If you’re looking for a crowd-pleasing snack or a fun dinner idea, this Beef Taquitos Recipe is your new best friend in the kitchen. Crispy, cheesy, and packed with flavorful seasoned beef wrapped in warm tortillas, these taquitos deliver irresistible texture and a harmonious blend of spicy, creamy, and savory notes. Whether it’s game day, a family gathering, or just a casual meal at home, this recipe will quickly become a favorite for all ages and cravings alike.
Ingredients You’ll Need
These ingredients are refreshingly simple yet essential, working together to create the perfect balance of creaminess, spice, and crunch that makes this dish shine. Knowing exactly what goes into your taquitos helps you appreciate every bite even more.
- 1 pound ground beef: The hearty base that brings savory richness and satisfying protein.
- 1 ounce taco seasoning: Adds zesty Mexican-inspired spices for bold flavor; store-bought or homemade both work wonderfully.
- 4 ounces cream cheese (½ brick): Melts smoothly into the beef, lending luscious creaminess and binding everything together.
- ½ cup sour cream: Provides a tangy undertone and helps keep the filling smooth and moist.
- ½ cup salsa: Introduces acidity and a subtle kick, elevating the entire mixture.
- 1 cup freshly shredded pepper jack cheese: For that perfect melty, slightly spicy cheese pull inside each taquito.
- 8 tortillas (corn or flour): These wrap up the filling; corn gives more of a traditional crunch, while flour tortillas offer a softer bite.
- Optional toppings (salsa, guacamole, sour cream, shredded cheese): To customize your serving and indulge in extra layers of flavor.
How to Make Beef Taquitos Recipe
Step 1: Prepare Your Oven and Pan
Set your oven to 375°F and give a 9×13-inch baking or jellyroll pan a good spray with nonstick cooking spray. This simple prep step ensures your taquitos don’t stick and come out beautifully crisp.
Step 2: Cook the Ground Beef
In a large skillet over medium-high heat, brown the ground beef until it’s cooked through and no longer pink. This step is where your beef builds its rich, hearty base.
Step 3: Season the Beef
Sprinkle in the taco seasoning and stir well so that every bit of beef is infused with those classic savory and spicy flavors that set this Beef Taquitos Recipe apart.
Step 4: Incorporate Cream Cheese
Add the cream cheese directly into the skillet. Keep stirring as it melts fully into the beef, creating a luxuriously creamy texture that ties the filling together.
Step 5: Mix in Sour Cream and Salsa
Now, fold in the sour cream and salsa. This combination adds moisture without being runny and introduces a lovely tang and subtle heat to keep the filling vibrant.
Step 6: Add Pepper Jack Cheese
Take the pan off the heat and stir in the shredded pepper jack cheese. The residual warmth melts the cheese, weaving gooey, spicy goodness through the mixture.
Step 7: Soften the Tortillas
Warm each tortilla in the microwave for about 10 seconds. This makes them pliable and easy to roll without cracking, which is key for perfectly shaped taquitos.
Step 8: Assemble the Taquitos
Place a tortilla flat on your work surface and spoon a generous amount of the beef filling along one side. Carefully roll it up tight, then place seam-side down in your prepared pan. Repeat with all tortillas to fill the pan.
Step 9: Bake Until Crispy
Slide the pan into your preheated oven and bake for around 15 minutes. Once golden and crisp, your taquitos are ready to come out. This final step gives them that irresistible crunch you’re craving.
How to Serve Beef Taquitos Recipe
Garnishes
Top your taquitos with a dollop of sour cream, a sprinkle of shredded cheese, and a generous helping of salsa for bright, fresh contrast. Guacamole brings a creamy, cooling element that balances spice beautifully.
Side Dishes
Serve these taquitos alongside a crisp salad, Mexican rice, or refried beans for a full meal experience. Even simple tortilla chips and a fresh pico de gallo make fantastic companions.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, cut the baked taquitos into bite-sized pieces and serve them on a platter for party appetizers. Alternatively, stack them with layers of melted cheese and extra salsa for a hearty taquito casserole.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover taquitos can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. Keep them separated with parchment paper to avoid sticking together and to retain their crispy texture.
Freezing
To freeze, assemble the taquitos but do not bake them. Arrange them on a baking sheet and freeze until solid, then transfer to a freezer-safe bag. They can be baked directly from frozen, adding a few extra minutes to the cooking time.
