Beef Taquitos

Beef taquitos are everything you love about comfort food! They’re crispy, flavorful, and perfect for dipping. 

These golden-brown rolled snacks are filled with seasoned beef and melty cheese. They’re then fried or baked until they reach an irresistible crunch.

Customize them with your favorite toppings and watch them disappear!

I love serving these as appetizers for game days and parties. Everyone devours them!

Why You’ll Love These Beef Taquitos

Party-Perfect: These taquitos are ideal for entertaining. Since they’re finger food, they’re perfect for mingling.

Full of Flavor: Combining seasoned beef, melted cheese, and crispy corn tortilla creates irresistible flavors. These taquitos are absolutely crave-worthy.

Smart Leftovers: This recipe gives new life to leftover roast beef or brisket. It transforms yesterday’s dinner into an entirely new and exciting snack.

Make Ahead: These taquitos can be prepared ahead of time and frozen. They’re a convenient option for quick snacks.

Ingredients

• Ground Beef or Shredded Cooked Beef: This hearty, flavorful filling provides savory richness and protein. Use ground beef for quick preparation or shredded beef like brisket or roast for a tender, slow-cooked taste.
  
• Onion and Garlic: These aromatic vegetables create a savory foundation and add depth to the filling.
  
• Spices and Seasonings: Use a Mexican-inspired blend with chili powder, cumin, smoked paprika, oregano, salt, and pepper.
  
• Tomato Sauce or Salsa: It adds moisture and tanginess to the filling while helping to bind the ingredients together.
  
• Shredded Cheese: It adds a creamy, melty texture and enhances the filling with a rich, cheesy finish. Try cheddar, Monterey Jack, or a Mexican blend for the best results.
  
• Small Corn Tortillas: These traditional Mexican tortillas become crispy when fried or baked.
  
• Vegetable Oil: Use it for frying or coating before baking to achieve a crispy, golden exterior.
  
• Garnishes: Toppings add color, texture, and complementary flavors. Try sour cream, guacamole, lettuce, tomatoes, and cilantro.

How to Make Beef Taquitos

These taquitos take a little time, but they’re well worth the effort!

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

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

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

7. Assemble. 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 method. 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 method. 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 method. 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. Serve. 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!

Tips for the Best Beef Taquitos

Follow these tips for top-notch taquitos.

• Ditch the excess fat. After browning the meat, drain off excess grease to prevent soggy taquitos and reduce oil splattering during frying.
  
• Cheese choice matters. Use a cheese that melts smoothly for a creamy and cohesive filling. Cheddar, Monterey Jack, or a Mexican blend are fantastic options.
  
• Keep the tortillas toasty. Keep corn tortillas warm and covered while working to prevent cracking when rolling.
  
• Keep the rolls secure. Place taquitos seam-side down first during cooking, and if using toothpicks, remove them halfway through cooking to prevent tears.
  
• Don’t overcrowd the pan! Fry or bake the taquitos in batches to ensure even cooking and crisp edges. Crowding the pan or air fryer can lead to soggy results.
  
• Prevent soggy taquitos. Don’t stack hot taquitos. Set them on a wire rack instead of directly on paper towels. This helps maintain crispiness.
  
• Try tasty variations. Try chicken with green chilies, pork carnitas, or cheesy potatoes. Experiment with different cheese combinations like Oaxaca or queso fresco. Toast the spices for added flavor!

How to Store

If you have leftover taquitos or want to store them for easy entertaining, follow these steps.

To Store: Place taquitos in an air-tight container and refrigerate for 3-4 days.

To Freeze: Prepare and roll taquitos in advance. Freeze them uncooked on a baking sheet. Then, transfer to a freezer bag for up to 3 months.

To Reheat: Warm in a 375°Fahrenheit oven for 10-15 minutes, or air fry at 350°Fahrenheit for 3-4 minutes.