Description
Golden, crunchy taquitos packed with seasoned ground beef and melty cheese, wrapped in corn tortillas and baked to perfection. Perfect as a snack, appetizer, or weeknight dinner.
Ingredients
1 tablespoon olive oil
1/2 small onion, finely chopped
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 lb ground beef
1 teaspoon ground cumin
1 teaspoon chili powder
1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon black pepper
1 tablespoon tomato paste
1/4 cup water
1 1/2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
12 small corn tortillas
Cooking spray or additional oil for brushing
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 425°F (220°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper or lightly grease it.
- In a skillet over medium heat, heat olive oil, add chopped onion, and cook for 2–3 minutes until softened.
- Add garlic and cook for another 30 seconds.
- Add ground beef and cook until browned, breaking it apart with a spatula. Drain excess grease.
- Stir in cumin, chili powder, smoked paprika, salt, pepper, and tomato paste. Add water and simmer for 2–3 minutes until slightly thickened. Remove from heat to cool slightly.
- Warm corn tortillas to make them pliable, using a damp towel in the microwave or a skillet.
- Place about 2 tablespoons of beef filling in the center of each tortilla, sprinkle with cheese, and roll tightly.
- Arrange taquitos seam-side down on the prepared baking sheet and lightly brush or spray tops with oil.
- Bake for 15–20 minutes, or until golden and crispy.
- Serve hot with salsa, sour cream, or guacamole if desired.
Notes
Swap cheddar with pepper jack or a Mexican cheese blend for extra spice.
Mix in black beans or rice for variety.
Make it vegetarian by using lentils or plant-based ground meat.
Store in fridge up to 3 days or freeze for up to 2 months.
Reheat in oven to retain crispiness.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Mexican
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 2 taquitos
- Calories: 280
- Sugar: 1g
- Sodium: 370mg
- Fat: 17g
- Saturated Fat: 7g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 18g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 14g
- Cholesterol: 45mg
