Beef Taquitos

Prep Time: 25 min | Total Time: 50 minutes | Yield: 6 servings

These crispy beef taquitos are the perfect mix of bold flavors and satisfying crunch. Easy to make and customizable, they’re a crowd-pleaser for any occasion.

Ingredients

For the Beef Filling:

  • 1 pound ground beef or shredded cooked beef (e.g., brisket or roast)

  • 1 small onion, finely diced

  • 2 cloves garlic, minced

  • 1 teaspoon chili powder

  • 1 teaspoon ground cumin

  • 1 teaspoon smoked paprika

  • 1⁄2 teaspoon dried oregano

  • 1⁄2 teaspoon salt, adjust to taste

  • 1⁄4 teaspoon black pepper

  • 1⁄2 cup tomato sauce or salsa

  • 1⁄2 cup shredded cheese (cheddar, Monterey Jack, or a Mexican blend)

    For the Beef Filling:

    • 12 small corn tortillas

    • Vegetable oil for frying (or olive/avocado oil) or cooking spray for baking

    • Toothpicks, optional for holding taquitos together during cooking

For the Beef Filling:

  • Guacamole

  • Sour cream

  • Salsa

  • Shredded lettuce

  • Chopped cilantro

  • Diced tomatoes

Instructions

  1. Heat a large skillet over medium heat and add a drizzle of oil. Cook the diced onion until softened, about 3-4 minutes. Add the garlic and sauté for 30 seconds until fragrant.

  2. Stir in the ground beef, breaking it up with a spoon. Cook until browned and no longer pink. If using shredded cooked beef, warm it through in the skillet.

  3. Mix in the chili powder, cumin, smoked paprika, oregano, salt, and black pepper. Cook for 1-2 minutes to toast the spices.

  4. Add the tomato sauce or salsa and stir well. Cook for 3-5 minutes until the mixture thickens slightly.

  5. Remove the pan from heat and stir in the shredded cheese. Let it cool slightly.

  6. Warm the tortillas in a skillet for 10-15 seconds per side. This makes them pliable. Alternatively, wrap them in a damp paper towel and microwave for 20-30 seconds.

  7. Place 2 Tablespoons of the beef filling in a line along the bottom third of each tortilla. Roll the tortilla tightly around the filling and secure it with a toothpick.

  8. Frying: Heat 1-2 inches of vegetable oil in a deep skillet or saucepan to 350°Fahrenheit. Fry the taquitos in batches, seam-side down first, for 2-3 minutes per side or until golden and crispy. Drain on paper towels.

  9. Baking: Preheat your oven to 425°Fahrenheit. Place the taquitos seam-side down on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Spray lightly with cooking spray or brush with oil. Bake for 15-20 minutes, turning halfway, until crispy and golden.

  10. Air Frying: Preheat the air fryer to 400°Fahrenheit. Arrange the taquitos seam-side down in a single layer (cook in batches if needed). Spray lightly with oil and air fry for 6-8 minutes, flipping halfway through.

  11. Arrange the taquitos on a platter. Garnish with toppings like guacamole, sour cream, salsa, shredded lettuce, or diced tomatoes. Sprinkle with chopped cilantro for a fresh finish. Enjoy!

Original recipe from Insanely Good Recipes

Next

Gingery Ground Beef