Name: Beef Taquitos Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 30 min
Cuisine: Mexican
Ingredients: 1 pound ground beef; 1 cup onion, diced; 4 tablespoons taco seasoning; ¼ cup water; 1 cup cheddar cheese, shredded; 12 small corn tortillas; 2 tablespoons olive oil

Jump to Recipe

Crispy, savory, and seriously irresistible, these Beef Taquitos are the kind of dish you make once and suddenly everyone is requesting them for every get-together. Each bite delivers a satisfying crunch, followed by spiced beef, melty cheddar, and that unmistakably comforting flavor only classic taquitos can offer. With just a handful of ingredients, you can serve up a platter that looks and tastes like a fiesta on your table—no deep frying required! Whether you’re feeding a crowd or craving a cozy night in, Beef Taquitos are a sure-fire crowd-pleaser you’ll want to add to your regular rotation.

Ingredients You’ll Need

The magic of Beef Taquitos is that you only need a handful of simple, everyday ingredients. Each item plays its part, coming together to create the crunchy shell, rich filling, and bold flavor you’ll love.

Ground beef: Choose an 80/20 blend for flavor and juiciness—this is the backbone of your taquito filling.
Onion (diced): A generous scoop for sweetness and depth, helping to balance out those spices.
Taco seasoning: Your shortcut to big, bold flavor—make your own or use your favorite store-bought blend.
Water: Just a splash is all you need to create a saucy, clingy filling that won’t dry out as you bake.
Cheddar cheese (shredded): Rich, melty, and sharp—this is where the magic happens when it meets the hot beef.
Corn tortillas (small): These are perfect for crispy, bite-sized taquitos; warming them first helps prevent cracking.
Olive oil: A quick brush ensures your taquitos bake up golden and beautifully crisp without any need for frying.

How to Make Beef Taquitos

Step 1: Brown the Beef & Soften the Onions

Start by preheating your oven to 425°F so it’s ready for taquito action. In a large skillet over medium heat, add your ground beef. Cook and crumble the beef until it’s beautifully browned—this builds the foundation of flavor. Toss in your diced onions and let them sweat it out for about 3 to 4 minutes, just until they’ve softened and started to turn golden.

Step 2: Season & Simmer

Sprinkle in the taco seasoning and pour in the water. Stir everything together so the spices cling to every tiny morsel of beef and onion. Let the mixture simmer for 2 to 3 minutes, just until it thickens slightly and turns fragrant. Take the skillet off the heat, allow the filling to cool for a minute or two (so your cheese won’t melt instantly), then stir in the shredded cheddar until it’s gooey and just starting to melt.

Step 3: Warm the Tortillas

Corn tortillas love to crack, so show them a little TLC: Stack and wrap them in a damp paper towel and microwave for 20 to 30 seconds, or warm them in a dry skillet for about 10 seconds on each side. This keeps them pliable and eager to roll up tight without any splitting.

Step 4: Fill and Roll

Working one at a time, add around 2 tablespoons of the beef mixture along one edge of each tortilla. Roll up tight and place them seam-side down to help keep everything together. The aroma alone is hard to resist, but they’ll get even better once baked!

Step 5: Arrange & Brush with Olive Oil

Line a baking sheet with parchment paper for easy cleanup. Set the rolled taquitos seam-side down so they stay put as they bake. Brush or mist the tops with olive oil to guarantee a shatteringly crisp crust without any fuss or frying.

Step 6: Bake to Golden Perfection

Pop your Beef Taquitos in the oven and bake for about 10 to 15 minutes. You’re looking for that perfect golden brown color and crispiness—keep a close eye in the last couple of minutes! Once done, serve them up right away, paired with your favorite toppings.

How to Serve Beef Taquitos

Garnishes

Don’t underestimate the power of toppings! Pile your Beef Taquitos high with fresh guacamole, a dollop of sour cream, or a scoop of zesty salsa. Sprinkle with chopped cilantro or bits of green onion for a pop of color. A squeeze of lime over the top wakes up all those flavors and adds a little zip.

