Beef Taquitos Recipe Summary
Beef Taquitos are crispy, rolled tortillas filled with seasoned ground or shredded beef, optionally combined with cheese, then fried or baked until golden and crunchy. This flavorful Mexican-inspired dish is perfect as an appetizer, snack, or main course, loved for its satisfying texture and bold taste. Easy to customize and quick to prepare, these taquitos bring a delicious homemade touch to your table.
Equipment
- Large skillet, deep fryer, or air fryer
- Mixing bowl
- Baking sheet (if baking)
- Tongs or slotted spoon
- Paper towels (for draining fried taquitos)
- Toothpicks (optional for securing rolls)
Ingredients
- 1 lb ground beef or shredded beef
- 12–16 corn or flour tortillas
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tsp chili powder
- 1 tsp ground cumin
- ½ tsp smoked paprika (optional)
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 1 cup shredded cheese (cheddar, Monterey Jack, or Mexican blend) – optional
- Vegetable oil (for frying) or cooking spray (for baking)
- Optional toppings: salsa, guacamole, sour cream, chopped cilantro
Instructions
Prepare Beef Filling:
- In a skillet over medium heat, cook the ground or shredded beef with onions and garlic until browned. Stir in chili powder, cumin, paprika, salt, and pepper. Cook until well combined and fragrant. Remove from heat and let cool slightly.
Soften Tortillas:
- Warm tortillas briefly in a microwave or on a dry skillet until pliable to prevent cracking when rolling.
Assemble Taquitos:
- Spoon 2–3 tablespoons of beef mixture onto each tortilla. Sprinkle cheese over the beef if using. Roll tortillas tightly around the filling, securing with toothpicks if needed.
Cook Taquitos:
- Frying: Heat about 1–2 inches of oil in a deep skillet to 350°F (175°C). Fry taquitos in batches until golden and crispy, about 2–3 minutes per side. Drain on paper towels.Baking: Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Place taquitos seam-side down on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Lightly spray with cooking spray and bake for 15–20 minutes until crispy, flipping halfway through.
Serve:
- Remove toothpicks if used. Serve hot with your choice of salsa, guacamole, sour cream, or other favorite toppings.
Notes
- Tortillas: Corn tortillas are traditional and offer authentic flavor, but can crack if not warmed properly. Flour tortillas are more pliable but less authentic.
- Cheese: Optional but adds richness and gooey texture inside. Choose a melting cheese like cheddar or Monterey Jack.
- Cooking method: Baking or air frying is a healthier alternative to deep frying and still produces great crispiness.
- Freezing: Assemble taquitos and freeze uncooked on a tray. Once frozen, store in a freezer bag and cook directly from frozen when ready.
- Spice Level: Adjust chili powder or add jalapeños for more heat.