Beef Taquitos
Beef taquitos are delicious rolled tortillas filled with seasoned beef and cheese, then fried to crispy perfection. They make for a delightful appetizer, snack, or even a main course when served with your favorite dipping sauce and toppings.
INGREDIENTS
- 1 lb (450g) ground beef
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon chili powder
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- ½ cup shredded cheddar cheese (or your favorite cheese)
- 12 small flour tortillas
- Vegetable oil, for frying
- Salsa, guacamole, sour cream, and chopped cilantro, for serving (optional)
INSTRUCTIONS
In a large skillet, heat a little oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and minced garlic, and sauté until softened and fragrant.
Add the ground beef to the skillet and cook until browned and cooked through, breaking up any large chunks with a spoon as it cooks.
Stir in the chili powder, ground cumin, paprika, salt, and black pepper. Cook for an additional minute to let the spices meld with the beef. Remove from heat and set aside.
Place a small amount of the beef filling in the center of each tortilla, then sprinkle some shredded cheddar cheese on top of the beef.
Roll up the tortillas tightly, securing them with a toothpick if needed.
In a large skillet, heat about ½ inch of vegetable oil over medium-high heat.
Carefully place the taquitos, seam side down, in the hot oil, working in batches if necessary. Fry the taquitos until they are golden and crispy on all sides, turning them occasionally with tongs. This usually takes about 2-3 minutes per side.
Remove the fried taquitos from the oil and place them on a plate lined with paper towels to drain any excess oil.
Serve the beef taquitos with your favorite dipping sauces, such as salsa, guacamole, or sour cream. You can also garnish with chopped cilantro for added freshness.
Enjoy the beef taquitos while they’re still warm and crispy!
TIPS
- Customize the seasoning of the beef filling to suit your taste preferences. You can add more spices or use a pre-made taco seasoning mix for convenience.
- If you prefer a healthier option, you can bake the taquitos in the oven instead of frying them. Simply brush the taquitos with oil and bake at 400°F (200°C) until they are golden and crispy, about 15-20 minutes, flipping halfway through.
- Experiment with different types of cheese for the filling, such as pepper jack or mozzarella, for a unique flavor.
- Serve the beef taquitos as part of a taco bar for a fun and interactive meal option at parties or gatherings.
- You can make the beef filling in advance and store it in the refrigerator until ready to assemble and fry the taquitos.
- If you have any leftover taquitos, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator and reheat in the oven or microwave before serving.
- For a kid-friendly version, omit the spices and use plain ground beef and cheese as the filling.
- Be cautious when working with hot oil, and use a deep skillet or pot for frying to prevent oil splatters.
- Feel free to add diced green chilies, jalapeños, or other vegetables to the beef filling for added flavor and texture.
- To make the taquitos even crispier, you can brush them with melted butter or oil before frying or baking.
NUTRITION VALUE
- Calories: Approximately 300-350 calories per serving (3 taquitos)
- Protein: Around 15-20 grams per serving
- Carbohydrates: Approximately 25-30 grams per serving
- Fat: About 15-20 grams per serving
