Easily customizable with cheese, beans, or veggies
Kid-approved and family-friendly
Great as a snack, lunch, or party food
Delicious served with dips like guacamole or salsa
Made with simple, everyday ingredients
Quick to prepare and cook
Ingredients
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
Ground beef
Onion, finely chopped
Garlic, minced
Chili powder
Cumin
Paprika
Salt and pepper
Tomato paste or sauce (optional for extra moisture)
Corn tortillas
Oil (for brushing or frying)
Shredded cheese (optional)
Directions
Preheat oven to 425°F (220°C), or heat oil in a deep pan if frying.
In a skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef until browned.
Add chopped onions and garlic; sauté until softened.
Stir in chili powder, cumin, paprika, salt, pepper, and tomato paste.
Simmer until the mixture is thick and well seasoned.
Warm tortillas slightly to prevent cracking.
Spoon about 2 tablespoons of beef mixture onto one side of each tortilla.
Sprinkle with shredded cheese if using.
Roll the tortillas tightly and place seam-side down on a baking sheet.
Brush with oil (if baking) and bake for 15–20 minutes until golden and crisp, or fry until golden.
Let cool slightly before serving with your favorite dips.
Servings and timing
Makes about 12 taquitos (3–4 servings). Prep time: 15 minutes Cook time: 15–20 minutes Total time: 30–35 minutes
Variations
Cheesy taquitos: Add shredded cheddar or Monterey Jack to the filling
Spicy beef taquitos: Include diced jalapeños or hot sauce in the beef mixture
Baked instead of fried: Use olive oil spray and bake for a healthier option
Add beans: Mix in refried or black beans with the beef
Use flour tortillas: For a softer, slightly chewier texture
Veggie-loaded: Add finely chopped bell peppers, corn, or zucchini to the filling
Mini taquitos: Cut tortillas in half for bite-sized versions
Storage/Reheating
Store leftover taquitos in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. To reheat, bake in a 375°F (190°C) oven for 8–10 minutes or until heated through and crisp. They can also be reheated in an air fryer or microwave (though microwave results may be softer). To freeze, arrange cooked taquitos in a single layer, freeze until firm, then transfer to a freezer bag. Reheat from frozen by baking at 400°F (200°C) for 15–20 minutes.
FAQs
Can I make beef taquitos ahead of time?
Yes, assemble and refrigerate or freeze before baking or frying when ready.
What kind of beef should I use?
Lean ground beef works best to avoid excess grease but still delivers rich flavor.
Can I bake these instead of frying?
Absolutely, they crisp up beautifully in the oven with a light coating of oil.
How do I keep the tortillas from cracking?
Warm them slightly in the microwave or on a skillet before rolling.
Are beef taquitos gluten-free?
They can be if made with gluten-free corn tortillas and checked seasonings.
Can I use leftover roast or shredded beef?
Yes, shred and season it for a delicious variation.
What dips go well with taquitos?
Sour cream, guacamole, salsa, queso, and pico de gallo are all great options.
Can I air-fry beef taquitos?
Yes, cook at 375°F (190°C) for about 8 minutes, flipping halfway through.
Can I make these dairy-free?
Omit the cheese and ensure seasonings and tortillas are dairy-free.
How long do cooked taquitos last in the fridge?
Stored properly, they stay fresh for up to 4 days.
Conclusion
Beef taquitos are a simple yet satisfying recipe perfect for feeding a crowd or enjoying as a snack or dinner. Their crispy shell and flavorful filling make them irresistible, and with easy make-ahead and storage options, they’re a go-to favorite you’ll want to keep in regular rotation.
Beef taquitos are crispy, rolled tortillas filled with seasoned ground beef, then baked or fried until golden brown. They’re easy to make, freezer-friendly, and perfect as a snack, appetizer, or main dish.
Author:Catherine
Prep Time:15 minutes
Cook Time:20 minutes
Total Time:35 minutes
Yield:12 taquitos (3–4 servings)
Category:Main Dish
Method:Baking or Frying
Cuisine:Mexican
Diet:Halal
Ingredients
1 lb ground beef
1/2 onion, finely chopped
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 teaspoon chili powder
1/2 teaspoon cumin
1/2 teaspoon paprika
Salt and pepper to taste
1 tablespoon tomato paste or 2 tablespoons tomato sauce (optional)
12 corn tortillas
2 tablespoons oil (for brushing or frying)
1 cup shredded cheese (optional)
Instructions
Preheat oven to 425°F (220°C) or heat oil in a deep pan for frying.
In a skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef until browned.
Add chopped onion and garlic; sauté until softened.
Stir in chili powder, cumin, paprika, salt, pepper, and tomato paste or sauce if using.
Simmer until the mixture is thick and well-seasoned. Remove from heat.
Warm tortillas slightly in the microwave or skillet to prevent cracking.
Spoon about 2 tablespoons of beef mixture onto one side of each tortilla.
Add shredded cheese if desired.
Roll tortillas tightly and place seam-side down on a baking sheet.
Brush with oil if baking. Bake for 15–20 minutes or until golden and crisp, or fry until golden.
Let cool slightly before serving with dips like salsa or guacamole.
Notes
Warm tortillas before rolling to prevent cracking.Bake for a healthier version or fry for extra crispiness.Can be frozen and reheated straight from the freezer.Customize with cheese, beans, or extra veggies.Use lean ground beef to avoid excess grease.
