There’s something utterly irresistible about a crispy, golden taquito filled to the brim with juicy spiced beef and gooey cheese. This Cheesy Beef Baked Taquitos Recipe is your ticket to weeknight dinner joy or the centerpiece for your next casual get-together. Baked (not fried) for that craveable crunch and stuffed with bold, melty goodness, this recipe delivers everything you crave in classic Mexican-inspired comfort food—all with a lighter twist and simple ingredients you probably already have on hand!
Ingredients You’ll Need
Let’s talk about the magic behind every bite! This dish keeps it simple, yet each ingredient plays a powerful role: savory beef for rich flavor, melty cheese for that comforting stretch, and just the right seasonings to tie it all together. Every element matters—let’s break it down.
- Ground beef (1 pound): The heart of the filling, providing savory flavor and hearty texture. Choose lean for less grease or extra-juicy for classic richness.
- Olive oil (1 tablespoon): Helps the onions and garlic soften and marries all the aromatics together beautifully.
- Small onion, finely chopped: Sweet and pungent, onion is the first layer of flavor in every good taquito filling.
- Garlic, minced (2 cloves): Adds punch and depth, making the beef mixture absolutely irresistible.
- Chili powder (1 teaspoon): Brings warm, smoky undertones to the beef, essential for true taquito flavor.
- Cumin (1 teaspoon): Earthy and aromatic, cumin gives that traditional taco taste.
- Paprika (½ teaspoon): For color and a whisper of sweetness.
- Salt (½ teaspoon): Balances and elevates every other ingredient.
- Black pepper (¼ teaspoon): A touch of sharpness to round out the spices.
- Canned diced green chiles (½ cup, drained): Lends mild heat and that classic Tex-Mex kick—plus beautiful pops of green color.
- Shredded cheddar cheese (1 cup): Brings sharp flavor and glorious melting power.
- Shredded Monterey Jack cheese (1 cup): Creamy and mellow, it melts perfectly alongside cheddar for dreamy, stringy cheese pulls.
- Small flour or corn tortillas (12): The vessel for all that goodness—corn for a bit of crunch and authenticity, flour for soft, pillowy texture.
- Olive oil spray: A light mist crisps up the baked taquitos, letting you skip the fryer without sacrificing crunch.
How to Make Cheesy Beef Baked Taquitos Recipe
Step 1: Prepare your oven and baking sheet
Begin by preheating your oven to a sizzling 425°F. Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper—this ensures your taquitos won’t stick and makes for incredibly easy cleanup. This little bit of prep means the rest of the process is a breeze.
Step 2: Sauté the aromatics
Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add your chopped onion, sautéing until it turns soft and translucent, about three minutes. Toss in the minced garlic, letting it cook for another 30 seconds. This duo is your flavor foundation, so let them work their magic before moving on!
Step 3: Brown the beef and season
Add the ground beef directly to your skillet. Cook, breaking it up with a spoon, until it’s beautifully browned with no pink left—about 5 to 7 minutes. Drain off any excess fat for a lighter result. Now stir in your chili powder, cumin, paprika, salt, and black pepper, mixing until the beef is evenly coated in those fragrant spices.
Step 4: Add green chiles and cool
Toss in the diced green chiles for just the right amount of tang and gentle heat. Give everything a good mix, then remove the skillet from heat and set it aside. Let the mixture cool for a few minutes—this prevents the cheese from melting too soon in the next step.
Step 5: Mix in the cheeses
Add the shredded cheddar and Monterey Jack cheeses right into the slightly cooled beef mixture. Stir until everything comes together into a cheesy, savory filling you’ll want to eat straight from the skillet (no judgment if you do!).
Step 6: Warm and fill the tortillas
Warm your tortillas just a bit in the microwave or on a skillet so they’re pliable and don’t crack when you roll them. Scoop about two tablespoons of the beef mixture onto each tortilla, then roll tightly to form your taquitos.
Step 7: Arrange and bake
Arrange the taquitos seam side down in a single layer on your prepared baking sheet. Lightly mist the tops with olive oil spray for extra crispiness. Slide the tray into the oven and bake for 15 to 18 minutes, or until your Cheesy Beef Baked Taquitos Recipe is golden and crisp. Serve them hot and watch them disappear!
