Description
These Cheesy Beef Taquitos are a deliciously crispy and flavorful Mexican-inspired appetizer or snack. Ground beef is simmered with aromatic spices and onions, then mixed with melted cheese before being rolled into small tortillas. Baked until golden and crispy, these taquitos are perfect for dipping in sour cream, salsa, or guacamole.
Ingredients
Scale
Beef Mixture
- 1 lb (450 g) ground beef
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon chili powder
- 1 teaspoon cumin
- ½ teaspoon paprika
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 cup shredded cheddar or Mexican cheese blend
Assembly
- 10–12 small tortillas (corn or flour)
- Cooking oil spray or a little oil for brushing
Serving
- Sour cream, salsa, or guacamole for serving
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a baking tray with parchment paper to prepare for baking the taquitos.
- Sauté Aromatics: Heat olive oil in a pan over medium heat, then add the finely chopped onion and minced garlic. Cook for about 2 minutes until softened and fragrant.
- Cook Ground Beef: Add the ground beef to the pan and cook, breaking it up with a spoon until browned and fully cooked through.
- Season Beef Mixture: Stir in chili powder, cumin, paprika, salt, and pepper. Cook for another 2 minutes to allow the spices to meld with the beef.
- Add Cheese: Remove the pan from heat and mix in the shredded cheddar or Mexican cheese blend until it melts slightly and combines evenly with the beef mixture.
- Assemble Taquitos: Place about 2 tablespoons of the beef and cheese mixture on each tortilla, then roll tightly to enclose the filling.
- Prepare for Baking: Arrange the rolled taquitos seam-side down on the prepared baking tray to prevent them from unrolling during baking. Lightly brush or spray each taquito with oil to help crisp them up.
- Bake Taquitos: Bake in the preheated oven for 15–20 minutes, or until the taquitos are golden brown and crispy on the outside.
- Serve: Remove from oven and serve hot with sour cream, salsa, or guacamole for dipping.
Notes
- For a healthier option, use whole wheat or corn tortillas instead of flour tortillas.
- Ensure the taquitos are rolled tightly and placed seam-side down to keep them from unraveling during baking.
- You can add diced jalapeños or a pinch of cayenne pepper to the beef mixture for extra heat.
- Leftover taquitos can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and reheated in the oven for best crispiness.
- For a gluten-free version, use corn tortillas labeled gluten-free.
