Crispy Cheesy Beef Taquitos Recipe

Introduction

Crispy cheesy beef taquitos are a flavorful and easy-to-make snack or meal that everyone will love. Filled with seasoned ground beef and melted cheese, these rolled tortillas bake to golden perfection for a satisfying crunch. Perfect for parties or a quick dinner.

Ingredients

• 1 lb (450 g) ground beef
• 1 small onion, finely chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tsp chili powder
• 1 tsp cumin
• ½ tsp paprika
• ½ tsp salt (adjust to taste)
• ¼ tsp black pepper
• ¼ cup tomato sauce (or salsa)
• 1 cup shredded cheese (cheddar, mozzarella, or Mexican blend)
• 10–12 small flour or corn tortillas
• 1 cup shredded cheese (extra for topping)
• Cooking spray or oil (for brushing)
• Sour cream, guacamole, or salsa for dipping
• Fresh cilantro or green onions for garnish

Instructions

1. Step 1: In a skillet over medium heat, cook ground beef and onion until browned, about 5 to 7 minutes.
2. Step 2: Add garlic, chili powder, cumin, paprika, salt, and pepper. Stir well to combine.
3. Step 3: Stir in tomato sauce and cook for another 2 minutes until the mixture is slightly thickened.
4. Step 4: Remove from heat and mix in 1 cup shredded cheese while the filling is still warm to make it creamy and cohesive.
5. Step 5: Preheat the oven to 425°F (220°C).
6. Step 6: Warm the tortillas briefly, about 10 seconds per side in a skillet or microwave, to make them pliable.
7. Step 7: Spoon about 2 tablespoons of the beef mixture onto each tortilla and roll tightly.
8. Step 8: Place the taquitos seam side down on a parchment-lined baking sheet.
9. Step 9: Lightly brush or spray each taquito with oil and sprinkle extra shredded cheese on top.
10. Step 10: Bake for 15 to 18 minutes, or until golden brown and the cheese is melted and bubbly.
11. Step 11: For extra crispiness, broil for 1 to 2 minutes at the end; watch closely to avoid burning.
12. Step 12: Serve hot with sour cream, salsa, or guacamole for dipping.
13. Step 13: Garnish with chopped cilantro or green onions for a fresh finish.

Tips & Variations

• Use corn tortillas for a more authentic flavor or flour tortillas if you prefer a softer texture.
• Add finely chopped jalapeños to the beef mixture for extra heat.
• Try mixing in black beans or corn for added texture and nutrition.
• For a crispy finish without an oven, pan-fry the rolled taquitos in a little oil until golden.

Storage

Store leftover taquitos in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for 8 to 10 minutes to restore crispness. Avoid microwaving to keep them from becoming soggy.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I freeze these taquitos?

Yes, freeze unbaked taquitos on a baking sheet until firm, then transfer to a freezer bag. Bake from frozen, adding a few extra minutes to the cooking time.

What cheese works best for taquitos?

A Mexican cheese blend, cheddar, or mozzarella all work well. Choose one that melts smoothly and complements the seasoned beef filling.

Crispy Cheesy Beef Taquitos Recipe

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4.5 from 725 reviews

These Crispy Cheesy Beef Taquitos are a flavorful and easy-to-make Mexican-inspired appetizer or snack. Ground beef is seasoned with a blend of spices, combined with melted cheese for a creamy filling, then rolled in tortillas and baked until golden and crispy. Perfectly paired with sour cream, guacamole, or salsa, they make a crowd-pleasing treat for any occasion.

• Author: luca
• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 25 minutes
• Total Time: 40 minutes
• Yield: 10–12 taquitos (serves 10) 1x
• Category: Appetizer
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: Mexican

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Beef Filling

• 1 lb (450 g) ground beef
• 1 small onion, finely chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tsp chili powder
• 1 tsp cumin
• ½ tsp paprika
• ½ tsp salt (adjust to taste)
• ¼ tsp black pepper
• ¼ cup tomato sauce (or salsa)
• 1 cup shredded cheese (cheddar, mozzarella, or Mexican blend)

Taquitos

• 10–12 small flour or corn tortillas
• Cooking spray or oil (for brushing)
• 1 cup shredded cheese (extra for topping)

For Serving & Garnish

• Sour cream, guacamole, or salsa for dipping
• Fresh cilantro or green onions for garnish

Instructions

1. Cook the beef and onions: In a skillet over medium heat, add the ground beef and finely chopped onion. Cook for 5–7 minutes until the beef is browned and the onions are softened.
2. Add seasonings and garlic: Stir in the minced garlic, chili powder, cumin, paprika, salt, and black pepper, mixing well to combine all the spices with the beef.
3. Add tomato sauce: Pour in the tomato sauce (or salsa) and cook for an additional 2 minutes to allow the sauce to thicken slightly.
4. Mix in cheese: Remove the skillet from heat and immediately stir in 1 cup of shredded cheese while the mixture is still warm, making the filling creamy and cohesive.
5. Preheat oven: Set your oven to 425°F (220°C) to prepare for baking the taquitos.
6. Prepare tortillas: Warm the tortillas briefly either in a skillet for 10 seconds per side or in the microwave to make them pliable and easier to roll.
7. Assemble taquitos: Spoon about 2 tablespoons of the beef mixture onto each tortilla and roll them tightly, ensuring the filling is enclosed.
8. Place on baking sheet: Arrange the rolled taquitos seam side down on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper to prevent sticking.
9. Brush with oil and add cheese: Lightly brush or spray each taquito with cooking oil and sprinkle extra shredded cheese on top for added flavor and crispiness.
10. Bake taquitos: Bake in the preheated oven for 15–18 minutes, until the tortillas are golden brown and the cheese has melted and become bubbly.
11. Optional broil for crispiness: For extra crispy taquitos, broil them for 1–2 minutes at the end of baking. Keep a close eye to avoid burning.
12. Serve and garnish: Serve the taquitos hot with sour cream, salsa, or guacamole on the side, and garnish with freshly chopped cilantro or green onions for a fresh finish.

Notes

• You can substitute flour tortillas with corn tortillas if preferred, but warming is key to prevent cracking when rolling.
• Adjust spices according to your heat preference, adding more chili powder or a pinch of cayenne for extra kick.
• Leftover taquitos can be stored in the refrigerator and reheated in an oven or air fryer to maintain crispiness.
• For a vegetarian option, substitute ground beef with cooked lentils or finely chopped mushrooms.

Keywords: beef taquitos, crispy taquitos, cheesy taquitos, Mexican appetizer, baked taquitos, easy taquito recipe