Crispy, golden beef taquitos bring a perfect balance of crunch and juicy, flavorful filling. These classic rolled tacos are deep-fried to crispy perfection and then smothered in a rich tomato broth, creating a delightful texture contrast. The melted cheddar cheese blankets the taquitos, adding an irresistible creamy finish, while the fiery jalapeño salsa brings just the right amount of heat. Whether you’re serving them as a snack, appetizer, or full meal, these taquitos will steal the show. Enjoy them with a side of guacamole, sour cream, or extra salsa for dipping. The best part? They come together in just 20 minutes, making them an ideal choice for weeknight dinners or game-day gatherings!
Full Recipe:
Ingredients:
For the Taquitos:
- 1 pound lean ground beef (85/15 or 90/10)
- ¼ teaspoon dried oregano
- ¾ teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon black pepper
- 12-16 white corn tortillas
- Vegetable or canola oil, for frying (about 2 inches deep in pan)
- 1 pound mild cheddar cheese, finely shredded
For the Tomato Broth:
- 1 (28-ounce) can whole tomatoes
- ¼ white onion
- 2 cloves garlic
- ¼ teaspoon dried oregano
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon dried parsley
- 2 roasted Anaheim chiles (or 1 small can green chiles) – optional
- ¼ cup water
For the Jalapeño Salsa:
- 3 jalapeños
- 1 tomatillo, husked and rinsed
- 1 clove garlic
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- ½ cup water
Directions:
Step 1: Prepare the Taquitos
- In a bowl, mix ground beef with oregano, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper.
- Heat a comal (griddle) over low heat. Warm each tortilla for about 20 seconds per side until pliable.
- Spoon 1 heaping tablespoon of raw beef mixture across the tortilla, then tightly roll it up.
- Secure each taquito with a toothpick or use a flour-water slurry to seal the edge.
- Heat oil in a frying pan over medium-high heat. Fry taquitos in hot oil for 1-2 minutes per side, until golden and crispy.
- Transfer to a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess oil.
Step 2: Make the Tomato Broth
- Blend tomatoes, onion, garlic, oregano, black pepper, salt, parsley, chiles (if using), and water until smooth.
- Pour into a saucepan and bring to a boil, then reduce heat and let simmer.
Step 3: Make the Jalapeño Salsa
- Boil or roast jalapeños and tomatillo until soft.
- Remove jalapeño stems and blend with tomatillo, garlic, water, and salt until smooth.
Step 4: Assemble and Serve
- Place 3-6 taquitos in a serving bowl. Pour warm tomato broth over them.
- Generously sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese on top.
- Drizzle with jalapeño salsa for extra heat. Serve immediately.
Prep Time: 10 minutes Cooking Time: 10 minutes Total Time: 20 minutes
Kcal: 308 kcal per serving Servings: 4-6 servings
The History and Origins of Taquitos
Taquitos, meaning “little tacos” in Spanish, have been a part of Mexican cuisine for centuries. They are believed to have originated in the northern regions of Mexico, particularly in states like Sinaloa and Sonora, where rolled and fried tortillas have long been a culinary tradition. However, their popularity skyrocketed in the United States during the 20th century, thanks to Mexican-American communities bringing their beloved recipes to California and Texas.
One of the earliest commercial mentions of taquitos came in the 1930s when they appeared on menus in Los Angeles. Ralph Pesqueria Jr., a Mexican restaurateur, is often credited with popularizing taquitos in California by serving them at his restaurant, El Indio. The dish gained mainstream recognition and became a favorite in both casual eateries and frozen food aisles.
While traditional taquitos were made with shredded beef or chicken, modern variations have introduced ground beef, pork, and even vegetarian fillings. Today, they remain a classic comfort food enjoyed by families across Mexico, the United States, and beyond.
Why Crispy Beef Taquitos Are So Popular
There’s a reason taquitos have stood the test of time they’re simple, flavorful, and versatile. Here’s why this dish continues to be a favorite:
1. Crunchy Texture and Savory Filling
One of the biggest appeals of taquitos is their texture. The crispy exterior of the fried tortilla contrasts beautifully with the juicy, seasoned beef inside. The crunch with every bite makes them irresistible, especially when topped with melty cheese or dipped in a flavorful salsa.