How to Serve Cheesy Beef Baked Taquitos Recipe
Garnishes
Nothing beats a taquito topped with fresh, lively flavors! Shower your Cheesy Beef Baked Taquitos Recipe with chopped cilantro, sliced green onions, a squeeze of lime, and maybe a dollop of sour cream or guacamole. The bright, creamy garnishes make every bite sing.
Side Dishes
Think beyond the taquito! Serve your crispy creations with simple sides like Mexican rice, refried beans, zesty corn salad, or a crunchy lettuce slaw. A trio of salsas (mild, medium, and fiery) also takes your taquito feast to the next level.
Creative Ways to Present
Bring these taquitos to every occasion—from a crowd-pleasing appetizer platter to a weeknight dinner party. Try standing them upright in a mason jar for a cute finger-food display, or slice them in half for a shareable snack board centerpiece. However you serve them, a Cheesy Beef Baked Taquitos Recipe always brings people together!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you’re lucky enough to have leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They’ll stay fresh and flavorful for up to three days, perfect for easy lunches or snack cravings.
Freezing
To freeze, line up unbaked taquitos on a sheet tray, freeze until solid, then transfer to a zip-top freezer bag. Bake straight from the freezer at 425°F (just add a few extra minutes to the bake time). Frozen taquitos make the ultimate anytime treat!
Reheating
Bring that crispy magic back by reheating taquitos in the oven at 400°F for about 8 to 10 minutes. Skip the microwave if you can—baked taquitos deserve their signature crunch!
FAQs
Can I make the Cheesy Beef Baked Taquitos Recipe ahead of time?
Absolutely! Assemble the taquitos, place them on a tray, and refrigerate for up to a day before baking. They come out just as golden and delicious, making meal prep a breeze.
Can I substitute ground turkey or chicken?
Definitely! Swap the ground beef for ground turkey or shredded chicken for a lighter take. Just season generously and you’ll still get that hearty, cheesy taquito experience.
Are corn or flour tortillas better for this recipe?
It’s all about personal taste. Corn tortillas give you a classic, slightly crunchy taquito, while flour tortillas are softer and a bit fluffier. Both work beautifully in the Cheesy Beef Baked Taquitos Recipe—try each and discover your favorite!
How spicy are these taquitos?
With mild green chiles and a dash of chili powder, the heat level is family-friendly. If you love spice, add chopped jalapeños or extra chili powder to kick things up a notch.
What dips go best with these taquitos?
Classic choices include chunky salsa, cooling sour cream, or homemade guacamole. Queso dip is always a crowd-pleaser too—the creamier and cheesier, the better!
Final Thoughts
If you’re searching for a feel-good dish that’s as fun to make as it is to eat, the Cheesy Beef Baked Taquitos Recipe is truly unbeatable. Gather your ingredients, invite some friends or family, and get ready for crispy, cheesy bliss—straight from your own oven!
Print
Cheesy Beef Baked Taquitos Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 18 minutes
- Total Time: 33 minutes
- Yield: 12 taquitos
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Mexican-American
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
These Cheesy Beef Baked Taquitos are a delicious and easy-to-make Mexican-inspired dish that is perfect for a family dinner or as a party appetizer. Crispy on the outside and filled with a flavorful beef and cheese mixture, these taquitos are sure to be a hit with everyone!
Ingredients
Ground Beef Mixture:
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon chili powder
- 1 teaspoon cumin
- ½ teaspoon paprika
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- ½ cup canned diced green chiles, drained
Cheese Mixture:
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 cup shredded Monterey Jack cheese
Other:
- 12 small flour or corn tortillas
- olive oil spray
Instructions
- Preheat the oven: Preheat the oven to 425°F and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Cook the beef mixture: In a skillet, cook onion and garlic in olive oil. Add ground beef, spices, and green chiles. Stir in cheeses once cooked.
- Prepare the taquitos: Warm tortillas, fill with beef mixture, and roll tightly. Place on baking sheet seam side down.
- Bake: Spray taquitos with olive oil and bake for 15–18 minutes until crispy and golden.
- Serve: Serve hot with your favorite dips.
Notes
- Use corn tortillas for a gluten-free option.
- You can substitute the beef with ground turkey or shredded chicken.
- Add chopped jalapeños for extra heat.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 taquito
- Calories: 210
- Sugar: 1g
- Sodium: 310mg
- Fat: 13g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 13g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 11g
- Cholesterol: 35mg
