Name: Crispy Beef Taquitos
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 35 min
Cuisine: Mexican-American
Ingredients: 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); 12 small flour or corn tortillas (6-inch); Cooking spray or additional oil for brushing; Toothpicks (optional, for sealing); Sour cream or Greek yogurt; Guacamole or sliced avocado; Salsa or pico de gallo; Fresh cilantro, chopped; Lime wedges

Description

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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Ingredients

Scale

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

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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!

Notes

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.

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Cuisine: Mexican-American