Beef Taquitos Recipe
If you’re craving a meal that’s fun, festive, and absolutely bursting with flavor, look no further than this Beef Taquitos Recipe. Golden and crispy on the outside, warm and cheesy on the inside, every bite of these rolled delights takes you straight to the heart of a lively Mexican kitchen. This dish is a total crowd-pleaser—quick to disappear at dinner tables and parties alike—and just might become your go-to for any night when you want something irresistible, easy, and downright comforting.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The magic of the Beef Taquitos Recipe comes from simple, everyday ingredients that work together to deliver crave-worthy results. Each one brings its own spark of flavor, color, or texture—so don’t skip a thing if you want the full wow factor!
- Ground beef: The hearty, savory foundation of the filling; choose an 80/20 mixture for best flavor and moisture.
- Onion: Finely chopped onion adds natural sweetness and balance to the richness of the beef.
- Garlic: Freshly minced garlic weaves aromatic depth through every bite.
- Chili powder: Delivers that classic smoky heat and robust color.
- Ground cumin: Essential for that earthy, unmistakable taco flavor.
- Paprika: Sweet and vibrant, it brings both flavor and a gorgeous hue to the mix.
- Salt: Just the right amount brightens all the other ingredients.
- Black pepper: Freshly ground for a gentle kick of spice and warmth.
- Diced green chiles: Mild yet zesty, these canned chiles add great flavor and moisture.
- Shredded cheddar or Mexican blend cheese: Melty, gooey goodness pulls everything together.
- Corn tortillas: The essential wrapper for authenticity; their nutty flavor gets even better when fried.
- Vegetable oil: Perfect for frying, it helps the taquitos crisp up beautifully.
- Optional toppings (sour cream, guacamole, salsa, shredded lettuce): These let your guests customize each taquito to their own taste.
How to Make Beef Taquitos Recipe
Step 1: Brown the Beef
Start by heating a large skillet over medium heat and adding your ground beef. Break it up with a spoon as it cooks, aiming for nicely separated crumbles. Cook until fully browned, then drain off any excess fat—you want the filling flavorful, not greasy. This step sets the stage for everything else, so don’t rush it!
Step 2: Sauté the Aromatics
Next, toss in your chopped onion and minced garlic right into the beef, stirring as the onions become translucent and the garlic fragrant. This duo transforms your filling from basic to beautifully aromatic in just a few quick minutes.
Step 3: Spice It Up
Add the chili powder, cumin, paprika, salt, and black pepper, stirring for about a minute until your whole kitchen smells divine. These spices meld with the beef, infusing every bite with warmth and color—it’s amazing how much depth such simple seasonings can bring to your Beef Taquitos Recipe.
Step 4: Add Green Chiles and Cheese
Stir in the diced green chiles for a gentle zing and some extra juiciness, then pull the skillet off the heat and sprinkle in your cheese. Stir until it’s melty and fully incorporated; the cheese works like magic to bind the filling together, making it easy to roll and even tastier to eat.
Step 5: Prep the Tortillas
Before rolling, make sure your corn tortillas are nice and pliable—they’ll crack if they’re cold! Stack and warm them in the microwave for a few seconds wrapped in a damp towel, or heat them on a skillet. This step makes assembly a breeze.
Step 6: Fill and Roll
Spoon about 2 tablespoons of the beef mixture onto each tortilla and roll it up snugly. If you’re worried about them unrolling during frying, secure each one with a toothpick. The tighter you roll, the crispier the taquito!
Step 7: Fry to Perfection
Pour oil into a large skillet and heat it over medium-high. Place your rolled taquitos seam side down into the hot oil (don’t crowd the pan), and fry each one for 2 to 3 minutes per side until they’re gloriously golden and crispy. Set them on paper towels as you finish each batch—it helps them stay crisp without being greasy.
Step 8: Top and Serve
Once all your taquitos are fried, gather everyone around and let them pile on their favorite toppings. Trust me, no one will be able to resist digging in right away!
How to Serve Beef Taquitos Recipe
Garnishes
Let your guests customize their own taquitos with a spread of toppings. Offer bowls of cool sour cream, chunky guacamole, your favorite salsa, and a crisp pile of shredded lettuce. Fresh cilantro, sliced jalapeños, or a sprinkle of cotija cheese are also fantastic for amping up both taste and color—it’s all about the finishing touch!