2. Perfect for Any Occasion
Taquitos are incredibly versatile. They can be served as a quick snack, an appetizer, or even a full meal when paired with sides like rice, beans, or a fresh salad. They are also great for game nights, parties, and family gatherings because they’re easy to eat by hand.
3. Easy to Make and Customize
While some people think making taquitos from scratch is complicated, they’re actually quite simple with a few key steps. Plus, they can be customized with different fillings and toppings to suit any taste. From adding spicy jalapeños to using different cheeses, the possibilities are endless.
4. A Crowd-Pleasing Dish
Whether you’re cooking for kids or adults, crispy beef taquitos are a surefire hit. Their bite-sized shape and comforting flavors make them appealing to all ages. You can even prepare them in advance and fry them just before serving to keep them fresh and crispy.
Different Ways to Serve Crispy Beef Taquitos
One of the best things about taquitos is how they can be dressed up with various toppings and sides. Here are some delicious ways to serve them:
1. Classic Style with Cheese and Salsa
A traditional way to enjoy taquitos is to drizzle them with a bold and spicy salsa, then sprinkle shredded cheddar or cotija cheese on top. This keeps things simple while enhancing the natural flavors of the beef filling.
2. Smothered in Tomato Broth
For a more authentic touch, many restaurants and home cooks serve taquitos smothered in a rich tomato broth. The warm broth softens the crispy shell just enough to create a perfect bite—crispy at first, then melt-in-your-mouth tender.
3. With Guacamole and Sour Cream
Adding a side of creamy guacamole and tangy sour cream takes taquitos to another level. The coolness of these toppings complements the heat and crunch of the fried tortillas, balancing out the flavors beautifully.
4. Air-Fried or Baked for a Healthier Option
While deep-frying gives taquitos their signature crunch, you can also make them healthier by air-frying or baking them. Simply brush them with a little oil and cook until crispy. They’ll still be delicious but with less grease.
5. With Pickled Onions and Fresh Herbs
For a gourmet twist, try topping your taquitos with pickled onions, fresh cilantro, or even a drizzle of Mexican crema. These small additions bring a bright, tangy contrast to the rich and savory beef.
Common Variations of Beef Taquitos
Taquitos are incredibly adaptable, and there are countless variations based on region and personal preferences. Here are some fun ways to mix things up:
1. Cheese-Stuffed Taquitos
Instead of just adding cheese on top, try stuffing the taquitos with cheese before rolling them up. This creates a gooey, cheesy center that oozes out when you take a bite.
2. Spicy Beef Taquitos
If you love heat, mix finely chopped jalapeños or chipotle peppers into the beef filling. You can also serve them with a fiery habanero salsa for an extra kick.
3. Vegetarian or Vegan Taquitos
For a meat-free version, swap the beef for mashed black beans, seasoned potatoes, or sautéed mushrooms. Vegan cheese or cashew-based sour cream can be used for dairy-free toppings.
4. Breakfast Taquitos
Who says taquitos are only for lunch or dinner? Fill them with scrambled eggs, chorizo, and cheese for a delicious breakfast version.
5. Sweet and Savory Taquitos
For a unique twist, some people enjoy adding a hint of sweetness, such as caramelized onions or a touch of cinnamon in the beef mixture. This combination of flavors creates a surprisingly delicious contrast.
Tips for Making the Best Beef Taquitos
- Use fresh tortillas: Corn tortillas that are not too dry will roll more easily without cracking.
- Preheat the oil properly: Make sure your frying oil is hot enough (about 350°F) before adding the taquitos to ensure they crisp up without absorbing too much oil.
- Roll them tightly: A secure roll prevents the filling from spilling out while frying.
- Drain on paper towels: This helps remove excess oil and keeps the taquitos crispy.
- Make them ahead of time: You can roll and freeze taquitos before frying them, making meal prep even easier.
Conclusion:
Crispy beef taquitos are a perfect example of how simple ingredients can come together to create something incredibly flavorful and satisfying. Whether you enjoy them classic-style with cheese and salsa, smothered in tomato broth, or paired with creamy guacamole, there’s no wrong way to eat them.
Their versatility, ease of preparation, and irresistible crunch make them a go-to dish for weeknight meals, celebrations, or when you simply crave something deliciously comforting. If you haven’t tried making them at home yet, now is the perfect time to give them a shot you won’t be disappointed!
