Oven Baked Beef Taquitos Recipe

The Crispiest Oven Baked Beef Taquitos Recipe Ever Made

Crispy, golden oven baked beef taquitos dance with flavor on your plate, promising a delightful crunch in every bite.

Mexican-inspired comfort rushes through these little rolled delicacies, packed with seasoned meat and melting cheese.

The kitchen fills with an irresistible aroma that draws people from every corner of the house.

Perfectly rolled tortillas create a satisfying vessel for savory beef that promises maximum enjoyment.

Minimal ingredients and straightforward preparation make this recipe a winner for busy weeknight dinners or casual gatherings.

You’ll breeze through assembling these tasty rolls, transforming simple components into a crowd-pleasing dish.

If you crave something quick, delicious, and guaranteed to impress, these taquitos are your ultimate solution.

What To Pair With Oven Baked Beef Taquitos

  • Sip South of the Border Margaritas: Pair these crispy beef taquitos with a tangy classic margarita featuring fresh lime juice, tequila, and a salted rim to complement the savory meat and provide a zesty flavor contrast.
  • Blend Fresh Salsa Sidekick: Whip up a quick homemade salsa with diced tomatoes, onions, cilantro, and jalapeños to add bright, fresh notes that cut through the richness of the beef taquitos and provide a cool, refreshing dip.
  • Create Creamy Guacamole Companion: Mash ripe avocados with lime juice, salt, diced onions, and chopped cilantro to make a smooth, creamy guacamole that brings a rich, buttery texture and adds depth to each crunchy taquito bite.
  • Pour Mexican-Style Cerveza: Choose a crisp, light Mexican beer like Corona or Modelo to wash down the taquitos, with its clean, refreshing taste helping to balance the spicy and hearty beef filling.

New Flavors For Oven Baked Beef Taquitos

  • Spicy Jalapeño Kick: Add finely chopped jalapeños to the beef mixture for an extra spicy flavor that will make your taste buds dance.
  • Chicken Swap: Replace ground beef with shredded rotisserie chicken for a lighter protein option that's equally delicious and quick to prepare.
  • Vegetarian Black Bean Crunch: Substitute beef with black beans, diced bell peppers, and corn for a hearty vegetarian version that's packed with plant-based protein.
  • Green Chile Fusion: Mix in diced green chiles and a touch of cumin to give the taquitos a southwestern-inspired flavor profile that adds depth and excitement to every bite.

Oven Baked Beef Taquitos FAQs To Know

  • What makes these taquitos different from traditional deep-fried versions?

These oven-baked taquitos are healthier because they use less oil and are cooked in the oven, reducing overall fat content while still achieving a crispy texture.

  • Can I use different types of meat for this recipe?

Absolutely! You can substitute ground beef with ground turkey, shredded chicken, or even plant-based meat alternatives to suit your dietary preferences.

  • How do I prevent my taquitos from unrolling during baking?

Place the taquitos seam-side down on the baking sheet and make sure to roll them tightly. The weight and position will help them stay sealed during baking.

  • Is this recipe good for meal prep?

Yes! You can prepare the beef mixture ahead of time and assemble the taquitos just before baking. They also freeze well, making them a convenient make-ahead meal option.

Why Oven Baked Beef Taquitos Are Crunchy And Easy

  • Crunch into Crispy Perfection: These oven-baked taquitos deliver an incredible crispy exterior that shatters beautifully with each bite, offering a satisfying crunch without deep-frying.
  • Whip Up Quickly and Easily: This recipe is super simple, requiring just basic ingredients and minimal prep time, making it perfect for busy weeknight dinners or last-minute gatherings.
  • Pack Loads of Flavor: The combination of seasoned ground beef, garlic, and onions creates a mouthwatering filling that's packed with bold, zesty Mexican-inspired taste that will excite your taste buds.
  • Kid and Family-Friendly Meal: These handheld taquitos are fun to eat, customizable with different toppings, and appeal to both children and adults, making them an ideal crowd-pleasing dish for family meals or casual get-togethers.

