Beef Taquitos

Why Make This Recipe

Beef taquitos are a delicious and fun dish that’s perfect for any occasion. They are crispy, flavorful, and easy to make. Whether you are looking for a tasty appetizer or a hearty snack, beef taquitos can satisfy your cravings. They are great for parties, game days, or even a cozy family dinner.

How to Make Beef Taquitos

Ingredients:

• 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)
• 12 small corn tortillas
• Vegetable oil for frying or cooking spray for baking
• Toothpicks, optional for holding taquitos together during cooking
• Guacamole
• Sour cream
• Salsa
• Shredded lettuce
• Chopped cilantro
• Diced tomatoes

Directions:

1. Heat a large skillet over medium heat and add a drizzle of oil. Add the diced onion and cook until softened, about 3-4 minutes. Add the garlic and sauté for 30 seconds until fragrant.
2. Stir in the ground beef, breaking it up with a spoon. Cook until browned and no longer pink. If using shredded cooked beef, warm it through in the skillet.
3. Mix in the chili powder, cumin, smoked paprika, oregano, salt, and black pepper. Cook for 1-2 minutes to toast the spices.
4. Add the tomato sauce or salsa and stir well. Cook for 3-5 minutes until the mixture thickens slightly.
5. Remove the pan from heat and stir in the shredded cheese. Let it cool slightly.
6. Warm the tortillas in a skillet for 10-15 seconds per side to make them pliable. Alternatively, wrap them in a damp paper towel and microwave for 20-30 seconds.
7. Place 2 tablespoons of the beef filling in a line along the bottom third of each tortilla. Roll the tortilla tightly around the filling and secure it with a toothpick.
8. Frying: Heat 1-2 inches of vegetable oil in a deep skillet or saucepan to 350°F. Fry the taquitos in batches, seam-side down first, for 2-3 minutes per side or until golden and crispy. Drain on paper towels.
9. Baking: Preheat your oven to 425°F. Place the taquitos seam-side down on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Spray lightly with cooking spray or brush with oil. Bake for 15-20 minutes, turning halfway, until crispy and golden.
10. Air Frying: Preheat the air fryer to 400°F. Arrange the taquitos seam-side down in a single layer (cook in batches if needed). Spray lightly with oil and air fry for 6-8 minutes, flipping halfway through.
11. Arrange the taquitos on a platter. Garnish with toppings like guacamole, sour cream, salsa, shredded lettuce, or diced tomatoes. Sprinkle with chopped cilantro for a fresh finish. Enjoy!

How to Serve Beef Taquitos

Serve beef taquitos hot with a variety of toppings. Set out bowls of guacamole, sour cream, and salsa for dipping. You can also add shredded lettuce and diced tomatoes for an extra crunch. This way, everyone can customize their own taquitos!

How to Store Beef Taquitos

If you have leftovers, let the taquitos cool completely before storing them. Place them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, you can bake them in the oven at 350°F until warmed through or use the air fryer. For longer storage, you can freeze the uncooked taquitos. Make sure to freeze them in a single layer, then transfer them to a freezer bag for up to 2 months.

Tips to Make Beef Taquitos

• To make spicier taquitos, add jalapeños or a dash of hot sauce to the beef filling.
• Ensure the tortillas are warm and pliable. This prevents them from cracking when rolled.
• Use toothpicks to hold the taquitos together while cooking for a neat presentation.

Variation

You can customize the filling by using different meats, such as chicken or pork. For a vegetarian option, replace the beef with black beans, refried beans, or grilled vegetables. You may also experiment with different spices for unique flavors.

FAQs

1. Can I use store-bought taco seasoning instead of spices?

Yes, you can use store-bought taco seasoning. Adjust the amount to taste.

2. Can I make taquitos ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the filling and roll the taquitos ahead of time. Store them in the refrigerator or freezer until you are ready to cook.

3. Are beef taquitos gluten-free?

Corn tortillas are typically gluten-free, but be sure to check the label to ensure there are no added gluten-containing ingredients.

Beef Taquitos

Crispy and flavorful beef taquitos perfect for any occasion, whether as an appetizer or a hearty snack.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 20 minutes mins

Cook Time 25 minutes mins

Total Time 45 minutes mins

Servings: 6 taquitos

Course: Appetizer, Snack

Cuisine: Mexican

Calories: 320

Ingredients Method Notes

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

For Serving

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

Method

 

Preparation

1. Heat a large skillet over medium heat and add a drizzle of oil. Add the diced onion and cook until softened, about 3-4 minutes. Add the garlic and sauté for 30 seconds until fragrant.
2. Stir in the ground beef, breaking it up with a spoon. Cook until browned and no longer pink. If using shredded cooked beef, warm it through in the skillet.
3. Mix in the chili powder, cumin, smoked paprika, oregano, salt, and black pepper. Cook for 1-2 minutes to toast the spices.
4. Add the tomato sauce or salsa and stir well. Cook for 3-5 minutes until the mixture thickens slightly.
5. Remove the pan from heat and stir in the shredded cheese. Let it cool slightly.
6. Warm the tortillas in a skillet for 10-15 seconds per side to make them pliable. Alternatively, wrap them in a damp paper towel and microwave for 20-30 seconds.

Cooking

1. Place 2 tablespoons of the beef filling in a line along the bottom third of each tortilla. Roll the tortilla tightly around the filling and secure it with a toothpick.
2. Frying: Heat 1-2 inches of vegetable oil in a deep skillet or saucepan to 350°F. Fry the taquitos in batches, seam-side down first, for 2-3 minutes per side or until golden and crispy. Drain on paper towels.
3. Baking: Preheat your oven to 425°F. Place the taquitos seam-side down on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Spray lightly with cooking spray or brush with oil. Bake for 15-20 minutes, turning halfway, until crispy and golden.
4. Air Frying: Preheat the air fryer to 400°F. Arrange the taquitos seam-side down in a single layer (cook in batches if needed). Spray lightly with oil and air fry for 6-8 minutes, flipping halfway through.

Serving

1. Arrange the taquitos on a platter. Garnish with toppings like guacamole, sour cream, salsa, shredded lettuce, or diced tomatoes. Sprinkle with chopped cilantro for a fresh finish. Enjoy!

Notes

To make spicier taquitos, add jalapeños or a dash of hot sauce to the beef filling. Ensure the tortillas are warm and pliable. This prevents them from cracking when rolled. Use toothpicks to hold the taquitos together while cooking for a neat presentation.