If you’re in search of the ultimate easy dinner that’s equal parts crispy, cheesy, and loaded with bold flavor, look no further than this Cheesy Beef Baked Taquitos Recipe. With tender seasoned beef, a gooey cheese blend, and golden, oven-baked shells, these taquitos are everything you crave when the snack attack hits or you need a crowd-pleasing meal. Whether you’re cooking for a busy weeknight or planning a casual get-together, this dish has irresistible crunch and melty goodness in every bite—trust me, you’ll want to make extra!
Ingredients You’ll Need
Ingredients You’ll Need
The best part about this dish? The ingredients are simple, yet every single one packs a big punch in taste and texture. Together, they create the perfect marriage of hearty beef, zesty spices, and melty cheese. Here’s what you’ll need (and why you’ll love each one):
- Ground beef: Classic, juicy, and full of flavor, ground beef is the star that makes these taquitos hearty and satisfying.
- Finely chopped onion: Brings subtle sweetness and light texture to the filling—don’t skip it for that depth of flavor.
- Minced garlic: Offers a punch of aromatic goodness that blends perfectly with the spices.
- Chili powder: Adds warm, smoky heat and gives your beef mixture a true Taquito kick.
- Cumin: For that unmistakable earthy note essential in any Mexican-inspired dish.
- Paprika: Lends both color and a gentle, sweet smokiness to the meat.
- Salt: Amplifies all of the savory elements (go for kosher or sea salt for best results).
- Black pepper: Gives a bit of background warmth without overwhelming the palate.
- Salsa: Adds moisture, tang, and another layer of flavor—choose mild or spicy based on your mood!
- Shredded cheddar cheese: Melts into dreamy pockets and brings a sharp richness to each bite.
- Shredded Monterey Jack cheese: Balances the cheddar with unbeatable creaminess and a mellow taste.
- Small flour or corn tortillas: Their soft texture makes them easy to roll, and they bake up beautifully crisp. (Corn is a great gluten-free option!)
- Olive oil spray: A quick mist before baking guarantees that crisp, golden finish you can’t resist.
How to Make Cheesy Beef Baked Taquitos Recipe
Step 1: Preheat the Oven and Prep Your Baking Sheet
First things first: set your oven to a hot and toasty 425°F (220°C). Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper or foil to make cleanup a breeze, and give it a light coat of olive oil spray. This step sets you up for maximum crispiness—no sticking guaranteed.
Step 2: Brown the Beef and Onion
Grab your largest skillet and set it over medium heat. Toss in the ground beef and those finely chopped onions, then cook until the beef is beautifully browned and the onions are soft and fragrant, roughly 6 to 8 minutes. Don’t forget to drain off any excess grease for a lighter, less-greasy filling.
Step 3: Build the Flavor
This is where the Cheesy Beef Baked Taquitos Recipe really shines. Add minced garlic, chili powder, cumin, paprika, salt, and pepper. Stir everything in and let it cook for a minute—the aroma will have you counting down to dinner time!
Step 4: Stir in Salsa and Thicken
Pour in the salsa (choose your favorite jarred or homemade variety), and stir to combine. Let the mixture bubble gently for a minute or two, so it thickens to the perfect, scoopable consistency.
Step 5: Fold in the Cheeses
Turn off the heat and immediately add the shredded cheddar and Monterey Jack. Stir until everything is creamy and evenly combined—the cheese creates that signature stretch and ooze we all love in the Cheesy Beef Baked Taquitos Recipe.
Step 6: Warm and Fill the Tortillas
Pop your tortillas in the microwave for 20–30 seconds, just until they’re warm and pliable. (Trust me, this makes rolling super simple and helps prevent cracks.) Spoon about 2–3 tablespoons of the beefy-cheesy filling along one edge of each tortilla, then roll tightly so the filling stays safely inside.
Step 7: Bake to Golden Perfection
Arrange your rolled taquitos seam-side down on your prepared baking sheet. Give them a quick spritz of olive oil spray on top (this helps make them extra crispy). Bake for 15–18 minutes until they’re hot, sizzling, and gorgeously golden.
How to Serve Cheesy Beef Baked Taquitos Recipe
Garnishes
Presentation is everything! For that authentic Mexican-inspired flair, top your taquitos with cool sour cream, creamy guacamole, or tangy salsa. For extra pop, sprinkle with fresh chopped cilantro or a few pickled jalapeños.
