If you love a flavorful, crispy, and cheesy snack that feels like a festive celebration in every bite, you are going to adore this Cheesy Beef Baked Taquitos Recipe. It brings together hearty browned ground beef, a perfect blend of spices, melty shredded cheese, and delicate corn tortillas baked to golden perfection. Whether you want a satisfying appetizer to share at your next gathering or an easy weeknight dinner that everyone will rave about, this recipe hits all the right notes with its vibrant taste, lively texture, and simply irresistible aroma.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Getting started with your Cheesy Beef Baked Taquitos Recipe is a breeze because the ingredients are straightforward yet deeply satisfying. Each item plays a crucial part in building layers of flavor, texture, and color that come together harmoniously in the final dish.
- 1 lb Ground Beef (96/4): Lean beef provides the savory, rich base without too much grease.
- 1 (250g) White Onion, finely diced: Adds a subtle sweetness and crunch to balance the spices.
- 5 cloves (25g) Garlic, minced: Infuses the mixture with aromatic depth and savory warmth.
- 2 tsp Chili Powder: Gives a mild kick and authentic Mexican-inspired flavor.
- 1 tsp Kosher Salt: Enhances all other flavors while keeping the seasoning balanced.
- 1 tsp Oregano: Brings an earthy, herbaceous note that complements the meat.
- 1 tsp Cumin: Offers a warm, smoky profile that’s essential to this dish.
- 1/2 tsp Black Pepper: Adds a gentle heat and sharpness to awaken your palate.
- 1/2 cup (120g) Enchilada Sauce: Moistens the beef and spices it up with a tangy, slightly smoky flavor.
- 1/2 Tbsp (8g) Olive Oil: Perfect for sautéing onions and beef without overpowering taste.
- 4 oz Shredded Cheese*: Melts beautifully to bind and enrich the filling.
- 16 Extra Thin Corn Tortillas: These are delicate yet sturdy enough to roll and crisp in the oven.
How to Make Cheesy Beef Baked Taquitos Recipe
Step 1: Preheat Your Oven and Prepare the Baking Sheet
Start by heating your oven to 400ºF (204ºC) and lightly grease a large baking sheet with cooking spray. This preparation step ensures your taquitos won’t stick while they achieve that perfect golden crust.
Step 2: Cook Onions and Brown the Beef
Warm the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the diced onions along the skillet’s edges, placing the ground beef in the center. Let the beef brown undisturbed for 4 to 5 minutes, then flip and cook for another 3 to 4 minutes. Use a spatula to mince the beef finely, helping it cook evenly and develop a flavorful crust.
Step 3: Add Garlic and Spice It Up
While the beef cooks, stir the minced garlic into the onions so it softens without burning. Once the beef is fully cooked, sprinkle in the chili powder, kosher salt, oregano, cumin, and black pepper. Pour in the enchilada sauce and stir everything thoroughly to make sure the spices infuse every bit of meat with rich, complex flavor. Then, remove the skillet from heat.
Step 4: Mix in the Cheese
Adding shredded cheese to this mixture is the magic that takes your taquitos from delicious to unforgettable. Stir it in until it melts evenly into the beef, creating a creamy, luscious filling that will hold your tortillas together as they bake.
Step 5: Soften the Tortillas
To avoid cracking while rolling, wrap your corn tortillas in a damp paper towel and microwave them for about 1 minute. This simple trick softens the tortillas, making them pliable and easy to work with, setting you up for perfectly rolled taquitos.
Step 6: Assemble Your Taquitos
Spoon an even amount of the cheesy beef mixture onto each tortilla and roll them up tightly. Place each taquito seam-side down on your prepared baking sheet to help them hold their shape during baking.
Step 7: Bake to Crispy Perfection
Lightly spray the tops of the rolled taquitos with cooking spray, then bake them in the preheated oven for about 30 minutes. As they bake, the tortillas crisp into a golden, crunchy shell that perfectly complements the melty, flavorful filling.
How to Serve Cheesy Beef Baked Taquitos Recipe
Garnishes
Enhance your Cheesy Beef Baked Taquitos Recipe with fresh toppings like cool sour cream, diced ripe avocados, and finely chopped cilantro. A squeeze of lime juice over the top brightens every bite, while a sprinkle of crumbled queso fresco adds an authentic touch. These garnishes not only boost flavor but add beautiful colors that make your plate pop.
Side Dishes
Serve your taquitos alongside vibrant Mexican rice, a crisp chopped salad, or refried beans to round out the meal. For a fun twist, pair with a colorful salsa or guacamole that guests can dip into, turning every bite into a fiesta of flavors and textures.
