If you’re craving a dish that’s satisfyingly crispy on the outside yet bursting with rich, cheesy goodness and hearty beef on the inside, this Cheesy Beef Baked Taquitos Recipe is your new best friend. It’s comfort food elevated with a perfect blend of spices and melty cheese wrapped in delicate corn tortillas, baked instead of fried for a healthier but just as delicious result. Whether it’s for a casual weeknight meal or a crowd-pleasing appetizer, these taquitos bring that perfect combination of texture and flavor that keeps everyone coming back for more.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Every ingredient in this Cheesy Beef Baked Taquitos Recipe plays a crucial role, bringing flavor, texture, and color. From the savory ground beef to the melty cheese and warm spices, each element is simple but essential for creating that irresistible filling and crisp baked shell.
- 1 lb Ground Beef (96/4): Lean beef keeps the filling hearty without excess grease, perfect for a balanced bite.
- 1 (250g) White Onion, finely diced: Adds sweetness and a subtle crunch that complements the beef beautifully.
- 5 cloves (25g) Garlic, minced: Brings aromatic depth and a savory kick to the filling.
- 2 tsp Chili Powder: Provides warmth and a hint of smoky spice to liven up the meat.
- 1 tsp Kosher Salt: Enhances all the natural flavors of the ingredients.
- 1 tsp Oregano: Adds an earthy, herbal note reminiscent of traditional Mexican cuisine.
- 1 tsp Cumin: Gives a nutty and slightly peppery undertone essential for authentic flavor.
- 1/2 tsp Black Pepper: Adds just the right amount of heat in the background.
- 1/2 C (120g) Enchilada Sauce: Moisturizes the filling with a tangy and mildly spicy touch.
- 1/2 Tbsp (8g) Olive Oil: Used to cook the onions and beef to the perfect juicy texture.
- 4 oz Shredded Cheese*: Melts into the beef, making every bite gooey and delicious.
- 16 Extra Thin Corn Tortillas: Their pliability and light flavor wrap the filling perfectly, baking to crisp perfection.
How to Make Cheesy Beef Baked Taquitos Recipe
Step 1: Preheat Oven and Prepare Baking Sheet
Start by preheating your oven to 400ºF (204ºC). Lightly spray a large baking sheet with cooking spray to ensure your taquitos don’t stick, allowing for an even, crispy bake later on.
Step 2: Cook Onions and Brown Beef
Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Place the diced onions around the edges and add the ground beef in the center. Let the beef brown undisturbed for 4 to 5 minutes to develop a deep, flavorful crust. Flip and brown for another 3 to 4 minutes, then crumble the beef with your spatula so it cooks through evenly.
Step 3: Add Garlic and Spices
While the beef is cooking, stir the minced garlic into the onions around the skillet. Once the beef is fully cooked, add chili powder, kosher salt, oregano, cumin, black pepper, and enchilada sauce. Mix everything thoroughly to coat the beef with that robust, aromatic blend before removing the skillet from the heat.
Step 4: Mix in Cheese
Immediately stir in the shredded cheese until it melts evenly throughout the beef mixture. This step gives the filling a deliciously creamy texture that will ooze out slightly when you bite into the taquitos. Set the filling aside to cool just a bit before assembling.
Step 5: Soften Tortillas
Wrap the corn tortillas in a damp paper towel and microwave them for about 1 minute. This crucial step softens the tortillas, making them flexible enough to roll tightly without cracking during assembly or baking.
Step 6: Assemble Taquitos
Spoon an even amount of the beef and cheese filling onto each softened tortilla. Roll them up tightly and place them seam-side down on your prepared baking sheet. This helps keep the taquitos securely rolled as they bake and crisp up beautifully.
Step 7: Bake to Crisp
Spray the tops of each rolled taquito lightly with cooking spray, which encourages that perfect golden brown crunch in the oven. Bake for about 30 minutes until the taquitos are crispy and golden on the outside, while the inside remains gooey, cheesy, and full of savory beef flavor.
How to Serve Cheesy Beef Baked Taquitos Recipe
Garnishes
For garnishes, fresh cilantro leaves, a squeeze of lime, and a dollop of sour cream or guacamole take these taquitos to the next level. The brightness of lime and the creaminess of avocado balance out the rich, cheesy beef filling beautifully.
Side Dishes
Serve these taquitos alongside a crisp, refreshing salad or some Spanish rice for a well-rounded meal. Black beans or corn salsa also make fantastic sides that complement the flavors without overpowering the dish.
Creative Ways to Present
You can get creative by serving these taquitos on a big platter stacked like little logs, paired with a trio of dipping sauces such as salsa verde, chipotle mayo, and a cool avocado crema. It makes for a stunning, shareable appetizer or party snack that everyone will love.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store any leftover baked taquitos in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. They remain crispy and flavorful when reheated properly.
