Beef Taquitos

These delicious beef taquitos are perfect for any occasion, from family dinners to game day snacks. With a crispy exterior and a cheesy, flavorful filling, these taquitos will be a hit with everyone. Easy to make and versatile enough to customize with your favorite toppings, they bring the bold flavors of Mexican cuisine right to your kitchen.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick Preparation: With just 15 minutes of prep time, you can whip up these tasty taquitos in no time.
• Flavor Packed: The blend of spices and three types of cheese delivers an explosion of flavor in every bite.
• Versatile Serving Options: Great as appetizers or main dishes, you can serve them with sour cream, salsa, or guacamole for added zest.
• Crowd-Pleaser: Whether for parties or casual dinners, these taquitos are sure to please both kids and adults alike.
• Easy Customization: You can easily modify the fillings or toppings based on dietary preferences or what you have on hand.

Tools and Preparation

Before diving into making these beef taquitos, gather your kitchen tools for a smooth cooking experience.

Essential Kitchen Tools

• Large skillet
• Cast iron skillet or heavy pot (like a Dutch oven)
• Tongs
• Toothpicks
• Paper towels

Why These Tools Matter

• Large skillet: Ideal for browning meat evenly without overcrowding.
• Cast iron skillet or heavy pot: Retains heat well for perfectly frying the taquitos until golden brown.
• Tongs: Perfect for safely flipping the taquitos while frying without burning your hands.
• Paper towels: Essential for draining excess oil from the fried taquitos, keeping them crispy.

Ingredients

These easy beef taquitos are made with ground beef, sour cream, the perfect seasoning blend, and three kinds of cheese for that extra cheesy beefy goodness.

For the Filling

• 1 lb ground beef
• 1 small yellow onion chopped
• 1½ teaspoons chili powder
• 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
• 1 teaspoon ground cumin
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• 4 tablespoons cream cheese, softened and cubed
• ¼ cup sour cream
• 1 cup shredded pepper jack cheese
• 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese

For Assembly

• 8 (8 inch) flour or corn tortillas
• Vegetable oil for frying

How to Make Beef Taquitos

Step 1: Brown the Ground Beef

Start by browning the ground beef in a large skillet over medium heat. About halfway through this process:
1. Add the chopped onion to the skillet.
2. Cook until the onion becomes soft and translucent.

Step 2: Add Seasonings

Once the meat is browned:
1. Reduce the heat to low.
2. Stir in chili powder, smoked paprika, ground cumin, garlic powder, and dried oregano.
3. Cook this mixture for about 1 minute while stirring constantly.

Step 3: Combine with Cheese

Next:
1. Add cream cheese into the skillet.
2. Continue cooking over low heat until melted and combined thoroughly.
3. Remove from heat and gently fold in sour cream and both cheeses.

Step 4: Roll the Taquitos

Prepare your tortillas:
1. Spoon a few tablespoons of the beef mixture down the center of each tortilla.
2. Roll each tortilla tightly around the filling and secure it with a toothpick.

Step 5: Fry Until Golden Brown

Heat approximately 1-1½ inches of vegetable oil in a cast iron skillet or Dutch oven:
1. Once hot, carefully add a few rolled taquitos at a time using tongs.
2. Fry them until they turn golden brown on all sides.
3. Remove each batch to a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess oil.

Step 6: Serve with Toppings

Serve your crispy beef taquitos warm with toppings like sour cream, salsa, or Pico de Gallo for an extra layer of flavor! Enjoy your delicious creation!

How to Serve Beef Taquitos

Beef taquitos are a delightful dish that can be enjoyed in various ways. They’re versatile and can be served with a range of toppings and sides to enhance their flavor. Here are some serving suggestions that can elevate your beef taquitos experience.

Toppings

• Sour Cream: A classic choice, sour cream adds a creamy texture and tangy flavor.
• Guacamole: This creamy avocado dip provides richness and balances the spices in the taquitos.
• Pico de Gallo: Fresh and vibrant, pico de gallo brings a burst of flavor with tomatoes, onion, jalapeño, and cilantro.
• Shredded Lettuce: Adds crunch and freshness; sprinkle it on top for added texture.
• Sliced Jalapeños: For those who like a kick, fresh or pickled jalapeños can add heat.

