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Crispy Cheesy Beef Taquitos

crispy cheesy beef taquitos - featured image

These crispy cheesy beef taquitos combine seasoned ground beef and sharp cheddar cheese wrapped in golden, crunchy corn tortillas. Perfect for quick snacks, potlucks, or family meals, they offer a delicious homemade upgrade to store-bought versions.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 lb ground beef (85% lean)
  • 1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese (about 100 g)
  • 12 small corn tortillas
  • 1 small onion, finely chopped
  • 2 garlic cloves, minced
  • 1 tsp ground cumin
  • 1 tsp chili powder
  • Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
  • 2 tbsp olive oil or vegetable oil (1 tbsp for sautéing, 1 tbsp for brushing tortillas)
  • 1 tbsp fresh cilantro, chopped (optional)
  • Sour cream or guacamole for serving

Instructions

  1. Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat.
  2. Heat 1 tablespoon of oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the finely chopped onion and sauté for 2-3 minutes until translucent and fragrant.
  3. Add the minced garlic and cook for another 30 seconds, being careful not to burn it.
  4. Add the ground beef, crumble it into the skillet, and cook for 6-8 minutes until browned and cooked through. Drain excess fat if needed.
  5. Stir in ground cumin, chili powder, salt, and black pepper. Cook for 1-2 more minutes to bloom the spices. Remove from heat and let cool slightly.
  6. Transfer the beef mixture to a bowl and stir in shredded cheddar cheese and optional chopped cilantro.
  7. Warm the corn tortillas to make them pliable by microwaving wrapped in a damp paper towel for 20-30 seconds or heating briefly on a dry skillet.
  8. Place about 2 tablespoons of the beef-cheese mixture near one edge of each tortilla. Roll tightly but gently to avoid cracking. Place each rolled taquito seam-side down on the prepared baking sheet.
  9. Lightly brush or spray the taquitos with 1 tablespoon of oil to get a golden, crispy finish.
  10. Bake for 15-18 minutes, flipping halfway through, until taquitos are crisp and golden brown on all sides and cheese is melted inside.
  11. Let cool for a couple of minutes before serving with sour cream, guacamole, or your favorite salsa.

Notes

Warm tortillas before rolling to prevent cracking. Lightly brush tortillas with oil instead of soaking to avoid greasiness. Flip taquitos halfway through baking for even crispiness. Drain excess fat from beef to prevent soggy taquitos. For extra zing, add a splash of lime juice to the beef mixture. Corn tortillas are naturally gluten-free but check cheese and seasoning labels to be sure.

Nutrition

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