Ground Beef Taquitos

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These Ground Beef Taquitos make dinner easy without skimping on the good stuff. You get seasoned ground beef, plenty of melty cheese, and a little jalapeño wrapped inside crispy corn tortillas. They’re easy enough for dinner and just as good served as an appetizer with salsa or guacamole.

 

What Are Taquitos?

Taquitos are rolled tortillas filled with meat, cheese, or other savory fillings, then cooked until crisp. Corn tortillas are commonly used because they become crisp around the edges while keeping the filling tucked inside. For this version, seasoned ground beef, melted cheese, and jalapeño make a flavorful filling that works especially well with the crispy corn tortilla.

Ingredient Notes

Here’s a quick look at the ingredients that bring these ground beef taquitos together.

• Ground beef: Use your favorite ground beef for the filling, and drain off any excess grease after cooking.
• Onion: Diced onion adds a little sweetness and extra flavor to the beef filling.
• Jalapeño: Diced jalapeño adds a mild kick, but you can leave out the seeds for less heat.
• Chili powder, cumin, & garlic powder: This simple spice mix gives the beef plenty of savory, smoky flavor.
• Tomato paste: A spoonful of tomato paste adds richness and helps bring the filling’s flavors together.
• Salt and black pepper: These basics season the beef and bring out all the other flavors.
• Shredded cheddar + Mexican cheese: The combination melts into the beef filling for a creamy, cheesy center.
• Corn tortillas: Corn tortillas are perfect for taquitos and get nice and crisp around the edges as they bake.
• Salted butter: Brushing the tortillas with melted butter helps them crisp up beautifully in the oven.

How to Make Ground Beef Taquitos

These taquitos come together pretty quickly, especially once the beef filling is cooked. Here’s how to get them crispy on the outside with a cheesy, flavorful filling inside.

Step 1: Cook the ground beef

Heat a skillet over medium heat and cook the ground beef until browned and cooked through. Drain any excess grease if needed.

Step 2: Add the onion and seasonings

Stir in the diced onion and cook until softened and lightly browned. Add the tomato paste, chili powder, cumin, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper. Cook for another 2–3 minutes, stirring occasionally, so the tomato paste and spices can cook into the beef.

Step 3: Stir in the cheese and jalapeño

Remove the skillet from the heat, then stir in the shredded cheddar, Mexican cheese, and diced jalapeño. Stir until the cheese is melted and everything is evenly combined.

Step 4: Warm the tortillas

Warm the corn tortillas just until they’re soft and flexible. This makes them much easier to roll without cracking.

Step 5: Fill and roll the taquitos

Spoon about 2 tablespoons of the beef mixture along one edge of each tortilla. Roll each one up tightly, then place it seam-side down to keep it closed.

Step 6: Brush with butter

Arrange the rolled taquitos on a parchment-lined baking sheet, seam side down. Lightly brush the tops and sides with melted butter.

Step 7: Bake until crispy

Bake at 400°F for 15–20 minutes, or until the tortillas are golden brown and crisp around the edges.

Step 8: Serve warm

Serve the taquitos while they’re warm with your favorite dips.

Tips for Success

A few small things make a big difference when making homemade ground beef taquitos.

• Keep the filling fairly dry: Too much moisture in the beef mixture can make the tortillas soft instead of crisp. If the filling seems wet, let it cook for another minute or two before assembling.
• Don’t overfill the tortillas: About 2 tablespoons is enough for a good filling-to-tortilla ratio. Too much filling makes the taquitos harder to roll tightly and can cause the filling to spill out while baking.
• Warm tortillas in batches: Keep the tortillas covered with a clean kitchen towel after warming them so they stay flexible while you assemble the taquitos.
• Place them close together: Arrange the taquitos snugly on the baking sheet so they help hold each other in place while baking.
• Give them a few minutes to cool: Let the baked taquitos rest for about 3–5 minutes before serving. The filling will settle slightly, and they’ll be easier to pick up without falling apart.

What to Serve With Ground Beef Taquitos

Pair your taquitos with these easy sides and dips.

• Pico de Gallo – Fresh tomatoes, onion, lime, and cilantro add a bright, fresh contrast to the cheesy beef filling.
• Mexican Street Corn Guacamole – Creamy guacamole with sweet corn, lime, and Mexican-inspired flavors makes a flavorful dip.
• Tomato Salsa – A fresh tomato salsa adds a juicy, slightly spicy bite to crispy taquitos.
• Black Bean Dip – Creamy black bean dip pairs well with the seasoned beef and melted cheese.
• Cucumber Tomato Salad – Crisp cucumber and juicy tomatoes make a fresh side for the warm, crispy taquitos.

That’s it! These crispy ground beef taquitos are ready for dipping and serving. They’re an easy favorite for busy nights, and the printable recipe card is below.

Variations

• Swap the cheese: Use Monterey Jack or pepper jack instead of cheddar for a different cheesy filling.
• Add more heat: Mix in extra diced jalapeño or a pinch of cayenne pepper if you like spicy taquitos.
• Add black beans: Stir in drained black beans for extra texture and a heartier filling.
• Try shredded chicken: Replace the ground beef with cooked shredded chicken for a simple chicken taquito variation.

More Easy Mexican-Inspired Recipes

• Beef Enchiladas
• Birria Tacos
• Chicken Taquitos
• Chicken Quesadillas
• Chicken Enchiladas
• Taco Rice

Storage & Reheating

Store leftover taquitos in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

Freezing: Let the baked taquitos cool completely, then freeze them in a freezer-safe container or bag for up to 3 months. Freeze them in a single layer first so they don’t stick together.

Reheating: Reheat refrigerated or frozen taquitos in a 400°F oven or air fryer until heated through and crisp. Frozen taquitos may need a few extra minutes. Avoid the microwave, which can soften the tortillas.

If you make this recipe, I would really appreciate it if you would give it a star rating and leave your review in the comments! If you have a picture of your finished dish, post it on Instagram using the hashtag #laurenslatest and tag me @laurens_latest.