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Easy and Delicious Beef Taquitos Recipe: A Step-by-Step Guide

Craving a quick, delicious, and satisfying meal? Look no further than these pan-fried beef taquitos! Golden, crispy, and packed with seasoned ground beef and gooey cheese, they’re perfect for a weeknight dinner, a fun appetizer, or a tasty snack. This recipe is simple to follow and yields amazing results every time. Get ready to enjoy homemade taquitos that rival your favorite restaurant’s!

Delicious Homemade Beef Taquitos — Crispy, golden brown beef taquitos ready to be enjoyed.

Beef Taquitos

By:
Julia Pacheco

Pan-fried Beef Taquitos are golden and crispy and are stuffed with seasoned ground beef and gooey cheese. They are a guaranteed crowd-pleaser.

Prep:

15

Cook:

15

Total:

30

Servings:

4
servings

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Ingredients

1 lb ground beef
2 tbsp taco seasoning
¼ cup water
⅓ cup Mexican-style cheese
4 tbsp olive oil
12 street taco-sized flour tortillas

Cornstarch Slurry

(This acts as a ‘glue’ to keep the taquitos sealed during cooking.)

¼ cup water
1 tbsp cornstarch

Instructions

Cook the ground beef in a skillet over medium heat. Once cooked through, remove any excess grease from the pan. Add the taco seasoning and ¼ cup of water. Simmer for 5 minutes, stirring frequently. Stir in the Mexican cheese until melted and well combined.
In a small bowl whisk the cornstarch slurry ingredients together until smooth. Set aside. This will be used to seal the taquitos.
Wrap the tortillas in a damp paper towel and microwave for about one minute. This will make them more pliable and prevent them from cracking when rolling. You can also warm them in a dry skillet or over an open flame for a few seconds per side.
To assemble the taquitos, put a small scoop (about 2 tablespoons) of the ground beef mixture in the middle of a tortilla and roll it up part way. Brush a small amount of the cornstarch slurry on the edge of the tortilla and finish rolling it up. The cornstarch slurry will act like glue and help the taquitos stay sealed during cooking. Repeat for the remaining tortillas.
To a skillet on the stove over medium heat, add the olive oil. Once the oil is hot, add the taquitos in batches, being careful not to overcrowd the pan. Fry for about 30 seconds on each side, or until golden brown and crispy. Transfer the cooked taquitos to a plate lined with a paper towel to drain any excess oil.
Serve immediately with your favorite toppings. Suggested toppings include: sour cream, guacamole, salsa, pico de gallo, shredded lettuce, and chopped tomatoes. Enjoy!

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Nutrition

Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.

Tips for Perfect Beef Taquitos

Use quality ingredients: Start with good ground beef and fresh tortillas for the best flavor.
Don’t overfill the tortillas: Too much filling can make them difficult to roll and prone to bursting.
Get the oil hot: Make sure the oil is hot enough before frying to achieve that crispy golden brown exterior. Test with a small piece of tortilla; it should sizzle immediately.
Work in batches: Avoid overcrowding the pan to ensure even cooking.
Experiment with fillings: Add beans, rice, or different types of cheese to customize your taquitos.
Make it spicy: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper to the ground beef mixture for a little extra heat.
Baking Option: While pan-frying delivers the crispiest results, you can bake the taquitos at 400°F (200°C) for about 15-20 minutes, flipping halfway through. Spray them with cooking oil for extra crispness.

Serving Suggestions

Beef taquitos are delicious on their own, but they’re even better with toppings! Here are some ideas:

Sour Cream: A classic topping that adds a cool, tangy contrast to the richness of the taquitos.
Guacamole: Creamy, flavorful, and packed with healthy fats.
Salsa: Choose your favorite – mild, medium, or hot!
Pico de Gallo: A fresh and vibrant tomato-based salsa.
Shredded Lettuce: Adds a refreshing crunch.
Chopped Tomatoes: Another simple and flavorful topping.
Queso Fresco: Crumbled cheese for a salty, creamy touch.
Hot Sauce: If you like it spicy!

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Can I use corn tortillas instead of flour tortillas?: While flour tortillas are generally preferred for taquitos because they’re more pliable and less likely to crack, you can use corn tortillas. Warm them very well before rolling to prevent them from breaking.
Can I make these taquitos ahead of time?: Yes, you can assemble the taquitos ahead of time and store them in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours. Fry them just before serving for the best results. You can also freeze assembled taquitos. Place them in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze until solid, then transfer to a freezer bag. Fry from frozen, adding a few extra minutes to the cooking time.
How do I prevent the taquitos from falling apart while frying?: Using the cornstarch slurry to seal the edges is crucial. Also, make sure the tortillas are properly warmed before rolling.
Can I bake these instead of frying them?: Yes! Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Place the assembled taquitos on a baking sheet, spray lightly with cooking oil, and bake for 15-20 minutes, flipping halfway through, until golden brown and crispy.
What kind of cheese is best for these taquitos?: Mexican-style cheese blend is a great choice, but you can also use cheddar, Monterey Jack, or a combination of your favorites.

Tried this recipe? Let us know how it was! Share your tips, variations, and feedback in the comments below.

Tried this recipe? Let us know how it was!

Beef Taquitos: A Flavorful Fiesta in Every Bite