Easy Beef Taquitos Recipe

If you’re on the hunt for a crowd-pleasing dish that’s crispy on the outside, savory on the inside, and bursting with flavor, look no further than Easy Beef Taquitos. These hand-held treats are a breeze to make, wildly satisfying, and perfect for everything from weeknight dinners to festive gatherings. With a well-seasoned beef filling, melty cheese, and golden-fried tortillas, they’re sure to become a new favorite for anyone who bites in. All it takes is a handful of pantry staples to bring these Easy Beef Taquitos to your kitchen!

Ingredients You’ll Need

One of the best things about Easy Beef Taquitos is how each ingredient pulls its weight in every crunchy bite! You don’t need anything fancy—just familiar, flavorful basics coming together for an outrageously tasty result.

• Ground beef: Choose 80/20 ground beef for ideal flavor and just enough richness to keep the filling juicy.
• Chopped onion: A classic base, onions build the deep, savory backbone of the beef mixture.
• Salt and pepper: Core seasonings, be sure to taste as you go for perfectly balanced flavor.
• Chili powder: Adds a little heat and warm, earthy color—don’t skip this spice!
• Cumin and dried cilantro: These give the beef an unmistakable Tex-Mex twist with herbal and citrusy notes.
• Beef broth: Simmering with the broth deeply infuses the filling with richness and helps it stay moist.
• Minced garlic: A quick stir makes everything instantly more aromatic and inviting.
• White corn tortillas: Opt for these traditional tortillas for authentic flavor and that essential crispy texture.
• Shredded Monterey Jack cheese: This cheese melts beautifully, and its mild creaminess creates an irresistible bite.
• Canola oil (for frying): Choose a neutral oil for perfectly crisped taquitos every time.
• Sour cream: The cool tang is the ultimate counterpoint to the warm, spicy filling.
• Pico de gallo: Bright and fresh, this is the final touch that ties everything together.

How to Make Easy Beef Taquitos

Step 1: Brown the Beef and Onion

Begin by heating your skillet over medium-high heat and adding the ground beef. As the meat starts to sizzle, break it up with your spatula and toss in the chopped onions. Stir everything together while the beef cooks, allowing the onions to become fragrant and just translucent. This step lays the foundation for all that savory flavor you love in Easy Beef Taquitos.

Step 2: Drain and Season

Once the beef is nicely browned and there’s no pink left, carefully drain off any excess grease. Sprinkle in the salt, black pepper, chili powder, cumin, and dried cilantro. Stir well so every little bite ends up packed with bold, zesty flavor. This seasoning mix is the secret to what makes Easy Beef Taquitos standout!

Step 3: Simmer with Garlic and Broth

Add in the minced garlic and give things a quick stir—the sizzle and scent should instantly make your kitchen smell amazing. Pour in the cup of beef broth next. Let the mixture simmer gently on medium-low until most of the liquid cooks away. This step ensures the filling is both moist and intensely flavorful.

Step 4: Warm the Tortillas

Pop the white corn tortillas into the microwave for a short burst to get them warm and pliable. This helps prevent cracking when you roll, so you can achieve that signature taquito shape without any tears.

Step 5: Heat the Oil

Pour canola oil into a deep skillet or frying pan to about 1/2 inch depth. Heat it over medium heat—you’ll know it’s ready when a tiny bit of tortilla sizzles on contact. Hot oil is the ticket to that spectacularly crispy taquito shell!

Step 6: Fill and Roll

Take a warm tortilla, sprinkle a generous handful of shredded Monterey Jack cheese right down the center, then spoon some of the beef mixture alongside. Roll the tortilla up tightly and secure it with a toothpick to keep everything neatly tucked inside as it fries.

Step 7: Fry Until Golden

Carefully add your rolled taquitos seam-side down into the hot oil, working in batches to avoid crowding the pan. Fry on each side for about 2-3 minutes, or until they’re crisp and deeply golden. Let them rest on a paper towel-lined plate to drain off excess oil once they’re done.

Step 8: Air Fryer Option for Easy Beef Taquitos

If you’d like a lighter version, you can use your air fryer! Prepare and roll the taquitos as above, then arrange them in your air fryer basket—just make sure they’re not touching. Mist lightly with olive oil spray, then cook at 400°F for about 10 minutes, keeping an eye out toward the end so they don’t get too dark.

Step 9: Serve and Enjoy

All that’s left is to set your Easy Beef Taquitos out on a platter, pile them high with dollops of sour cream and bright pico de gallo, and watch them disappear! This final flourish adds color, richness, and just the right amount of fresh crunch.

How to Serve Easy Beef Taquitos

Garnishes

Garnishes can turn these Easy Beef Taquitos into a stunning platter! A spoonful of sour cream, a handful of chopped cilantro, and a generous scoop of fresh pico de gallo are basics that will never steer you wrong. If you want to take it up a notch, try some thinly sliced jalapeños or a sprinkle of cotija cheese for a pop of flavor and color.

Side Dishes

Pairing is half the fun with taquitos! Serve alongside Mexican rice, refried beans, or creamy guacamole for a complete meal. A simple salad with lime dressing can also be the perfect, refreshing contrast to the richness of Easy Beef Taquitos.

Creative Ways to Present

Make a taquito bar for family dinners or parties—lay out the taquitos with bowls of all your favorite toppings and let everyone build their ideal bite. For more flair, try stacking the taquitos in a pyramid or serving them standing upright in a mason jar for a modern twist. Little touches turn these Easy Beef Taquitos into a memorable event!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you’re lucky enough to have any taquitos left over, allow them to cool to room temperature before popping them into an airtight container. They’ll stay fresh and delicious in the fridge for up to 3 days, making them a fantastic option for meal prep or lunchboxes.

Freezing

To freeze Easy Beef Taquitos, assemble and roll (but don’t fry) the taquitos, then line them up on a baking sheet to freeze individually. Once solid, transfer them to a zip-top bag or freezer-safe container. They’ll keep well for up to 2 months, ready for a quick dinner any time.

Reheating

For the crispiest results, reheat cold or thawed taquitos in an oven at 375°F for about 10 minutes, or until heated through and crunchy again. You can also reheat them in an air fryer for a few minutes if you want that just-fried texture without extra oil.

FAQs

Can I make Easy Beef Taquitos with flour tortillas?

Absolutely! While white corn tortillas give that classic crispiness, flour tortillas will work in a pinch. Just note that they tend to be softer and may yield a slightly chewier result.

Can I bake these instead of frying?

Yes! Arrange your rolled taquitos on a lined baking sheet, lightly brush or spray them with oil, and bake at 425°F for about 15-20 minutes, turning halfway through, until they’re crispy and golden all over.

What other cheeses can I use?

Feel free to experiment! Cheddar, pepper jack, or a Mexican blend all melt beautifully and add their own distinct flavors to your Easy Beef Taquitos.

How do I keep taquitos from unrolling?

Securing each taquito with a toothpick really does the trick for holding them tight during frying or baking. Just remember to remove the toothpicks before serving!

Do Easy Beef Taquitos make good appetizers?

They’re perfect as finger food for parties! Cut them in half before serving and offer a trio of dips like guacamole, salsa, and crema for a totally irresistible appetizer spread.

Final Thoughts

There’s nothing quite like sharing a batch of homemade Easy Beef Taquitos with friends and family. They’re straightforward, satisfying, and always a hit. If you haven’t tried making them at home before, now’s the time—get rolling, dipping, and crunching your way to taquito happiness!

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