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Crispy Cheesy Beef Taquitos Recipe

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.

Ingredients

Scale

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

  • 1012 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