Description
Crispy Beef Taquitos with Cheesy Filling are a delicious Mexican-inspired main course featuring seasoned ground beef combined with melted cheddar and Monterey Jack cheese, rolled tightly in corn tortillas and baked until golden and crispy. Perfect as a satisfying snack or meal, these taquitos offer a flavorful blend of spices and a crunchy texture without deep frying.
Ingredients
Scale
Beef Filling
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1/2 small onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon chili powder
- 1/2 teaspoon cumin
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 cup tomato sauce
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/2 cup shredded Monterey Jack cheese
Taquitos
- 10 small corn tortillas
- Cooking spray or additional oil for brushing
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro (for garnish)
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prepare for baking the taquitos.
- Sauté Aromatics: Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add the finely chopped onion and cook until soft and translucent. Then add minced garlic and cook until fragrant, about one minute.
- Cook Ground Beef: Add the ground beef to the skillet, breaking it apart as it cooks. Cook until the beef is browned and fully cooked through.
- Season and Simmer: Stir in chili powder, cumin, paprika, salt, and black pepper until evenly mixed. Add tomato sauce and let the mixture simmer gently for 5 minutes until slightly thickened.
- Melt Cheese into Beef Mixture: Remove the skillet from heat and stir in the shredded cheddar and Monterey Jack cheeses. Mix until the cheese melts and combines with the beef filling.
- Prepare Tortillas: Warm the corn tortillas slightly to make them pliable and easier to roll without cracking.
- Assemble Taquitos: Spoon a small amount of the cheesy beef mixture onto each tortilla, then roll tightly and place seam-side down on the prepared baking sheet.
- Brush with Oil: Lightly brush or spray the taquitos with cooking oil to help achieve a crispy exterior during baking.
- Bake: Bake the taquitos in the preheated oven for 15 to 20 minutes, or until they are crispy and golden brown on the outside.
- Garnish and Serve: Remove from the oven, garnish with chopped fresh cilantro, and serve warm. Optionally, serve with sour cream, guacamole, or salsa for dipping.
Notes
- For extra crispiness, cook the taquitos in an air fryer at 400°F for 8 to 10 minutes instead of baking.
- You can substitute ground chicken or turkey for the beef to vary the protein.
- Serve with your favorite dips such as sour cream, guacamole, or salsa to enhance the flavor.
