Baked Beef Taquitos: The Ultimate Recipe & Guide

Baked Beef Taquitos: Crispy, savory, and utterly irresistible! Forget ordering takeout tonight; I’m going to show you how to make these crowd-pleasing delights right in your own kitchen. Imagine sinking your teeth into a perfectly golden, crunchy tortilla filled with seasoned ground beef and melted cheese. Are you drooling yet?

Taquitos, also known as rolled tacos, have deep roots in Mexican cuisine, evolving from simple street food to a beloved dish enjoyed worldwide. While traditionally deep-fried, my baked beef taquitos recipe offers a healthier, equally delicious alternative without sacrificing that satisfying crunch. This method allows you to enjoy all the flavor with less guilt!

What makes taquitos so universally loved? It’s the perfect combination of textures and flavors. The crispy tortilla gives way to a savory, well-seasoned beef filling, often complemented by creamy guacamole, tangy salsa, or cool sour cream. They’re incredibly versatile, making them perfect for a quick weeknight dinner, a fun party appetizer, or even a satisfying snack. Plus, they’re easy to customize with your favorite fillings and toppings. Get ready to experience taquito perfection!

Ingredients:

• 1 pound ground beef (80/20 blend is great for flavor)
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 medium yellow onion, finely chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 packet (1 ounce) taco seasoning
• 1/2 cup water
• 1 (15 ounce) can black beans, rinsed and drained
• 1 (15 ounce) can corn, drained
• 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
• 1 cup shredded Monterey Jack cheese
• 1/4 cup chopped cilantro, fresh
• 24 corn tortillas (6-inch size)
• Cooking spray
• Optional toppings: sour cream, guacamole, salsa, pico de gallo, shredded lettuce

Preparing the Beef Filling:

Okay, let’s get started with the heart of our taquitos – the flavorful beef filling! This is where we build the foundation for deliciousness.

1. Brown the Ground Beef: Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef and cook, breaking it up with a spoon, until it’s browned and no longer pink. Make sure to crumble it really well so you don’t have big chunks in your taquitos. Nobody wants a mouthful of just beef!
2. Sauté the Aromatics: Drain off any excess grease from the skillet. Add the chopped onion to the skillet and cook until softened, about 5 minutes. You want the onion to be translucent and fragrant. Then, add the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant. Be careful not to burn the garlic, as it can become bitter.
3. Season the Beef: Stir in the taco seasoning and water. Bring the mixture to a simmer and cook for about 5-7 minutes, or until the liquid has reduced and the beef is nicely coated with the seasoning. This step is crucial for infusing the beef with that classic taco flavor. I like to taste it at this point and add a pinch of salt or pepper if needed.
4. Add the Beans and Corn: Stir in the rinsed and drained black beans and corn. Cook for another 2-3 minutes, until heated through. This adds texture and extra flavor to the filling. You can also add other veggies you like, such as diced bell peppers or jalapeños for a kick!
5. Incorporate the Cheese and Cilantro: Remove the skillet from the heat and stir in 1/2 cup of the cheddar cheese, 1/2 cup of the Monterey Jack cheese, and the chopped cilantro. The cheese will melt slightly and help bind the filling together. The cilantro adds a fresh, vibrant flavor that complements the other ingredients perfectly.
6. Cool Slightly: Let the filling cool slightly before assembling the taquitos. This will make it easier to handle and prevent the tortillas from tearing. While it’s cooling, you can preheat your oven and prepare the tortillas.

Preparing the Tortillas:

Now, let’s get those tortillas ready to roll! This step is important to prevent cracking and ensure your taquitos are nice and pliable.

1. Warm the Tortillas: There are a few ways to warm the tortillas. My favorite method is to wrap them in a damp paper towel and microwave them for about 30-60 seconds, or until they are pliable. You can also warm them in a dry skillet over medium heat for about 15-20 seconds per side, or wrap them in foil and warm them in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10 minutes. The goal is to make them soft and flexible so they don’t crack when you roll them.

Assembling the Taquitos:

Time to roll! This is where the magic happens, and your taquitos start to take shape.

1. Fill the Tortillas: Lay a warmed tortilla on a flat surface. Spoon about 2-3 tablespoons of the beef filling onto the center of the tortilla. Don’t overfill them, or they will be difficult to roll and may burst open during baking.
2. Roll Tightly: Fold in the sides of the tortilla slightly, then tightly roll it up from the bottom. Secure the roll with a toothpick if needed, although this is usually not necessary if you roll them tightly enough.
3. Repeat: Repeat steps 1 and 2 with the remaining tortillas and filling.

Baking the Taquitos:

Almost there! Now, let’s bake these beauties to crispy, golden perfection.

1. Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. Prepare the Baking Sheet: Lightly spray a baking sheet with cooking spray. This will prevent the taquitos from sticking and help them crisp up nicely.
3. Arrange the Taquitos: Place the rolled taquitos seam-side down on the prepared baking sheet. Make sure they are not touching each other, so they can bake evenly.
4. Spray with Cooking Spray: Lightly spray the tops of the taquitos with cooking spray. This will help them get extra crispy and golden brown.
5. Bake: Bake for 15-20 minutes, or until the taquitos are golden brown and crispy. Keep an eye on them, as baking times may vary depending on your oven.
6. Add Cheese (Optional): If you want extra cheesy taquitos, sprinkle the remaining cheddar and Monterey Jack cheese over the taquitos during the last 5 minutes of baking.

Serving the Taquitos:

The moment we’ve all been waiting for! Time to enjoy your delicious homemade baked beef taquitos.

1. Let Cool Slightly: Remove the taquitos from the oven and let them cool for a few minutes before serving. This will prevent you from burning your mouth!
2. Serve with Toppings: Serve the taquitos with your favorite toppings, such as sour cream, guacamole, salsa, pico de gallo, and shredded lettuce. I also like to serve them with a side of Mexican rice and refried beans for a complete meal.
3. Enjoy! Dig in and enjoy your crispy, flavorful baked beef taquitos! They’re perfect for a quick and easy weeknight dinner, a party appetizer, or a game-day snack.

Tips and Variations:

• Make it Vegetarian: Substitute the ground beef with crumbled tofu or black beans for a vegetarian option.
• Add Spice: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or a diced jalapeño to the beef filling for a spicier kick.
• Use Different Cheeses: Experiment with different types of cheese, such as pepper jack or queso fresco.
• Air Fryer Option: You can also cook these in an air fryer! Preheat your air fryer to 375°F (190°C). Place the taquitos in the air fryer basket in a single layer, making sure they are not touching. Cook for 8-10 minutes, or until golden brown and crispy, flipping halfway through.
• Freezing Instructions: These taquitos freeze beautifully! After baking, let them cool completely. Then, wrap them individually in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer bag. They can be stored in the freezer for up to 2-3 months. To reheat, bake them in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 15-20 minutes, or until heated through.

Conclusion:

And there you have it! These Baked Beef Taquitos are truly a game-changer for weeknight dinners, party appetizers, or even a satisfying lunch. I know, I know, I might be biased, but trust me on this one. The combination of the crispy, golden-brown tortillas, the savory, perfectly seasoned beef filling, and the customizable toppings makes them utterly irresistible. What makes these taquitos a must-try? First and foremost, they’re baked, not fried! This means you get all the satisfying crunch without the extra grease and guilt. Plus, baking them is incredibly easy and hands-off, freeing you up to prepare other dishes or simply relax while they’re in the oven. Secondly, the beef filling is packed with flavor. We’re talking a symphony of spices that will tantalize your taste buds and leave you wanting more. And finally, they’re incredibly versatile. You can easily adapt the recipe to your liking, using different types of meat, cheeses, or spices. Speaking of variations, the possibilities are endless! For a spicier kick, add a pinch of cayenne pepper or a finely chopped jalapeño to the beef filling. If you’re a cheese lover (and who isn’t?), try using a blend of cheddar and Monterey Jack for an extra cheesy experience. You could even experiment with different types of tortillas, such as whole wheat or corn, to suit your dietary preferences. When it comes to serving suggestions, these Baked Beef Taquitos are a blank canvas for your culinary creativity. I personally love serving them with a dollop of sour cream or Greek yogurt, a generous helping of guacamole, and a sprinkle of fresh cilantro. A side of pico de gallo or salsa verde adds a refreshing contrast to the richness of the taquitos. For a more substantial meal, you can serve them alongside a Mexican rice and beans. And don’t forget the hot sauce! A few dashes of your favorite hot sauce will take these taquitos to the next level. Another great serving idea is to create a taquito bar! Set out a variety of toppings, such as shredded lettuce, diced tomatoes, chopped onions, olives, and different types of cheeses and sauces, and let your guests customize their own taquitos. This is a fun and interactive way to enjoy these delicious treats, especially at parties or gatherings. I truly believe that these Baked Beef Taquitos will become a staple in your kitchen. They’re easy to make, incredibly delicious, and endlessly customizable. They’re perfect for busy weeknights, casual get-togethers, or even a quick and satisfying snack. So, what are you waiting for? Grab your ingredients, preheat your oven, and get ready to experience the magic of these amazing taquitos. I promise you won’t be disappointed. And most importantly, I want to hear about your experience! Once you’ve tried this recipe, please come back and leave a comment below. Let me know what you thought, what variations you tried, and what toppings you used. I’m always eager to hear from my readers and learn from your culinary adventures. Share your photos on social media using #BakedBeefTaquitos so I can see your creations! Happy cooking!

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