prepared with love by Monica Flatford from Knoxville, Tennessee, this dish offers a mouthwatering combination of ground beef, pork sausage, and flavorful spices, wrapped in warm flour tortillas, and baked to perfection with a creamy sauce and gooey cheese.

INGREDIENTS:

• ¼ cup butter, cubed
• ¼ cup all-purpose flour
• 4 cups water
• 3 tablespoons chili powder
• 1 teaspoon garlic salt
• 1 pound ground beef
• 1 pound bulk pork sausage
• ¼ cup chopped onion
• 1 cup refried beans
• 8 flour tortillas (8 inches), warmed
• 3 cups (12 ounces) shredded Monterey Jack cheese
• Optional toppings: shredded lettuce, chopped tomatoes, sliced ripe olives, and sour cream

PREPARATIONS:

1. In a large saucepan, melt the butter. Stir in the flour until smooth and gradually add water. Bring the mixture to a boil and cook and stir for 1 minute or until thickened. Stir in chili powder and garlic salt. Bring the sauce to a boil, then reduce the heat and simmer, uncovered, for 10 minutes.
2. In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef, pork sausage, and chopped onion until the meat is no longer pink. Drain any excess fat and stir in the refried beans, heating the mixture through.
3. Spread ¼ cup of the sauce in a greased 13×9-inch baking dish. Spread 1 tablespoon of the sauce over each warmed tortilla. Place ⅔ cup of the meat mixture down the center of each tortilla and top each with ¼ cup of shredded Monterey Jack cheese. Roll up the tortillas and place them seam side down in the prepared baking dish. Pour the remaining sauce over the top and sprinkle with the remaining cheese.
4. Bake the Tacoritos, uncovered, at 350° for 18-22 minutes or until bubbly and the cheese is melted. Serve the Tacoritos with optional toppings such as shredded lettuce, chopped tomatoes, sliced ripe olives, and sour cream if desired.

YIELD: Makes 8 servings.

PREP/BAKE TIME: Approximately 40 minutes.

SPECIAL INSTRUCTIONS:

• Adjust the level of chili powder and garlic salt to suit your desired level of spiciness and flavor.
• Customize the Tacoritos with your favorite toppings for a personalized touch.

TIPS:

• To make the Tacoritos even heartier, consider adding cooked rice or diced bell peppers to the meat mixture.
• Serve with a side of fresh guacamole and salsa for a complete Southwestern feast.

In conclusion, Tacoritos offer a tantalizing blend of taco and burrito flavors, making them a truly satisfying Southwestern delight. Created by Monica Flatford from Knoxville, Tennessee, this mild and meaty dish is a perfect harmony of ground beef, pork sausage, refried beans, and flavorful spices, wrapped in warm flour tortillas, and baked to perfection with a creamy sauce and gooey cheese.

The creamy sauce, infused with chili powder and garlic salt, elevates the Tacoritos to new levels of indulgence, while the optional toppings such as shredded lettuce, chopped tomatoes, sliced ripe olives, and sour cream add freshness and vibrancy to each bite.

Tacoritos are a versatile and delicious option for both busy weeknights and special gatherings, offering a hearty and satisfying meal that is sure to be loved by the whole family. With simple preparations and just 40 minutes of cook time, you can bring the flavors of the Southwest to your dinner table without any fuss.

So, treat your taste buds to this delightful fusion of flavors, and enjoy the best of tacos and burritos combined in one mouthwatering dish. Tacoritos are a celebration of the heartiness of burritos and the zestiness of tacos, making them an unforgettable addition to your culinary repertoire.