Beef Taquitos Recipe
If you’re searching for the ultimate party snack or a weeknight meal that’s both satisfying and irresistibly fun, Beef Taquitos are bound to become your new favorite. These crispy rolled tacos have a savory, spiced beef filling and a perfect golden crunch with every bite. Whether you fry, bake, or air fry them, they deliver bold flavors, melty cheese, and a satisfyingly crunchy shell that pairs beautifully with fresh toppings. Trust me, once you’ve made homemade Beef Taquitos, you’ll never look at store-bought the same way again!
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering the ingredients for Beef Taquitos couldn’t be simpler. Each component plays a vital role, from building bold, deep flavor in the filling to ensuring you get that crave-worthy crunch. Here’s what you’ll need and why it matters:
- Ground beef or shredded cooked beef: The heart of Beef Taquitos! Choose ground beef for ease, or use leftover brisket or roast for extra richness and texture.
- Onion: Adds natural sweetness and depth as it sautés with the beef, rounding out the filling beautifully.
- Garlic: A must for savory warmth and irresistible aroma in every bite.
- Chili powder: Brings a rich, smoky flavor while adding a subtle kick that’s classic in taquitos.
- Ground cumin: Earthy and slightly peppery, it deepens the flavor profile of the beef filling.
- Smoked paprika: Offers a whisper of smokiness that complements the beef and spices perfectly.
- Dried oregano: Lends a gentle herbal note that brightens the filling.
- Salt: Essential for making every spice and meaty bite sing with flavor.
- Black pepper: Adds a touch of sharpness to balance the richness.
- Tomato sauce or salsa: Helps bind everything together while providing tang and moisture.
- Shredded cheese: Cheddar, Monterey Jack, or a Mexican blend melts into gooey pockets inside each taquito.
- Corn tortillas: The classic choice for authentic Beef Taquitos—their toasty flavor gets even better when crisped.
- Vegetable oil or cooking spray: Needed for frying or baking to achieve that all-important crunch.
- Toothpicks (optional): Helpful for keeping your taquitos tightly rolled during cooking.
- Guacamole, sour cream, salsa, shredded lettuce, chopped cilantro, diced tomatoes: These toppings are optional, but they add freshness, color, and big flavor when serving.
How to Make Beef Taquitos
Step 1: Sauté Onion and Garlic
Start by heating a drizzle of oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Once shimmering, toss in your diced onion and let it cook until softened and fragrant, about 3–4 minutes. Then stir in the minced garlic, giving it about 30 seconds to become aromatic—this sets the savory base for your Beef Taquitos filling.
Step 2: Brown the Beef
Add your ground beef straight to the skillet, breaking it up into small pieces. Sauté until fully browned and no pink remains. If you’re using shredded cooked beef instead, just add it in and let it warm through in all those flavors from the pan.
Step 3: Toast the Spices
Now sprinkle in the chili powder, cumin, smoked paprika, oregano, salt, and black pepper. Stir everything together and let it cook for 1–2 minutes. Toasting the spices like this unlocks their oils and makes the Beef Taquitos filling truly pop with deep, fragrant flavor.
Step 4: Add Tomato Sauce or Salsa
Pour in your tomato sauce or salsa and give it a good stir. Allow the mixture to simmer for 3–5 minutes, just until it thickens slightly and you see everything nicely cohesive and saucy—perfect for rolling.
Step 5: Melt in Cheese
Remove the skillet from the heat and mix in the shredded cheese. It will melt into the warm beef, giving you gooey pockets of goodness every time you bite into a Beef Taquito. Let the filling cool off a bit before rolling, so you don’t burn your fingers later!
Step 6: Warm the Tortillas
To keep your corn tortillas from cracking, heat them briefly in a dry skillet for about 10–15 seconds per side. You can also wrap them in a damp paper towel and microwave for 20–30 seconds until they’re soft and pliable.
Step 7: Fill and Roll
Spoon 2 tablespoons of the beef mixture in a line along the lower third of each tortilla. Roll it up tightly, keeping the seam on the bottom. Use a toothpick if you like to hold everything in place. This is where your Beef Taquitos really start taking shape!
Step 8: Fry, Bake, or Air Fry
Depending on how crispy you like them or what kitchen tools you have, you can fry, bake, or air fry your Beef Taquitos. For frying, heat 1–2 inches of oil to 350°F, then fry taquitos seam-side down first for 2–3 minutes per side until golden. For baking, arrange them seam-side down on a parchment-lined sheet, spray with oil, and bake at 425°F for 15–20 minutes, flipping halfway. Air frying? Set it to 400°F and cook for 6–8 minutes, turning once—super quick and less oily!
Step 9: Garnish and Enjoy
Transfer hot Beef Taquitos to a platter, remove toothpicks, and go wild with your favorite toppings. Think a dollop of guacamole or sour cream, a scoop of salsa, fresh cilantro, and maybe a sprinkle of crisp lettuce and diced tomatoes for freshness. Serve immediately while they’re crispy and hot!
How to Serve Beef Taquitos
Garnishes
The toppings are your chance to shine! Classic garnishes for Beef Taquitos include silky guacamole, tangy sour cream, your go-to salsa, refreshing shredded lettuce, juicy diced tomatoes, and a scattering of fresh cilantro. Don’t be afraid to load them up for extra color, flavor, and crunch.
