Nothing beats the satisfying crunch of a perfectly rolled taquito filled with seasoned ground beef. These crispy Mexican favorites have won hearts across America, transforming from street food staples to beloved weeknight dinners that bring families together around the table.
We’ve perfected this ground beef taquitos recipe to deliver restaurant-quality results right in your kitchen. Our version combines juicy, well-seasoned ground beef with the perfect blend of spices, all wrapped in corn tortillas and fried to golden perfection. The result? A crispy exterior that gives way to a savory, flavorful filling that’ll have everyone asking for seconds.
Whether you’re planning a casual dinner, hosting a party, or looking for an impressive appetizer, these homemade taquitos deliver every time. They’re surprisingly easy to make and infinitely more delicious than store-bought versions – plus you’ll know exactly what goes into every bite.
Ingredients
These simple ingredients come together to create taquitos with bold flavor and perfect texture. We’ve organized everything you need into two categories for easy preparation.
For the Ground Beef Filling
- 1 pound ground beef (80/20 blend works best)
- 1 medium yellow onion, finely diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 jalapeño pepper, seeded and finely chopped
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon chili powder
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional for extra heat)
- 2 tablespoons tomato paste
- 1/4 cup beef broth
- 1 cup shredded Mexican cheese blend
- 2 tablespoons fresh cilantro, chopped
For Assembly and Frying
- 12 corn tortillas (6-inch size)
- 2 cups vegetable oil for frying
- Toothpicks for securing
- Paper towels for draining
Equipment Needed
Creating perfect ground beef taquitos requires exact equipment to achieve that coveted crispy exterior and flavorful filling. We’ll walk you through the essential tools that make this recipe achievable in any home kitchen.
Large Skillet or Frying Pan – A heavy-bottomed skillet serves dual purposes in our taquito recipe. First, we use it to brown the ground beef and develop those deep flavors in our filling. Later, this same pan becomes our frying vessel for crisping the assembled taquitos to golden perfection.
Toothpicks – These simple wooden picks are crucial for keeping our taquitos tightly rolled during the frying process. We secure each rolled tortilla with a toothpick to prevent unraveling and ensure even cooking on all sides.
Microwave or Oven – Warming tortillas makes them pliable and prevents cracking during assembly. We recommend using either a microwave for 30 seconds or warming them in a low oven to achieve the perfect flexibility for rolling.
Paper Towels – Proper draining removes excess oil and maintains the crispy texture we’re after. We line a plate with paper towels to absorb oil immediately after frying each batch.
Sheet Pan and Parchment Paper (Optional) – For those preferring a healthier preparation method, we can bake our taquitos instead of frying. A parchment-lined baking sheet allows for even browning at 425°F without the need for oil.
| Equipment Type | Primary Use | Alternative Option |
|---|---|---|
| Large Skillet | Cooking beef and frying | Cast iron or heavy pan |
| Toothpicks | Securing rolls | Small skewers |
| Warming Method | Softening tortillas | Microwave or oven |
| Draining Setup | Oil removal | Wire rack over pan |
| Baking Option | Healthier cooking | Air fryer basket |
This straightforward equipment list ensures we can achieve restaurant-quality results without specialized tools. Most items are standard kitchen staples that deliver professional-level taquitos right from our home kitchen.
Instructions
Now that we have our ingredients ready and equipment prepared, let’s walk through the step-by-step process to create these crispy, flavorful ground beef taquitos.
Prep the Ground Beef Filling
Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat and add the ground beef along with the chopped onion. Cook the mixture until the beef browns completely and the onion becomes tender, breaking up the meat with a spatula as it cooks. Drain any excess grease from the pan.
Season the beef mixture with salt, pepper, 2 teaspoons of chili powder, 1 teaspoon of cumin, 1 teaspoon of dried cilantro, and 1 tablespoon of minced garlic. Stir all the seasonings into the meat until evenly distributed.
Pour 1 cup of beef broth into the skillet and bring the mixture to a gentle simmer. Allow the broth to reduce on low heat until most of the liquid evaporates, concentrating the flavors in the filling. Remove the skillet from heat and let the filling cool slightly before assembly.
Prepare the Tortillas
Warm the corn tortillas in the microwave for approximately 30 seconds to make them pliable and prevent cracking during rolling. Work with small batches of tortillas to keep them warm and flexible throughout the assembly process.
Stack the warmed tortillas between damp paper towels to maintain their moisture and temperature. Keep unused tortillas covered to prevent them from drying out and becoming brittle.
