If you are craving a delightful, crispy, and flavor-packed snack or meal, this Cheesy Beef Baked Taquitos Recipe is an absolute must-try. Imagine perfectly seasoned ground beef mingled with melted cheese, all wrapped in thin corn tortillas that bake to a golden, crunchy finish. The beauty of this dish is how each ingredient plays its part to create a symphony of textures and bold Mexican-inspired flavors that will have everyone reaching for seconds. Whether you’re serving them up for a family dinner or a festive gathering, these taquitos are sure to bring smiles and satisfy even the biggest appetites.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The magic of this Cheesy Beef Baked Taquitos Recipe starts with simple, yet absolutely essential ingredients. Each one contributes to the perfect balance of taste, texture, and color, making your taquitos irresistibly good.
- 1 lb Ground Beef (96/4): Lean enough to stay juicy but not greasy, providing the hearty protein base.
- 1 (250g) White Onion, finely diced: Adds a subtle sweetness and savory crunch to the filling.
- 5 cloves (25g) Garlic, minced: Brings bold aromatic depth that enhances every bite.
- 2 tsp Chili Powder: Gives a warm, slightly smoky spice that wakes up the palate.
- 1 tsp Kosher Salt: Balances and amplifies all the other flavors perfectly.
- 1 tsp Oregano: Adds a touch of earthy herbal notes reminiscent of authentic Mexican cuisine.
- 1 tsp Cumin: Provides that signature nutty and slightly peppery background flavor.
- 1/2 tsp Black Pepper: Adds a mild kick and keeps the taste lively.
- 1/2 C (120g) Enchilada Sauce: Moistens the filling with rich, tangy tomato and chili flavor that melds everything together.
- 1/2 Tbsp (8g) Olive Oil: For sautéing onions and beef, making sure the filling stays tender.
- 4 oz Shredded Cheese*: Melts into the beef mixture, adding irresistible creaminess and flavor.
- 16 Extra Thin Corn Tortillas: The perfect crispy shell that holds all the deliciousness inside without overpowering the filling.
How to Make Cheesy Beef Baked Taquitos Recipe
Step 1: Preheat Oven and Prepare Baking Sheet
Start by preheating your oven to 400ºF (204ºC). Lightly spray a large baking sheet with cooking spray to ensure your taquitos will come off clean and crisp right from the pan. A well-prepped baking sheet sets the stage for taquitos with that perfect baked crunch.
Step 2: Cook Onions and Brown Beef
Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the diced onions along the edges of the skillet and place the ground beef in the center. Let the beef brown undisturbed for about 4 to 5 minutes; this helps develop a rich, caramelized crust. Flip and continue to brown for another 3 to 4 minutes, then break apart the beef with a spatula so it cooks evenly and thoroughly.
Step 3: Add Garlic and Spices
While the beef is cooking, stir the minced garlic into the onions around the skillet’s edges so those wonderful aromas start to build. Once your beef is cooked through, add chili powder, kosher salt, oregano, cumin, black pepper, and enchilada sauce. Stir everything together well, letting the spices coat every piece of beef in that vibrant flavor.
Step 4: Mix in Cheese
Immediately stir the shredded cheese into the hot beef mixture, allowing it to melt and bind everything together into a creamy, cheesy filling. Once combined, set your filling aside to cool slightly so it’s easier to handle when assembling the taquitos.
Step 5: Soften Tortillas
To avoid cracking when rolling, wrap the corn tortillas in a damp paper towel and microwave them for 1 minute. This gentle warming makes the tortillas pliable and soft, ready to be filled and rolled without breaking.
Step 6: Assemble Taquitos
Spoon an even amount of the cheesy beef filling onto each tortilla. Then, roll them tightly and place them seam-side down on your prepared baking sheet. This seam-down trick is essential for keeping your taquitos intact while baking.
Step 7: Bake to Crisp
Give the tops of the rolled taquitos a light spray of cooking spray and bake them in the preheated oven for about 30 minutes. The result? Gorgeous golden brown, crunchy taquitos with irresistibly crispy edges and a warm cheesy filling.
How to Serve Cheesy Beef Baked Taquitos Recipe
Garnishes
To really elevate your Cheesy Beef Baked Taquitos Recipe, top them with fresh and vibrant garnishes. A dollop of sour cream adds cool creaminess, while sliced avocado or guacamole brings buttery richness. Fresh chopped cilantro and lime wedges provide a bright, zesty kick that wakes up each bite. Don’t forget a sprinkle of crumbled queso fresco or a drizzle of your favorite hot sauce for an extra flavor punch.
Side Dishes
These taquitos pair beautifully with simple sides that complement their bold flavors. A vibrant Mexican street corn salad, a fresh tomato and cucumber salad, or even a creamy refried bean dip make fantastic companions. For a heartier meal, serve alongside Spanish rice or a cooling cucumber-yogurt salad to balance the heat and richness.
Creative Ways to Present
If you want to impress your guests, try standing the taquitos upright in a deep serving dish and layering garnishes between them like a festive taquito tower. You can also turn them into mini tacos by slicing the rolled taquitos into bite-sized pieces and serving them with a trio of dipping sauces, making it perfect for parties or casual snacking.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover taquitos are just as delicious the next day! Store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To enjoy, reheat them in the oven to maintain that crisp exterior instead of the microwave, which can make them soggy.
