Cheesy Beef Baked Taquitos Recipe

I absolutely love this Cheesy Beef Baked Taquitos Recipe because it strikes the perfect balance between crispy, cheesy, and savory all in one handheld bite. Whenever I make these, they disappear fast, whether it s game night, a casual family dinner, or even a fun appetizer when friends drop by. You ll find that baking them instead of frying makes the process cleaner and healthier, without sacrificing any of that satisfying crunch.

When I first tried this recipe, I was blown away by how simple it was to pull off with pantry staples you probably already have. The blend of spices with the melty cheese and ground beef just feels like a cozy hug wrapped in a tortilla. Trust me, once you try this Cheesy Beef Baked Taquitos Recipe, it ll become your go-to for quick, crowd-pleasing meals that don t demand hours in the kitchen.

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Ingredients You’ll Need

Each ingredient in this Cheesy Beef Baked Taquitos Recipe plays a role in layering flavor and texture. Using extra thin corn tortillas helps achieve that coveted crispy shell, while the enchilada sauce adds a subtle tang that complements the seasoned beef effortlessly.

• Ground Beef: I use lean 96/4 beef to keep the mixture juicy but not greasy.
• Olive Oil: Adds a subtle richness and helps sauté the onions perfectly.
• White Onion: Finely diced for sweetness and crunch contrast.
• Garlic: Fresh cloves provide a punch of aromatic flavor.
• Chili Powder: Essential for that smoky, slightly spicy undertone.
• Kosher Salt: Balances all the flavors without overpowering.
• Oregano: Adds a hint of earthiness that complements the cumin well.
• Cumin: Brings warmth and depth to the beef filling.
• Black Pepper: Just enough for mild heat and sharpness.
• Enchilada Sauce: Gives the filling moisture and tangy richness.
• Shredded Cheese: I prefer a sharp cheddar or a Mexican blend for extra melt and flavor.
• Extra Thin Corn Tortillas: Make sure they re soft enough to roll without cracking but thin enough to get crisp in the oven.

Variations

I love how flexible this Cheesy Beef Baked Taquitos Recipe is because you can easily swap and add ingredients to suit your tastes or dietary needs. Don t hesitate to make it your own – that s part of the fun in cooking together.

• Vegetarian Version: I sometimes swap the beef for cooked black beans and sautéed veggies; it s just as tasty and perfect for Meatless Mondays.
• Spicy Kick: Adding a diced jalapeño or a few dashes of hot sauce to the filling amps up the heat if you re into things spicier.
• Cheese Varieties: Mixing in pepper jack or adding a bit of queso fresco on top changes the flavor profile delightfully.
• Gluten-Free Option: Double-check your enchilada sauce and opt for corn tortillas labeled gluten-free to keep it safe.

How to Make Cheesy Beef Baked Taquitos Recipe

Step 1: Sauté Your Aromatics and Brown the Beef

Start by heating olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the diced onions and push them to the edges, then place the ground beef right in the center. This technique helps you get a nice sear on the beef. Let it brown without stirring for about 4-5 minutes, then flip and brown the other side for another 3-4 minutes. As the beef cooks, toss the garlic around the edges with the onions to soften and release their aroma. When the beef is mostly browned, use a spatula to break it apart evenly and finish cooking.

Step 2: Season and Mix In Enchilada Sauce and Cheese

Next, sprinkle in your chili powder, salt, oregano, cumin, and black pepper, stirring everything together so the meat soaks up those classic Mexican flavors. Pour in the enchilada sauce and give it a good mix-this keeps the filling moist and full of tangy richness. Turn off the heat and fold the shredded cheese into the beef mixture while it s still warm so it melts slightly and binds everything beautifully.

Step 3: Prepare the Tortillas and Roll Your Taquitos

One trick I discovered is to wrap the tortillas in a damp paper towel and microwave them for about a minute before rolling; this softens them so they don t crack. Spoon a generous amount of the beef mixture onto the lower third of each tortilla, then roll it up tightly and place it seam side down on your prepared baking sheet. The tight seal helps them stay closed and crisp up evenly.

Step 4: Bake Until Golden and Crispy

Give the assembled taquitos a light spray of cooking spray to encourage that golden crust, then bake in your preheated 400ºF oven for about 30 minutes. Keep an eye on them towards the end-they re ready when they re crisp and a rich golden brown. This baking method yields crunchy shells without the mess and extra fat of frying.

How to Serve Cheesy Beef Baked Taquitos Recipe

Garnishes

I love topping my taquitos with a dollop of cool sour cream and a sprinkle of fresh chopped cilantro for a pop of color and freshness. Sometimes I’ll also add diced avocado or a little crumbled queso fresco for an extra creamy touch. Don t forget a squeeze of lime – it brightens every bite wonderfully.

