Crispy on the outside, cheesy and savory on the inside these Cheesy Beef Taquitos are the perfect combination of comfort and flavor. Made with seasoned beef, melted cheese, and a golden tortilla shell, they’re great for dipping in guacamole, sour cream, or fresh salsa. Whether you bake them, air-fry them, or pan-fry for extra crunch, these taquitos are a crowd-pleaser every time. Perfect for busy weeknights, game-day snacks, or even meal prep, these taquitos freeze well and reheat beautifully. Enjoy them on their own or pair them with Mexican rice, refried beans, or a fresh side salad. However you serve them, one thing is certain you won’t be able to eat just one!
Full Recipe:
Ingredients:
- 1 lb lean ground beef
- 1 (1 oz) packet taco seasoning
- 4 oz cream cheese
- ½ cup sour cream
- ½ cup salsa
- 1 cup shredded pepper jack cheese
- 8 corn tortillas (for taquitos) or flour tortillas (for flautas)
- 2 tbsp vegetable oil (for brushing or frying)
Directions:
- Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C) or preheat the air fryer to 350°F (175°C).
- In a skillet over medium-high heat, cook the ground beef, breaking it up with a spatula, until fully browned. Drain excess grease.
- Stir in the taco seasoning, cream cheese, sour cream, and salsa. Mix until smooth and well combined. Remove from heat.
- Stir in the shredded cheese until melted and fully incorporated.
- If tortillas are stiff, microwave them for 10 seconds to soften.
- Place two heaping tablespoons of filling on one side of each tortilla and roll tightly.
- Arrange the taquitos seam-side down on a baking sheet. Brush with oil for extra crispiness.
- Bake for 15 minutes, air fry for 3-4 minutes, or pan-fry in a shallow skillet with hot oil until golden brown and crispy.
- Serve hot with your favorite dips like guacamole, sour cream, or salsa.
Prep Time: 15 minutes | Cooking Time: 15 minutes | Total Time: 30 minutes
Kcal: 305 kcal per taquito | Servings: 8 taquitos
What Are Taquitos?
Taquitos, also known as “flautas” in some regions, are small rolled tortillas filled with a savory mixture, then cooked until crispy. Traditionally, taquitos are made with corn tortillas, while flautas are made with flour tortillas. However, the names are often used interchangeably depending on where you are.
The word “taquito” means “little taco” in Spanish, and that’s exactly what they are—mini rolled tacos that pack a big punch of flavor. They originated in Mexican cuisine but have become incredibly popular in Tex-Mex cooking. Their crispy texture and rich filling make them a favorite snack, appetizer, or even a main dish.
Why You’ll Love Cheesy Beef Taquitos
There are countless reasons why taquitos are a must-have recipe in your collection:
- Crispy and Cheesy Goodness – The combination of a golden, crunchy tortilla and a gooey, cheesy beef filling makes every bite an explosion of flavor.
- Quick and Easy – This recipe takes only about 30 minutes from start to finish, making it perfect for busy weeknights.
- Versatile Cooking Methods – Whether you prefer baking, air frying, or pan frying, taquitos can be cooked in multiple ways while still achieving that signature crispiness.
- Perfect for Meal Prep – Taquitos can be made in advance and frozen, allowing for an easy grab-and-cook meal when you’re short on time.
- Family-Friendly – Kids and adults alike love the crunchy texture and cheesy filling, making this a go-to meal for picky eaters.
The Secret to Perfectly Crispy Taquitos
Achieving the perfect crispy texture for taquitos requires a few simple techniques:
- Prepping the Tortillas: Corn tortillas tend to be stiff, so warming them for a few seconds in the microwave helps make them more pliable and prevents cracking.
- Rolling Tightly: Ensuring that the tortillas are rolled tightly around the filling keeps them from unrolling while baking or frying.
- Brushing or Spraying with Oil: Lightly brushing the rolled taquitos with oil before baking or air frying enhances their crispiness.
- Pan Frying for Extra Crunch: If you want the crispiest taquitos, shallow frying in a bit of oil will give them a restaurant-style crunch.
Dipping Sauces and Serving Ideas
While taquitos are delicious on their own, they are even better when paired with flavorful dips and side dishes. Here are some serving ideas:
Best Dipping Sauces for Taquitos
- Guacamole – The creaminess of avocado pairs beautifully with the crispy texture of taquitos.
- Salsa – A classic chunky salsa or a smooth salsa verde enhances the dish with fresh, tangy flavors.
- Sour Cream – A cool and creamy dip that balances the richness of the cheese and beef filling.
- Queso Dip – A warm, cheesy dip that adds an extra layer of indulgence.
Side Dish Pairings
- Mexican Rice – A flavorful rice dish that complements the spices in the taquitos.
- Refried Beans – A hearty and classic side that adds protein and fiber to your meal.
- Corn Salad – A refreshing contrast to the crispy taquitos, offering a sweet and tangy balance.
Make-Ahead and Freezing Tips
One of the best things about taquitos is that they can be made ahead of time and stored for later. If you’re looking to prep meals in advance or stock up on easy-to-cook options, follow these tips:
- Refrigeration: Assemble the taquitos but don’t cook them yet. Store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. When you’re ready to eat, simply bake, air fry, or pan-fry them.
- Freezing: Lay the taquitos on a baking sheet and freeze them until solid. Then, transfer them to a freezer-safe bag or container. They can be stored in the freezer for up to 3 months.
- Cooking from Frozen: There’s no need to thaw frozen taquitos! Simply add 5-7 extra minutes to the baking time or air-fry them for a crisp finish.
Customizing Your Taquitos
One of the best things about homemade taquitos is that you can customize them to suit your taste. Here are some variations to try:
- Spicy Taquitos – Add diced jalapeños or use spicy salsa to give the filling an extra kick.
- Vegetarian Option – Swap the beef for black beans, refried beans, or sautéed mushrooms for a delicious meat-free version.
- Chicken Taquitos – Use shredded rotisserie chicken instead of ground beef for a lighter alternative.
- Buffalo Ranch Taquitos – Mix the beef with buffalo sauce and a drizzle of ranch for a spicy, tangy twist.
The Best Occasions to Serve Taquitos
Cheesy Beef Taquitos are incredibly versatile and can be served for a variety of occasions:
- Game Day Snacks: These are perfect finger foods for watching the big game.
- Party Appetizers: Serve them at gatherings, potlucks, or family celebrations.
- Quick Lunch or Dinner: Make a batch in under 30 minutes for a fast and satisfying meal.
- Kids’ Lunchboxes: Pack a few in a lunchbox with a small container of salsa for dipping.
- Holiday Celebrations: Mexican-inspired dishes like taquitos add fun variety to holiday feasts.
Conclusion:
Cheesy Beef Taquitos are a must-have recipe for anyone who loves crispy, cheesy, and flavor-packed meals. Their crunchy texture, combined with the rich and creamy beef filling, makes them an irresistible dish that’s easy to make and even easier to enjoy.
With multiple cooking methods, endless customization options, and the ability to prepare them ahead of time, taquitos are a go-to meal for busy nights, casual gatherings, and meal prep enthusiasts. Serve them with your favorite dips and sides, and you’ll have a dish that everyone will love.
