Beef and Cheese Taquitos
Why make this recipe
Beef and cheese taquitos are a delicious and satisfying meal. They are easy to make and perfect for any occasion. You can serve them as snacks, appetizers, or a fun family dinner. The crispy tortillas filled with seasoned beef and gooey cheese are sure to please everyone at the table. Plus, they are customizable—add more spices or toppings to fit your taste!
How to make Beef and Cheese Taquitos
Making beef and cheese taquitos is simple and fun. Follow these steps to create a flavorful dish that will leave your mouth watering.
Ingredients
- 1 Tbsp. neutral oil, plus more for brushing or frying
- 1 small yellow onion, finely chopped
- 1/3 cup finely chopped pickled jalapeños
- Kosher salt to taste
- 2 cloves garlic, finely chopped
- 1 Tbsp. tomato paste
- 1 lb. ground beef (preferably 90% lean)
- 1 Tbsp. taco seasoning
- 3 oz. cheddar cheese, shredded
- 3 oz. pepper Jack cheese, shredded
- 3 Tbsp. all-purpose flour
- 6 Tbsp. fresh lime juice, divided
- 20 small corn tortillas
- 1/2 cup sour cream
- 2 Tbsp. chopped fresh cilantro
- Store-bought or homemade guacamole and pico de gallo, for serving
Directions
- In a large skillet over medium-high heat, heat 1 Tbsp. neutral oil until shimmering.
- Add onion, jalapeños, and 1/2 tsp. salt, cooking until the onion begins to soften—about 5 minutes.
- Stir in garlic and cook until fragrant, about 1 minute.
- Add tomato paste and cook until it starts to caramelize, about 2 to 3 minutes.
- Fold in the ground beef, taco seasoning, and 3/4 tsp. salt, cooking until no longer pink—about 5 minutes—then let it cool slightly.
- In a small bowl, mix cheddar and pepper Jack cheese.
- In another bowl, whisk together flour and 4 Tbsp. lime juice until smooth.
- Wrap 5 tortillas in a damp towel and microwave until softened.
- Fill each tortilla with the beef filling and cheese mixture, roll tightly, and brush with the flour mixture to seal.
- Arrange taquitos on a sheet tray.
- Combine sour cream, cilantro, and remaining lime juice in a bowl; refrigerate until serving.
- For baking, preheat oven to 400°F, brush taquitos with oil, and bake until crisp, about 18 to 20 minutes.
- For frying, heat oil to 375°F and fry taquitos until crispy—about 4 to 5 minutes.
How to serve Beef and Cheese Taquitos
Serve the taquitos hot with a side of sour cream, guacamole, and pico de gallo. The sour cream mixture with cilantro is a refreshing dip that complements the crispy taquitos perfectly. You can also add additional toppings like salsa or avocado slices for extra flavor.
How to store Beef and Cheese Taquitos
If you have leftovers, let the taquitos cool completely and store them in an airtight container in the fridge. They can last for about 3 days. To reheat, you can bake them in the oven at 350°F until heated through, or you can microwave them for a quick snack.
Tips to make Beef and Cheese Taquitos
- Use lean ground beef for less grease.
- Customize your filling by adding black beans or corn for extra texture.
- If you prefer, you can also bake the taquitos instead of frying for a healthier option.
- Ensure the tortillas are warm and pliable to avoid cracking while rolling.
Variation
You can switch the ground beef for shredded chicken or even a vegetarian option by using beans or lentils. Feel free to mix in your favorite spices or add more cheese for an extra cheesy taquito.
FAQs
1. Can I use flour tortillas instead of corn?
Yes, you can use flour tortillas, but corn tortillas are traditional for taquitos and provide a nice crisp texture.
2. Can I make these taquitos ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the filling and fill the tortillas ahead of time. Just store them in the fridge until you’re ready to bake or fry them.
3. How can I make them spicier?
Add more pickled jalapeños or include some hot sauce in the beef mixture to kick up the heat.
Beef and Cheese Taquitos
Ingredients
Method
- In a large skillet over medium-high heat, heat 1 Tbsp. neutral oil until shimmering.
- Add onion, jalapeños, and 1/2 tsp. salt, cooking until the onion begins to soften—about 5 minutes.
- Stir in garlic and cook until fragrant, about 1 minute.
- Add tomato paste and cook until it starts to caramelize, about 2 to 3 minutes.
- Fold in the ground beef, taco seasoning, and 3/4 tsp. salt, cooking until no longer pink—about 5 minutes—then let it cool slightly.
- In a small bowl, mix cheddar and pepper Jack cheese.
- In another bowl, whisk together flour and 4 Tbsp. lime juice until smooth.
- Wrap 5 tortillas in a damp towel and microwave until softened.
- Fill each tortilla with the beef filling and cheese mixture, roll tightly, and brush with the flour mixture to seal.
- Arrange taquitos on a sheet tray.
- Combine sour cream, cilantro, and remaining lime juice in a bowl; refrigerate until serving.
- For baking, preheat oven to 400°F, brush taquitos with oil, and bake until crisp, about 18 to 20 minutes.
- For frying, heat oil to 375°F and fry taquitos until crispy—about 4 to 5 minutes.
Notes
