I absolutely love this Cheesy Beef Baked Taquitos Recipe because it strikes the perfect balance between crispy, cheesy, and packed with flavorful beef. When I first tried it, I was hooked by how effortlessly delicious it turned out-no deep frying needed! You ll find that this recipe works great for busy weeknights or casual get-togethers when you want something satisfying but simple to pull together.
What makes this Cheesy Beef Baked Taquitos Recipe so worth trying is that it s customizable and super approachable, whether you re a kitchen newbie or a seasoned pro. Plus, baking instead of frying means less mess and a healthier spin without sacrificing any of that irresistible crunch. My family goes crazy for these, and I bet yours will too once you get the hang of rolling and baking them up.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Easy and Less Messy: Baking replaces frying, so you get crispy taquitos without the oily cleanup.
- Rich, Layered Flavor: A blend of spices and enchilada sauce gives the beef a vibrant, savory punch you ll savor.
- Crowd-Pleaser: These taquitos disappear fast at family dinners and casual parties alike.
- Crispy Perfection: Rolling tortillas tight and baking ensures each bite stays crunchy and cheesy inside.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The ingredients come together beautifully here-simple basics that combine to create a comforting, cheesy filling all wrapped in crispy tortillas. When shopping, look for extra thin corn tortillas to get that classic taquito crunch and a good-quality shredded cheese that melts well.
- Ground Beef: I prefer 96/4 lean beef for less grease but still great flavor.
- Olive Oil: Helps cook the beef and onions evenly without sticking.
- White Onion: Finely diced for sweetness and texture in the filling.
- Garlic: Minced fresh garlic adds an aromatic punch you ll love.
- Chili Powder: Gives a mild smoky warmth-adjust it to your heat tolerance.
- Kosher Salt: Essential for seasoning and balancing flavors.
- Oregano: A classic herb that layers in Mexican flair.
- Cumin: Adds earthiness that complements the beef perfectly.
- Black Pepper: Freshly ground always brings the best flavor.
- Enchilada Sauce: Adds moisture and tangy depth; using a good quality one really makes a difference.
- Shredded Cheese: A melty cheese blend works great-cheddar or a Mexican cheese mix is my go-to.
- Extra Thin Corn Tortillas: Thin ones crisp up best and roll without cracking.
Variations
I like to switch things up depending on what s in the fridge or to fit guests tastes. This Cheesy Beef Baked Taquitos Recipe is very flexible, so play around with spices and fillings to make it your own.
- Spicy Kick: Add chopped jalapeños or a dash of cayenne to the beef mixture for those who love heat-I tried it once for a game night, and wow, it was a hit.
- Vegetarian Version: Swap the ground beef with seasoned black beans or soy crumbles; it keeps the cheesy goodness without meat.
- Cheese Variety: Mixing mozzarella with pepper jack gives a nice gooey stretch and a little bite.
- Fresh Herbs: Toss in chopped cilantro at the end for an herbal brightness.
How to Make Cheesy Beef Baked Taquitos Recipe
Step 1: Browning the Beef and Cooking the Aromatics
Start by heating olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Once hot, add diced onions and push them aside to create space in the pan. Then place the ground beef in the center and let it brown on one side for 4 to 5 minutes without stirring-this helps develop deep flavor. Flip the beef and cook for another 3 to 4 minutes. Stir in the minced garlic around the edges so it doesn t burn, and then break up the beef with a spatula to finish cooking.
Step 2: Seasoning and Mixing the Filling
Add chili powder, kosher salt, oregano, cumin, and black pepper to the skillet along with enchilada sauce. Stir everything together so the beef is coated in those gorgeous spices and the sauce. Turn off the heat, then stir in the shredded cheese until it melts slightly and evenly distributes-this cheesy mix is what makes the filling irresistible.
Step 3: Preparing the Tortillas and Rolling the Taquitos
To avoid cracked tortillas, wrap them in a damp paper towel and microwave for 1 minute before rolling. Spoon a generous amount of beef mixture onto each tortilla, then roll them up with the sealed edge facing down to prevent unrolling during baking. Place each rolled taquito tightly on a greased baking sheet.
Step 4: Baking to Golden, Crispy Perfection
Spray the rolled taquitos lightly with cooking spray so they crisp up nicely in the oven. Bake at 400ºF for about 30 minutes, turning halfway if you want them even crispier. You re looking for a golden brown color and that satisfying crunch that makes these baked taquitos better than store-bought!
Pro Tips for Making Cheesy Beef Baked Taquitos Recipe
- Warm Tortillas Before Rolling: Wrapping tortillas in a damp towel and warming them prevents tearing and makes rolling easier.
- Don t Overfill the Taquitos: Filling too much makes rolling tricky and can cause them to burst open while baking.
- Cooking Spray for Crispy Texture: A light spray on the taquitos before baking ensures that golden, crunchy finish without frying.
- Even Baking Space: Arrange taquitos snug but not too crowded on the pan so hot air can crisp them evenly.
How to Serve Cheesy Beef Baked Taquitos Recipe
Garnishes
I love topping these with a dollop of cool sour cream, some freshly chopped cilantro, and a squeeze of lime for brightness. Sometimes, I sprinkle crumbled queso fresco or add sliced avocado on top for extra creaminess and color-your guests will be impressed!
