Description
Crispy Beef Taquitos are a delicious Mexican-inspired snack or main course featuring seasoned ground beef rolled in corn tortillas, fried until golden and crispy. Served with optional toppings like salsa, guacamole, sour cream, and cilantro, they make a perfect savory treat for any occasion.
Ingredients
Scale
Beef Mixture
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon chili powder
- 1/2 teaspoon cumin
- 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup shredded cheddar or Mexican blend cheese
Taquitos
- 8-10 small corn tortillas
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil for frying
Optional Toppings
- Salsa
- Guacamole
- Sour cream
- Chopped cilantro
Instructions
- Cook the beef mixture: In a skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef with the finely chopped onion and minced garlic until the beef is browned and onions are soft, about 7-8 minutes. Drain any excess fat if necessary. Stir in chili powder, cumin, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper. Cook for another 1-2 minutes to allow the spices to bloom. Remove from heat and let cool slightly.
- Warm the tortillas: Heat the corn tortillas briefly in a dry skillet or microwave to make them pliable, preventing them from cracking when rolled.
- Assemble the taquitos: Place 2-3 tablespoons of the beef mixture along the center of each tortilla. Sprinkle with shredded cheese. Roll the tortillas tightly and secure the seam side down to hold the shape.
- Fry the taquitos: Heat vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Carefully place the taquitos seam-side down in the oil. Fry for 2-3 minutes per side or until the taquitos are golden brown and crisp. Drain on paper towels to remove excess oil.
- Serve: Serve the crispy beef taquitos warm with your choice of optional toppings such as salsa, guacamole, sour cream, and chopped cilantro.
Notes
- For a lighter version, bake the taquitos at 425°F (220°C) for 15-20 minutes, turning halfway through cooking until crispy and golden.
- Corn tortillas are preferred for authentic flavor and texture, but flour tortillas can be substituted if desired.
- Enhance the filling by adding cooked beans or diced bell peppers for extra flavor and texture.
