Crispy Beef Taquitos

Craving something crunchy, cheesy, and packed with flavor? These Crispy Beef Taquitos are everything you need and more! Loaded with seasoned ground beef and melty cheese, then rolled in tortillas and baked (or fried!) to golden perfection, they’re the ultimate snack, appetizer, or weeknight dinner that the whole family will love.

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Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Crispy & Crunchy – That satisfying golden crunch is irresistible.
Easy to Make – Simple ingredients and quick prep.
Kid-Friendly – A guaranteed hit with even the pickiest eaters.
Great for Meal Prep – Make a big batch and freeze for later.
Customizable – Adjust the filling, spice level, and toppings to your taste.

Ingredients You’ll Need

For the Beef Filling:

• 1 lb ground beef (lean)
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• 1 small onion, finely chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tsp ground cumin
• 1 tsp chili powder
• ½ tsp smoked paprika
• ½ tsp oregano
• Salt and pepper to taste
• ¼ cup tomato sauce or salsa
• 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese (or Mexican blend)

For the Taquitos:

• 12 small flour or corn tortillas (6-inch)
• Cooking spray or additional oil for brushing
• Toothpicks (optional, for sealing)

For Serving:

• Sour cream or Greek yogurt
• Guacamole or sliced avocado
• Salsa or pico de gallo
• Fresh cilantro, chopped
• Lime wedges

Tools You’ll Need

• Large skillet
• Mixing spoon or spatula
• Baking sheet (if baking)
• Tongs (if frying)
• Paper towels (for draining)

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Cook the Beef Filling
Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat.
Add chopped onion and cook for 2-3 minutes until softened.
Stir in garlic and cook for another 30 seconds.

Add ground beef and break it apart with your spatula. Cook until browned and fully cooked, about 6-8 minutes.
Drain excess grease if needed.

Season with cumin, chili powder, paprika, oregano, salt, and pepper.
Stir in tomato sauce or salsa and simmer for 2-3 minutes until thickened.
Remove from heat and let cool slightly, then mix in the shredded cheese.

Step 2: Warm the Tortillas
To make rolling easier, warm tortillas in the microwave for 30 seconds covered with a damp paper towel.
This prevents cracking when rolling.

Step 3: Assemble the Taquitos
Spoon about 2-3 tablespoons of the beef mixture along one side of each tortilla.
Roll up tightly and place seam-side down on a plate.
Secure with a toothpick if needed.

Step 4: Cook the Taquitos

Option 1 – Bake (Healthier Option):
Preheat oven to 425°F (220°C).
Place taquitos seam-side down on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
Lightly spray or brush with oil.
Bake for 15-20 minutes or until golden and crispy, flipping halfway through.

Option 2 – Pan Fry (Extra Crispy):
Heat ½ inch of oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
Once hot, fry taquitos in batches seam-side down, about 2-3 minutes per side until golden.
Transfer to a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess oil.

Step 5: Serve & Enjoy
Serve hot with your favorite toppings: sour cream, guacamole, salsa, and a sprinkle of cilantro.
Don’t forget the lime wedges for a burst of brightness!

Tips for the Best Taquitos
Use Lean Ground Beef – Less grease and easier to work with.
Warm Tortillas First – Makes rolling much easier and prevents cracking.
Don’t Overfill – Too much filling can make rolling and sealing tricky.
Seal Tightly – Secure with toothpicks or place seam-side down so they hold their shape.
Crisp Evenly – If baking, flip halfway for even browning.

Serving Suggestions
Mexican Rice – A hearty, flavorful side dish.
Refried Beans – Creamy beans pair perfectly with crispy taquitos.
Corn Salad – Add some freshness and crunch to your plate.
Fresh Fruit – Pineapple or mango balances the spice with sweetness.

How to Store & Reheat

Storing:

• Cool completely and store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

Freezing:

• Freeze uncooked or cooked taquitos in a single layer on a baking sheet.
• Once frozen, transfer to a freezer bag and store for up to 2 months.

Reheating:

• Oven: Bake at 375°F for 10-12 minutes until heated through and crispy.
• Air Fryer: Heat at 375°F for 6-8 minutes.
• Microwave: Use short bursts, but note they won’t stay crispy.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can I use ground turkey or chicken instead of beef?
Yes! Just substitute in the same amount and adjust seasonings to your taste.

2. Can I make these vegetarian?
Absolutely—swap the beef for beans, sautéed veggies, or a meatless crumble.

3. Can I deep fry them?
Yes, for extra crispiness, deep fry at 350°F for 2-3 minutes until golden brown.

4. What’s the difference between taquitos and flautas?
Generally, taquitos are made with corn tortillas and flautas with flour, but names vary by region.

Final Thoughts
Crispy Beef Taquitos are the perfect blend of savory, cheesy, and crunchy—perfect for parties, family dinners, or anytime snacking. With simple ingredients and endless topping options, this recipe is sure to become a regular in your kitchen.

Try them once, and you’ll be hooked! Let me know how yours turn out in the comments or tag your taquito creations online—I’d love to see them!

Preparation Time: 15 minutes
Cooking Time: 20 minutes
Cuisine: Mexican-American

Nutritional Information (Per Taquito):
Calories: 210 | Protein: 10g | Carbohydrates: 15g | Fat: 12g | Fiber: 1g | Sodium: 290mg

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