Name: Crispy Cheesy Beef Taquitos
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 35 min
Cuisine: Mexican
Ingredients: 8 small corn tortillas; 1 lb ground beef; 1 cup shredded cheese (cheddar or Mexican blend); 1 teaspoon chili powder; 1 teaspoon cumin; 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder; Salt and pepper to taste; Oil for frying or cooking spray for baking; Sour cream for serving; Salsa for serving

why make this recipe

I love these taquitos because they feel like a warm hug on a busy night. They crisp up fast. Kids and grown-ups both smile. I sometimes serve them alongside a saucy pasta night, like when I make my Cajun steak tips with cheesy rigatoni for friends. They stretch a pound of beef into a crowd-pleaser. They also come together with simple pantry spices. You can bake them or fry them. Both ways taste great.

how to make Crispy Cheesy Beef Taquitos

Ingredients:
8 small corn tortillas, 1 lb ground beef, 1 cup shredded cheese (cheddar or Mexican blend), 1 teaspoon chili powder, 1 teaspoon cumin, 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder, Salt and pepper to taste, Oil for frying or cooking spray for baking, Sour cream for serving, Salsa for serving

Crispy Cheesy Beef Taquitos

Directions:

Heat a skillet over medium heat. Add the ground beef and brown it until fully cooked. Drain excess grease.
Stir in chili powder, cumin, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Cook for another minute. Remove from heat.
Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C) if you choose to bake.
Place a small amount of the beef mixture and cheese on each tortilla. Roll them tightly. Secure with a toothpick if needed.
If baking, place taquitos on a greased baking sheet. Spray them with cooking spray. Bake for 15–20 minutes until golden. If frying, heat oil in a pan and fry taquitos until golden and crispy.
Serve warm with sour cream and salsa for dipping.

how to serve Crispy Cheesy Beef Taquitos

Serve them hot and crunchy. Plate them with a bowl of salsa and a dollop of sour cream. Add a simple salad to balance the meal. For a heartier combo, try them next to my cheesy ranch potatoes with smoked sausage for a fun twist.

how to store Crispy Cheesy Beef Taquitos

Cool them to room temperature first. Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven at 375°F for 8–10 minutes to keep them crisp. You can also freeze cooked taquitos. Freeze them in a single layer on a tray, then transfer to a freezer bag. Reheat from frozen in a 400°F oven for about 15–18 minutes.

tips to make Crispy Cheesy Beef Taquitos

Warm the tortillas slightly before filling so they roll without cracking. Use a paper towel and microwave for 15–20 seconds. Don’t overfill. A small spoonful of beef and a sprinkle of cheese roll better. If baking, spray lightly with oil so they brown evenly. For a crunchy snack board, I sometimes pair them with my cheesy gruyère crackers for cheese lovers.

variation (if any)

Swap the beef for shredded chicken or cooked black beans for a vegetarian version. Add chopped green chiles or a few dashes of hot sauce to the filling for heat. For a smoky flavor, use smoked cheddar or add a pinch of smoked paprika. If you want a richer platter, serve them with my take on Italian comfort food like the Buona-style Genovese for a cozy, mixed-menu dinner.

FAQs

Q: Can I make taquitos ahead of time?
A: Yes. Assemble them and refrigerate for a few hours before baking. Or freeze assembled taquitos and bake from frozen.

Q: How do I prevent tortillas from cracking when rolling?
A: Warm them briefly in the microwave or on a skillet. Use small tortillas and don’t overfill.

Q: Are these safe to bake instead of fry?
A: Absolutely. Baking gives crisp edges and less oil. Spray them lightly with cooking spray for best browning.

Crispy Cheesy Beef Taquitos

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