What You’ll Need For Oven Baked Beef Taquitos

Main Protein:
  • Ground Beef: A hearty and flavorful base for the taquitos, perfect for creating a satisfying main filling.
Tortilla Wrap:
  • Corn Tortillas, Flour Tortillas: Flexible wrappers that hold the delicious beef mixture, corn tortillas offer an authentic Mexican touch while flour tortillas provide a softer texture.
Seasoning and Aromatics:
  • Taco Seasoning: A zesty blend that adds authentic Mexican-style flavor to the beef.
  • Onion, Garlic: Aromatic ingredients that provide depth and richness to the meat mixture.
Cheese:
  • Shredded Cheese: Adds creamy melted goodness and extra flavor to the taquito filling.
Cooking and Finishing Ingredients:
  • Olive Oil, Cooking Spray: Helps create a crispy golden exterior when baking.
  • Water: Helps blend the seasonings and keeps the meat mixture moist.
Optional Serving Accompaniments:
  • Salsa, Guacamole, Sour Cream: Classic dipping sauces that complement the taquitos' flavors.

How To Make Oven Baked Beef Taquitos Fast

Step 1: Fire Up The Oven

Crank your oven to a toasty 425F (220C). Grab a baking sheet and either line it with parchment paper or give it a quick spray of cooking oil.

Step 2: Brown The Beef Perfectly

Grab a large skillet and heat it up over medium flame. Toss in the ground beef and break it down with a wooden spoon. Cook until the meat transforms into a delicious golden-brown color. Drain away any extra grease that pools up.

Step 3: Spice Up The Mixture

Introduce these flavor friends to your beef:
  • Diced onion
  • Minced garlic
  • Taco seasoning

Stir everything together and let them dance around the pan for 2-3 minutes. Pour in a splash of water, then let the mixture simmer and mingle for another couple of minutes. Take the skillet off the heat.

Step 4: Roll Those Taquitos

Warm your tortillas in the microwave for a quick 20-30 seconds to make them super flexible. Time to create your rolls:
  • Spread 2-3 tablespoons of beef mixture on each tortilla
  • Sprinkle some shredded cheese
  • Roll tightly
  • Place seam-side down on the baking sheet

Step 5: Get Them Crispy

Lightly brush or spray the rolled taquitos with olive oil. This helps them turn golden and crunchy in the oven.

Step 6: Bake To Perfection

Slide the baking sheet into the oven. Bake for 15-20 minutes until the taquitos are beautifully golden and crisp.

Step 7: Serve And Enjoy

Pull the taquitos out and let them cool slightly. Serve with your favorite dips like salsa, guacamole, or sour cream for an extra flavor explosion.

Top Tips For Crisp Oven Baked Beef Taquitos

  • Maximize Meat Flavor: Add a splash of beef broth instead of water to intensify the meat's richness and create deeper, more complex taste profiles.
  • Perfect Tortilla Rolling: Heat tortillas briefly to prevent cracking and make rolling easier, ensuring tight, compact taquitos that won't unravel during baking.
  • Crisp Coating Trick: Sprinkle a light layer of grated parmesan cheese on the exterior before baking to achieve extra crunchiness and golden-brown edges.
  • Dietary Modification: Swap ground beef with shredded chicken or plant-based meat alternatives for versatile, diet-friendly taquitos that accommodate different nutritional needs.
  • Make-Ahead Magic: Prepare and assemble taquitos in advance, then freeze unbaked. When ready to eat, bake directly from frozen, adding 5-7 extra minutes to cooking time for perfect results.

How To Store Oven Baked Beef Taquitos The Right Way

  • Refrigerate: Store leftover taquitos in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking, keeping them fresh for 3-4 days in the refrigerator.
  • Freeze: Wrap individual taquitos in plastic wrap, then place in a freezer-safe bag. Frozen taquitos can last up to 3 months without losing quality.
  • Reheat Oven: Preheat oven to 375F, arrange taquitos on a baking sheet, and warm for 10-12 minutes until crispy and heated through. Avoid microwave to maintain crunchiness.
  • Quick Tip: Let refrigerated or frozen taquitos sit at room temperature for 10 minutes before reheating to ensure even warming and maintain their delicious texture.
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Oven Baked Beef Taquitos Recipe

Oven Baked Beef Taquitos Recipe


5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

4.7 from 16 reviews

  • Total Time: 30 minutes
  • Yield: 12 1x

Description

Crispy Beef Taquitos bring Mexican street flavor straight to kitchen counters with golden-brown tortillas packed with savory seasoned ground beef. Crunchy exterior and rich inner filling promise delightful bites you’ll crave again and again.


