These crispy beef taquitos are rolled-up tortillas filled with seasoned beef, just waiting to be devoured! They’re perfectly crunchy on the outside and flavorful on the inside.
Every bite is a little celebration of taste! I love making a big batch so I can enjoy them with salsa and guacamole. Who can resist a taquito party? 🎉
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Ground Beef: This is the star of the dish! You can use ground turkey or chicken as a lighter option. If you’re vegetarian, try lentils or black beans for a meaty texture.
Onion: I recommend using yellow onion for its sweetness when cooked. Red onion works too, or even green onions for a milder flavor.
Spices: The combination of cumin and chili powder gives a warm, earthy flavor. If you prefer a kick, add some cayenne pepper or use taco seasoning.
Tortillas: Corn tortillas are traditional and provide crunch, but flour tortillas can be used for a softer option. Just make sure to warm them to prevent cracking.
Vegetable Oil: While I usually use vegetable oil for frying, you can also use canola or peanut oil. Just avoid olive oil, as it has a lower smoke point.
How Do You Fry Taquitos Without Them Getting Soggy?
To achieve that crispy perfection, follow these steps:
- Heat the oil properly: Ensure your oil is around 350°F (175°C) before adding the taquitos. This keeps them from soaking up too much oil.
- Fry in batches: Don’t overcrowd the pan; this lowers the oil temperature which leads to soggy taquitos.
- Drain well: Once fried, place the taquitos on paper towels to soak up any excess oil. This step ensures maximum crispiness!
- Garnish at the end: Add your fresh cilantro or toppings after frying, as heat can make them wilt.
These tips will help you achieve the perfect crispy taquitos every time!
How to Make Crispy Beef Taquitos
Ingredients You’ll Need:
Main Ingredients:
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1/2 cup finely chopped onion
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tsp ground cumin
- 1 tsp chili powder
- 1/2 tsp smoked paprika
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
- 1/4 cup tomato sauce or salsa
For Assembly:
- 12 corn tortillas
- Vegetable oil, for frying
- Fresh cilantro, chopped (for garnish)
Optional Toppings:
- Shredded cheese
- Sour cream
- Avocado or guacamole
- Salsa
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 15 minutes to prepare and an additional 15 minutes to cook, making it approximately 30 minutes in total. Perfect for a quick and satisfying meal!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Cook the Beef:
Start by heating a large skillet over medium heat. Add the ground beef and chopped onion, cooking until the beef is browned and the onion is soft—about 5 to 7 minutes. Make sure to drain off any excess fat to keep the mixture from being greasy.
2. Season the Beef:
Next, add the minced garlic, ground cumin, chili powder, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper to the skillet. Stir everything together and let it cook for about 1 minute, just until the garlic is fragrant.
3. Add Tomato Sauce:
Now, stir in the tomato sauce or salsa. Let this simmer for about 3 to 4 minutes, allowing the mixture to thicken slightly. Once done, remove the skillet from the heat and let it cool for a moment.
4. Prepare the Tortillas:
To make the corn tortillas more flexible, warm them up. You can do this by wrapping them in a damp towel and microwaving for 30 seconds, or by heating them briefly on a dry skillet. This will prevent them from cracking when you roll them.
5. Assemble the Taquitos:
Take about 2 tablespoons of the beef mixture and spoon it onto each tortilla. Roll it up tightly, making sure to tuck the filling in as you go. Secure the seam under the tortilla to hold everything in place.
6. Fry the Taquitos:
In a deep pan or heavy skillet, heat about 1-2 inches of vegetable oil to 350°F (175°C). Fry the taquitos in batches, starting seam side down, and cook for 2-3 minutes until they are golden brown and crispy. Remember to turn them occasionally for even cooking.
7. Drain the Taquitos:
Once they’re crispy, remove the taquitos from the oil and drain them on paper towels to absorb any excess oil.
8. Serve and Enjoy:
Garnish your crispy beef taquitos with fresh chopped cilantro and serve them hot alongside your favorite salsa, guacamole, or sour cream. Enjoy this delicious treat!
Happy cooking, and enjoy your crunchy, flavorful crispy beef taquitos!
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Can I Use Ground Turkey or Chicken Instead of Beef?
Absolutely! Ground turkey or chicken works great and provides a leaner alternative. Just follow the same cooking instructions, and you’ll still achieve deliciously crispy taquitos!
How Can I Keep Leftover Taquitos Crispy?
To store leftovers, let them cool completely before placing them in an airtight container. When reheating, use an oven or air fryer to maintain crispiness—microwaving may make them soggy.
What Other Fillings Can I Use?
Get creative! You can use shredded chicken, pulled pork, or even a mix of cheese and beans for a vegetarian version. Just season accordingly for flavor!
Can I Freeze Uncooked Taquitos?
Yes, you can freeze uncooked taquitos! Assemble them, then freeze them in a single layer on a baking sheet. Once frozen, transfer to a freezer bag for up to 3 months. Fry them straight from frozen, adding a couple of extra minutes to the cooking time!
