Beef Taquitos

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

These Beef Taquitos are a crowd-pleasing treat that combines tender, seasoned beef with the crunch of golden corn tortillas. The filling is packed with bold flavors from chili powder, cumin, smoked paprika, and a touch of cheese for extra richness. Whether you fry them for a crisp texture or bake them for a healthier version, these taquitos are versatile and can be served with all your favorite toppings like guacamole, salsa, and sour cream. They’re easy to make, full of flavor, and perfect for feeding a crowd or enjoying on your own!

Ingredients

For the Beef Filling:

• 1 pound ground beef or shredded cooked beef (e.g., brisket or roast)
• 1 small onion, finely diced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon chili powder
• 1 teaspoon ground cumin
• 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
• 1⁄2 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1⁄2 teaspoon salt, adjust to taste
• 1⁄4 teaspoon black pepper
• 1⁄2 cup tomato sauce or salsa
• 1⁄2 cup shredded cheese (cheddar, Monterey Jack, or a Mexican blend)

For the Taquitos:

• 12 small corn tortillas
• Vegetable oil for frying or cooking spray for baking
• Toothpicks, optional for holding taquitos together during cooking

For Garnish:

• Guacamole
• Sour cream
• Salsa
• Shredded lettuce
• Chopped cilantro
• Diced tomatoes

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Directions

1. Prepare the Beef Filling:
   • In a large skillet, cook the ground beef (or shredded cooked beef) over medium heat until browned, breaking it apart as it cooks.
   • Add the finely diced onion and minced garlic to the beef. Cook until the onion softens, about 2-3 minutes.
   • Stir in the chili powder, cumin, smoked paprika, oregano, salt, and pepper. Cook for an additional 1-2 minutes to toast the spices.
   • Add the tomato sauce or salsa to the skillet and stir to combine. Let the mixture simmer for about 5 minutes, or until the sauce has thickened. Remove from heat.
   • Stir in the shredded cheese until it’s melted and well combined with the beef mixture.
2. Assemble the Taquitos:
   • Heat the corn tortillas in a dry skillet over low heat for about 20-30 seconds on each side, just until they become pliable. This will help prevent them from cracking when rolling.
   • Place a small amount of the beef filling in the center of each tortilla, then roll the tortilla tightly around the filling.
   • If needed, secure the taquitos with toothpicks to hold them together during cooking.
3. Cook the Taquitos:
   • For frying: Heat vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Once the oil is hot, carefully add the taquitos, seam-side down. Fry in batches for 2-3 minutes on each side, or until golden brown and crispy. Remove from the oil and place on paper towels to drain excess oil.
   • For baking: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Place the taquitos on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper and lightly spray them with cooking spray. Bake for 15-20 minutes or until they are golden and crispy.
4. Garnish and Serve:
   • Once the taquitos are cooked, remove the toothpicks (if used) and arrange them on a serving plate.
   • Serve with your choice of guacamole, sour cream, salsa, shredded lettuce, chopped cilantro, and diced tomatoes.

Servings and Timing

• Servings: 4-6
• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 20-25 minutes
• Total Time: 40 minutes

Variations

• Vegetarian Version: Substitute the beef with black beans, refried beans, or a mixture of sautéed vegetables like bell peppers and zucchini for a vegetarian taquito option.
• Cheese Lover’s Taquitos: Add more cheese to the filling or sprinkle extra cheese on top before baking for a cheesy crust.
• Spicy Kick: Add finely chopped jalapeños or a drizzle of hot sauce to the filling for an extra spicy flavor.

Storage/Reheating

• Storage: Leftover taquitos can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
• Reheating: To reheat, bake the taquitos in a 350°F (175°C) oven for 10-12 minutes to make them crispy again. Alternatively, you can reheat them in the microwave for 30-60 seconds, though they won’t be as crispy.

FAQs

Can I make the beef filling ahead of time?

Yes! You can prepare the beef filling in advance and store it in the fridge for up to 2-3 days. Just warm it up before assembling the taquitos.

Can I use flour tortillas instead of corn tortillas?

Yes, you can use flour tortillas, but corn tortillas give taquitos their signature texture and flavor. If you prefer flour tortillas, they will still work well for this recipe.

Can I freeze these taquitos?

Yes, you can freeze the taquitos before cooking. After assembling, place them on a baking sheet in a single layer and freeze until solid. Once frozen, transfer them to an airtight container or zip-top bag. To cook, fry or bake directly from frozen, adding a few extra minutes to the cooking time.

Can I use store-bought salsa instead of tomato sauce?

Yes, store-bought salsa works great in this recipe, adding a bit more texture and flavor to the beef filling. Choose a mild, medium, or hot salsa depending on your spice preference.

Can I bake the taquitos instead of frying them?

Yes, baking is a healthier alternative to frying. Simply spray the taquitos with cooking spray and bake them in a preheated oven at 400°F (200°C) for 15-20 minutes until they’re golden and crispy.

Can I make these taquitos smaller for appetizers?

Yes! You can use mini corn tortillas or cut the full-sized ones into halves or quarters for bite-sized taquitos perfect for appetizers.

Can I add beans to the filling?

Yes, you can add black beans or refried beans to the beef filling for extra protein and flavor.

Can I use shredded chicken instead of beef?

Absolutely! Shredded chicken is a great alternative, and it pairs well with the same spices and flavorings used in the beef filling.

How do I keep the taquitos from unrolling during cooking?

You can use toothpicks to secure the taquitos while cooking, or if you’re baking, simply place the seam-side down on the baking sheet to help them stay rolled up.

Can I serve these taquitos with different dipping sauces?

Yes! These taquitos pair well with a variety of dipping sauces, such as salsa verde, chipotle sauce, or even a creamy ranch dressing.

Conclusion

Beef Taquitos are a crispy, savory treat that’s full of flavor and easy to make. Whether you’re making them for a party, a family dinner, or just a fun snack, these taquitos will quickly become a favorite. With a flavorful beef filling wrapped in crispy tortillas, served with your favorite toppings and garnishes, this recipe is sure to satisfy everyone’s taste buds.

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