Imagine biting into a crispy, golden taquito that’s filled with perfectly seasoned beef and melty cheese. It’s that perfect balance of crunchy and cheesy, spicy and savory. Trust me, this one’s a total game-changer! These baked cheesy beef taquitos will have you feeling like a pro chef, even if you’ve never rolled up a taquito in your life. And the best part? It’s easy, quick, and absolutely delicious. Let’s get started!
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Why You’ll Love Baked Cheesy Beef Taquitos
This recipe isn’t just about the ingredients—it’s about creating those “wow” moments at the dinner table. Whether it’s a busy weeknight, a fun gathering, or just a craving for something tasty, these taquitos hit the spot every time. Here’s why they’re so beloved:
Versatile: Whether you’re making them for a casual dinner or for a crowd, they’re always a hit. Plus, they’re perfect for parties or a movie night—you’ll be the hero of your kitchen!
Budget-Friendly: Using simple ingredients you probably already have on hand, you can create these crispy, cheesy bites that taste anything but ordinary. Who doesn’t love an affordable yet totally satisfying meal?
Quick and Easy: These taquitos come together in no time—no complicated steps, just straightforward goodness. Even if you’re not a seasoned cook, you’ll be rolling these up like a pro in minutes.
Customizable: Want to spice things up? Throw in some jalapeños or taco seasoning. Looking for a milder version? Skip the heat and let the cheese shine. It’s super flexible!
Crowd-Pleasing: Perfect for kids and adults alike, these taquitos make everyone smile. They’re the kind of dish you can put on the table, and before you know it, they’re gone.
Ingredients in Baked Cheesy Beef Taquitos
Here’s what you’ll need to make these cheesy, crispy wonders:
Ground Beef: The hearty filling that gets seasoned just right for that rich, savory flavor.
Taco Seasoning: The magic spice blend that ties it all together. You can use store-bought or make your own!
Shredded Cheese: Because what’s a taquito without that gooey cheese in every bite?
Tortillas: Soft flour tortillas are perfect for rolling, giving you that golden crisp on the outside.
Olive Oil: To give the taquitos that crispy, golden texture.
(Note: the full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.)
Instructions
Let’s dive into making these taquitos. It’s easy, I promise!
Preheat Your Oven: Start by preheating your oven to 400°F (200°C). This ensures your taquitos bake up crisp and delicious.
Cook the Beef: In a skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef until it’s browned and cooked through. Drain any excess fat, then add taco seasoning and a splash of water to make sure the beef is well coated.
Assemble the Taquitos: Lay a tortilla flat, and spoon the seasoned beef mixture down the center. Top with shredded cheese, then carefully roll up the tortilla to make a tight little bundle.
Prepare the Baking Sheet: Place the rolled-up taquitos seam-side down on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Brush each taquito with a little olive oil to get that beautiful golden color.
Bake to Perfection: Pop them in the oven and bake for 15-20 minutes, or until they’re crispy and golden brown. Keep an eye on them so they don’t get too crispy (unless you’re all about that crunch, in which case, go for it!).
Serve and Enjoy: Once they’re out of the oven, let them cool for just a minute—trust me, you’ll want to savor that first bite. Serve with your favorite dipping sauce and enjoy!
How to Serve Baked Cheesy Beef Taquitos
These taquitos are perfect on their own, but if you want to go all out, here are some ideas to elevate the meal:
Fresh Salsa: A tangy, homemade salsa pairs beautifully with the crispy taquitos. The freshness of the salsa balances the richness of the beef and cheese.
Guacamole: Creamy, zesty guacamole makes the perfect dip for these taquitos. The smoothness of the avocado complements the crunch.
Mexican Rice: Serve them alongside some seasoned rice to make a complete meal. Add a side of refried beans for a heartier option.
Creamy Dips: Sour cream or a tangy cilantro-lime crema is the perfect way to cool off the spiciness of the beef while adding extra flavor.
Additional Tips
Here are some extra tips to help you get the most out of this recipe:
Prep Ahead: Assemble the taquitos the night before and store them in the fridge. When you’re ready to bake, they’ll be ready to go!
Spice It Up: If you like a little heat, add some chopped jalapeños or a dash of cayenne pepper to the beef mixture.
Dietary Adjustments: You can make these taquitos gluten-free by using corn tortillas instead of flour. For a vegetarian option, swap the beef with beans or veggies.
