Description
Cheesy Beef Taquitos are crispy rolled tortillas filled with a flavorful mixture of seasoned ground beef and melted cheddar and Monterey Jack cheeses. These Mexican-inspired taquitos are perfect for a quick dinner or entertaining, offering a delicious blend of savory spices, gooey cheese, and a satisfyingly crunchy exterior. You can bake or fry them to your preference.
Ingredients
Scale
Beef Mixture
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1/2 small onion, finely chopped
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 teaspoon chili powder
- 1/2 teaspoon ground 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
Tortillas and Cooking
- 10 to 12 small corn tortillas
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil (for brushing or frying)
Instructions
- Cook the Beef Mixture: In a skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef and chopped onion until the beef is browned and the onion is softened, about 5-7 minutes. Drain any excess grease. Stir in the minced garlic, chili powder, cumin, paprika, salt, and black pepper and cook for an additional 1 minute until fragrant.
- Simmer with Tomato Sauce: Add the tomato sauce to the beef mixture and simmer for 3 to 4 minutes until the sauce has slightly thickened, allowing the flavors to meld.
- Mix in the Cheeses: Remove the skillet from heat and stir in the shredded cheddar and Monterey Jack cheeses until they melt completely and incorporate smoothly into the beef mixture.
- Prepare the Tortillas: Warm the corn tortillas slightly to make them pliable and more manageable for rolling. This can be done in the microwave for 20 seconds or on a dry skillet for a few seconds each side.
- Assemble the Taquitos: Spoon a small amount of the cheesy beef mixture onto each tortilla. Roll each tortilla tightly and place them seam-side down on a baking sheet or a plate, depending on your cooking method.
- Cook the Taquitos – Baking Method: Preheat the oven to 425°F (220°C). Arrange the rolled taquitos on a baking sheet. Lightly brush or spray the taquitos with vegetable oil to help them crisp. Bake for 15 to 18 minutes until golden brown and crispy.
- Cook the Taquitos – Frying Method: Heat vegetable oil in a skillet over medium heat. Fry the taquitos, seam-side down first, turning occasionally, until golden and crisp on all sides, about 2-3 minutes per side. Drain on paper towels.
- Serve: Serve hot with your favorite toppings such as sour cream, guacamole, or salsa.
Notes
- Flour tortillas can be substituted for a softer texture, though corn tortillas offer a more traditional crunch and flavor.
- Add diced green chilies or jalapeños to the beef mixture for extra heat and flavor.
- These taquitos can be assembled and frozen before baking. Bake directly from frozen, adding a few extra minutes to the cooking time.
