Baked Cheesy Beef Taquitos

This baked beef taquito recipe transforms the traditional fried Mexican favorite into a healthier, oven-baked version that still delivers that satisfying crunch. The combination of seasoned ground beef and melted cheese wrapped in crispy tortillas creates the perfect handheld meal or appetizer that's sure to please the whole family.

I first made these taquitos when looking for a healthier alternative to our favorite Mexican takeout. Now they've become our go-to dinner on busy weeknights when I need something delicious that won't keep me in the kitchen for hours.

Ingredients

• Ground beef: delivers rich flavor as the base of these taquitos and creates a satisfying texture that holds up well during baking
• Taco seasoning: infuses the meat with classic Mexican flavors. Store-bought works perfectly but homemade allows you to control the spice level
• Water: helps distribute the seasonings evenly throughout the meat mixture
• Shredded cheese: combinations provide that irresistible melty interior and helps bind the filling together
• Flour tortillas: create the perfect vessel for rolling. Their flexibility makes them easier to work with than corn but either option works
• Cooking spray: ensures you get that golden crispy exterior without deep frying
• Optional dipping sauces: like sour cream, salsa or guacamole take these taquitos to the next level

Step-by-Step Instructions

Preheat Oven:

Start by heating your oven to 400°F. This temperature is critical for achieving the perfect balance of crispy exterior and tender interior. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking and make cleanup easier. The parchment also helps the taquitos brown more evenly.

Cook The Beef:

Brown the ground beef in a skillet over medium heat, breaking it into small crumbles as it cooks. This process should take about 8 minutes until no pink remains. Be sure to drain any excess fat after cooking which prevents soggy taquitos later.

Season The Mixture:

Add the taco seasoning and water to the cooked beef, stirring thoroughly to incorporate. Allow this mixture to simmer for 3-4 minutes until the liquid reduces and creates a thick coating around the meat. This concentration of flavors is essential for a well-seasoned taquito.

Assemble The Taquitos:

Place each tortilla on a flat surface and spoon 2-3 tablespoons of beef filling in a line across the bottom third. Sprinkle a generous amount of the cheese mixture over the beef. Now roll each tortilla tightly starting from the filled end, making sure the seam is on the bottom when placed on the baking sheet. Arrange them with a small space between each for proper air circulation.

Prepare For Baking:

Lightly spray or brush each rolled taquito with oil to promote browning and crisping. This step is crucial for achieving that fried-like texture without actually frying. Make sure to cover the entire surface for even browning.

Bake To Perfection:

Bake the taquitos for 20-25 minutes, flipping halfway through. Look for a golden brown color and listen for a slightly hollow sound when tapped, indicating they've reached the perfect crispness. The filling should be hot and the cheese completely melted.

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The secret to these taquitos is getting the right balance of filling to tortilla. I discovered through much trial and error that overstuffing leads to bursting during baking, while too little filling creates a disappointing eating experience. About 2-3 tablespoons of filling creates the perfect ratio that allows for proper rolling and a satisfying bite.

Make-Ahead Magic

These taquitos are perfect for meal prepping. You can assemble them completely, place them on a baking sheet, cover tightly with plastic wrap, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours before baking. When ready to cook, simply add an extra 2-3 minutes to the baking time since they'll be starting cold. This make-ahead capability has saved countless weeknight dinners in my household.

Storage Solutions

Leftover taquitos can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place them in a 350°F oven for 10 minutes to restore their crispness. Microwaving is possible but will result in a softer texture. For longer storage, freeze fully cooled taquitos in a single layer, then transfer to a freezer bag where they'll keep for up to 3 months. Reheat frozen taquitos in a 375°F oven for 15-20 minutes until heated through.

Serving Suggestions

Create a festive taquito bar with various dipping options like creamy avocado sauce, pico de gallo, and Mexican crema. For a complete meal, serve alongside a simple side salad dressed with lime vinaigrette or a light soup like chicken tortilla. These taquitos also make excellent appetizers for gatherings, especially when cut in half to create bite-sized portions that are perfect for sharing.

Customization Corner

The beauty of this recipe lies in its adaptability. Swap ground beef for shredded chicken, ground turkey, or a vegetarian mixture of black beans and sweet potatoes. For those avoiding gluten, corn tortillas work wonderfully though they require a bit more care when rolling to prevent cracking. Consider mixing in additional ingredients like diced green chiles, corn kernels, or olives to customize the filling to your family's preferences.

Frequently Asked Questions

→ Can I use corn tortillas instead of flour?

Yes, corn tortillas are traditional and give a great texture. However, flour tortillas are more flexible and easier to roll, making them a good alternative.

→ What kind of cheese works best?

You can use shredded cheddar and Mexican blend cheese as suggested, but feel free to experiment with your favorite cheese combinations for added flavor.

→ How can I make these taquitos vegetarian?

For a vegetarian version, swap out the beef for options like black beans, sweet potatoes, or your favorite mix of veggies.

→ How can I prevent the taquitos from unrolling during baking?

Roll the tortillas tightly around the filling and place them seam-side down on the baking sheet. The weight of the filling and slight stickiness of the tortilla will help keep them secure.

→ What dipping sauces pair well with these taquitos?

Serve your taquitos with classics like sour cream, salsa, or guacamole. A creamy chipotle sauce also adds a smoky kick.