Description
These Homemade Beef Taquitos are crispy, flavorful Mexican snacks made with ground beef, spices, and cheese rolled in corn tortillas and fried to golden perfection. Perfect as a main course or a hearty appetizer, they offer a delightful crunch with every bite. Serve them with salsa, guacamole, sour cream, or cilantro for an authentic taste experience.
Ingredients
Scale
Beef Filling
- 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: Heat a skillet over medium heat and add ground beef, finely chopped onion, and minced garlic. Cook, stirring occasionally, until the beef is browned and the onions are softened. Drain any excess fat if needed. Stir in chili powder, cumin, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper, cooking for an additional 1-2 minutes until fragrant. Remove from the heat and allow to cool slightly.
- Prepare tortillas: Warm the corn tortillas to soften them and make them pliable. This prevents cracking when rolling.
- Assemble taquitos: Place 2-3 tablespoons of the beef mixture along the center of each warmed tortilla. Sprinkle with shredded cheese. Tightly roll the tortillas around the filling, securing the seam.
- Fry the taquitos: Heat vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Carefully place the rolled taquitos seam-side down in the hot oil. Fry for 2-3 minutes per side, or until they turn golden brown and crispy. Remove them from the oil and 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 for added flavor and freshness.
Notes
- For a lighter, less oily version, bake the taquitos in a preheated oven at 425°F (220°C) for 15-20 minutes, turning halfway through, until crispy.
- Ground turkey or chicken can be substituted for beef for a different flavor or leaner protein.
- Corn tortillas are preferred for authentic texture and flavor, but flour tortillas can be used as an alternative.