Freezing
For longer storage, freeze the rolled but uncooked taquitos on a baking sheet until firm, then transfer to a zip-top bag. This way, you can bake them fresh from frozen whenever the craving strikes—no thawing necessary.
Reheating
To reheat leftover or frozen pre-baked taquitos, pop them in a preheated oven at 375ºF (190ºC) for about 10 minutes or until heated through and crisp again. This keeps them crunchy without drying out the filling.
FAQs
Can I use flour tortillas instead of corn tortillas?
Absolutely! While extra thin corn tortillas are traditional and crisp up nicely, flour tortillas can also work well, especially if you prefer a softer texture or don’t have corn tortillas on hand.
How spicy is this Cheesy Beef Baked Taquitos Recipe?
The recipe features moderate warmth from chili powder and cumin, but it’s not overly spicy. You can always adjust the amount of chili powder or add a pinch of cayenne to increase the heat if you like it spicier.
Can I substitute ground turkey or chicken for the beef?
Yes, ground turkey or chicken can be used as healthier alternatives. Since they have a milder flavor, consider adding a bit more seasoning or sauce to keep the filling flavorful and moist.
Is it possible to make these taquitos vegetarian?
Definitely! You can swap out the beef for seasoned black beans, lentils, or sautéed vegetables mixed with cheese to create a delicious vegetarian version that’s just as satisfying.
What type of cheese works best for this recipe?
A blend of shredded cheddar and Monterey Jack or a Mexican cheese blend melts beautifully and adds a nice creamy texture and mild flavor that complements the beef mixture perfectly.
Final Thoughts
You really can’t go wrong with this Cheesy Beef Baked Taquitos Recipe. The combination of savory beef, melty cheese, and crispy, golden tortillas baked to perfection makes this a dish you’ll want to make again and again. Whether you’re feeding a hungry family or impressing friends at your next gathering, these taquitos deliver big on flavor and satisfaction. So go ahead, roll up those tortillas, and dive into this cheesy, beefy goodness—you won’t regret it!
Print
Cheesy Beef Baked Taquitos Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 16 taquitos (serves 16)
- Category: Snack
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Mexican
Description
These Cheesy Beef Baked Taquitos are a delicious, crispy snack or meal featuring seasoned ground beef mixed with melted cheese, rolled in thin corn tortillas, and baked to golden perfection. Easy to prepare and perfect for a crowd, this recipe delivers a flavorful Tex-Mex inspired treat with minimal oil and a satisfying crunch.
Ingredients
Beef Filling
- 1 lb Ground Beef (96/4)
- 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 cup (120g) Enchilada Sauce
- 1/2 Tbsp (8g) Olive Oil
- 4 oz Shredded Cheese (such as cheddar or Mexican blend)
Taquitos Assembly
- 16 Extra Thin Corn Tortillas
- Cooking Spray (for baking sheet and tops of taquitos)
Instructions
- Preheat Oven and Prepare Baking Sheet: Preheat your oven to 400ºF (204ºC). Lightly spray a large baking sheet with cooking spray to prevent the taquitos from sticking during baking.
- Cook Onions and Brown Beef: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the diced white onion around the edges of the skillet and place the ground beef in the center. Allow the beef to brown undisturbed on one side for 4-5 minutes, then flip and cook another 3-4 minutes. Use a spatula to mince the beef, ensuring it cooks evenly throughout.
- Add Garlic and Spices: Stir the minced garlic into the onions around the skillet edges. Once the beef is fully cooked, add chili powder, kosher salt, oregano, cumin, black pepper, and the enchilada sauce. Mix thoroughly to combine all the flavors, then remove the skillet from heat.
- Mix in Cheese: Stir the shredded cheese into the hot beef mixture until it melts evenly. Allow the filling to cool slightly so it’s easier to handle when assembling.
- Soften Tortillas: Wrap the corn tortillas in a damp paper towel and microwave for 1 minute. This softens them, making the tortillas pliable and less likely to crack when rolled.
- Assemble Taquitos: Spoon an even amount of the beef and cheese mixture onto each tortilla. Roll the tortillas tightly around the filling and place them seam-side down on the prepared baking sheet.
- Bake to Crisp: Lightly spray the tops of the rolled taquitos with cooking spray for extra crispness. Bake in the preheated oven for about 30 minutes, or until the taquitos are golden brown and crispy on the outside.
Notes
- Use extra thin corn tortillas for easier rolling and crispier texture.
- Feel free to customize the cheese type—cheddar, Monterey Jack, or a Mexican blend work well.
- For a spicier version, add a pinch of cayenne pepper or use a spicy enchilada sauce.
- Serve with guacamole, sour cream, or salsa for dipping.
- Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and reheated in the oven for best crispness.