Assembly Process
Place one warmed tortilla on a clean work surface and spoon about 2 tablespoons of the ground beef filling onto one end of the tortilla. Spread the filling in a thin line, leaving space at the edges for rolling.
Add a small amount of shredded cheese on top of the filling if desired for extra richness and binding. Roll the tortilla tightly around the filling, starting from the filled end and rolling toward the opposite edge.
Secure each taquito with a toothpick inserted through the seam to prevent unrolling during frying. Place the completed taquitos seam side down on a plate while you finish the remaining batch.
Frying the Taquitos
Heat about 2 cups of vegetable oil in the same large skillet over medium heat until the oil reaches the proper frying temperature. Test the oil by dropping in a small piece of tortilla; it should sizzle immediately when ready.
Carefully place the taquitos seam side down in the hot oil, working in batches to avoid overcrowding. Fry each batch for approximately 3 minutes per side until they achieve a golden brown color and crispy texture.
Remove the fried taquitos with tongs and place them on paper towels to drain excess oil. Remove the toothpicks before serving and enjoy the taquitos hot with your favorite dipping sauces.
Baking Alternative
For those seeking a healthier approach to making taquitos, baking offers the same crispy results without the oil. This method delivers golden brown taquitos with significantly less fat while maintaining that satisfying crunch we all crave.
Oven Instructions
We preheat our oven to 400°F for optimal crispiness and even browning. While the oven heats, we line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking and ensure easy cleanup.
Our assembled taquitos need a light coating of oil to achieve that golden exterior. We brush each taquito with cooking oil or use an avocado oil spray for even coverage. This step creates the crispy texture that makes baked taquitos rival their fried counterparts.
We arrange the taquitos seam-side down on our prepared baking sheet, leaving space between each one for proper air circulation. The taquitos bake for 15-20 minutes until they turn golden brown and crispy on top.
| Temperature | Time | Method |
|---|---|---|
| 400°F | 15-20 minutes | Fresh taquitos |
| 375°F | 25 minutes | Frozen taquitos |
Flipping the taquitos halfway through cooking ensures even browning on all sides. We remove the toothpicks after baking and before serving to prevent any accidents at the dinner table.
Air Fryer Instructions
The air fryer provides our quickest path to crispy taquitos with minimal oil. We preheat our air fryer to 375°F while preparing the taquitos with a light spray of oil.
Our taquitos go into the air fryer basket in a single layer, ensuring none overlap for even cooking. We cook them for 8-12 minutes, flipping halfway through to achieve uniform golden browning.
The circulating hot air creates an incredibly crispy exterior in less time than traditional baking. We check for doneness at the 8-minute mark, as air fryer models can vary in cooking intensity.
This method works particularly well when making smaller batches, allowing us to serve hot, crispy taquitos in under 15 minutes from start to finish.
Serving Suggestions
Our crispy ground beef taquitos deserve accompaniments that complement their bold flavors and crunchy texture. We recommend serving these golden beauties with an array of fresh toppings and traditional side dishes.
Recommended Toppings
Fresh toppings transform our taquitos into a complete Mexican feast. Sour cream provides a cooling contrast to the seasoned beef filling while guacamole adds rich avocado flavor and creamy texture. Pico de gallo brings fresh tomato brightness that cuts through the richness of the fried tortillas.
Salsa options allow guests to customize their heat level with mild, medium, or hot varieties. Shredded lettuce adds refreshing crunch while fresh cilantro contributes aromatic herbaceous notes. Fresh lime wedges provide essential citrus acidity that brightens every bite.
Additional cheese options enhance the indulgent factor. Shredded Monterey Jack melts beautifully over warm taquitos while sharp cheddar adds tangy depth. Pepper jack cheese delivers extra heat for spice lovers.
| Topping Category | Options |
|---|---|
| Creamy Bases | Sour cream, guacamole |
| Fresh Salsas | Pico de gallo, mild/medium/hot salsa |
| Fresh Elements | Shredded lettuce, cilantro, lime wedges |
| Cheese Varieties | Monterey Jack, cheddar, pepper jack |
Side Dishes
Traditional Mexican sides create the perfect plate alongside our taquitos. Refried beans provide protein-rich substance while black beans offer a lighter alternative with earthy flavors. Mexican rice seasoned with tomatoes and spices rounds out the meal with satisfying carbohydrates.
Corn rice and Spanish rice present additional grain options that soak up any delicious juices from the taquitos. Fresh guacamole served with crispy tortilla chips creates an appetizer spread that guests can enjoy while the main course finishes cooking.
