Crispy Cheesy Beef Taquitos
These Crispy Cheesy Beef Taquitos are golden, crunchy, and packed with savory flavor. Seasoned beef and melty cheese are rolled into tortillas and baked or fried until perfectly crisp. They’re an easy, crowd-pleasing snack or dinner that’s great for dipping and impossible to resist.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 small onion finely diced
- 2 cloves garlic minced
- 1 tablespoon chili powder
- 1 teaspoon cumin
- ½ teaspoon paprika
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- 1 cup shredded cheddar or Mexican-blend cheese
- 12 –14 small flour or corn tortillas
For Cooking
- Cooking spray or extra oil for brushing
Optional for Serving
- Sour cream
- Salsa or pico de gallo
- Guacamole
- Lime wedges
Instructions
Step 1: Cook the Beef Filling
- Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat.
- Add diced onion and cook until soft, about 3 minutes.
- Add garlic and cook for 30 seconds.
- Add ground beef and cook until browned, breaking it apart as it cooks.
- Drain excess grease if needed.
- Stir in chili powder, cumin, paprika, salt, and pepper.
- Remove from heat and let cool slightly.
Step 2: Add Cheese
- Once the beef mixture is warm not hot stir in shredded cheese.
- This prevents the cheese from melting too early and leaking out.
Step 3: Prepare Tortillas
- Warm tortillas briefly in the microwave or skillet so they’re pliable.
- Place about 2 tablespoons of filling near one edge of each tortilla.
- Roll tightly into a log shape.
Step 4: Cook the Taquitos
Oven Method (Recommended)
- Preheat oven to 425°F (220°C)
- Place taquitos seam-side down on a lined baking sheet
- Lightly spray or brush with oil
- Bake 15–18 minutes, flipping once, until golden and crisp
Air Fryer Method
- Cook at 400°F (200°C) for 8–10 minutes
- Flip halfway through
Pan Fry Method
- Fry seam side down in shallow oil
- Turn until all sides are golden
Video
Notes
📝 Notes
- Use lean ground beef (85–90%) to keep the filling flavorful without excess grease.
- Shred your own cheese for best melting; pre-shredded cheese can be slightly drier.
- Corn tortillas are traditional, but small flour tortillas work if warmed first to prevent cracking.
- Roll taquitos tightly and place seam-side down to help them stay closed while cooking.
- For extra crispiness, lightly brush or spray the taquitos with oil before baking or air frying.
- Taquitos can be baked, air-fried, or pan-fried depending on preference and equipment.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
- Reheat in the oven or air fryer to restore crisp edges; avoid microwaving if possible.
🍽️ Nutrition Facts (Per Serving)
Calories: 320 kcal,Carbohydrates: 24 g,
Fiber: 2 g,
Sugars: 2 g,
Protein: 18 g,
Fat: 19 g,
Saturated Fat: 8 g,
Cholesterol: 65 mg,
Sodium: 520 mg,
Potassium: 290 mg,
Calcium: 220 mg,
Iron: 2.6 mg