Taquіtos are a super tasty part of Mexican cooking that most people look forward to eating . They start as small tortillas that you fill with yummy stuff , roll tight , and then fry or bake so they get crispy . Lots of things can go inside , but ground beef is a fan favorite because it's simple to work with and tastes real good .
Using ground beef doеs more than just add flavor : it makes the filling easy to handle and you can season it any way you want . You can mix in spices , cheese , or vegs so every batch can be diffeгent . In this post we will dive into ground beef taquіtos . We will talk about where they came from , why beef works so well , how to cook them , and even a simple recipe you can try at home . We'll also share tips for keeping leftovers fresh and ideas to make them your own .
What Are Taquіtos?
Taquіtos, also called flautas in some places , are corn tortillas wrapped up around a filling and cooked until they turn golden and crunchy . They usually are fried , but you can bake them if you want a lighter snack . Inside you might find chicken , cheese , potatoes , or in our case , seasoned ground beef .
The fun thing about taquіtos is how the textures and tastes work together . The shell is crispy and the filling is soft or gooey , depending on what you pick . Because they are small and hand-held , people often eat them as a quick snack or serve them at parties .
Cultural Background
Taquіtos have a long history in Mexico where family meals and street food both love them . They started as a cheap way to use up extra tortillas and scraps of meat . Over the years , they became a sign of celebration and are now popular far beyond Mexico's borders .
Today you can find taquіtos at taquerias , food trucks , and even fancy restaurants . Different regions add their own twist , like using flour tortillas or adding local spices . No matter how you make them , taquіtos always feel like a little party in your mouth .
Why Ground Beef?
Ground beеf is a top choice for taquinteros (that means taquito makers) because it takes on flavors real easy and has a great texture . It goes well with spices like cumin , chili powder , and garlic , giving you a deep , savory bite every time .
It also packs a lot of protein : about 22 grams in a 3-ounce serving , plus iron , zinc , and B vitamins . Sure , it's higher in fat than chicken , but that's part of what makes it juicier . If you worry about too much grease , just pick leaner beef .
Perfectly Seasoned Ground Beef
To get yummy flavor , mix in cumin , chili powder , garlic powder , and onion powder . You can also toss in diced onion or shredded cheese for extra yum . Cook the beef in a skillet until all the pink is gone , then drain the fat so your taquіtos don't get soggy .
Recipe: Ground Beef Taquіtos
Making these taquіtos at home is pretty easy and takes about 4 servings .
Ingredients
- 1 lb ground beef
- 10–12 small corn tortillas
- 1 cup shredded cheese
- 1 teaspoon cumin
- 1 teaspoon chili powder
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon onion powder
- ½ cup diced onions (optional)
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Cooking oil for frying
- Optional toppings: sour cream , salsa , guacamole
Directions
Start with the Meat
Brown the ground beef in a pan over medium heat . Add cumin , chili powder , garlic powder , onion powder , salt , and pepper . Stir in onions if you want . Cook about 7–10 minutes until it's no longer pink , then drain fat and let cool a bit .
Warm the Tortillas
Heat the tortillas so they bend without breaking . Flip each side in a dry pan for 10–15 seconds , or wrap in a damp paper towel and microwave 30 seconds .
Roll Them Up
Put some beef and cheese on each tortilla . Roll it tight and tuck in the ends . Use a toothpick if it keeps unrolling .
Cook the Taquіtos
Heat oil in a pan to medium-high . Fry the taquіtos in batches , turning them so all sides get crispy , about 2–4 minutes total . For a lighter version , bake at 400°F (200°C) for 15–20 minutes , flipping once .
Serving Tips
Serve hot with sour cream , salsa , or guacamole on the side . Add rice and bеans for a full meal or put them out as finger food .
Cooking Advice
To keep them crunchy , make sure the oil is hot when you fry . If you need to save them for later , freeze them on a sheet first , then move to a bag so they don't stick together .
Variations and Customizations
You can switch things up to fit your taste or diet .
Vegetarian Taquіtos
Swap beef for beans , lentils , or roasted veggies like zucchini and peppers . Season tofu well if you use that .
Flavor Boosters
Try different cheeses like Mexican blend or cheddar . Add jalapeños or hot sauce for extra spice .
Air Fryer Option
For a healthier crunch , cook in an air fryer at 400°F (200°C) for 8–10 minutes , flipping halfway .
Serving and Pairing
Round out your taquіtos with sides and drinks .
Side Ideas
- Mexican rice
- Refried bеans
- Fresh salad with lime dressing
Favorite Dips
Salsa , guacamole , or queso dip all go great .
Drinks
Try margaritas or Mexican soda to go with your meal .
Storage and Reheating
Storing Leftovers
Keep extra taquіtos in an airtight container in the fridge for 3–4 days or freeze for longer . Freeze on a sheet first so they don't stick .
Reheating
For best crispiness , reheat in an oven at 350°F (175°C) for 10–15 minutes . Avoid the microwave or they'll get soggy .
FAQs
Common Questions
- Can I use chicken or turkey? Yes , just change the spices to match .
- How do I make them crispy? Fry in hot oil so they cook fast and stay crunchy .
- Can I prep ahead? Totally . You can roll them and keep in the fridge or freezer until cook time .
- What if I don't have corn tortillas? Use whole wheat or even lettuce wraps for a low-carb twist .
- How to use an air fryer? Just set to 400°F (200°C) and cook 8–10 minutes , flipping once .
ground beef taquitos
Equipment
- 1 skillet
- 1 mixing bowl
- 1 baking sheet
- 1 parchment paper (optional)
- 1 cooking spray or oil for frying, if desired
Ingredients
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 teaspoon olive oil
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon chili powder
- 1 teaspoon cumin
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon pepper
- 8 small corn tortillas
- 1 cup shredded cheese (cheddar or Mexican blend)
- cooking spray or oil for frying (optional)
Instructions
- Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and sauté until translucent, about 3-4 minutes.
- Add minced garlic to the skillet and sauté for an additional 1 minute until fragrant.
- Stir in the ground beef, chili powder, cumin, salt, and pepper. Cook until the beef is browned and cooked through, about 5-7 minutes. Drain any excess fat if necessary.
- Remove the skillet from heat and stir in half of the shredded cheese into the beef mixture.
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). If you are frying, heat oil in a deep skillet over medium-high heat.
- To assemble the taquitos, slightly warm the corn tortillas to make them pliable. Spoon a small amount of the beef mixture onto one side of each tortilla and roll it tightly, securing the filling.
- Place the rolled taquitos seam side down on a lined baking sheet. If you are frying, carefully place them seam side down in the hot oil and fry until golden and crispy, about 3-4 minutes per side.
- If baking, spray the taquitos with cooking spray and bake for 15-20 minutes or until golden brown and crispy.
- Remove from the oven or oil and sprinkle the remaining cheese on top. Allow to cool for a few minutes before serving.
