Ground Beef Taquitos (Baked or Fried)
Ground Beef Taquitos with cheese are crispy rolled tacos filled with seasoned ground beef and melted cheese. They can be fried or baked, then served with your favorite toppings. These taquitos are always a hit for taco night or parties!
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Taquitos or Flautas?
Taquitos are rolled tacos made with corn tortillas and your choice of filling. Flautas are typically made with flour tortillas, although I’ve seen taquito, rolled taco, and flauta used interchangeably depending on the region.
If you prefer flour tortillas, try my Baked Shredded Chicken Flautas.
Ingredient Notes
You only need a few simple ingredients for these Ground Beef Taquitos.
- Ground Beef: I use seasoned ground beef for the filling, but ground turkey is another option if you want something leaner.
- Taco Seasoning: Homemade or store-bought both work, so use your favorite.
- Refried Beans: These are optional, but they make the filling a little heartier.
- Shredded Cheese: I use Monterey Jack, but Pepper Jack adds a nice kick. I recommend shredding your own cheese for the best flavor.
- Corn Tortillas: I prefer corn tortillas for their flavor and crispy texture.
For toppings, try shredded lettuce, tomatoes, radishes, Pickled Onions, Guacamole, Salsa Mexicana, or crema.
For another crispy taco recipe with ground beef, try my Mexican Picadillo Tacos.
How to Roll Taquitos
- Add the cheese. Place the shredded cheese toward the center of the warmed corn tortilla, leaving enough room around the edges for rolling.
- Add the ground beef. Spoon the seasoned ground beef over the cheese, keeping the filling concentrated in the center.
- Add refried beans. For the bean version, spread a thin layer of refried beans on the tortilla, then add the seasoned ground beef.
- Roll and secure. Roll the tortilla tightly around the filling, then secure the seam with a toothpick to keep it closed while cooking.
How to Deep Fry Taquitos
Frying gives the taquitos a golden, extra-crispy shell. Use a high-heat oil like canola, vegetable, peanut, or avocado oil.
- Heat the oil. Add enough oil to a deep skillet or pot to cover the taquitos at least halfway and heat according to the recipe card.
- Fry the taquitos. Carefully add a few at a time without overcrowding the pan. Turn them as they brown, then transfer to a paper towel-lined plate to drain.
How to Bake Taquitos
Baking is another easy option when you don’t want to fry the taquitos.
- Prep the taquitos. Arrange them seam-side down on a parchment-lined baking sheet and lightly coat them with oil.
- Bake until crispy. Flip the taquitos as they bake so both sides get golden. You can briefly broil them at the end for extra crispiness.
Renee’s Tips and Notes
- Don’t add too much filling. This makes the tortillas easier to roll and helps prevent the filling from spilling out.
- Shred your own cheese. It melts better than pre-shredded cheese and gives the filling a better texture.
- Fry in batches. Giving the taquitos some room in the pan helps them brown more evenly.
- Remove the toothpicks. Don’t forget to take them out before adding toppings and serving the taquitos.
Serving and Storage
Serve Ground Beef Taquitos as finger food with Guacamole, sour cream, or Salsa Verde for dipping. You can also make them a meal by adding shredded lettuce, tomatoes, radishes, jalapeños, and a drizzle of Mexican crema.
Store leftover taquitos in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. Reheat them in the oven or air fryer to help crisp the tortillas again.
Cooked taquitos can also be frozen for up to 3 months. Let them cool completely before placing them in a freezer-safe bag, then reheat them in the oven or air fryer.
Ground Beef Taquitos FAQs
Yes. Make the ground beef filling ahead of time and keep it refrigerated until you’re ready to assemble and cook the taquitos.
Corn tortillas are more likely to crack when they’re cold or dry. Warming them first makes them softer and easier to roll.
Yes. Place the taquitos seam-side down while cooking to help keep them closed. Just make sure they’re rolled tightly so the filling stays inside.
Sides for Taquitos
Ground Beef Taquito Recipe
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Equipment
Ingredients
- 1 pound Ground Beef
- 1 Packet Low Sodium Taco Seasoning or see note below on homemade seasoning
- 8 ounces Cheese (your preference and shredded)
- 16 Corn Tortillas
- Oil for Frying or Spray Oil (use a neutral high heat oil)
- Toppings: Lettuce, tomato, onions, avocado, crema, or sour cream.
Instructions
- Add ground beef to a skillet over medium heat. Cook halfway, add taco seasoning and continue cooking until done. Set aside to cool.
- Shred Cheese and chop any toppings you will be using so they are ready.
- Place tortillas on a microwave safe plate and cover with a damp paper towel. Heat on high for 30 seconds or until tortillas are slightly warm.
- Roll taquitos by adding some cheese and seasoned ground beef. You can also add refried beans if you like. Make a tight roll and thread a toothpick to seal it in place.
- To fry the taquitos, heat a large skillet or pot with oil. You need enough oil to cover the taquito at least halfway. Use a thermometer to see when the oil reaches 350 F.
- Carefully place the taquitos in the oil using tongs, don't overcrowd the pan. Once one side is golden, flip it over to cook the other side. Remove taquitos and allow to drain and cool on a paper towel lined plate.
- To bake the taquitos, preheat the oven to 400 F. Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper and place taquitos a half inch apart. Spray or brush each one generously with oil.
- Bake for 10 minutes, then flip each one over, add more oil if needed, and bake for an additional 10-15 minutes. You can also turn on the broiler for the last 2 minutes to get them extra crispy.
- Remove toothpicks from taquitos before serving. Garnish with your favorite toppings or dips.
Video
Notes
- .75 teaspoon Salt
- 1 teaspoon Cumin
- 1 teaspoon Chili Powder
- .5 teaspoon Onion Powder
- .5 teaspoon Garlic Powder
- .25 teaspoon Black Pepper
Nutrition
Nutritional information is provided as an estimate only and depends on ingredients and amounts used. Thai Caliente makes no guarantees to the accuracy of this information.