Side Dishes
Beef Taquitos make a fabulous main course, but they also play well with sides. Pair them with Mexican rice, refried beans, elote (Mexican street corn), or a zesty corn salad. Even a simple slaw tossed in lime juice is refreshing alongside these crispy delights.
Creative Ways to Present
Serve a platter of taquitos upright in glasses filled with salsa for an eye-catching party snack, or arrange them on a colorful tray smothered in cheese and extra salsa for DIY taquito nachos. Beef Taquitos also work well tucked into bento boxes or cut in half as bite-sized appetizers for entertaining.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you’ve got leftover Beef Taquitos, don’t worry—they keep quite well! Cool completely, then store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. This makes quick snacks or lunchbox additions a breeze.
Freezing
For maximum convenience, freeze taquitos after assembling but before cooking. Place rolled (but uncooked) taquitos on a baking sheet and freeze until firm, then transfer to a freezer-safe bag. When ready to cook, no need to thaw—just bake or air fry from frozen, adding a few extra minutes to the cook time for fabulously crispy results.
Reheating
To maintain that delicious crunch when reheating, use your oven or air fryer rather than the microwave. Bake at 375°F for 8–10 minutes or air fry for 3–4 minutes until heated through and crisp. If you must microwave, wrap the Beef Taquitos in a damp paper towel to help avoid chewiness, though you’ll sacrifice some crispiness.
FAQs
Can I use flour tortillas instead of corn?
Absolutely! While corn tortillas deliver that classic taquito texture and flavor, you can substitute flour tortillas for a softer, slightly chewier bite. Just keep in mind that they may brown more quickly, so watch them closely while cooking.
How do I keep my Beef Taquitos from unrolling?
Warming your tortillas first makes them more flexible and less likely to crack. Rolling them tightly and placing them seam-side down helps, and if you’re worried, a toothpick inserted through the middle holds everything together during frying or baking.
Can I make Beef Taquitos vegetarian?
Definitely! Substitute the beef for cooked and seasoned mashed beans, lentils, or a plant-based meat substitute. The spices and cheesy filling work beautifully with these options, so you can enjoy all the classic flavors meat-free.
What’s the best way to reheat without losing crispiness?
For the crunchiest results, reheat Beef Taquitos in an air fryer or a hot oven. This method revives that golden exterior while ensuring the filling stays warm and flavorful—much better than the microwave!
Can I prepare the filling ahead of time?
Yes, you can make the beef filling up to 2 days in advance. Store it in the fridge and simply reheat briefly before filling your tortillas. It’s a huge time-saver if you want Beef Taquitos on the table in a flash.
Final Thoughts
Don’t wait for a party or special occasion—give these Beef Taquitos a try the next time you’re craving comfort food with a little crunch and a lot of flavor. With endless options for toppings and sides, they’re sure to win smiles from kids and adults alike. Roll them up, fry or bake until golden, and watch them disappear in no time!
Print
Beef Taquitos Recipe
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 12 taquitos 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Beef taquitos are a delicious and satisfying dish that combines seasoned beef, cheese, and flavorful spices all rolled up in a crispy tortilla. Perfect for a snack, appetizer, or even a meal, these taquitos are versatile and sure to be a hit with everyone!
Ingredients
For the Beef Filling:
- 1 pound ground beef or shredded cooked beef (e.g., brisket or roast)
- 1 small onion, finely diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon chili powder
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1/2 teaspoon salt, adjust to taste
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 cup tomato sauce or salsa
- 1/2 cup shredded cheese (cheddar, Monterey Jack, or a Mexican blend)
For Assembly:
- 12 small corn tortillas
- Vegetable oil for frying or cooking spray for baking
- Toothpicks, optional for holding taquitos together during cooking
For Serving:
- Guacamole
- Sour cream
- Salsa
- Shredded lettuce
- Chopped cilantro
- Diced tomatoes
Instructions
- Cook the Onion and Garlic: Heat a skillet, cook onion until soft, add garlic.
- Cook the Beef: Add ground beef, cook until browned.
- Season the Beef: Add chili powder, cumin, paprika, oregano, salt, and pepper. Cook to toast spices.
- Add Sauce: Stir in tomato sauce or salsa, cook until thickened.
- Finish the Filling: Remove from heat, stir in cheese.
- Prepare Tortillas: Warm tortillas, fill with beef mixture, roll tightly.
- Fry: Fry in hot oil until crispy.
- Bake: Alternatively, bake in the oven until golden and crispy.
- Air Fry: For a healthier option, air fry until crispy.
- Serve: Garnish taquitos with toppings and enjoy!
Notes
- Feel free to customize the filling with your favorite ingredients like beans, corn, or peppers.
- For a spicier kick, add some chopped jalapeños or a dash of hot sauce to the beef mixture.
- Make a big batch and freeze the taquitos for a quick and convenient snack or meal option.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Frying, Baking, Air Frying
- Cuisine: Mexican
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 taquito
- Calories: 180
- Sugar: 1g
- Sodium: 280mg
- Fat: 9g
- Saturated Fat: 3.5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 15g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 10g
- Cholesterol: 30mg
Keywords: beef taquitos, taquito recipe, Mexican appetizer, crispy taquitos
