Easy & Crispy Ground Beef Taquitos Recipe
Crispy, golden ground beef taquitos filled with seasoned beef and cheese, wrapped in corn tortillas, and cooked to perfection. This easy homemade recipe is perfect for taco night, game-day snacks, or a quick family meal!
Equipment
- 1 Large Skillet For cooking the beef filling
- 1 Mixing bowl To combine ingredients
- 1 Baking sheet If baking the taquitos
- 1 Air Fryer (Optional) For a healthier, crispy version
- 1 Tongs To flip and remove taquitos
- 1 Brush or Spray Bottle For oil application (if baking or air frying)
- 1 Sharp Knife For slicing ingredients
- 1 Measuring Cups & Spoons For accurate portioning
Ingredients
For the Ground Beef Filling:
- 1 lb Ground Beef Lean 85/15 or 90/10
- 1 tbsp Olive Oil For sautéing
- 1 tsp Garlic Powder Adds depth of flavor
- 1 tsp Onion Powder Enhances taste
- 1 tsp Cumin For authentic Mexican flavor
- ½ tsp Chili Powder Adjust for spice level
- ½ tsp Smoked Paprika Adds a smoky touch
- ½ tsp Salt Adjust to taste
- ¼ tsp Black Pepper Freshly ground
- ½ cup Shredded Cheese Cheddar or Monterey Jack
For the Taquitos:
- 12 Corn Tortillas Warmed for easy rolling
- ¼ cup Vegetable Oil For frying or brushing before baking
Optional Dips & Toppings:
- ½ cup Sour Cream For dipping
- ½ cup Salsa Fresh or spicy
- ½ cup Guacamole Creamy avocado-based dip
- ¼ cup Chopped Cilantro For garnish
- ¼ cup Queso Dip Extra cheesy option
Instructions
Step 1: Cook the Beef Filling
- Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat.
- Add ground beef, breaking it apart with a spatula. Cook until browned.
- Drain excess grease and stir in garlic powder, onion powder, cumin, chili powder, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper.
- Let the mixture simmer for 3–5 minutes until well-seasoned.
- If using, mix in shredded cheese while the beef is still warm. Remove from heat and let cool slightly.
Step 2: Warm the Corn Tortillas
- Microwave Method: Wrap tortillas in a damp paper towel and heat for 30 seconds.
- Stovetop Method: Warm in a dry skillet over medium heat, 15 seconds per side.
- Oven Method: Wrap in foil and bake at 300°F (150°C) for 5–10 minutes.
- Keeping tortillas warm makes them flexible for rolling.
Step 3: Assemble the Taquitos
- Lay a tortilla on a flat surface.
- Add 2 tablespoons of beef filling near the edge.
- Roll the tortilla tightly around the filling.
- Place seam-side down and repeat for all tortillas.
Step 4: Cooking Methods – Bake, Fry, or Air Fry
- 🔥 Frying Method (Crispiest Taquitos)
- Heat ½ inch of oil in a skillet to 350°F (175°C).
- Place taquitos seam-side down and fry 2–3 minutes per side.
- Remove and drain on a paper towel.
- 🔥 Baking Method (Healthier Option)
- Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
- Arrange taquitos on a baking sheet, seam-side down.
- Lightly brush or spray with oil.
- Bake for 15–20 minutes, flipping halfway.
- 🔥 Air Fryer Method (Quick & Crispy)
- Preheat air fryer to 375°F (190°C).
- Arrange taquitos in a single layer, seam-side down.
- Spray lightly with oil and air fry for 8–10 minutes, flipping halfway.
Notes
✔ Make Ahead: Freeze unbaked taquitos for quick meals.
✔ Spicy Kick: Add chopped jalapeños to the filling.
✔ Gluten-Free: Use 100% corn tortillas.
✔ Dairy-Free: Skip the cheese or use plant-based alternatives.
🔥 Freezing: Freeze cooked or uncooked taquitos for up to 3 months.
🔥 Reheating:
✔ Spicy Kick: Add chopped jalapeños to the filling.
✔ Gluten-Free: Use 100% corn tortillas.
✔ Dairy-Free: Skip the cheese or use plant-based alternatives.
Storage & Reheating:
🔥 Refrigeration: Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days.🔥 Freezing: Freeze cooked or uncooked taquitos for up to 3 months.
🔥 Reheating:
- Oven: 375°F for 10–15 minutes.
- Air Fryer: 375°F for 5–7 minutes.
- Stovetop: Pan-fry for 2–3 minutes per side.
- Microwave: 30–45 seconds (less crispy).