Description
Crispy Beef Taquitos are a delicious Mexican-inspired appetizer or main course featuring shredded beef mixed with spices and cheese, rolled in corn tortillas, and fried to golden perfection. These crunchy, flavorful taquitos are easy to make and perfect for serving with sour cream, guacamole, or salsa.
Ingredients
Scale
Filling
- 2 cups cooked shredded beef
- 1/2 cup salsa
- 1/2 teaspoon cumin
- 1/2 teaspoon chili powder
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- 1 cup shredded cheddar or Monterey Jack cheese
Taquitos
- 12 small corn tortillas
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil plus more for frying
- Toothpicks (optional for securing)
Instructions
- Prepare the filling: In a bowl, combine the shredded beef, salsa, cumin, chili powder, garlic powder, salt, pepper, and shredded cheese. Mix everything until evenly incorporated.
- Warm the tortillas: Slightly warm the corn tortillas to make them pliable and easier to roll without cracking.
- Roll the taquitos: Place about 2 tablespoons of the beef filling along one edge of each warm tortilla and roll tightly into a cylinder. Secure with a toothpick if needed to keep them tightly rolled.
- Heat the oil: In a skillet over medium heat or a deep pan, heat vegetable oil until it reaches about 350°F (175°C). You need enough oil to shallow fry the taquitos.
- Fry the taquitos: Carefully place the taquitos seam-side down in the hot oil in batches to avoid overcrowding. Fry for 3 to 4 minutes, turning as needed, until all sides are golden brown and crispy.
- Drain excess oil: Remove the fried taquitos and place them on a paper towel-lined plate to absorb any excess oil.
- Serve: Serve the crispy beef taquitos hot with your choice of sour cream, guacamole, or extra salsa for dipping.
Notes
- For a lighter version, bake the taquitos at 425°F (220°C) for 15 to 20 minutes, brushing them with oil before baking until crispy.
- Flour tortillas can be used instead of corn, but this will result in a softer texture instead of crispy.
- Rotisserie beef or leftover pot roast makes an excellent substitute for shredded beef in this recipe.
