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Beef Taquitos with Crispy, Baked, Fried, or Air-Fried Options Recipe

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4.2 from 4 reviews

Delicious and crispy Beef Taquitos made with seasoned ground beef and melted cheese, rolled in corn tortillas and cooked to perfection. These taquitos can be baked, fried, or air-fried, and are perfect for a quick and satisfying meal served with fresh toppings like lettuce, tomatoes, sour cream, salsa, and guacamole.

Ingredients

Beef Filling

  • 1/2 tablespoon avocado oil or olive oil
  • 1/4 medium onion, diced
  • 1 pound ground beef
  • Taco Seasoning (use the entire recipe of homemade taco seasoning)
  • 1/4 cup water

Taquitos

  • 20 corn tortillas
  • 1 1/2 cups shredded Mexican blend cheese or cheddar cheese
  • Oil for frying (if frying)

Toppings

  • Shredded lettuce
  • Diced tomatoes
  • Sour cream
  • Salsa
  • Guacamole

Instructions

  1. Sauté Onion and Brown Beef: In a large skillet, heat the avocado or olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the diced onion and cook until tender, about 3 minutes. Add the ground beef and cook for about 5 minutes, breaking up the meat with a wooden spoon until no pink remains. Drain any excess grease.
  2. Season the Beef: Stir in the taco seasoning and water. Simmer until the mixture thickens, about 3 minutes. Remove from heat and drain off any excess liquid. Set aside.
  3. Prepare the Tortillas: Wrap the corn tortillas in a damp paper towel and microwave for 1 minute, flipping halfway, until they are pliable. Keep covered to retain moisture while assembling.
  4. Assemble the Taquitos: Lay one tortilla flat. Place a heaping tablespoon of the seasoned ground beef mixture in the center, then add about a tablespoon of shredded cheese on top. Roll the tortilla tightly and secure with a toothpick if needed. Repeat with remaining tortillas.
  5. Baking Option: Preheat the oven to 425°F. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Place the taquitos seam-side down in a single layer without touching. Spray or brush the taquitos lightly with oil. Bake for 15–20 minutes until crisp and golden brown.
  6. Frying Option: Pour oil into a deep skillet about 2 inches deep and heat to 350°F. Fry 3-4 taquitos seam-side down, turning frequently with tongs, until crisp and golden, about 3–5 minutes. Drain on paper towels.
  7. Air Frying Option: Preheat air fryer to 400°F. Place taquitos seam-side down in a single layer (cook in batches). Spray with cooking spray. Air fry 5 minutes, flip and spray again, then air fry 2 more minutes until crispy. Repeat for remaining taquitos.
  8. Serve: Remove toothpicks if used. Serve taquitos hot with shredded lettuce, diced tomatoes, sour cream, salsa, and guacamole on the side.

Notes

  • If tortillas crack when rolling, warm them longer to soften.
  • Adjust taco seasoning to taste or use a store-bought blend if preferred.
  • For healthier options, baking or air frying is recommended over deep frying.
  • Can be made ahead and refrigerated; reheat in oven or air fryer to maintain crispiness.
  • Use oil with high smoke point like avocado or vegetable oil for frying.
  • Be careful not to overcrowd the pan or air fryer basket to ensure even cooking.

Find it online: https://recipeplenty.com/beef-taquitos-with-crispy-baked-fried-or-air-fried-options-recipe/