There’s something incredibly comforting about biting into a crunchy, golden-brown taquito filled with flavorful, seasoned beef. Whether served as a snack, appetizer, or even a main dish, beef taquitos are a crowd-pleaser that never disappoints. These rolled-up delights are packed with bold spices, melty cheese, and tender beef, all wrapped in a crispy tortilla.
I remember the first time I had homemade taquitos—fresh out of the pan, still sizzling, with a side of cool sour cream and chunky guacamole. The contrast of crispy tortilla and juicy, well-seasoned beef was simply unforgettable. While store-bought frozen taquitos can be convenient, nothing beats making them from scratch. Not only do they taste infinitely better, but you also get to control the ingredients, ensuring a fresher, healthier version.
These homemade beef taquitos are perfect for game nights, family dinners, or whenever you’re craving something deliciously crispy. Plus, they freeze beautifully, making them a great make-ahead option for busy days.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Crispy and Flavorful – Each bite delivers the perfect crunch, followed by a burst of juicy, spiced beef.
- Easy to Make – With just a few simple steps, you can whip up a batch in no time.
- Great for Meal Prep – Make them ahead, freeze them, and enjoy crispy taquitos anytime.
- Customizable – Add different toppings or fillings to make them your own.
Ingredients You’ll Need
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon chili powder
- 1 teaspoon cumin
- ½ teaspoon smoked paprika
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- ½ cup shredded cheddar cheese
- ½ cup shredded Monterey Jack cheese
- 12 small corn tortillas
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil (for frying or brushing if baking)
How to Make Beef Taquitos
Making beef taquitos at home is easier than you might think. With a few simple steps, you’ll have a plate full of crispy, cheesy goodness ready to enjoy.
Step 1: Prepare the Beef Filling
Start by heating a skillet over medium heat. Add the ground beef and cook, breaking it up with a spatula, until it’s browned and no longer pink. Drain any excess grease to keep the filling from getting too oily.
Next, stir in the chopped onion and minced garlic. Let them cook until the onion becomes soft and fragrant—this takes about 2-3 minutes. Then, add the chili powder, cumin, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper. Stir well so the beef absorbs all those delicious flavors.
Once the beef is seasoned, remove the pan from the heat and mix in the shredded cheddar and Monterey Jack cheese. The residual heat will melt the cheese, creating a creamy, flavorful filling. Set it aside while you prepare the tortillas.
Step 2: Warm the Tortillas
Corn tortillas can be a bit stiff, which makes them difficult to roll without cracking. To prevent this, warm them up first. You can do this by wrapping them in a damp paper towel and microwaving them for 30 seconds, or by heating them briefly in a dry skillet. Warm tortillas are much easier to roll and will hold their shape better.
Step 3: Fill and Roll the Taquitos
Spoon about 2 tablespoons of the beef mixture onto the lower third of each tortilla. Tightly roll them up and place them seam-side down on a plate or baking sheet to keep them from unraveling.
Step 4: Fry or Bake the Taquitos
- To Fry: Heat about 2 tablespoons of vegetable oil in a skillet over medium heat. Once hot, place the taquitos seam-side down and cook for about 2 minutes per side, or until golden brown and crispy. Remove and drain on a paper towel.
- To Bake: Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C). Place the taquitos seam-side down on a baking sheet and brush them lightly with oil. Bake for 15-20 minutes, flipping halfway, until they’re golden and crispy.
Step 5: Serve and Enjoy
Serve your taquitos hot with your favorite dipping sauces—guacamole, sour cream, or salsa are all excellent choices. Add a sprinkle of fresh cilantro or a squeeze of lime juice for an extra pop of flavor.
Helpful Tips
- Prevent Cracking – Always warm your tortillas before rolling to keep them pliable.
- Seal the Edges – If your taquitos start to unroll, use a toothpick to secure them while frying or baking.
- Crispier Taquitos – Brushing with oil before baking helps them crisp up beautifully.
- Make it Spicy – Add diced jalapeños or a pinch of cayenne pepper to the filling for extra heat.
- Double the Batch – These freeze well, so make extra and save some for later!
Recipe Details
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 12 taquitos
- Category: Appetizer, Main Course
- Method: Baking or Frying
- Cuisine: Mexican
- Diet: Halal
Notes
- Make-Ahead Tip – You can prepare the beef filling a day in advance and store it in the fridge. This makes assembling the taquitos even faster when you’re ready to cook.
- Gluten-Free Option – Corn tortillas are naturally gluten-free, but always check the packaging to ensure there’s no cross-contamination if you have dietary restrictions.
- Cheese Variations – Feel free to mix and match cheeses! Pepper Jack adds a little spice, while mozzarella gives a creamy, melty texture.
- Oil-Free Option – If you want to make these even lighter, use an air fryer or bake them instead of frying. They still turn out crispy and delicious!
- Serving Ideas – These taquitos pair perfectly with Spanish rice, refried beans, or a simple side salad for a complete meal.
Storage Instructions
Refrigeration
If you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, bake them at 350°F (175°C) for about 10 minutes to maintain crispiness.
