Description
Crispy oven baked beef taquitos bring Mexican street flavor to home kitchens. Rolled tortillas packed with seasoned ground beef create a delicious appetizer perfect for gatherings or casual meals you’ll savor.
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 lb (454 g) ground beef
- 1.5 cups (360 ml) shredded cheddar or monterey jack cheese
- 12 small flour or corn tortillas
- 1 (1 oz/28 g) packet taco seasoning or homemade taco seasoning
- 1 small onion, finely diced
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- ¼ cup (60 ml) water
- 2 tbsps (30 ml) olive oil or cooking spray
- Salsa
- Guacamole
- Sour cream
- Chopped cilantro
Instructions
- Preheat Preparation: Set oven to 425F (220C) and prepare baking sheet with parchment paper or light grease coating.
- Beef Sautéing: In a large skillet over medium heat, brown ground beef into fine crumbles, thoroughly draining excess fat after cooking.
- Flavor Infusion: Mix diced onion, minced garlic, and taco seasoning into cooked beef, simmering to blend aromatics and develop rich flavors. Add water and continue cooking to create a cohesive filling.
- Assembly Technique: Soften tortillas in microwave, then layer beef mixture and shredded cheese along one tortilla edge. Roll compactly, positioning seam-side down on prepared baking sheet.
- Crisp Enhancement: Brush olive oil or spray cooking spray across taquito surfaces to promote golden, crunchy exterior during baking.
- Baking Process: Roast in preheated oven for 15-20 minutes until taquitos transform into crisp, golden-brown cylinders with enticing texture.
- Serving Suggestion: Rest taquitos briefly after baking, then plate with complementary condiments like salsa, guacamole, or sour cream for a complete culinary experience.
Notes
- Optimize Tortilla Flexibility: Warm tortillas briefly in microwave or on a skillet to prevent cracking and ensure smooth rolling without breaking.
- Prevent Soggy Bottoms: Place taquitos on a wire rack over the baking sheet to allow air circulation, creating a crispier and more evenly cooked exterior.
- Cheese Distribution Trick: Sprinkle cheese inside and mix with beef to ensure melty, consistent flavor throughout each taquito.
- Customize for Dietary Needs: Swap ground beef with shredded chicken, black beans, or plant-based protein for alternative protein options; use gluten-free tortillas for those with wheat sensitivities.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Lunch, Dinner, Appetizer, Snacks
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Mexican
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 11
- Calories: 250
- Sugar: 1 g
- Sodium: 480 mg
- Fat: 12 g
- Saturated Fat: 5 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 27 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 13 g
- Cholesterol: 50 mg