Freezing
This Cheesy Beef Baked Taquitos Recipe is wonderfully freezer-friendly. Assemble the taquitos, then arrange them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper and freeze until solid. Once frozen, transfer them to a freezer-safe bag or container. They can be frozen for up to 2 months without losing flavor or texture.
Reheating
For the best texture when reheating, bake frozen or refrigerated taquitos in a preheated oven at 375ºF (190ºC) for about 15 to 20 minutes until they’re heated through and the outside crisps up again. Avoid microwaving if you want to keep the crunch intact.
FAQs
Can I use flour tortillas instead of corn for this recipe?
Absolutely! While corn tortillas offer that authentic crispy texture, flour tortillas work perfectly too and are easier to roll without cracking. Just keep in mind the flavor will be a bit milder.
What type of cheese works best in this Cheesy Beef Baked Taquitos Recipe?
A good melting cheese like cheddar, Monterey Jack, or a Mexican blend works great. Pick whatever you enjoy most or have on hand, as they all melt beautifully into the beef filling.
How spicy are these taquitos?
The spice level is moderate thanks to chili powder and enchilada sauce, but feel free to adjust by adding more or less chili powder or incorporating a pinch of cayenne for extra heat.
Can I make these taquitos vegetarian?
Definitely! Substitute the ground beef with cooked black beans, lentils, or a plant-based meat alternative. Adding sautéed peppers and onions will boost the flavor wonderfully.
Is it necessary to bake instead of frying the taquitos?
Baking makes these taquitos lighter and easier to prepare while still giving you that satisfying crunch. If you prefer, you can fry them for a crispier result, but baking is a healthier and less messy option.
Final Thoughts
This Cheesy Beef Baked Taquitos Recipe is a true crowd-pleaser that blends comforting cheese, savory beef, and bold spices into a crispy handheld delight. It’s easy enough for a weeknight dinner yet special enough to serve for guests. Once you try this recipe, it’s sure to become your go-to for sharing flavorful, satisfying meals with friends and family.
Print
Cheesy Beef Baked Taquitos Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 16 taquitos
- Category: Snack
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Mexican
Description
These Cheesy Beef Baked Taquitos are a delightful and crispy snack or meal option that combines seasoned ground beef, melted cheese, and thin corn tortillas baked to golden perfection. Easy to prepare and perfect for sharing, they offer a flavorful twist on the traditional taquito with a homemade touch.
Ingredients
Beef Filling
- 1 lb Ground Beef (96/4)
- 1 (250g) White Onion, finely diced
- 5 cloves (25g) Garlic, minced
- 2 tsp Chili Powder
- 1 tsp Kosher Salt
- 1 tsp Oregano
- 1 tsp Cumin
- 1/2 tsp Black Pepper
- 1/2 C (120g) Enchilada Sauce
- 1/2 Tbsp (8g) Olive Oil
- 4 oz Shredded Cheese (such as cheddar or Mexican blend)
Assembly
- 16 Extra Thin Corn Tortillas
- Cooking spray (for baking sheet and spraying taquitos)
Instructions
- Preheat Oven and Prepare Baking Sheet: Preheat your oven to 400ºF (204ºC). Lightly spray a large baking sheet with cooking spray to prevent the taquitos from sticking during baking.
- Cook Onions and Brown Beef: Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the diced onions around the edges of the skillet and place the ground beef in the center. Let the beef brown undisturbed on one side for 4-5 minutes, then flip and continue to brown for an additional 3-4 minutes. Use a spatula to mince the beef, ensuring it cooks evenly.
- Add Garlic and Spices: Stir the minced garlic into the onions cooking around the skillet edges. Once the beef is cooked through, add chili powder, kosher salt, oregano, cumin, black pepper, and enchilada sauce to the skillet. Mix everything together thoroughly and remove the skillet from the heat.
- Mix in Cheese: Stir the shredded cheese into the warm beef mixture until it is evenly melted and incorporated. Set aside the filling to cool slightly, making it easier to handle when assembling.
- Soften Tortillas: Wrap the corn tortillas in a damp paper towel and microwave for 1 minute. This softens them, making them pliable and less likely to crack when rolling.
- Assemble Taquitos: Spoon an even amount of the beef and cheese mixture onto each softened tortilla, then roll them tightly. Place the rolled taquitos seam-side down on the prepared baking sheet to maintain their shape during baking.
- Bake to Crisp: Lightly spray the tops of the taquitos with cooking spray to aid in browning and crispiness. Bake in the preheated oven for approximately 30 minutes or until the taquitos are golden brown and crispy on the outside.
Notes
- Use extra thin corn tortillas for the best texture and easier rolling.
- For a spicier kick, add chopped jalapeños or use hot enchilada sauce.
- These taquitos can be served with sour cream, guacamole, or salsa for dipping.
- Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and reheated in the oven to retain crispiness.
- To make ahead, assemble the taquitos and freeze them unbaked on a baking sheet; once frozen, transfer to a sealed container and bake directly from frozen, adding extra baking time.
