Authentic and Crispy Beef Taquitos Recipe

Ingredients

1 pound ground beef
1 onion, finely chopped
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 teaspoon chili powder
1/2 teaspoon cumin
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon black pepper
12 small corn tortillas
1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
2 cups vegetable oil, for frying
Sour cream, for serving (optional)
Guacamole, for serving (optional)
Salsa, for serving (optional)

Steps and instructions

In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef and onion until the beef is browned and the onion is tender. Drain off excess fat.
Add the minced garlic, chili powder, cumin, salt, and black pepper to the skillet. Cook for about 2 minutes, stirring constantly.
Preheat the oil in a deep fryer or large pot to 375°F (190°C).
Warm the tortillas in a dry skillet over medium heat until pliable, about 30 seconds per side. This makes them easier to roll.
Spoon about 2 tablespoons of the beef mixture onto each tortilla, then top with about 1 tablespoon of cheese. Roll up tightly and secure with a toothpick.
Fry the taquitos in the preheated oil, a few at a time, until crisp and golden brown, about 3 minutes. Be sure to remove the toothpicks after frying.
Drain on paper towels and keep warm in a low oven while frying the remaining taquitos.
Serve the taquitos hot, with sour cream, guacamole, and salsa on the side, if desired.

Tools for making

Skillet - A large skillet is needed to cook the ground beef and onion.
Deep fryer or large pot - This is required to heat the oil for frying the taquitos.
Toothpicks - Toothpicks are used to secure the rolled taquitos before frying.
Paper towels - These are used to drain the fried taquitos and remove excess oil.
Oven - The oven is used to keep the fried taquitos warm while frying the remaining ones.
Spatula or tongs - A spatula or tongs are helpful for flipping the tortillas while warming them.
Cutting board - A cutting board is needed for chopping the onion and mincing the garlic.
Knife - A knife is required for cutting the onion and mincing the garlic.
Measuring spoons - Measuring spoons are used to measure the chili powder, cumin, salt, and black pepper.

Recipe variations

Use shredded chicken or pork instead of ground beef for a different protein option.
Add diced green chilies or jalapenos for an extra kick of heat.
Replace the corn tortillas with flour tortillas for a different texture.
Try different types of cheese such as Monterey Jack or Pepper Jack.
Add diced bell peppers or corn kernels for added flavor and texture.
Include some chopped fresh cilantro or parsley for a burst of freshness.
For a healthier option, bake the taquitos in the oven instead of frying them.
Experiment with different spices and seasonings to customize the flavor profile.
Make a vegetarian version by substituting the ground beef with sautéed vegetables like mushrooms, zucchini, and spinach.
Serve the taquitos with different dipping sauces like queso dip, chipotle mayo, or ranch dressing.

Recipe overview

These Beef Taquitos are a crispy, flavorful, and satisfying meal that's perfect for weeknight dinners or casual get-togethers. They are made by filling warm corn tortillas with a spiced ground beef and onion mixture, rolling them up, and then frying them until they're golden brown and crispy. Topped with shredded cheddar cheese and served with sour cream, guacamole, and salsa, these taquitos are not only delicious, but also fun to eat. This recipe takes you through the process step by step, making it easy for anyone to create this dish at home. Get ready for a homemade Mexican feast that's sure to impress.

Common questions

Can I use a different type of meat instead of ground beef? Yes, you can substitute ground beef with ground chicken, turkey, or pork.
Can I make these taquitos ahead of time? Yes, you can prepare the taquitos in advance and refrigerate them until you are ready to fry them. Just make sure to remove the toothpicks before storing.
Can I bake the taquitos instead of frying them? Yes, you can bake the taquitos in a preheated oven at 400°F (200°C) for about 15-20 minutes until they are crispy and golden brown.
Can I freeze the taquitos? Yes, you can freeze the taquitos before frying them. Place the assembled taquitos on a baking sheet and freeze until firm, then transfer them to a freezer bag. When ready to cook, fry them directly from frozen, adding a few extra minutes to the frying time.
Can I use flour tortillas instead of corn tortillas? Yes, you can use flour tortillas if you prefer. Just keep in mind that the texture and taste may be slightly different.
What other toppings can I use to serve with the taquitos? In addition to sour cream, guacamole, and salsa, you can also add chopped tomatoes, shredded lettuce, diced onions, or chopped cilantro.
How can I make this recipe spicier? If you prefer a spicier flavor, you can add some diced jalapenos to the ground beef mixture or sprinkle some red pepper flakes on top before rolling.

Serving dishes and utensils

Skillet - A large skillet is needed to cook the ground beef and onion.
Deep fryer or large pot - Used to fry the taquitos until crisp and golden brown.
Toothpicks - Used to secure the rolled taquitos before frying.
Paper towels - Used to drain the fried taquitos.
Oven - Used to keep the fried taquitos warm while frying the rest.

Origin stories

Just like many popular Mexican dishes, taquitos made their way north of the border and found a home in the hearts and stomachs of Americans. Here's a fun little tidbit: despite their Mexican roots, taquitos have made such an impression in the United States that there's even a National Taquito Day celebrated every March 31st! So next time you're munching on these crispy, cheesy delights, know that you're part of a tradition that transcends borders.

Disclaimer: This recipe was not created by humans and we cannot ensure that it will turn out as expected. We do not guarantee or take any liability for the accuracy of this recipe (including steps, ingredients, nutritional information, and all sections on this page). You should check to make sure you are not allergic to any ingredients and take safety precautions while making this. The images on this page are generated by AI and may not accurately represent the result of making this recipe.