Creative Ways to Present
Try stacking your taquitos in a taco holder or arranging them in a circular pattern on a large platter for a party-ready presentation. You can also slice them into bite-sized pieces for fun finger food at gatherings, providing easy access while keeping all that cheesy, beefy goodness intact.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have leftovers, simply transfer your cooled taquitos to an airtight container and refrigerate. They’ll stay delicious for up to 3 days, making for an easy next-day snack or lunch that reheats wonderfully.
Freezing
To freeze, arrange the unbaked rolled taquitos on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper and flash freeze until firm. Then transfer them to a freezer-safe bag or container. They can be stored frozen for up to 2 months. When you’re ready to enjoy, bake them straight from frozen, just add a few extra minutes to the baking time.
Reheating
Reheat leftover or frozen taquitos in a preheated oven at 350ºF (175ºC) to restore their crispiness. A quick 10-15 minutes does the trick. Avoid microwaving for too long, since it can make the tortillas soggy, and we all want to keep that satisfying crunch!
FAQs
Can I use flour tortillas instead of corn?
Absolutely! Flour tortillas can work great too and tend to be a bit more pliable, which makes rolling easier. They may crisp up slightly differently in the oven but are just as tasty.
What type of cheese works best?
Cheddar, Monterey Jack, or a Mexican cheese blend melts beautifully in this recipe. Choose a cheese you love that melts smoothly to get that ooey-gooey, cheesy texture.
Can I make these taquitos gluten-free?
Yes! Using corn tortillas naturally keeps this recipe gluten-free. Just be sure your enchilada sauce and other seasonings don’t have hidden gluten ingredients.
Is it possible to make this recipe vegetarian?
Definitely. Swap ground beef for cooked black beans, lentils, or sautéed vegetables combined with cheese and the same spices for a delicious vegetarian version that doesn’t skimp on flavor.
How do I get my taquitos extra crispy?
Lightly spray the assembled taquitos with cooking spray before baking and avoid overcrowding the baking sheet. This helps heat circulate and ensures each taquito crisps perfectly on all sides.
Final Thoughts
This Cheesy Beef Baked Taquitos Recipe is a true crowd-pleaser that brings warmth, flavor, and fun to your table with effortless style. Once you try it, you’ll understand why it’s a favorite for weeknights and celebrations alike. So go ahead, roll up your sleeves and dive into this cheesy, crispy goodness—I promise you won’t be disappointed!
Print
Cheesy Beef Baked Taquitos Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 16 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Mexican
Description
These Cheesy Beef Baked Taquitos are a deliciously crispy and flavorful Mexican-inspired dish featuring seasoned ground beef, melty cheese, and soft corn tortillas baked to perfection. Easy to prepare and perfect for a crowd, these taquitos are baked instead of fried, making them a lighter option while still delivering great taste and texture.
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*
Assembly
- 16 Extra Thin Corn Tortillas
- Cooking spray, as needed
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 olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the diced onion around the edges of the skillet, and place the ground beef in the center. Allow the beef to brown undisturbed on one side for 4-5 minutes, then flip it and continue browning for another 3-4 minutes. Use a spatula to break the beef apart to ensure even cooking.
- Add Garlic and Spices: Stir the minced garlic into the onions around the edges of the skillet. Once the beef is fully cooked, add chili powder, kosher salt, oregano, cumin, black pepper, and enchilada sauce. Mix thoroughly to combine all flavors. Remove the skillet from heat.
- Mix in Cheese: Stir in the shredded cheese until it melts evenly into the beef mixture. Set the filling aside to cool slightly before assembling.
- Soften Tortillas: Wrap the corn tortillas in a damp paper towel and microwave for 1 minute. This makes them pliable and easier to roll without tearing or cracking.
- Assemble Taquitos: Spoon an even amount of the beef and cheese mixture onto each softened tortilla. Roll each tortilla tightly and place them seam-side down on the prepared baking sheet to keep them closed during baking.
- Bake to Crisp: Lightly spray the tops of the rolled taquitos with cooking spray. Bake in the preheated oven for about 30 minutes, or until the taquitos are golden brown and crispy on the outside. Serve warm.
Notes
- You can substitute shredded cheese with your favorite Mexican blend or cheddar.
- For extra crispiness, flip the taquitos halfway through baking.
- Use extra thin corn tortillas for best rolling results; thicker tortillas might crack.
- If you prefer a spicier filling, add a pinch of cayenne pepper or chopped jalapeños.
- Leftover filling can be refrigerated for up to 3 days or frozen for longer storage.
