Oh my goodness, friends, if you’re looking for a fun and delicious snack or meal, you’ve hit the jackpot with these Ground Beef Taquitos! I absolutely adore making these little bundles of joy, and they hold a special place in my heart. The crispy golden shells filled with savory beef and melted cheese always remind me of those cozy family nights in my childhood when we’d gather around the dinner table with these tasty treats and a mountain of toppings. They’re versatile, packed with flavor, and it’s always a blast to customize them with your favorite dipping sauces.
The best part? They’re not just for parties. I whip these up on a random Tuesday night when I want a mini fiesta, and you should totally try it, too! Trust me; your taste buds will thank you, and maybe your friends will shower you with compliments. Who doesn’t love that?
What’s in Ground Beef Taquitos?
Let’s break down the goodness here, shall we?
Ground Beef: The star of the show! I like to use lean ground beef, typically 80/20, because it gives just the right amount of juiciness without being too greasy.
Onion: A small onion finely chopped adds fantastic flavor and sweetness. You could use yellow or white onion; both work beautifully!
Garlic: Just two cloves, minced to perfection, for that aromatic kick. You can never have enough garlic, right?
Ground Cumin: This spice adds a warm, earthy undertone that’s key to making your beef taquitos stand out.
Chili Powder: For a bit of spice and warmth, I wouldn’t skip this! It brings a lovely depth of flavor to the meat.
Paprika: It adds a hint of smokiness and a beautiful color to the mix. Sweet or smoked paprika works well!
Salt and Pepper: The basics that elevate any dish. Just season according to your taste!
Shredded Cheese: I’m team cheddar or Mexican blend all the way! The melty goodness takes these taquitos to a whole new level.
Tortillas: Whether you prefer soft flour or a bit of crunch with corn tortillas, either works. Just make sure they’re small enough to roll!
Oil for Frying: You’ll need enough oil to create that sought-after crispy texture. Vegetable or canola oil are great choices!
Fresh Cilantro: A sprinkle of this vibrant herb not only looks pretty but adds a fresh finish to your taquitos.
Salsa, Guacamole, or Sour Cream: Don’t forget the dips! These are essential for dunking and adding a whole new layer of flavor.
Is Ground Beef Taquitos Good for You?
Now, let’s chat about the health side of things for a sec.
Ground Beef: It’s a solid source of protein, which is a great perk. However, leaner options will provide the same benefits with less fat. Just keep an eye on the portions if you’re watching your calorie intake!
Cheese: While it brings that delicious gooeyness, it can also be a bit high in saturated fat. I say moderation is key; you don’t have to load them up with cheese if you prefer a lighter version.
Tortillas: Depending on whether you go with flour or corn tortillas, the nutritional profile will differ. Corn tortillas are usually slightly lower in calories and carbs than flour ones.
Overall, enjoy these taquitos as part of a balanced diet, and don’t shy away from embellishing them with fresh veggies or leaner ingredients!
Ingredients
– 1 lb ground beef
– 1 small onion, finely chopped
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 tsp ground cumin
– 1 tsp chili powder
– 1/2 tsp paprika
– Salt and pepper to taste
– 1 cup shredded cheese (cheddar or Mexican blend)
– 12-15 small flour or corn tortillas
– Oil for frying
– Fresh cilantro, for garnish
– Salsa, guacamole, or sour cream (for serving)
*Serves: About 4-6, depending on how many taquitos you can devour!*
How to Make Ground Beef Taquitos?
Alright, let’s get cooking! Here’s how you can whip up these tasty taquitos:
1. In a large skillet over medium heat, add the ground beef, chopped onion, and minced garlic. Cook while breaking up the meat until it’s browned and the onions are translucent—about 5-7 minutes.
2. Sprinkle in the cumin, chili powder, paprika, salt, and pepper. Stir everything to combine and let it cook for an additional 2-3 minutes to allow the spices to bloom.
3. Remove the skillet from heat and stir in the shredded cheese until it melts and mixes in beautifully with the meat.
4. To make the tortillas pliable, warm them in a dry skillet or microwave for about 15-20 seconds.
5. Take a tortilla and spoon about 2 tablespoons of the beef mixture onto the lower third of the tortilla. Roll it tightly, tucking in the sides as you go, to form a taquito. If needed, you can secure with a toothpick.
6. In a deep pan, heat oil over medium-high heat. Fry the taquitos in batches until they turn golden brown and crispy—about 3-4 minutes each. Don’t forget to turn them occasionally for that perfect crispy finish!
7. Transfer the crispy taquitos to a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess oil.
8. Garnish your gorgeous taquitos with fresh cilantro and serve them warm alongside salsa, guacamole, or sour cream. Enjoy every bite!
Taquito Tricks and Tips
Now, for a few extra pointers to take your taquito game to the next level!
– **Customize Your Filling**: Feel free to mix things up with some black beans, corn, or even diced jalapeños for a spicy kick.
– **Baking Option**: If you’d like a lighter variant, you can bake the taquitos at 400°F for about 15-20 minutes until they’re crispy, brushing them lightly with oil beforehand.
– **Make Ahead**: These can be prepped ahead of time and frozen before frying. Just pop them in the oil straight from the freezer for a quick appetizer.
– **Serving Stations**: Consider setting up a little station with all your favorite toppings, letting everyone customize their taquitos! It makes for a fun, interactive meal!
I’m so excited for you to try these Ground Beef Taquitos! Whether it’s for a cozy weeknight dinner or a lively gathering with friends, they’re sure to be a hit. After you give them a whirl, I’d love to hear how they turned out for you! So go ahead, roll up your sleeves, and let’s get cooking! Happy feasting, my friends!
