Description
These Crispy Cheesy Beef Taquitos are a perfect crowd-pleaser featuring seasoned ground beef, melted cheese, and crispy rolled tortillas baked to golden perfection. This easy-to-make Mexican-inspired appetizer or snack is great for gatherings and family meals, served with creamy sour cream, tangy salsa, or fresh guacamole.
Ingredients
Scale
Beef Filling
- 1 lb (450 g) ground beef
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tsp chili powder
- 1 tsp cumin
- ½ tsp paprika
- ½ tsp salt (adjust to taste)
- ¼ tsp black pepper
- ¼ cup tomato sauce (or salsa)
- 1 cup shredded cheese (cheddar, mozzarella, or Mexican blend)
Taquitos
- 10–12 small flour or corn tortillas
- Cooking spray or oil (for brushing)
- 1 cup shredded cheese (extra for topping)
To Serve
- Sour cream, guacamole, or salsa for dipping
- Fresh cilantro or green onions for garnish
Instructions
- Cook Beef and Onion: In a skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef and finely chopped onion until the beef is fully browned and the onion is soft, about 5–7 minutes.
- Add Seasonings and Garlic: Stir in minced garlic, chili powder, cumin, paprika, salt, and black pepper to the beef mixture. Mix well to evenly coat the beef with spices.
- Incorporate Tomato Sauce: Add the tomato sauce (or salsa) to the skillet and cook the mixture for another 2 minutes, allowing it to thicken slightly.
- Mix in Cheese: Remove the skillet from heat and stir in 1 cup of shredded cheese while the mixture is still warm to create a creamy, cohesive filling.
- Preheat Oven: Set your oven to 425°F (220°C) and allow it to fully heat up.
- Warm Tortillas: Briefly warm the tortillas for about 10 seconds per side in a skillet or microwave to make them pliable and easy to roll.
- Assemble Taquitos: Spoon approximately 2 tablespoons of the beef mixture onto each warmed tortilla. Roll each tortilla tightly around the filling with the seam side down to keep them secure.
- Prepare for Baking: Place the rolled taquitos seam side down on a parchment-lined baking sheet in a single layer.
- Brush with Oil and Sprinkle Cheese: Lightly brush or spray each taquito with cooking oil for crispiness. Sprinkle the extra shredded cheese evenly on top.
- Bake Taquitos: Bake in the preheated oven for 15–18 minutes, until taquitos turn golden brown and the cheese melts and bubbles.
- Broil for Crispiness (Optional): For extra crispy taquitos, broil them for an additional 1–2 minutes, keeping a close eye to avoid burning.
- Serve: Remove from oven and serve hot with sour cream, salsa, or guacamole on the side.
- Garnish: Sprinkle with freshly chopped cilantro or green onions for a fresh finishing touch.
Notes
- Use small flour or corn tortillas for best results. Corn tortillas give a more authentic flavor but are less pliable, so warming them well is important.
- Adjust seasoning and spice level to your preference by modifying chili powder and salt.
- For a lower fat version, use lean ground beef or substitute with ground turkey or chicken.
- Extra cheese on top enhances flavor and browning but can be omitted for less richness.
- Broiling at the end is optional but recommended for extra crispiness—watch carefully to prevent burning.
- Leftover taquitos can be reheated in the oven to retain their crispiness.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Mexican
Keywords: beef taquitos, cheesy taquitos, crispy taquitos, Mexican appetizer, baked taquitos, ground beef recipe
