Description
Crispy corn tortillas filled with savory seasoned beef and melted cheese, these Beef Taquitos are perfect for snacking, parties, or a fun, casual meal.
Ingredients
1 lb ground beef or shredded cooked beef
1 small onion, finely diced
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 tsp chili powder
1 tsp ground cumin
1 tsp smoked paprika
½ tsp dried oregano
½ tsp salt
¼ tsp black pepper
½ cup tomato sauce or salsa
½ cup shredded cheese (cheddar, Monterey Jack, or Mexican blend)
12 small corn tortillas
Vegetable oil for frying or cooking spray for baking
Guacamole, sour cream, salsa, shredded lettuce, diced tomatoes, chopped cilantro for garnish
Instructions
- Sauté diced onion in a skillet with oil until softened, about 3–4 minutes. Add garlic and cook 30 seconds.
- Add ground beef and cook until browned. If using shredded beef, heat through.
- Stir in chili powder, cumin, smoked paprika, oregano, salt, and pepper. Cook 1–2 minutes.
- Add tomato sauce or salsa and simmer 3–5 minutes. Stir in cheese and let cool slightly.
- Warm tortillas until pliable. Place ~2 tablespoons of filling on each, roll tightly, and secure with toothpicks if needed.
- For frying: Heat oil to 350°F and fry taquitos seam-side down for 2–3 minutes per side. Drain.
- For baking: Preheat oven to 425°F, place taquitos on a baking sheet, spray or brush with oil, and bake 15–20 minutes, turning halfway.
- For air frying: Preheat to 400°F, air fry seam-side down for 6–8 minutes, flipping halfway.
- Remove toothpicks and serve taquitos with desired toppings.
Notes
- Use ground turkey or chicken as a substitute.
- Make ahead and store unbaked taquitos in the fridge for a few hours before cooking.
- Serve with classic Mexican sides like rice and beans.
- Freeze cooked taquitos and reheat from frozen for a quick snack.
- Use pepper jack or queso fresco for cheese variety.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 10–20 minutes
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Fry/Bake/Air Fry
- Cuisine: Mexican
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 3 taquitos
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 480mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 22g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 18g
- Cholesterol: 55mg