Light and fresh options balance the richness of fried taquitos perfectly. A crisp salad featuring avocado slices and fresh tomatoes provides cooling vegetables and healthy fats. Hot sauce bottles allow individual heat customization for every palate preference.
These serving combinations work beautifully for casual family dinners, exciting game day spreads, or festive Cinco de Mayo celebrations. The variety ensures everyone finds flavors they love while creating an authentic Mexican dining experience.
Storage and Reheating
Our ground beef taquitos taste just as delicious when prepared ahead of time or saved for later meals. We’ve perfected these storage and reheating techniques to help you maintain that perfect crispy texture and bold flavor.
Make-Ahead Tips
We recommend preparing your taquitos completely before storing them for optimal results. You can assemble and cook the taquitos fully then refrigerate them in an airtight container for up to 4-5 days. The tortillas may lose some crispness during refrigeration but our reheating methods will restore that satisfying crunch.
For longer storage we suggest freezing your cooked taquitos after they’ve cooled completely. Position the taquitos so they don’t stick together by wrapping them individually or separating with parchment paper. Defrost frozen taquitos in the refrigerator overnight before reheating for the best texture and even heating throughout.
Freezing Instructions
Cool your taquitos completely after cooking to maintain their quality during freezing. Transfer the cooled taquitos to a freezer-safe bag or airtight container and label with the date. We’ve found that properly stored taquitos maintain their flavor and texture for up to 3 months in the freezer.
| Storage Method | Duration | Temperature |
|---|---|---|
| Refrigeration | 4-5 days | Standard refrigerator temperature |
| Freezing | Up to 3 months | 0°F (-18°C) |
When cooking from frozen preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and place the frozen taquitos on a baking sheet. Bake until heated through and crispy without thawing first.
Reheating Methods
Oven Method: Preheat your oven to 300°F to 375°F (150°C to 190°C) depending on whether your taquitos are refrigerated or frozen. Bake refrigerated taquitos for 8-10 minutes and frozen ones for 10-15 minutes until warm and crispy throughout.
Air Fryer Method: We love using the air fryer to restore that perfect crispiness without drying out the filling. Reheat for 3-5 minutes at 375°F for refrigerated taquitos or 6-8 minutes for frozen ones.
Skillet Method: Heat a skillet over medium heat and warm the taquitos while turning occasionally to crisp all sides. This method works especially well for restoring the tortilla’s crunch.
Microwave Method: While this offers the fastest reheating option the tortillas will be softer and less crispy. To regain some crispness finish the microwaved taquitos in a hot skillet or oven for 2-3 minutes after warming.
Recipe Variations
We love how adaptable ground beef taquitos can be to suit different tastes and dietary preferences. These variations allow us to customize our taquitos while maintaining that perfect crispy texture and bold flavor profile.
Different Protein Options
Ground chicken offers a leaner alternative that absorbs seasonings beautifully while reducing the overall fat content. We find that ground turkey works equally well and provides similar health benefits with a slightly milder flavor that pairs perfectly with our spice blend.
For vegetarian options, we recommend combining refried beans with black beans to create a protein-rich filling that maintains the hearty texture. Shredded chicken works wonderfully when we have leftover rotisserie chicken, requiring only reheating with our seasonings before assembly.
Ground pork creates an incredibly flavorful variation that adds richness to every bite. We can also mix proteins together, such as combining ground beef with beans for added fiber and a more complex flavor profile.
Cheese Additions
Monterey Jack cheese melts smoothly and provides a mild creamy flavor that complements our seasoned beef without overwhelming the other ingredients. Sharp cheddar adds a tangy bite that cuts through the richness of the meat while creating that perfect cheese pull when we bite into our taquitos.
Pepper jack brings heat and flavor complexity, making it our go-to choice when we want to amp up the spice level. For extra creaminess, we mix cream cheese directly into our cooked ground beef before rolling, which creates an incredibly smooth filling that stays moist during cooking.
Queso fresco offers an authentic Mexican touch with its mild, slightly salty flavor that crumbles beautifully into the meat mixture. We can also combine multiple cheese types, such as mixing cheddar with Monterey Jack, to create our own signature blend that delivers both flavor depth and perfect melting properties.
Tips for Perfect Taquitos
Creating restaurant-quality taquitos at home requires attention to several key techniques that make the difference between good and exceptional results. We’ve tested these methods extensively to ensure your taquitos turn out crispy on the outside and perfectly seasoned on the inside every time.
Warm tortillas before rolling to prevent cracking and ensure easy assembly. Heat corn tortillas in the microwave for about 30 seconds or wrap them in damp paper towels and warm them in a 200°F oven for 5 minutes. This step makes tortillas pliable and prevents them from breaking when you roll the filling inside.
