Crispy Beef Taquitos

Golden, crunchy, and packed with juicy, flavorful beef—these Crispy Beef Taquitos are a crowd-pleasing favorite. Whether you’re whipping them up for a family dinner, party appetizer, or game day snack, taquitos deliver all the bold Tex-Mex flavor you love, wrapped tightly in a crispy shell. Best of all, they’re easy to make with just a few ingredients and can be baked or air-fried for a lighter twist.

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Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Crispy & Flavorful – Every bite is packed with spiced beef and wrapped in a crunchy shell.
Family-Friendly – Kids and adults love them, and they’re great for dipping.
Make-Ahead Friendly – Prep and freeze for quick meals anytime.
Versatile – Use different fillings or toppings to make them your own.
Air Fryer & Oven Options – Get that irresistible crisp without deep frying.

Ingredients You’ll Need

For the Beef Filling:
1 lb ground beef (or ground chicken/turkey)
½ small onion, finely chopped
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 tsp chili powder
½ tsp cumin
½ tsp smoked paprika
½ tsp salt
¼ tsp black pepper
¼ cup tomato sauce
½ cup shredded cheddar or Mexican blend cheese (optional)

For the Taquitos:
10–12 small corn tortillas (or flour if preferred)
Vegetable oil spray or 3 tbsp oil (for brushing or pan-frying)
Toothpicks (optional, for securing)

Optional Toppings & Dips:
Guacamole or sliced avocado
Sour cream or Greek yogurt
Salsa or pico de gallo
Shredded lettuce
Crumbled queso fresco or cotija cheese

Tools You’ll Need
Large skillet
Mixing spoon or spatula
Baking sheet or air fryer
Tongs
Foil or parchment paper
Small bowl for oil or spray bottle

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Cook the Beef Filling

1. Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat.
2. Add ground beef and cook, breaking it up with a spoon, until browned and cooked through (about 6–8 minutes).
3. Drain excess grease, then add chopped onion and garlic.
4. Cook for 2–3 more minutes until fragrant.
5. Stir in chili powder, cumin, paprika, salt, pepper, and tomato sauce. Simmer for 2–3 minutes to thicken.
6. Remove from heat and stir in shredded cheese, if using. Let cool slightly.

Step 2: Warm the Tortillas

1. To prevent cracking, wrap tortillas in a damp paper towel and microwave for 30–45 seconds.
2. Alternatively, warm them in a dry skillet for a few seconds on each side.

Step 3: Fill and Roll the Taquitos

1. Place about 2 tablespoons of the beef mixture along the lower third of each tortilla.
2. Roll tightly and place seam-side down on a baking sheet or in the air fryer basket.
3. Use a toothpick to secure if needed (remove after cooking).
4. Lightly brush or spray each taquito with oil for crisping.

Step 4: Bake or Air Fry
Oven Method:

1. Preheat oven to 425°F (220°C).
2. Arrange taquitos on a parchment-lined baking sheet.
3. Bake for 18–22 minutes, flipping halfway, until golden brown and crispy.

Air Fryer Method:

1. Preheat air fryer to 400°F (200°C).
2. Cook taquitos in a single layer for 8–10 minutes, flipping once, until crisp.

Step 5: Serve & Garnish

1. Let the taquitos cool for a few minutes.
2. Serve with guacamole, sour cream, salsa, and your favorite toppings.
3. Garnish with fresh cilantro or a squeeze of lime juice if desired.

Tips for the Best Crispy Beef Taquitos
Warm Tortillas First – This prevents cracking and makes rolling easier.
Don’t Overfill – Too much filling makes them hard to roll and more likely to unroll during baking.
Keep Them Rolled – Use toothpicks or place seam-side down to hold them tight.
Freeze Before Baking – Assemble and freeze on a tray, then transfer to a freezer bag for easy future meals.
Add a Kick – Mix in chopped jalapeños or hot sauce to the beef mixture for extra spice.

Serving Suggestions
Serve as a main dish with Mexican rice and refried beans.
Slice in half for party platters or appetizer boards.
Top with shredded lettuce, diced tomatoes, and crema for taquito “nachos.”
Pair with margarita mocktails or a refreshing agua fresca.

How to Store & Reheat

Storing:
Refrigerate in an airtight container for up to 3 days.

Freezing:
Place uncooked or cooked taquitos on a baking sheet and freeze until firm, then transfer to freezer bags.

Reheating:
Air Fryer: 375°F for 5–6 minutes until hot and crispy.
Oven: 375°F for 10–15 minutes.
Microwave: Not recommended for crispiness, but works in a pinch.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can I use flour tortillas?
   Yes, they work well and tend to be more pliable, especially for beginners.
2. Can I make these vegetarian?
   Absolutely! Swap beef for black beans, mashed sweet potato, or sautéed veggies.
3. Can I cook them in a skillet instead?
   Yes—pan-fry in a little oil over medium heat until crispy and golden on all sides.
4. What’s the difference between flautas and taquitos?
   They’re very similar! Flautas are usually made with flour tortillas and are often longer, while taquitos are typically made with corn tortillas.
5. Can I prep these ahead?
   Yes! Assemble in advance and refrigerate or freeze until ready to bake or air fry.

Final Thoughts
These Crispy Beef Taquitos are everything you love about classic Mexican street food—rolled up, baked (or air-fried), and ready to dip. Crunchy on the outside, savory on the inside, and endlessly customizable, they’re a guaranteed hit every time. Whether served as a full meal or a fun appetizer, taquitos bring flavor, fun, and a satisfying crunch in every bite.

Make a batch and see just how fast they disappear! Don’t forget to share your creations and tag your taquito pics—I can’t wait to see how you serve yours.

Preparation Time: 20 minutes
Cooking Time: 20 minutes
Cuisine: Mexican-American

Nutritional Information (Per Serving):
Calories: 280 | Protein: 16g | Carbohydrates: 18g | Fat: 16g | Fiber: 2g | Sodium: 340mg

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