Side Dishes

Beef Taquitos shine brightest when surrounded by a few simple sides. Serve them alongside Mexican rice, refried beans, or a crunchy slaw. Even just a bright, tangy salad or pickled veggies will balance the richness of the taquitos and round out your meal beautifully.

Creative Ways to Present

For a party-worthy platter, stand your taquitos upright in a serving glass or mug, or arrange them in a starburst on a big plate with all your dips in the center. You can transform them into “taquito nachos” by layering taquitos, cheese, and toppings for a fun twist. Try mini versions for an appetizer spread at your next gathering.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If (and that’s a big if!) you happen to have leftover Beef Taquitos, store them in an airtight container once cooled. They’ll keep well in the refrigerator for up to 3 days, staying crisp if you reheat them just right.

Freezing

These are fantastic for freezing! Let your taquitos cool completely, then arrange them in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze until solid. Transfer to a freezer bag or container, and they’ll keep for up to 2 months. When you’re ready to enjoy, bake or air-fry straight from the freezer—no need to thaw.

Reheating

Skip the microwave for best results; instead, reheat Beef Taquitos in the oven at 375°F for 8 to 10 minutes, or until sizzling and crisp again. The air fryer is another great option for restoring that original crunch!

FAQs

What kind of cheese works best in Beef Taquitos?

Cheddar is classic for its meltiness and bold flavor, but you can also try pepper jack, Monterey Jack, or a Mexican blend for a little extra kick and creaminess.

Can I use flour tortillas instead of corn tortillas?

Absolutely! Flour tortillas yield a slightly softer, chewier texture but still crisp up nicely. Just keep an eye on the baking time, as they may brown a bit faster.

How do I keep my taquitos from unrolling in the oven?

The trick is rolling them tightly and placing them seam-side down on the baking sheet—no toothpicks needed. If you’re making a big batch, nestle them close together to help hold their shape.

Can Beef Taquitos be made ahead for a party?

Definitely! You can prep and roll them a day ahead, cover and refrigerate, then brush with olive oil and bake right before serving. They also freeze well for extra convenience.

Are Beef Taquitos gluten-free?

If you use corn tortillas and check that your taco seasoning doesn’t have hidden gluten, Beef Taquitos are naturally gluten-free, making them great for guests with dietary restrictions.

Final Thoughts

There’s something truly fun about making—and eating—homemade Beef Taquitos. Every crispy bite is loaded with flavor, wrapped with nostalgia, and just asking to be shared. So give this recipe a try and watch it become a new favorite in your kitchen. Happy cooking, and enjoy every crunch!

Beef Taquitos Recipe

★★★★★

5 from 22 reviews

Author: Noah
Total Time: 30 minutes
Yield: 12 taquitos 1x
Diet: Gluten Free

Print Recipe

Description

These Beef Taquitos are a delicious and easy-to-make appetizer or snack that everyone will love. Crispy on the outside and filled with flavorful beef and cheese, they are perfect for any occasion.

Ingredients

Scale

For the beef filling:

1 pound ground beef
1 cup onion, diced
4 tablespoons taco seasoning
¼ cup water
1 cup cheddar cheese, shredded

For assembling:

12 small corn tortillas
2 tablespoons olive oil

Instructions

Preheat the oven: Preheat your oven to 425°F. Cook the ground beef in a skillet over medium heat with diced onion until browned.
Prepare the filling: Stir in taco seasoning and water, simmer until thickened. Let cool slightly and add shredded cheddar cheese.
Heat the tortillas: Warm the corn tortillas to make them pliable.
Assemble the taquitos: Spoon beef mixture onto tortillas, roll tightly, and place seam-side down on a baking sheet.
Bake: Brush taquitos with olive oil and bake for 10-15 minutes until crispy.
Serve: Enjoy warm with your favorite toppings.

Notes

You can customize the filling with additional ingredients like beans, corn, or bell peppers.
Feel free to use different types of cheese for variety.
These taquitos can be frozen before baking for future quick meals.

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 15 minutes
Category: Appetizer, Snack
Method: Baking
Cuisine: Mexican