If you’re seeking a crave-worthy weeknight dinner or the perfect crowd-pleasing appetizer, this Cheesy Beef Baked Taquitos Recipe checks every box. Crunchy, golden tortillas snuggle a savory mix of spiced beef, melted cheese, and a hint of salsa—delivering melty, meaty comfort in every bite. Whether you’re feeding a hungry family or hosting friends for game night, these baked taquitos disappear fast and always spark smiles. Trust me, just one tray won’t be enough!
Ingredients You’ll Need
These ingredients are simple yet impactful, each one adding its own flair—whether it’s spicy warmth, creamy richness, or a golden crunch when baked. If you’ve ever worried about making perfectly crispy taquitos at home, you’ll love how easily these staple pantry items come together for bold flavor and effortless texture.
- Ground beef (1 pound): The hearty foundation of the filling, bringing rich flavor and satisfying protein.
- Small onion, finely chopped (1): Adds sweet, aromatic depth that balances the spices and beef.
- Garlic, minced (2 cloves): A must for savory punch; don’t skip it for that classic taquito flavor boost.
- Chili powder (1 teaspoon): Kicks in gentle heat and a vibrant color.
- Cumin (½ teaspoon): Lends smoky, earthy notes that instantly elevate the filling.
- Paprika (½ teaspoon): Adds warmth and a subtle complexity to each bite.
- Salt (½ teaspoon): Essential for tying all the flavors together.
- Black pepper (¼ teaspoon): Brings a gentle zing and rounds out the spice blend.
- Salsa or tomato sauce (½ cup): Injects moisture, tang, and just a hint of brightness.
- Shredded cheddar or Mexican blend cheese (1 cup): For all that creamy, stretchy, cheesy magic inside every taquito.
- Small flour or corn tortillas (10): The crispy wrapping that transforms the filling into one irresistible roll-up.
- Cooking spray or olive oil: Guarantees perfectly golden, crunchy taquitos when baked.
How to Make Cheesy Beef Baked Taquitos Recipe
Step 1: Preheat Your Oven
Start by getting your oven nice and hot by preheating it to 425°F (220°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or give it a light greasing, so your taquitos come off crisp and intact. This high temperature is what gives the Cheesy Beef Baked Taquitos Recipe its signature crunch without any deep-frying fuss.
Step 2: Sauté the Beef Filling
Set a large skillet over medium heat, then add your ground beef and chopped onion. Stir occasionally and cook for 6 to 8 minutes, letting the beef brown fully and the onions soften until translucent. Drain off any fat—this keeps the filling rich, not greasy—before moving on.
Step 3: Spice and Simmer
Now comes the magic: stir in the minced garlic, chili powder, cumin, paprika, salt, and pepper. Let those spices bloom for another minute or two, letting the aroma fill your kitchen. Pour in the salsa or tomato sauce, then simmer just until well blended. Take the skillet off the heat, and stir in your shredded cheese until luscious and gooey throughout.
Step 4: Warm Your Tortillas
Nobody likes cracked tortillas! To keep your taquitos snugly rolled, pop your tortillas in the microwave for about 20-30 seconds. This makes them soft and flexible, which means they’ll wrap tightly and bake up beautifully in the next step.
Step 5: Roll and Arrange
Spoon about 2 to 3 tablespoons of that cheesy beef mixture onto the lower third of each warm tortilla. Roll them up tightly, tucking the filling in as you go, and set them seam-side down on your prepared baking sheet to prevent unrolling as they bake.
Step 6: Bake to Crispy Perfection
Give each taquito a light mist of cooking spray or a gentle brush of olive oil. Slide the tray into the oven and bake for 15 to 18 minutes, or until the taquitos are golden brown and irresistibly crispy. Serve hot for maximum cheesy pull and crunch—this is the moment the Cheesy Beef Baked Taquitos Recipe truly shines!
How to Serve Cheesy Beef Baked Taquitos Recipe
Garnishes
The right garnish takes your Cheesy Beef Baked Taquitos Recipe from great to unforgettable. Pile on sour cream, guacamole, salsa, fresh cilantro, and sliced jalapeños for a festive, flavor-packed finish. Each bite becomes a little party of tangy, creamy, and spicy notes!
Side Dishes
Round out your taquito platter with classic sides like Mexican rice, refried beans, or a fresh corn salad. A vibrant slaw or citrusy black bean salad also pairs beautifully, giving each plate color and texture contrast that keeps everyone coming back for seconds.