Season the beef mixture generously with our recommended blend of chili powder, cumin, dried cilantro, and fresh minced garlic. Adding a splash of beef broth or salsa during the cooking process enhances moisture while concentrating flavors. The mixture should taste bold since the corn tortilla will mellow the seasoning once assembled.
Avoid overcrowding the pan when frying to maintain consistent oil temperature and achieve even browning. Fry taquitos in batches of 4-6 pieces depending on your skillet size. This technique ensures each taquito develops that signature golden-brown exterior we’re after.
Secure each taquito with toothpicks before cooking to prevent unrolling during the frying or baking process. Insert toothpicks through the seam where the tortilla overlaps and remove them immediately after cooking while the taquitos are still hot.
Choose the right cheese varieties for optimal melting and flavor. Cheddar provides sharp taste while pepper jack adds heat and Monterey Jack offers creamy texture. We recommend using freshly shredded cheese rather than pre-shredded varieties for better melting properties.
Master the oil temperature when frying by maintaining 350°F throughout the cooking process. Too hot and the exterior burns before the filling heats through. Too cool and the taquitos absorb excess oil becoming greasy instead of crispy.
Consider baking as a healthier alternative that still delivers excellent crispiness. Bake at 425°F for 20 minutes after lightly spraying or brushing the taquitos with oil. This method reduces fat content while maintaining the satisfying crunch we love about taquitos.
Conclusion
We’ve shared everything you need to create restaurant-quality ground beef taquitos in your own kitchen. These crispy golden rolls pack bold flavors and offer incredible versatility for any meal or gathering.
The beauty of homemade taquitos lies in their adaptability. Whether you prefer frying for maximum crispiness or baking for a healthier option your family will love the results. The make-ahead friendly nature means you can prep them for busy weeknights or party appetizers.
With our tested techniques and creative variations you’ll never need to settle for store-bought versions again. These homemade taquitos deliver superior taste and texture that brings authentic Mexican flavors straight to your dinner table.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are taquitos and why are they so popular?
Taquitos are crispy rolled corn tortillas filled with seasoned ingredients, traditionally served as Mexican street food. They’ve gained popularity in America as a family-friendly dinner option because they’re easy to make, customizable, and offer a perfect combination of crunchy texture and flavorful filling. They’re also great for meal prep and entertaining.
What ingredients do I need to make ground beef taquitos?
For the filling, you’ll need ground beef, onion, garlic, jalapeño, spices (cumin, chili powder, paprika), tomato paste, beef broth, cheese, and cilantro. For assembly, gather corn tortillas, vegetable oil for frying, toothpicks to secure the rolls, and paper towels for draining excess oil.
Can I bake taquitos instead of frying them?
Yes! Baking is a healthier alternative to frying. Preheat your oven to 400°F, brush taquitos with oil, and bake on parchment paper for 15-20 minutes, flipping halfway through. You can also use an air fryer at 375°F for 8-12 minutes for even crispier results with less oil.
How do I prevent corn tortillas from cracking when rolling?
Warm the tortillas before rolling to make them pliable and prevent cracking. You can heat them in the microwave for 20-30 seconds wrapped in damp paper towels, or warm them individually in a dry skillet for 10-15 seconds per side until they’re soft and flexible.
How long can I store leftover taquitos?
Cooked taquitos can be refrigerated in an airtight container for 4-5 days or frozen for up to 3 months. To reheat, use the oven at 350°F for 10-15 minutes, air fryer for 3-5 minutes, or skillet over medium heat to restore crispiness.
What are the best toppings and sides for taquitos?
Popular toppings include sour cream, guacamole, pico de gallo, salsa verde, shredded lettuce, cilantro, and lime wedges. Complement them with traditional Mexican sides like refried beans, black beans, Mexican rice, or a light salad. Cheese options like Monterey Jack or pepper jack also enhance the flavors.
Can I make taquitos with different proteins?
Absolutely! You can substitute ground beef with ground chicken, turkey, or pork using the same seasoning blend. For vegetarian options, try a mixture of refried beans and black beans, or use shredded cheese with vegetables. The cooking method remains the same regardless of the filling.
What’s the best oil temperature for frying taquitos?
Heat oil to 350°F for optimal frying. The oil should be deep enough to cover the taquitos halfway. If the oil is too hot, they’ll brown too quickly without heating the filling properly. If too cool, they’ll absorb excess oil and become greasy rather than crispy.