Ingredients

Scale

Main Protein:

  • 1 pound ground beef

Vegetables and Aromatics:

  • 1 small onion, finely diced
  • 2 garlic cloves, minced

Cheese and Tortillas:

  • 1 ½ cups shredded cheddar or Monterey Jack cheese
  • 12 small flour or corn tortillas

Seasoning and Liquid:

  • 1 (1 ounce) packet taco seasoning or homemade taco seasoning
  • ¼ cup water

Oil:

  • 2 tablespoons olive oil or cooking spray

Optional Dips and Garnishes:

  • Salsa
  • Guacamole
  • Sour cream
  • Chopped cilantro

Instructions

  1. Prepare the oven environment by heating to 425F (220C) and lining a baking sheet with parchment paper or applying a light grease coating.
  2. Utilize a large skillet over medium heat and thoroughly cook the ground beef, methodically breaking it into small crumbles until completely browned. Carefully drain any accumulated fat.
  3. Incorporate diced onion, minced garlic, and taco seasoning into the cooked beef. Allow the mixture to simmer, stirring occasionally, enabling the aromatics to release their flavors and soften. Introduce a small amount of water and continue cooking for an additional two minutes to harmonize the ingredients.
  4. Gently warm tortillas in the microwave to enhance their flexibility, making them easier to manipulate. Position the beef mixture and shredded cheese near one edge of each tortilla, then roll tightly and secure with the seam facing downward on the prepared baking sheet.
  5. Enhance the exterior texture by delicately brushing olive oil across the rolled taquitos or applying a light coating of cooking spray to promote even crisping.
  6. Transfer the baking sheet to the preheated oven and bake for approximately 15-20 minutes, monitoring until the taquitos develop a golden, crisp exterior.
  7. Allow the taquitos to cool momentarily after removing from the oven. Present alongside complementary condiments such as salsa, guacamole, or sour cream for an enhanced dining experience.

Notes

  • Choose lean ground beef to reduce excess grease and create a healthier taquito option.
  • Pat the ground beef dry before cooking to ensure better browning and prevent soggy texture.
  • Experiment with different protein alternatives like shredded chicken, turkey, or plant-based crumbles for dietary variations.
  • Corn tortillas work best for authentic crispiness, but flour tortillas can be used for a softer texture.
  • Prep taquitos in advance and freeze unbaked for quick future meals – just add 5-10 extra minutes to baking time when cooking from frozen.
  • For extra crunch, briefly broil taquitos for 1-2 minutes at the end of baking, watching carefully to prevent burning.
  • Use low-sodium taco seasoning to control salt intake and customize flavor intensity.
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 20 minutes
  • Category: Lunch, Dinner, Appetizer, Snacks
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: Mexican

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 12
  • Calories: 200
  • Sugar: 1 g
  • Sodium: 400 mg
  • Fat: 10 g
  • Saturated Fat: 4 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 5 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 20 g
  • Fiber: 1 g
  • Protein: 10 g
  • Cholesterol: 40 mg
James Mitchell

James Mitchell

Founder & Recipe Developer

Expertise

Recipe Creation and Testing​, Fusion Cuisine​, Food Styling and Photography​, Culinary Education​

Education

Kendall College, Chicago, IL

  • Degree: Bachelor of Arts in Culinary Arts
  • Focus: Comprehensive training in classic and modern cooking techniques, with a specialization in international cuisines.​

The Culinary Institute of America, Hyde Park, NY

  • Program: Advanced Certificate in Gastronomy
  • Focus: In-depth studies of global food cultures, flavor profiling, and innovative recipe development.​

James Mitchell is the founder and fearless flavor explorer at Cooking Crusade. With a degree in Culinary Arts from Kendall College and advanced training in global gastronomy from The Culinary Institute of America, James has spent over a decade perfecting the art of recipe creation. 

His background includes fine dining, private cheffing, and food styling, but his true joy comes from turning big ideas into doable recipes for home cooks. Every dish he shares is a mix of creativity, culture, and a little kitchen magic, built to bring excitement back to everyday meals.

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