Beef Taquitos

A delicious handheld snack or meal, Beef Taquitos are made by rolling seasoned ground beef and cheese in corn tortillas, then cooking until golden and crispy. Whether you fry, bake, or air-fry them, these taquitos deliver a satisfying crunch and rich flavor in every bite.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Versatile Cooking Methods: Choose frying, baking, or air-frying to suit your preference for crispiness or lower fat.

• Crowd-Pleaser: Perfect for weeknight dinners, game-day appetizers, or party finger food.

• Make-Ahead Friendly: Assemble in advance and freeze for quick cooking later.

• Family-Friendly Flavors: Mildly spiced beef and cheese appeal to all ages.

Ingredients

(Tip: You can find the complete list of ingredients and their measurements in the recipe card below.)

• Avocado or olive oil, for sautéing and brushing

• ¼ medium onion, diced

• 1 lb ground beef

• Taco seasoning (homemade or store-bought, sufficient for 1 lb beef)

• ¼ cup water

• 20 corn tortillas

• 1½ cups shredded Mexican-blend or cheddar cheese

• Additional oil, if frying

• Optional toppings: shredded lettuce, diced tomatoes, sour cream, salsa, guacamole

Directions

1. Prepare the Filling:

   • In a large skillet, heat ½ tablespoon oil over medium-high heat. Sauté the diced onion until tender, about 3 minutes.

   • Add the ground beef and cook until no longer pink, about 5 minutes, breaking it into small pieces as it cooks. Drain any excess grease.

   • Stir in the taco seasoning and water; simmer until the mixture thickens, approximately 3 minutes. Remove from heat.

2. Soften Tortillas:

   • Wrap the tortillas in a damp paper towel and microwave for 1 minute (flipping halfway) until pliable. Keep them covered to retain moisture.

3. Assemble Taquitos:

   • Lay one tortilla flat and place 1 heaping tablespoon of the beef mixture in the center. Top with 1 tablespoon of cheese.

   • Roll the tortilla tightly around the filling, securing with a toothpick if necessary. Repeat with the remaining tortillas.

4. Cook Taquitos (Choose One Method):

   • Bake: Preheat the oven to 425 °F. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper and arrange the taquitos seam-side down without touching. Brush or spray the tops lightly with oil. Bake for 15–20 minutes, until golden and crispy.

   • Fry: In a deep skillet, heat oil to 350 °F (about 2 inches deep). Fry 3–4 taquitos at a time, seam-side down, for 3–5 minutes, turning as needed for even browning. Drain on paper towels.

   • Air Fry: Preheat the air fryer to 400 °F. Arrange the taquitos in a single layer and spray lightly with cooking spray. Air-fry for 5 minutes, flip, spray again, and cook for an additional 2 minutes or until crispy.

5. Serve: Remove any toothpicks and arrange the taquitos on a platter. Serve with desired toppings.

Servings and timing

• Servings: 6 (approximately 20 taquitos)

• Prep Time: 15 minutes

• Cook Time: 20 minutes

• Total Time: 35 minutes

Variations

• Protein Swap: Use ground chicken or turkey instead of beef for a lighter option.

• Increased Heat: Add diced jalapeños or a pinch of cayenne pepper to the beef mixture.

• Alternate Cheeses: Try Monterey Jack, pepper Jack, or queso Oaxaca for different melting qualities.

• Different Tortillas: Flour tortillas yield a softer wrap; fresh corn tortillas provide an authentic taste.

Storage/reheating

• Refrigeration: Store cooled taquitos in an airtight container for up to 4 days.

• Freezing: Freeze un-cooked taquitos on a sheet tray until firm, then transfer to freezer bags for up to 1 month. Cook from frozen, adding a few extra minutes to the baking or air-fry time.

• Reheating:

  • Oven: Bake at 350 °F for about 15 minutes until heated through and crisp.

  • Air Fryer: Reheat at 350 °F for 3–5 minutes.

  • Microwave: Heat in 30-second intervals; note that the tortillas may soften.

FAQs

What size tortillas should I use for taquitos?

Use 6-inch corn tortillas for perfectly sized taquitos. Larger tortillas will produce thicker rolls and may require longer cooking times.

Can I prepare the taquitos the night before?

Yes. Assemble the taquitos, cover, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours before cooking. For longer storage, freeze as described above.

How do I prevent tortillas from cracking when rolling?

Warm the tortillas until they are pliable, either by microwaving or steaming. Wrapping them in a damp cloth helps maintain moisture and flexibility.

Is it better to bake or fry taquitos?

Baking yields a crispy exterior with less oil, while frying produces a richer, golden crunch. Air-frying offers a compromise with minimal oil use.

Which oil is best for frying taquitos?

Choose a high smoke-point oil such as avocado, canola, or vegetable oil for a clean flavor and even browning.

How can I make my taquitos extra crispy?

After baking or air-frying, lightly mist with cooking spray and broil for 1–2 minutes, watching carefully to avoid burning.

Are flour tortillas suitable for taquitos?

Flour tortillas can be used but will be softer and less crispy than corn tortillas. Reduce baking time slightly to prevent over-browning.

What is the best way to reheat leftover taquitos?

Reheat in an oven or air fryer to restore crispness. Avoid microwaving unless speed is essential, as it may soften the shells.

Can I add vegetables to the filling?

Yes. Finely diced bell peppers, onions, or corn can be sautéed with the beef mixture for added texture and flavor.

What dipping sauces complement beef taquitos?

Popular choices include salsa verde, guacamole, sour cream, queso dip, and creamy cilantro lime sauce.

Conclusion

Beef Taquitos are a flexible, crowd-pleasing option for casual dinners, appetizers, or make-ahead meals. With multiple cooking methods and endless variations, this recipe adapts to any palate or occasion. Enjoy the satisfying crunch and rich, savory filling that make these taquitos a guaranteed favorite.