Mexican Taquitos
Crunchy, savory beef-filled taquitos topped with melted cheese and spicy picante sauce, perfect for casual gatherings or snack time, offering bold flavors and satisfying crunch.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Cook ground beef in a skillet.
- Drain fat and set aside.
- Warm tortillas in the microwave, wrapped in a tea towel.
- Put one teaspoonful of beef into each tortilla, roll up, and secure with a toothpick.
- Fry the filled tortillas in hot oil until lightly browned.
- Drain on paper towels.
- Place the fried taquitos on a cookie sheet closely together. Remove toothpicks.
- Spoon picante sauce over each taquito.
- Sprinkle shredded cheese over the top.
- Bake in a 350°F oven until the cheese melts.
- Serve hot or cold.
Tips & Substitutions
To enhance flavor, consider seasoning the ground beef with taco seasoning or garlic powder. If you're out of mozzarella, feel free to substitute with cheddar or a cheese blend. For a healthier twist, use ground turkey or chicken instead of beef. If you want a bit of spice, add jalapeños to the filling or serve with additional picante sauce.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the taquitos with a side of guacamole or sour cream for dipping. A fresh salad or Mexican street corn pairs beautifully, adding a refreshing contrast. For a complete meal, consider serving alongside Tina'S Taco Casserole or other Mexican recipes. They also make for a great appetizer at parties or gatherings.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftover taquitos in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, bake them in a preheated oven at 350°F for about 10-15 minutes until heated through. For a crispier texture, you can also use an air fryer at 375°F for about 5-7 minutes.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Mexican Taquitos contains roughly 869 calories, with 24g protein, 28g carbohydrates, and 74g fat. It is an excellent source of protein (49% of the Daily Value), and a good source of calcium and dietary fiber. It also contributes 4g of dietary fiber toward your daily target.
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make taquitos ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the taquitos and fry them, then let them cool completely. Store them in the refrigerator and reheat as needed. Alternatively, you can freeze them before frying. Just add a few extra minutes to the frying time when cooking from frozen.
What can I use instead of corn tortillas?
If you prefer, you can use flour tortillas for a different texture. However, keep in mind that flour tortillas may not hold up as well when frying. Another option is to use small pita breads or even lettuce wraps for a low-carb alternative.
Can I bake taquitos instead of frying?
Absolutely! To bake, place the filled taquitos on a greased baking sheet, brush with oil, and bake at 400°F for 15-20 minutes or until golden and crispy. This method is a healthier option and still delivers a satisfying crunch.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).