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
- Prepare the oven environment by heating to 425F (220C) and lining a baking sheet with parchment paper or applying a light grease coating.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- Transfer the baking sheet to the preheated oven and bake for approximately 15-20 minutes, monitoring until the taquitos develop a golden, crisp exterior.
- 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