Carolyn'S Tacoritos
Carolyn's Tacoritos offer a flavorful combination of seasoned ground meat, creamy white sauce, fresh vegetables, and melted cheese wrapped in soft tortillas, perfect for casual gatherings.
Ingredients
- 1 lb ground meat ⓘ
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder
- 1/3 cup chopped onion ⓘ
- 1/2 tsp sage ⓘ
- 1/2 tsp oregano
- 3 cups prepared white sauce ⓘ
- 1 Tbsp chili powder ⓘ
- 1/2 tsp salt ⓘ
- 1/2 tsp ground cumin ⓘ
- One small can chopped green chilies ⓘ
- 2 tomatoes chopped ⓘ
- 1/2 head lettuce chopped ⓘ
- 12 to 18 white flour tortillas ⓘ
Instructions
- Brown the ground meat and drain excess fat; add chili powder, garlic powder, and chopped onion.
- Combine 2 cups of white sauce, sage, oregano, salt, cumin, and chopped green chilies in a bowl.
- Reserve 1 cup of white sauce and 1 cup of grated cheese for topping.
- Mix the remaining white sauce and cheese with the cooked meat, chopped lettuce, and chopped tomatoes.
- Warm the flour tortillas and spoon the meat mixture onto each.
- Roll or fold the tortillas to enclose the filling.
- Serve topped with reserved white sauce and grated cheese.
Tips & Substitutions
For a flavorful twist, consider substituting ground turkey or chicken for the beef. You can also add black beans or corn to the filling for extra texture and nutrition. If you prefer a spicier kick, increase the chili powder or add jalapeños. Using whole wheat tortillas can boost the fiber content without compromising flavor. Pair with a refreshing side of Mexican recipes like Arroz Con Chili Verde for a complete meal.
Serving Suggestions
Serve tacoritos garnished with fresh cilantro and lime wedges for a bright finish. They pair wonderfully with Hot Or Cold Queso for dipping or alongside a fresh garden salad. Consider offering a variety of toppings, such as diced avocado, sour cream, or salsa, to customize each serving. For a festive touch, serve with Mexican-Style Deviled Eggs as an appetizer.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftover tacoritos in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place them in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 15-20 minutes or until heated through. You can also microwave them, but the oven helps maintain the tortilla's crispness. Avoid freezing, as it can affect the texture.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Carolyn'S Tacoritos contains roughly 181 calories, with 17g protein, 27g carbohydrates, and 4g fat. It is an excellent source of iron (50% of the Daily Value), dietary fiber (44% of the Daily Value), and protein (33% of the Daily Value), and a good source of vitamin A. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1373mg per serving (60% of the Daily Value).
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make tacoritos ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the filling a day in advance. Assemble the tacoritos before serving to keep the tortillas fresh. Refrigerate the filling in an airtight container and warm it up when ready to serve. This will save time and allow the flavors to meld beautifully.
What can I use instead of white sauce?
If you don't have white sauce, you can substitute it with a mixture of sour cream and cream cheese, or use a store-bought cheese sauce. Alternatively, a simple homemade version can be made with butter, flour, and milk, seasoned to taste. This will still provide a creamy texture.
Are there any vegetarian options for this recipe?
Absolutely! You can easily make a vegetarian version by replacing the ground meat with lentils or black beans. Add sautéed mushrooms or zucchini for extra flavor and texture. This adaptation not only caters to vegetarian diets but also enhances the dish's nutritional value.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).