Side Dishes
The Beef Taquitos Recipe pairs beautifully with classic Mexican sides. Think fluffy Spanish rice, creamy refried beans, or bright esquites (Mexican street corn) to round out your meal. Even a simple side salad with lime vinaigrette works wonders to balance the flavors.
Creative Ways to Present
Serving taquitos at a party? Arrange them on a platter, fanned out with little bowls of dips nestled in between for an eye-catching, interactive appetizer spread. Or serve them upright in shot glasses with a dollop of salsa at the bottom—so fun and festive!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have leftover taquitos (lucky you!), let them cool completely, then store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. They’ll keep their texture better if you don’t stack them, so lay them out in a single layer if possible.
Freezing
The Beef Taquitos Recipe freezes like a dream! Place cooled taquitos on a baking sheet in a single layer, freeze until solid, then transfer to a freezer-safe bag or container—they’ll last up to 2 months. Simply reheat straight from frozen for a speedy snack or lunch.
Reheating
For the crispiest results, reheat taquitos in a 400°F oven for 10 to 12 minutes, flipping once, or pop them in the air fryer. The microwave works in a pinch, but the tortillas won’t be as delightfully crunchy.
FAQs
Can I bake these instead of frying?
Absolutely! Simply brush rolled taquitos with a light layer of oil, place them on a lined baking sheet, then bake at 425°F for 15 to 20 minutes until golden and crisp. They’re slightly lighter but every bit as tasty.
Can I use flour tortillas?
Yes, flour tortillas work well if you prefer a softer bite or can’t find corn tortillas. They’ll be a touch less authentic, but every bit as delicious in the Beef Taquitos Recipe.
How can I keep the tortillas from cracking?
Warming the tortillas before filling is the key! Either use a skillet to gently warm each or microwave them stacked and wrapped in a damp towel until soft—it’ll make rolling so much easier.
Can I make the filling ahead of time?
Sure thing! Prep the beef filling up to two days in advance and store it in the fridge. When ready to serve, just fill, roll, and fry (or bake) your taquitos fresh for best crunch and flavor.
What’s the best way to reheat leftovers?
For the best texture, reheat leftover taquitos in the oven or air fryer to recapture that irresistible crispiness. A hot oven (400°F) for about 10 minutes does the trick.
Final Thoughts
There’s just something about a platter of homemade Beef Taquitos Recipe that brings everyone to the table smiling and hungry. Give this recipe a try—the mix of textures, flavors, and fun is guaranteed to win hearts whether it’s game night, family dinner, or just a treat-yourself evening. Enjoy every crunchy, cheesy bite!
Print
Beef Taquitos Recipe
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 12 taquitos (4 servings) 1x
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
These crispy Beef Taquitos are a delicious Mexican dish perfect for a main course or party appetizer. They are filled with seasoned ground beef, cheese, and green chiles, rolled up in corn tortillas and fried until golden and crispy. Serve them hot with your favorite toppings like sour cream, guacamole, and salsa.
Ingredients
For the beef filling:
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon chili powder
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 cup canned diced green chiles
- 1 cup shredded cheddar or Mexican blend cheese
For the taquitos:
- 12 small corn tortillas
- 1/4 cup vegetable oil for frying
- Optional toppings such as sour cream, guacamole, salsa, and shredded lettuce
Instructions
- Cook the beef filling: In a skillet, brown the ground beef, then add onion, garlic, and spices. Stir in green chiles and cheese.
- Prepare the taquitos: Warm tortillas, fill each with beef mixture, and roll tightly. Secure with toothpicks if needed.
- Fry the taquitos: Fry in hot oil until golden and crispy on all sides.
- Serve: Drain on paper towels and serve hot with desired toppings.
Notes
- For a lighter version, brush the taquitos with oil and bake at 425°F for 15-20 minutes until crispy.
- Corn tortillas provide an authentic flavor, but flour tortillas can also be used.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: Mexican
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 3 taquitos
- Calories: 410
- Sugar: 2 g
- Sodium: 580 mg
- Fat: 24 g
- Saturated Fat: 9 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 13 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 28 g
- Fiber: 4 g
- Protein: 21 g
- Cholesterol: 65 mg