Storage Tips: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven for a few minutes to bring back that crispy texture.
Double the Batch: These freeze really well! Make a double batch and freeze the taquitos before baking. Then, when you’re craving a snack, just bake them straight from the freezer.
FAQ Section
Q1: Can I substitute ground beef with chicken or turkey?
A1: Yes, absolutely! Ground chicken or turkey works just as well, and will give the taquitos a lighter taste.
Q2: Can I make these taquitos ahead of time?
A2: Yes! You can assemble them, cover with plastic wrap, and store them in the fridge until you’re ready to bake.
Q3: How do I store leftovers?
A3: Store leftover taquitos in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat them in the oven to keep them crispy!
Q4: Can I freeze these taquitos?
A4: Absolutely! You can freeze them before baking. Just pop them in a freezer-safe bag or container. When you’re ready, bake them straight from frozen.
Q5: What’s the best way to reheat these?
A5: The oven is the best way to reheat these taquitos. Bake them at 350°F (175°C) for about 10 minutes until they’re warm and crispy again.
Q6: Can I make these taquitos spicy?
A6: Definitely! Add some chopped jalapeños or chili flakes to the beef mixture for a little extra heat.
Q7: Can I make these vegetarian?
A7: Yes, you can swap the beef for black beans, seasoned veggies, or even cheese for a vegetarian version.
Q8: How do I make my taquitos extra crispy?
A8: Brush the taquitos with olive oil before baking, and make sure they are spaced out on the baking sheet so the heat circulates around them.
Q9: How long do these taquitos last in the fridge?
A9: These taquitos will last for up to 3 days in the fridge.
Q10: Can I double the recipe?
A10: Yes! You can easily double the recipe to feed a larger crowd or to have extra for later.
Conclusion
There you have it—crispy, cheesy beef taquitos that are sure to satisfy your cravings! Whether you’re cooking for a crowd or just yourself, these taquitos are easy to make and even easier to devour. Don’t be surprised if they disappear in a flash—these little bites of heaven are a true crowd-pleaser. So go ahead, give them a try—you won’t regret it!
Print
Baked Cheesy Beef Taquitos
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 8 taquitos 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Mexican
Description
Craving Mexican food? These baked cheesy beef taquitos are quick, easy, and loaded with flavor! Perfectly seasoned ground beef, melty cheese, cream cheese, and sour cream are wrapped in tortillas and baked to crispy perfection. Perfect for busy weeknights, game day, or any gathering. Family-friendly and picky-eater approved!
Ingredients
- 1 pound lean ground beef (90-93% lean)
- 1-ounce package taco seasoning (any spice or sodium level)
- 4 ounces brick-style cream cheese, softened to room temperature
- 1/2 cup sour cream
- 1 cup shredded pepper Jack cheese (or Mexican cheese blend, Monterey Jack, etc.)
- 1/2 cup red salsa
- 8 flour tortillas (or as needed)
Instructions
- Preheat Oven:
- Preheat the oven to 375°F. Spray a 9×13-inch casserole dish or baking pan with cooking spray and set aside.
- Cook Ground Beef:
- Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat and cook the ground beef until browned, breaking it into crumbles as it cooks.
- Season Beef:
- Sprinkle the taco seasoning over the beef and stir to combine. Do not drain the beef unless there’s excessive grease.
- Add Cheeses and Salsa:
- Turn off the heat, add the shredded cheese, and stir until melted. Mix in the cream cheese, sour cream, and salsa until fully combined.
- Fill and Roll Tortillas:
- Place 2–3 tablespoons of the beef mixture in a vertical strip on one side of each tortilla.
- Roll each tortilla tightly into a taquito shape.
- Tip: Microwave tortillas for 10 seconds if they are stiff to make them more pliable. Avoid underfilling or overfilling to prevent breakage.
- Bake:
- Arrange the taquitos in the prepared baking pan. Bake for 15 minutes or until lightly browned and crispy.
- Serve:
- Serve warm with salsa, guacamole, fresh cilantro, limes, or your favorite garnishes.
Notes
- Storage: Leftover taquitos keep airtight in the fridge for up to 5 days or in the freezer for up to 4 months. Reheat in the oven for best results.
- Customization: Substitute ground beef with ground turkey, chicken, or plant-based crumbles for a different protein option.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 taquito
- Calories: 280
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 470mg
- Fat: 16g
- Saturated Fat: 8g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 16g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 17g
- Cholesterol: 55mg