Beef taquitos are the perfect fusion of crispy goodness and savory flavor, making them a favorite snack or meal for any occasion. These delightful rolled tortillas filled with seasoned beef and melted cheese can be enjoyed as a quick weeknight dinner or served at a fun gathering with friends and family. With just a handful of ingredients and a few simple steps, you’ll be on your way to creating a delicious dish that will impress your loved ones. Let’s dive into the world of beef taquitos!
Why Beef Taquitos is Worth Your Time
Beef taquitos are not only incredibly tasty, but they are also versatile and easy to make. You can customize them with your favorite toppings, making them suitable for everyone at the table. Plus, they are great for meal prepping and can be frozen for quick snacks later on. The combination of crispy tortillas and flavorful beef filling is sure to satisfy your cravings and keep you coming back for more.
What You’ll Gather
- 1/2 tablespoon avocado oil or olive oil
- 1/4 medium onion, diced
- 1 pound ground beef
- Taco Seasoning – use the entire recipe of our homemade taco seasoning*
- 1/4 cup water
- 20 corn tortillas
- 1 1/2 cups shredded Mexican blend cheese or cheddar cheese
- Oil, for frying the taquitos
- Toppings: shredded lettuce, diced tomatoes, sour cream, salsa, and guacamole
Equipment at a Glance
- Large skillet: To cook the beef mixture.
- Mixing bowl: For combining the beef and seasoning.
- Tortilla warmer or clean kitchen towel: To keep tortillas warm and pliable.
- Frying pan or deep fryer: For frying the taquitos until crispy.
- Slotted spoon: To remove taquitos from the oil.
Beef Taquitos Cooking Guide
Step 1: Prepare the Filling
In a large skillet over medium heat, add the avocado oil. Once the oil is hot, add the diced onion. Sauté for about 2-3 minutes until the onion is translucent. Then, add the ground beef to the skillet. Cook, breaking it apart with a spatula, until it is browned and cooked through.
Step 2: Season the Beef
Once the beef is browned, drain any excess fat, if necessary. Add the taco seasoning and water to the skillet. Stir well to combine, ensuring the beef is evenly coated with the seasoning. Allow this mixture to simmer for about 5 minutes until the water has mostly evaporated, and the flavors meld together. Remove from heat and let it cool slightly.
Step 3: Prepare the Tortillas
While the beef mixture cools, warm the corn tortillas. You can do this by wrapping them in a clean kitchen towel and microwaving them for about 30 seconds or warming them on a skillet until they are pliable. This step is crucial to prevent the tortillas from cracking when rolling.
Step 4: Assemble the Taquitos
Spoon about 2 tablespoons of the beef mixture onto one end of each tortilla. Sprinkle some cheese over the beef, then roll the tortilla tightly around the filling, securing it with a toothpick if desired. Repeat this process with the remaining tortillas and filling.
Step 5: Fry the Taquitos
In a frying pan or deep fryer, heat oil over medium-high heat. Once the oil is hot, carefully add the rolled taquitos, seam side down, in batches. Fry for about 3-4 minutes or until golden brown and crispy. Use a slotted spoon to remove them and place them on a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess oil.
Step 6: Serve with Toppings
Arrange the crispy taquitos on a serving platter. Top them with shredded lettuce, diced tomatoes, sour cream, salsa, and guacamole. Enjoy your delicious homemade beef taquitos!
Ingredient Swaps & Substitutions
- Use ground turkey or chicken instead of beef for a lighter option.
- Swap corn tortillas for flour tortillas if you prefer a different texture.
- For a vegetarian version, replace the beef with black beans or lentils.
- Try different cheese blends like pepper jack for a spicy kick.
Pro Tips & Notes
- To keep taquitos crispy, avoid overcrowding the frying pan.
- Make sure the oil is hot enough before frying; otherwise, the taquitos will absorb too much oil.
- For an extra layer of flavor, add some chopped jalapeños or bell peppers to the beef mixture.
- If you prefer baking, brush the taquitos with oil and bake at 400°F (200°C) for about 20 minutes until golden brown and crispy.
Storing, Freezing & Reheating
If you have leftover beef taquitos, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. You can also freeze un-fried taquitos by placing them on a baking sheet and freezing until solid. Once frozen, transfer them to a freezer bag and store for up to 3 months. To reheat, cook frozen taquitos directly in the frying pan or bake from frozen until heated through and crispy.
Common Qs About Beef Taquitos
Can I make beef taquitos ahead of time?
Yes! You can prepare the filling and assemble the taquitos in advance. Just store them in the refrigerator until you’re ready to fry or bake them.
What is the best way to heat taquitos if they become soggy?
To re-crisp your taquitos, bake them in a preheated oven at 375°F (190°C) for about 10 minutes or until they are crispy again.
Can I use store-bought taco seasoning?
Absolutely! If you’re short on time, store-bought taco seasoning works wonderfully in this recipe. Just make sure to adjust the salt as needed.
Are beef taquitos gluten-free?
Yes, as long as you use corn tortillas that are labeled gluten-free, your beef taquitos will be gluten-free as well.
Serve with These
Let’s Eat
Now that you have all the tips and tricks to make the perfect beef taquitos, it’s time to gather your ingredients and get cooking! These crispy delights are sure to bring smiles to your table, whether served for a casual family dinner or a festive get-together. With each bite, you’ll enjoy the satisfying crunch and the rich flavors of the seasoned beef and melted cheese. Don’t forget to load them up with your favorite toppings for an extra delicious experience. Happy cooking!
Beef Taquitos
Equipment
- Large Skillet
- Mixing Bowl
- Tortilla warmer or clean kitchen towel
- Frying pan or deep fryer
- Slotted Spoon
Ingredients
- 1/2 tablespoon avocado oil or olive oil
- 1/4 medium onion diced
- 1 pound ground beef
- Taco Seasoning use the entire recipe of homemade taco seasoning
- 1/4 cup water
- 20 corn tortillas
- 1 1/2 cups shredded Mexican blend cheese or cheddar cheese
- Oil for frying the taquitos
- Toppings shredded lettuce, diced tomatoes, sour cream, salsa, and guacamole
Instructions
Beef Taquitos Cooking Guide
- In a large skillet over medium heat, add the avocado oil. Once hot, add the diced onion and sauté for 2-3 minutes until translucent.
- Add the ground beef to the skillet. Cook, breaking it apart, until browned and cooked through.
- Drain excess fat if needed. Add taco seasoning and water. Stir to combine and simmer for about 5 minutes until water evaporates.
- Remove from heat and let the beef mixture cool slightly.
- Warm the corn tortillas by wrapping in a clean kitchen towel and microwaving for 30 seconds or warming on a skillet to keep them pliable.
- Spoon about 2 tablespoons of beef mixture onto one end of each tortilla. Sprinkle cheese over beef and roll tightly. Secure with toothpick if desired.
- Heat oil in a frying pan or deep fryer over medium-high heat. Fry taquitos seam side down in batches for 3-4 minutes until golden and crispy.
- Remove taquitos with slotted spoon and drain on paper towels.
- Serve taquitos topped with shredded lettuce, diced tomatoes, sour cream, salsa, and guacamole.
Notes
- To keep taquitos crispy, avoid overcrowding the frying pan.
- Make sure the oil is hot before frying to prevent excess oil absorption.
- Add chopped jalapeños or bell peppers to the beef for extra flavor.
- For a healthier option, bake taquitos at 400°F (200°C) for 20 minutes instead of frying.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days or freeze un-fried taquitos for up to 3 months.