Dipping Sauces

• Salsa Verde: This green salsa made from tomatillos adds a zesty contrast to the beef.
• Chipotle Sauce: A smoky chipotle sauce can provide depth and spice, perfect for dipping.

How to Perfect Beef Taquitos

Making the perfect beef taquitos is all about technique and quality ingredients. Here are some tips to ensure your taquitos turn out delicious every time.

• Bold Seasoning: Use fresh spices to enhance the flavors of your beef mixture. The right amount of seasoning makes all the difference.
• Properly Brown the Beef: Ensure that the ground beef is well-browned for maximum flavor before adding other ingredients.
• Use Fresh Tortillas: Soft, fresh tortillas roll better and provide a pleasant texture when cooked.
• Don’t Overfill: Avoid overfilling the tortillas to prevent them from bursting while frying.
• Maintain Oil Temperature: Keep oil at the right temperature (around 350°F) for crispy taquitos without absorbing excess oil.
• Drain Well After Frying: Let fried taquitos rest on paper towels to remove excess oil for a lighter bite.

Best Side Dishes for Beef Taquitos

Pairing side dishes with beef taquitos can create a satisfying meal. Here are some tasty options that complement this dish beautifully.

1. Mexican Rice: Fluffy rice cooked with tomatoes and spices adds a hearty touch to your meal.
2. Refried Beans: Creamy refried beans offer protein and fiber, making them a nutritious side option.
3. Corn Salad: A refreshing salad with sweet corn, lime, and cilantro brightens up the plate.
4. Chips and Salsa: Crunchy tortilla chips served with salsa make for an enjoyable appetizer or side snack.
5. Grilled Vegetables: Seasonal vegetables grilled until tender add color and nutrition alongside your taquitos.
6. Cilantro Lime Quinoa: This light quinoa dish infused with lime juice and fresh cilantro offers a healthy alternative to rice.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Making beef taquitos can be simple, but there are a few common mistakes that can affect the final result. Here are some pitfalls to watch out for:

• Skipping the seasoning: Failing to season the beef properly can lead to bland taquitos. Always add spices during cooking to enhance flavor.
• Overfilling the tortillas: Adding too much filling can cause the tortillas to break. Aim for just a few tablespoons of filling for easy rolling.
• Not sealing properly: If taquitos aren’t secured well, they may unroll while frying. Use toothpicks or ensure they are tightly rolled before frying.
• Using cold tortillas: Cold tortillas are more likely to crack. Warm them up briefly in a skillet or microwave before filling and rolling.
• Frying at the wrong temperature: Too low temperature will make them greasy, while too high will burn them. Aim for medium heat and adjust as necessary.

Refrigerator Storage

• Store in an airtight container.
• Beef taquitos will last up to 3 days in the refrigerator.

Freezing Beef Taquitos

• Place them in a freezer-safe bag or container.
• They can be frozen for up to 3 months.

Reheating Beef Taquitos

• Oven: Preheat to 375°F (190°C). Place taquitos on a baking sheet and heat for about 10-15 minutes until crispy.
• Microwave: Heat individually on a microwave-safe plate for 30-45 seconds. They won’t be as crisp but are quick!
• Stovetop: In a skillet over medium heat, reheat taquitos for about 5 minutes, turning occasionally to ensure even heating.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I make beef taquitos crispy?

To achieve crispy beef taquitos, ensure your oil is hot enough before frying and avoid overcrowding the pan.

Can I bake beef taquitos instead of frying?

Yes! Brush them with oil and bake at 400°F (200°C) for about 20 minutes or until golden and crispy.

What toppings go well with beef taquitos?

Popular toppings include sour cream, guacamole, salsa, and shredded lettuce. Feel free to get creative!

How long do leftover beef taquitos last?

Leftover beef taquitos can last in the refrigerator for up to 3 days if stored properly in an airtight container.

Conclusion

These beef taquitos are not only delicious but also incredibly versatile. You can customize them with various fillings, toppings, and spices according to your taste preferences. Give this recipe a try, and enjoy these delightful bites at your next meal!