Description
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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Ingredients
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
Instructions
Step 1: Cook the Beef Filling
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Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat.
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Add ground beef and cook, breaking it up with a spoon, until browned and cooked through (about 6–8 minutes).
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Drain excess grease, then add chopped onion and garlic.
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Cook for 2–3 more minutes until fragrant.
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Stir in chili powder, cumin, paprika, salt, pepper, and tomato sauce. Simmer for 2–3 minutes to thicken.
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Remove from heat and stir in shredded cheese, if using. Let cool slightly.
Step 2: Warm the Tortillas
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To prevent cracking, wrap tortillas in a damp paper towel and microwave for 30–45 seconds.
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Alternatively, warm them in a dry skillet for a few seconds on each side.
Step 3: Fill and Roll the Taquitos
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Place about 2 tablespoons of the beef mixture along the lower third of each tortilla.
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Roll tightly and place seam-side down on a baking sheet or in the air fryer basket.
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Use a toothpick to secure if needed (remove after cooking).
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Lightly brush or spray each taquito with oil for crisping.
Step 4: Bake or Air Fry
Oven Method:
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Preheat oven to 425°F (220°C).
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Arrange taquitos on a parchment-lined baking sheet.
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Bake for 18–22 minutes, flipping halfway, until golden brown and crispy.
Air Fryer Method:
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Preheat air fryer to 400°F (200°C).
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Cook taquitos in a single layer for 8–10 minutes, flipping once, until crisp.
Step 5: Serve & Garnish
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Let the taquitos cool for a few minutes.
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Serve with guacamole, sour cream, salsa, and your favorite toppings.
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Garnish with fresh cilantro or a squeeze of lime juice if desired.
Notes
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.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Cuisine: Mexican-American