Side Dishes

For sides, I often serve these with a crisp green salad or Mexican-style street corn (elote) for a festive vibe. Sometimes a bowl of black bean salsa or guacamole also rounds out the meal perfectly without overshadowing the main dish.

Creative Ways to Present

If I m serving these at a party, I arrange taquitos upright in a tall glass or a festive basket lined with colorful napkins-it makes it so easy for guests to grab while also looking super fun. Pairing them with a trio of dips like guacamole, salsa, and chipotle mayo turns them into a conversation starter.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I usually let leftover taquitos cool completely before placing them in an airtight container in the fridge. They keep well for 3 to 4 days and make for a quick, satisfying snack or meal the next day.

Freezing

If I want to prep ahead or save extras for later, I freeze the taquitos unbaked, arranged on a sheet tray lined with parchment paper. Once frozen solid, I’ll transfer them to a freezer-safe bag or container. When I want to bake, I pop them straight into the oven from frozen, adding a few extra minutes to ensure they re crispy and cooked through.

Reheating

To reheat refrigerated or frozen taquitos, I prefer the oven or air fryer over the microwave-brief baking at 375ºF restores crispiness without sogginess. Usually 10-12 minutes does the trick, depending on how many you re warming up. This way, you keep that irresistible crunch.

FAQs

Final Thoughts

This Cheesy Beef Baked Taquitos Recipe is one of those dishes that feels like a warm, comforting hug every time I make it. The best part? You don t have to be a kitchen pro to get them right, and they come together so quickly that you ll wonder why you didn t try them sooner. I absolutely recommend giving this recipe a go-it s a guaranteed crowd-pleaser that turns mealtime into something special and fuss-free.

Cheesy Beef Baked Taquitos Recipe

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• Author: Paula
• Prep Time: 5 minutes
• Cook Time: 40 minutes
• Total Time: 45 minutes
• Yield: 16 Taquitos
• Category: Snack
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: Mexican

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Description

These Cheesy Beef Baked Taquitos are a delicious and crispy Mexican-inspired snack or meal, featuring seasoned ground beef mixed with melted cheese, wrapped tightly in corn tortillas, and baked to golden perfection for a healthier alternative to fried taquitos.

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Ingredients

Units USM Scale 1x2x3x

Beef Mixture

• 1 lb Ground Beef (96/4)
• 1/2 Tbsp (8g) Olive Oil
• 1 (250g) White Onion, finely diced
• 5 cloves (25g) Garlic, minced
• 2 tsp Chili Powder
• 1 tsp Kosher Salt
• 1 tsp Oregano
• 1 tsp Cumin
• 1/2 tsp Black Pepper
• 1/2 C (120g) Enchilada Sauce
• 4 oz Shredded Cheese

Assembly

• 16 Extra Thin Corn Tortillas
• Cooking Spray (for baking sheet and taquitos)

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Instructions

1. Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 400ºF (204ºC) and prepare a large baking sheet by spraying it with cooking spray to prevent sticking.
2. Cook Onions and Beef: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the diced onion around the edges of the skillet. Place the ground beef in the center and brown it on one side for 4-5 minutes, then flip and cook for another 3-4 minutes until browned and cooked through. Mince the beef with a spatula to break it up as it cooks. During this time, stir the garlic with the onions around the edges so it doesn’t burn.
3. Add Spices and Sauce: Once the beef is cooked, stir in the chili powder, kosher salt, oregano, cumin, black pepper, and enchilada sauce. Mix well to combine all the flavors evenly, then turn off the heat.
4. Mix in Cheese: Add the shredded cheese to the beef mixture and stir until the cheese is fully incorporated and melted, giving the filling a creamy texture.
5. Prepare Tortillas: Wrap the stack of corn tortillas in a damp paper towel and microwave for 1 minute to make them pliable and easier to roll without cracking.
6. Assemble Taquitos: Spoon an even amount of the beef and cheese filling onto each tortilla, then roll tightly. Place the rolled taquitos seam side down onto the prepared baking sheet to prevent unrolling during baking.
7. Bake: Lightly spray the assembled taquitos with cooking spray to promote crispiness. Bake in the preheated oven for approximately 30 minutes, or until the taquitos are golden brown and crispy.

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Notes

• Microwaving the tortillas before rolling makes them easier to work with and prevents cracking.
• You can use other types of shredded cheese depending on your preference, such as cheddar, Monterey Jack, or a Mexican blend.
• For extra crispiness, spray the taquitos with cooking spray just before baking.
• Serve with salsa, guacamole, or sour cream for dipping.
• Leftover taquitos can be reheated in the oven to maintain their crispiness.

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Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 Taquito
• Calories: 150
• Sugar: 1.5g
• Sodium: 320mg
• Fat: 7g
• Saturated Fat: 3g
• Unsaturated Fat: 4g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 14g
• Fiber: 2g
• Protein: 10g
• Cholesterol: 35mg