Freezing
Taquitos freeze beautifully! Arrange them in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze until solid. Then, transfer them to a freezer-safe bag. They’ll keep for up to 3 months. To reheat, bake straight from frozen at 400°F (200°C) for 15-20 minutes.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use flour tortillas instead of corn tortillas?
Yes! Flour tortillas work well, but they will have a softer texture compared to corn tortillas, which get crispier when fried or baked.
How do I keep my taquitos from opening while cooking?
Placing them seam-side down helps keep them closed. If needed, use a toothpick to secure them while frying or baking.
Can I make these in an air fryer?
Absolutely! Place the taquitos in a single layer in your air fryer at 400°F (200°C) and cook for about 10 minutes, flipping halfway through.
What toppings go well with taquitos?
Sour cream, guacamole, pico de gallo, shredded lettuce, and crumbled queso fresco all make great toppings!
Related Recipes
If you liked this recipe, you’ll definitely enjoy these other crispy, cheesy delights:
Conclusion
Homemade beef taquitos are the perfect combination of crispy, cheesy, and flavorful. Whether you’re making them for a party, a weeknight dinner, or just a snack, they are sure to be a hit. With a few simple ingredients and easy steps, you can create restaurant-quality taquitos right in your own kitchen.
Print
Crispy Homemade Beef Taquitos
Description
There’s something incredibly comforting about biting into a crunchy, golden-brown taquito filled with flavorful, seasoned beef. Whether served as a snack, appetizer, or even a main dish, beef taquitos are a crowd-pleaser that never disappoints. These rolled-up delights are packed with bold spices, melty cheese, and tender beef, all wrapped in a crispy tortilla.
I remember the first time I had homemade taquitos—fresh out of the pan, still sizzling, with a side of cool sour cream and chunky guacamole. The contrast of crispy tortilla and juicy, well-seasoned beef was simply unforgettable. While store-bought frozen taquitos can be convenient, nothing beats making them from scratch. Not only do they taste infinitely better, but you also get to control the ingredients, ensuring a fresher, healthier version.
These homemade beef taquitos are perfect for game nights, family dinners, or whenever you’re craving something deliciously crispy. Plus, they freeze beautifully, making them a great make-ahead option for busy days.
Ingredients
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon chili powder
- 1 teaspoon cumin
- ½ teaspoon smoked paprika
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- ½ cup shredded cheddar cheese
- ½ cup shredded Monterey Jack cheese
- 12 small corn tortillas
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil (for frying or brushing if baking)
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Beef Filling
Start by heating a skillet over medium heat. Add the ground beef and cook, breaking it up with a spatula, until it’s browned and no longer pink. Drain any excess grease to keep the filling from getting too oily.
Next, stir in the chopped onion and minced garlic. Let them cook until the onion becomes soft and fragrant—this takes about 2-3 minutes. Then, add the chili powder, cumin, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper. Stir well so the beef absorbs all those delicious flavors.
Once the beef is seasoned, remove the pan from the heat and mix in the shredded cheddar and Monterey Jack cheese. The residual heat will melt the cheese, creating a creamy, flavorful filling. Set it aside while you prepare the tortillas.
Step 2: Warm the Tortillas
Corn tortillas can be a bit stiff, which makes them difficult to roll without cracking. To prevent this, warm them up first. You can do this by wrapping them in a damp paper towel and microwaving them for 30 seconds, or by heating them briefly in a dry skillet. Warm tortillas are much easier to roll and will hold their shape better.
Step 3: Fill and Roll the Taquitos
Spoon about 2 tablespoons of the beef mixture onto the lower third of each tortilla. Tightly roll them up and place them seam-side down on a plate or baking sheet to keep them from unraveling.
Step 4: Fry or Bake the Taquitos
- To Fry: Heat about 2 tablespoons of vegetable oil in a skillet over medium heat. Once hot, place the taquitos seam-side down and cook for about 2 minutes per side, or until golden brown and crispy. Remove and drain on a paper towel.
- To Bake: Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C). Place the taquitos seam-side down on a baking sheet and brush them lightly with oil. Bake for 15-20 minutes, flipping halfway, until they’re golden and crispy.
Step 5: Serve and Enjoy
Serve your taquitos hot with your favorite dipping sauces—guacamole, sour cream, or salsa are all excellent choices. Add a sprinkle of fresh cilantro or a squeeze of lime juice for an extra pop of flavor.
Notes
- Make-Ahead Tip – You can prepare the beef filling a day in advance and store it in the fridge. This makes assembling the taquitos even faster when you’re ready to cook.
- Gluten-Free Option – Corn tortillas are naturally gluten-free, but always check the packaging to ensure there’s no cross-contamination if you have dietary restrictions.
- Cheese Variations – Feel free to mix and match cheeses! Pepper Jack adds a little spice, while mozzarella gives a creamy, melty texture.
- Oil-Free Option – If you want to make these even lighter, use an air fryer or bake them instead of frying. They still turn out crispy and delicious!
- Serving Ideas – These taquitos pair perfectly with Spanish rice, refried beans, or a simple side salad for a complete meal.