Crispy Beef Taquitos with Melted Cheese
A delicious and easy-to-make recipe perfect for busy weeknights or gatherings, these crispy beef taquitos are loaded with flavor and melted cheese.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 teaspoon taco seasoning
- 1 cup shredded cheese cheddar or Mexican blend works beautifully
- 12 pieces corn tortillas
- as needed for frying cooking oil
Optional Garnishes
- sour cream, guacamole, salsa, or your favorite hot sauce Choose any of these as your favorite dip options.
Instructions
Cooking the Beef
- In a skillet over medium heat, brown the ground beef until it's cooked through (about 7-10 minutes). Drain any excess fat, then stir in the taco seasoning. Set the beef mix aside to cool slightly.
Preparing the Tortillas
- Heat the corn tortillas in a dry skillet for about 30 seconds on each side until they’re just warm and pliable. This step is vital! It ensures that your taquitos roll without tearing.
Rolling the Taquitos
- Take a tortilla, place about 2 tablespoons of the beef mixture and 1 tablespoon of cheese near the edge, then roll it up tightly like a little burrito. Repeat this with all the tortillas.
Frying the Taquitos
- In a deep skillet, heat about 1 inch of oil over medium-high heat. Once hot, fry the taquitos in batches, carefully placing them seam-side down in the oil. Fry for about 3-4 minutes on each side until they're golden brown and crispy.
Serving the Taquitos
- Remove the taquitos with a slotted spoon and place them on paper towels to absorb any extra oil.
- Serve hot with sour cream, guacamole, or salsa for dipping.
Notes
Cooking Tips: Don’t overfill your taquitos; a little goes a long way with the beef and cheese. For a healthier option, spray with cooking oil and bake at 400°F (200°C) for about 15-20 minutes. These taquitos freeze beautifully too—just make them up to the rolling stage, freeze on a baking sheet, then transfer to a zip-top bag. Cook from frozen when ready for a tasty snack!