Description
These Baked Beef Taquitos are a delicious, crispy, and healthier twist on traditional fried taquitos. Filled with seasoned lean ground beef, onions, garlic, and a Mexican cheese blend, this recipe uses whole wheat tortillas for added fiber and nutrients. Baked until golden brown, these taquitos make for a perfect snack or main dish served with salsa on the side.
Ingredients
Beef Filling
- 1 pound lean ground beef
- 1 onion, minced
- 1 teaspoon minced garlic
- 1 cup salsa (divided)
- 2 teaspoons chili powder
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon pepper
Taquito Assembly
- 10 whole wheat flour tortillas
- 1 cup shredded Mexican cheese blend
- Nonstick cooking spray
- 1 cup salsa (remaining for serving)
Instructions
- Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 400 degrees Fahrenheit to prepare for baking the taquitos.
- Cook Beef and Onion: In a skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef and minced onion together until the beef is completely cooked through. Drain any excess grease to keep the filling lean.
- Add Garlic: Stir in the minced garlic and cook for an additional minute to release its flavor.
- Season the Mixture: Mix in 1 cup of salsa, chili powder, salt, and pepper. Stir well to evenly distribute the seasonings.
- Simmer the Filling: Reduce the heat to low and cook the beef mixture for 10 minutes, stirring occasionally to let the flavors meld.
- Fill Tortillas: Evenly divide the beef filling among the 10 tortillas, spreading the mixture down the center of each. Sprinkle the shredded Mexican cheese blend on top of the filling.
- Roll Taquitos: Carefully roll up each tortilla tightly around the filling and place seam side down on a baking sheet lined with foil for easy cleanup.
- Prepare for Baking: Lightly spray the tops of the taquitos with nonstick cooking spray to help them crisp in the oven.
- Bake the Taquitos: Bake in the preheated oven for 10 minutes or until the tortillas are golden brown and crispy.
- Serve: Remove from the oven and serve the taquitos hot with the remaining salsa on the side for dipping.
Notes
- For extra crispiness, you can broil the taquitos for an additional 1-2 minutes at the end of baking, watching carefully to avoid burning.
- Feel free to add other fillings such as diced jalapeños or black beans for variation.
- Use whole wheat tortillas for a healthier option or substitute with corn tortillas if preferred, but be mindful they may be less pliable.
- If you want to prepare ahead, assemble the taquitos and refrigerate for up to 24 hours before baking.
- Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days and reheated in the oven for best texture.
