Easy Beef Taquitos Recipe

Beef taquitos are a crowd-pleasing dish that combines crispy tortillas with a savory, flavorful beef filling. Whether you’re hosting a party, looking for a quick snack, or preparing a family-friendly dinner, beef taquitos are a versatile and delicious option. This recipe is easy to follow, uses simple ingredients, and delivers restaurant-quality results right in your kitchen. Plus, you can customize the filling and toppings to suit your taste.

Let’s dive into how to make the best beef taquitos step-by-step!

Recipe Preparation Equipment

Before you start, gather the following equipment:

• Large skillet or frying pan
• Mixing bowls
• Baking sheet (if baking)
• Tongs or spatula
• Paper towels (for draining oil, if frying)
• Knife and cutting board
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Toothpicks (to secure taquitos, if needed)

What Do You Need to Prepare Beef Taquitos?

Here’s a list of ingredients you’ll need to make beef taquitos:

Ingredients

• For the Filling:
  • 1 lb ground beef
  • 1 small onion, finely chopped
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 tsp chili powder
  • 1 tsp cumin
  • 1/2 tsp paprika
  • 1/2 tsp oregano
  • 1/2 cup salsa (store-bought or homemade)
  • 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese
  • Salt and pepper to taste
• For Assembling:
  • 12 small corn or flour tortillas
  • 1 cup vegetable oil (for frying) OR cooking spray (for baking)
• For Serving:
  • Guacamole
  • Sour cream
  • Salsa
  • Chopped cilantro
  • Lime wedges

How to Make Easy Beef Taquitos Step-by-Step ?

Follow these detailed instructions to make perfectly crispy beef taquitos:

Step 1: Prepare the Filling

1. Heat a large skillet over medium heat and add the ground beef.
2. Cook until browned, breaking it into small pieces with a spatula.
3. Add the chopped onion and minced garlic, cooking until the onion is translucent.
4. Stir in the chili powder, cumin, paprika, oregano, salt, and pepper. Mix well.
5. Add the salsa and cook for 2-3 minutes until the mixture thickens.
6. Remove from heat and stir in the shredded cheddar cheese. Let the filling cool slightly.

Step 2: Warm the Tortillas

1. Warm the tortillas in the microwave for 20-30 seconds or on a skillet to make them pliable.
2. Cover them with a clean kitchen towel to keep them soft.

Step 3: Assemble the Taquitos

1. Place 2-3 tablespoons of the beef filling in the center of each tortilla.
2. Roll the tortilla tightly around the filling, securing the edges.
3. If needed, use toothpicks to hold the taquitos together.

Step 4: Cook the Taquitos

• For Frying:
  1. Heat vegetable oil in a skillet over medium-high heat.
  2. Fry the taquitos in batches until golden brown and crispy, about 2-3 minutes per side.
  3. Drain on paper towels to remove excess oil.
• For Baking:
  1. Preheat the oven to 425°F (220°C).
  2. Place the taquitos on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
  3. Spray lightly with cooking spray.
  4. Bake for 15-20 minutes, flipping halfway through, until crispy.

Step 5: Serve and Enjoy

1. Serve the beef taquitos hot with your favorite toppings like guacamole, sour cream, salsa, and cilantro.
2. Squeeze fresh lime juice over the top for extra flavor.

Variations

Beef taquitos are highly customizable. Here are some delicious variations:

• Cheesy Beef Taquitos: Add extra cheese to the filling or sprinkle on top before baking.
• Spicy Beef Taquitos: Include diced jalapeños or a dash of hot sauce in the filling.
• Chicken Taquitos: Substitute ground beef with shredded chicken.
• Vegetarian Taquitos: Use black beans, corn, and sautéed veggies as the filling.
• Breakfast Taquitos: Fill with scrambled eggs, cheese, and cooked sausage or bacon.

Cooking Notes

• Tortilla Tips: Corn tortillas are traditional, but flour tortillas are easier to roll and less likely to crack.
• Frying vs. Baking: Frying gives a crispier texture, while baking is a healthier option.
• Make-Ahead: Prepare the filling a day in advance and assemble the taquitos just before cooking.

Serving Suggestions

Serve beef taquitos as an appetizer, snack, or main dish. Pair them with:

• A side of Mexican rice or refried beans.
• A fresh salad with lime vinaigrette.
• A cold glass of horchata or your favorite beverage.

Helpful Tips

• Prevent Soggy Taquitos: Ensure the filling is not too wet and drain excess oil after frying.
• Even Cooking: Arrange taquitos in a single layer on the baking sheet or frying pan.
• Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven for best results.

Tips for the Best Beef Taquitos

1. Use fresh, high-quality tortillas for the best texture.
2. Don’t overfill the tortillas to prevent them from breaking.
3. Let the filling cool slightly before rolling to avoid soggy tortillas.
4. For extra crispiness, brush the taquitos with oil before baking.

Prep Time, Cooking Time, Total Time

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cooking Time: 20 minutes
• Total Time: 40 minutes

Nutritional Information

• Calories: 280 per taquito
• Protein: 12g
• Sodium: 320mg

Similar recipes you may also like:

• Easy Ranch Chicken Tacos Recipe
• Easy Mexican Carne Guisada Recipe
• Authentic Jamaican Jerk Chicken Recipe
• Healthy Chicken Piccata Recipe

FAQs

1. Can I freeze beef taquitos?
Yes! Assemble the taquitos, place them on a baking sheet to freeze, then transfer to a freezer bag. Cook directly from frozen, adding a few extra minutes to the cooking time.

2. Can I use store-bought rotisserie chicken instead of beef?
Absolutely! Shredded chicken works well as a substitute.

3. How do I keep the tortillas from cracking?
Warm the tortillas before rolling and avoid overfilling them.

Conclusion

Beef taquitos are a delicious, versatile dish that’s perfect for any occasion. With this easy recipe, you can create crispy, flavorful taquitos at home that rival your favorite restaurant’s version. Whether you fry or bake them, serve them as an appetizer or main course, they’re sure to be a hit.

Try this recipe today and enjoy the ultimate comfort food!

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