Reheating
Reheat leftovers in a preheated oven at 350°F for 8-10 minutes. This method revives the crispiness much better than microwaving, ensuring they taste fresh and delicious every time.
FAQs
Can I use shredded beef instead of ground beef?
Absolutely! Shredded beef works wonderfully and adds a different texture, just make sure it’s well seasoned and combined with the creamy elements to stay cohesive when rolling.
What tortillas work best for Beef Taquitos Recipe?
Corn tortillas give you that authentically crispy texture, but flour tortillas are sturdier and easier to roll, especially if your tortillas are fresh and soft. Both options taste delicious.
Can I make these taquitos vegetarian?
Yes, swap out the beef for sautéed mushrooms, black beans, or seasoned tofu for a tasty vegetarian alternative. Use the same creamy and spicy filling base to keep the flavor profile intact.
How spicy are these taquitos?
The spice level can be adjusted by choosing your taco seasoning and salsa. Pepper jack cheese adds a subtle kick, but you can swap it for a milder cheese or add extra jalapeños if you love heat.
Do I have to bake, or can I fry the taquitos?
Baking is a healthier, less messy option that still yields crispy results, but frying them will give you that classic ultra-crispy exterior. Just be mindful of oil temperature to avoid soggy taquitos.
Final Thoughts
There is something truly comforting about biting into a crunchy, creamy, flavor-packed taquito that this Beef Taquitos Recipe delivers with ease and joy. Once you try making them, you’ll see how simple ingredients come together to create an unforgettable dish perfect for any occasion. I can’t wait for you to enjoy this one as much as I do!
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Beef Taquitos Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings (8 taquitos)
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Mexican
Description
These Beef Taquitos are crispy rolled tortillas filled with a savory mixture of seasoned ground beef, creamy cheese, salsa, and spices. Baked to perfection, they make a delicious appetizer or main dish served with classic toppings like guacamole, sour cream, and extra cheese.
Ingredients
Filling
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 ounce taco seasoning (store-bought or homemade, about 1 packet)
- 4 ounces cream cheese (½ brick)
- ½ cup sour cream
- ½ cup salsa (store-bought or homemade)
- 1 cup freshly shredded pepper jack cheese
Taquitos
- 8 tortillas (corn or flour)
For Serving
- Salsa
- Guacamole
- Sour cream
- Shredded cheese
Instructions
- Preheat and prepare pan: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly spray a 9×13-inch baking pan or jellyroll pan with nonstick spray and set it aside to use later for baking the taquitos.
- Cook ground beef: Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef and cook, stirring often, until it is fully browned and no longer pink inside.
- Add seasoning: Sprinkle the taco seasoning over the cooked beef and stir well to evenly coat the meat with the spices and flavorings.
- Incorporate cream cheese: Add the cream cheese to the beef mixture. Stir continuously until the cream cheese melts completely and the mixture is hot and creamy.
- Mix sour cream and salsa: Stir in the sour cream and salsa until combined, creating a rich, flavorful filling.
- Add shredded cheese: Remove the pan from heat. Stir in the shredded pepper jack cheese until it melts evenly into the mixture, making the filling smooth and cheesy.
- Warm tortillas: Microwave the tortillas for about 10 seconds to soften them and make rolling easier.
- Assemble taquitos: Lay one tortilla flat on a clean surface. Spoon a generous amount of beef filling onto one side of the tortilla. Roll it tightly and place it seam-side down in the prepared pan. Repeat with the remaining tortillas and filling.
- Bake taquitos: Place the pan in the preheated oven and bake for about 15 minutes until the taquitos are golden brown and crispy on the edges.
- Serve: Remove from the oven and serve your crispy beef taquitos hot, accompanied by salsa, guacamole, sour cream, and extra shredded cheese for dipping and topping.
Notes
- You can substitute the ground beef with ground chicken or turkey for a leaner option.
- To make this recipe spicier, add chopped jalapeños or hot sauce to the filling.
- For extra crispiness, lightly brush or spray the taquitos with oil before baking.
- Use corn tortillas for a gluten-free version; ensure your taco seasoning is also gluten-free.
- Store leftover taquitos in an airtight container in the refrigerator and reheat in the oven to maintain crispiness.