Side Dishes
Pair your Cheesy Beef Baked Taquitos Recipe with classic sides like Mexican rice, refried or black beans, or a crunchy slaw. A handful of tortilla chips and a big bowl of pico de gallo make things even more festive.
Creative Ways to Present
Need to impress? Try arranging your taquitos standing like a bouquet in a tall glass, or slice them in half for a bite-sized appetizer platter. Serve with a “dipping bar” of sauces so guests can customize every crunchy bite.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you’re lucky enough to have leftovers, just let the taquitos cool completely, then stash them in an airtight container in the fridge. They’ll keep their flavor and texture for up to three days—perfect for lunch or a midnight snack.
Freezing
The Cheesy Beef Baked Taquitos Recipe is a hero in the freezer department! Freeze baked or unbaked taquitos in a single layer, then transfer to a freezer bag. They can last up to 2 months, making busy nights a breeze.
Reheating
For best results, reheat taquitos in the oven or air fryer at 375°F until hot and crispy again (about 8–10 minutes). The microwave works in a pinch, but the tortillas won’t have that craveable crunch.
FAQs
Can I use ground turkey or chicken instead of beef?
Absolutely! Both ground turkey and chicken work beautifully in this recipe. Just keep an eye on the cooking time, as poultry cooks faster, and maybe add a splash more salsa to keep things moist.
Are corn or flour tortillas better for taquitos?
It’s really up to your taste and dietary needs. Flour tortillas are softer and easier to roll, while corn tortillas bake up delightfully crisp (and are naturally gluten-free). Try both and see which version you like best!
How do I keep the taquitos from unrolling while baking?
Place your rolled taquitos seam-side down on the baking sheet, and make sure the tortillas are warm and pliable before assembling. If needed, you can secure them with wooden toothpicks and remove them after baking.
Can I add more veggies to the filling?
Definitely! Chopped bell peppers, jalapeños, or even a handful of baby spinach mix in easily with the beef and cheese. Just make sure to sauté added veggies to remove excess moisture before filling the taquitos.
Is this Cheesy Beef Baked Taquitos Recipe kid-friendly?
Yes, it’s a huge hit with kids! You can keep the filling mild or ramp up the spice if your family loves more heat. Serve with plenty of dipping options for a meal that’ll win over even the pickiest eaters.
Final Thoughts
If you’re craving a dinner that’s satisfying, fun, and sure to be a family favorite, don’t wait to make this Cheesy Beef Baked Taquitos Recipe. Each bite is full of savory, cheesy, crunchy magic—and you won’t believe how easy it is to bring a little fiesta to your table. Let me know how yours turn out!
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Cheesy Beef Baked Taquitos Recipe
- Total Time: 33 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
These Cheesy Beef Baked Taquitos are a delicious and easy-to-make Mexican-inspired dish that the whole family will love. Crispy on the outside and filled with flavorful beef and gooey cheese, these taquitos are perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or fun party appetizer.
Ingredients
For the Beef Filling:
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1/2 small onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon chili powder
- 1/2 teaspoon cumin
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 cup salsa
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/2 cup shredded Monterey Jack cheese
For Assembly:
- 12 small flour or corn tortillas
- olive oil spray
Instructions
- Preheat the Oven: Preheat oven to 425°F (220°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper or foil, lightly coated with cooking spray.
- Cook the Beef: In a skillet over medium heat, cook ground beef and onion until browned. Add garlic, chili powder, cumin, paprika, salt, and pepper. Stir in salsa and cheeses until melted.
- Assemble Taquitos: Warm tortillas, spoon beef mixture onto each, roll tightly, and place seam-side down on the baking sheet. Spray with olive oil.
- Bake: Bake for 15–18 minutes until crispy.
- Serve: Enjoy hot with sour cream, guacamole, or salsa.
Notes
- Use corn tortillas for a gluten-free version.
- Leftovers reheat well in the oven or air fryer.
- Add diced jalapeños or hot sauce for extra spice.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 18 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Mexican-Inspired
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 3 taquitos
- Calories: 470
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 680mg
- Fat: 27g
- Saturated Fat: 12g
- Unsaturated Fat: 13g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 28g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 27g
- Cholesterol: 85mg