Side Dishes
These taquitos pair beautifully with simple Mexican rice, a fresh corn salad, or black beans. I often serve a tangy cabbage slaw on the side-it adds crunch and balances out the cheesy richness perfectly.
Creative Ways to Present
For parties, I like arranging taquitos upright in a shallow bowl lined with lettuce-it looks festive and makes grabbing easy. Drizzling a chipotle crema or avocado sauce over the top adds an extra wow factor. You can even serve them alongside colorful bowls of your favorite dips for a taco bar vibe!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Once cooled, I place leftover taquitos in an airtight container lined with paper towels to absorb moisture. Stored in the fridge, they stay tasty for up to 3 days. This way, the taquitos maintain their texture instead of getting soggy.
Freezing
I ve had great success freezing extra rolled but unbaked taquitos on a parchment-lined tray, then transferring to a freezer bag. When ready to eat, bake them straight from frozen, adding a few extra minutes to crisp them up. It s a lifesaver for meal prep or quick snacks.
Reheating
To reheat, I pop taquitos in a 375ºF oven for about 10-12 minutes until warm and crispy again. Avoid microwaving unless you re in a pinch-it can make them soggy. This way, you get close to fresh-from-the-oven crunchiness every time.
FAQs
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Can I use flour tortillas instead of corn for this recipe?
While you can substitute flour tortillas, the taquitos won t crisp up quite the same as with thin corn tortillas. Corn gives you that classic texture and flavor that s harder to replicate with flour. If using flour, look for small, thin ones and warm them well before rolling to prevent tearing.
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Is it better to bake or fry taquitos?
Baking is a healthier, less messy option that still delivers crispiness when done right-as in this Cheesy Beef Baked Taquitos Recipe. Frying gives a deeper crunch but comes with more oil and cleanup. For me, baking hits that sweet spot of convenience and taste.
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How do I prevent taquitos from unrolling during baking?
Rolling tightly and placing the seam side down on the baking sheet is key. If you want extra security, you can brush the edges with a little water before rolling to help the tortilla seal better. Also, don t overfill the taquitos; too much filling makes them harder to roll and keeps them from staying closed.
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Can I make these ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can roll the taquitos and refrigerate them for a few hours before baking. For longer storage, freeze them unbaked and bake directly from frozen when ready. This recipe is perfect for prepping before a party or weekday dinner.
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What cheese is best for melting in these taquitos?
A blend of cheddar and Mexican cheeses like Monterey Jack or queso quesadilla melts nicely and adds great flavor. You want a cheese that melts well without releasing too much oil, keeping the filling creamy and cohesive.
Final Thoughts
This Cheesy Beef Baked Taquitos Recipe has become a go-to in my kitchen because it s easy, comforting, and always impressive without a lot of fuss. I love sharing it with friends because even those who say they re not great cooks feel confident rolling and baking these up. Give it a try-you may find it becomes your new favorite snack or dinner, just like it did for me and my family!
Print
Cheesy Beef Baked Taquitos Recipe
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 16 Taquitos 1x
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Mexican
Description
These Cheesy Beef Baked Taquitos are crispy, flavorful rolled tortillas filled with a savory mix of ground beef, spices, enchilada sauce, and melted cheese. Baked to golden perfection, they make a perfect appetizer or main dish full of Tex-Mex flair and cheesy goodness.
Ingredients
Meat and Veggies
- 1 lb Ground Beef (96/4)
- 1 (250g) White Onion, finely diced
- 5 cloves (25g) Garlic, minced
Spices and Sauce
- 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
Other Ingredients
- 1/2 Tbsp (8g) Olive Oil
- 4 oz Shredded Cheese*
- 16 Extra Thin Corn Tortillas
Instructions
- Preheat Oven and Prepare Baking Sheet: Preheat your oven to 400ºF (204ºC) and lightly spray a large baking sheet with cooking spray to prevent sticking.
- 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 and continue browning for another 3-4 minutes. Mince the beef with a spatula to finish cooking evenly.
- Add Garlic and Spices: While the beef cooks, stir the minced garlic into the onions along the skillet edges. Once the beef is cooked through, add chili powder, kosher salt, oregano, cumin, black pepper, and the enchilada sauce. Stir together thoroughly and then remove the skillet from heat.
- Mix in Cheese: Stir in the shredded cheese until it melts evenly into the beef mixture. Set aside the filling to cool slightly.
- Soften Tortillas: Wrap the corn tortillas in a damp paper towel and microwave for 1 minute to make them pliable and easier to roll without cracking.
- Assemble Taquitos: Spoon an even amount of the beef and cheese mixture onto each tortilla. Roll the tortillas tightly and place them seam-side down on the prepared baking sheet.
- Bake to Crisp: Spray the tops of the rolled taquitos lightly with cooking spray. Bake in the preheated oven for about 30 minutes, or until golden brown and crispy on the outside.
Notes
- For extra crispiness, flip the taquitos halfway through baking.
- Use extra thin corn tortillas to ensure easy rolling and optimal texture.
- Serve with salsa, sour cream, or guacamole for added flavor.
- You can substitute ground turkey or chicken for a leaner option.
- Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and reheated in the oven or air fryer.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 Taquito
- Calories: 180
- Sugar: 1 g
- Sodium: 350 mg
- Fat: 9 g
- Saturated Fat: 3.5 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 15 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 12 g
- Cholesterol: 35 mg