Creative Ways to Present
For an appetizer spread, slice taquitos in half on a diagonal and arrange them in a spiral on a big platter. For full meals, set out a DIY taquito bar with bowls of toppings and sides so guests can customize their own creations. If you’re making lunchboxes, wrap each taquito in foil and tuck in a dipping sauce for an easy—and exciting—on-the-go treat.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Have leftovers? Let your baked taquitos cool to room temperature before slipping them into an airtight container. They’ll stay fresh in the refrigerator for up to 4 days—making weekday lunches as easy as a quick reheat!
Freezing
This Cheesy Beef Baked Taquitos Recipe is a freezer hero: assemble and roll the taquitos, then flash freeze them on a tray. Once solid, transfer to a freezer bag and bake them straight from frozen, just adding 5 to 7 minutes to the cooking time so they bake up hot and crunchy every time.
Reheating
For best results, reheat chilled or frozen taquitos in a 375°F (190°C) oven for 10 to 12 minutes. This method revives their crispy exterior and melty interior way better than the microwave, though a quick zap will work in a pinch for the busiest days.
FAQs
Can I use ground turkey instead of beef?
Absolutely! Swap ground turkey for beef to lighten up the Cheesy Beef Baked Taquitos Recipe. The filling stays juicy and flavorful, especially with all those bold spices and melty cheese.
Should I use flour or corn tortillas?
Both work—you’ll get slightly different textures. Flour tortillas crisp up with a lovely chew, while corn tortillas add classic toasty flavor and a bit more crunch. Go with your favorite or try a mix for variety!
Can I make this recipe ahead?
Yes! The Cheesy Beef Baked Taquitos Recipe is made for meal prepping. Assemble the taquitos and freeze them unbaked. When you’re ready, just bake straight from the freezer with a few added minutes to cooking time.
How do I keep taquitos crispy after baking?
Let them cool on a wire rack so air circulates around each one—no sogginess! If you need to re-crisp, a few minutes in the oven at 375°F does the trick.
What dipping sauces pair best?
This recipe loves classic pairings like salsa, creamy guacamole, chipotle mayo, or even a fun queso dip. The mix of crispy taquito with a cool, bold sauce is irresistible every time.
Final Thoughts
I can’t recommend this Cheesy Beef Baked Taquitos Recipe enough—it’s hearty, simple, and guaranteed to become a family favorite. When you need something satisfying and fun that brings everyone to the table, these taquitos won’t let you down. Give them a try and watch smiles (and taquitos) vanish in a flash!
Print
Cheesy Beef Baked Taquitos Recipe
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 10 taquitos 1x
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
These Cheesy Beef Baked Taquitos are a flavorful and easy-to-make Mexican-inspired dish that’s perfect as a main course or appetizer. These crispy taquitos are filled with seasoned ground beef, onions, and gooey melted cheese, all rolled up in a tortilla and baked to golden perfection. Serve them hot with your favorite toppings for a delicious meal!
Ingredients
For the Taquitos:
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon chili powder
- ½ teaspoon cumin
- ½ teaspoon paprika
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- ½ cup salsa or tomato sauce
- 1 cup shredded cheddar or Mexican blend cheese
- 10 small flour or corn tortillas
- cooking spray or olive oil
Optional Toppings:
- Sour cream
- Guacamole
- Salsa
- Chopped cilantro
- Sliced jalapeños
Instructions
- Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C) and prepare a baking sheet with parchment paper or a light coating of oil.
- Cook the Beef Mixture: In a skillet, cook the ground beef and onion until browned. Add garlic, chili powder, cumin, paprika, salt, and pepper. Stir in salsa or tomato sauce and cheese.
- Prepare the Taquitos: Warm tortillas, spoon beef mixture onto each, and roll tightly. Place seam-side down on the baking sheet.
- Bake: Lightly spray or brush taquitos with oil. Bake for 15–18 minutes until crispy and golden.
- Serve: Serve hot with optional toppings.
Notes
- To make ahead, assemble and freeze taquitos before baking. Add 5–7 minutes to bake time if cooking from frozen.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Course, Appetizer
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Mexican-Inspired
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 taquito
- Calories: 190
- Sugar: 1 g
- Sodium: 290 mg
- Fat: 10 g
- Saturated Fat: 4 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 15 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 10 g
- Cholesterol: 35 mg
