Classic Fried Ground Beef Taquitos with Air Fryer Option

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This delicious ground beef taquitos recipe is a favorite flavorful treat that is ideal for any time of day. A perfect quick and easy breakfast, lunch, dinner, or snack, taquitos are sure to hit the spot! We serve with fresh salsa, guacamole, and sour cream for easy dipping!

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Beef Taquitos Recipe
What Do I Serve With Taquitos?
Ingredients
Handy Kitchen Tools
How to Make Ground Beef Taquitos
How To Make Taquitos In The Air Fryer
Frequently Asked Questions
More Mexican-Inspired Dishes
📖 Recipe

Beef Taquitos Recipe

These beef taquitos are made with ground beef, spices, and cheese all rolled up in a crispy corn or flour tortilla. Crispy outside with delicious flavor inside, these are the ultimate in snacking foods everyone loves. Plus, with rice and beans on the side, they are ideal for creating a full meal.

If you’ve ever ordered taquitos at a restaurant, you know that they can be pretty hit or miss. Sometimes they’re perfectly crispy and flavorful, and other times they’re dry, bland, and fall apart before you can even get them to your mouth. The good thing is, they are actually really easy to make and you can make them at home. That way, you know they are going to be amazing every single time.

rolled tacos on black square plate with half an avocado and salsa on distressed wood table

What Do I Serve With Taquitos?

One of my favorite things to make is definitely something I can have as a snack, or turn into a meal. My favorite things to serve with taquitos start with the dips. Of course, sour cream is always on the list, but a good blender salsa and some homemade guacamole are excellent choices.

If serving as part of a meal, you can go traditional with rice and refried beans. Or, you can serve it alongside something like this cheesy beef and Mexican rice casserole. Of course, you can't go wrong with serving this as part of a meal alongside Mexican tinga de Pollo or even these citrusy Carne Asada tacos.

wire rack with corn taquitos next to white bowl of salsa

Ingredients

½ pound ground beef (500 g)
2 tablespoons taco seasoning
2 tablespoons salsa
½ cup water (118 ml)
4 ounces shredded cheddar cheese (113 g)
5 corn tortillas
Oil for frying

rolled tacos on black plate by half avocado

Handy Kitchen Tools

oval teal plate filled with taquitos by grey napkin

How to Make Ground Beef Taquitos

In a large skillet, over medium heat, cook the ground meat for 5 to 6 minutes, or until no longer pink and cooked through. Make sure to break up the ground beef as it cooks.

Once it is no longer pink, add in the taco seasoning and stir to combine.

Add the water and salsa to the ground beef, and continue cooking, stirring occasionally, until it is browned and the water has evaporated.

On a clean surface, place a corn tortilla with a pinch of cheese in the center.

Then add a spoon of the cooked ground beef.

Roll the tortilla over the cheese and beef to form a tube/taquito.

If needed, use a toothpick through the middle to hold secure.

In a clean skillet, heat oil for frying over medium heat. Once the oil is hot, place the taquitos into the oil, seam side down.

Cook for 2 to 3 minutes, rotating sides until they are golden brown and crisp.

close up image of taquitos on teal plate with lemon wedge

How To Make Taquitos In The Air Fryer

To make in the air fryer, cook and roll as directed.

Place seam side down into the tray or basket of the air fryer.

Turn to 400°F and cook for 2 minutes then rotate and turn the taquitos and continue cooking for another 2 minutes, or until golden brown and crisp.

ground beef taquitos on white square plate on woo table

Frequently Asked Questions

How do You Make Taquitos That Don’t Fall Apart?

There are a few things you need to do to make sure your taquitos don’t fall apart. Start by using warm tortillas when you begin rolling them. Heat the corn or flour tortillas for 15 to 20 seconds in the microwave with a sprinkle of water on each. Then begin rolling.

Don't overstuff the tortillas. You want just enough filling in the middle. This will keep them from falling apart when moved from the fryer to a plate.

Roll the tortillas tightly so the stuffing stays inside and they aren't flopping around in the oil. They will hold together better and be less likely to crumble or fall apart.

Use the toothpicks to hold them together. They can stay in place while you cook them, then easily be removed before serving.

Can I Use Flour Tortillas Instead?

Technically you can use flour tortillas instead if you prefer. In fact, it is very common to see them made with flour instead of corn. I prefer corn for flavor, but a flour tortilla may be the option you have on hand.

If using flour tortillas, go for the smaller fajita ones or those that are no larger than 6" in size. These work best and give the right ratio of meat and cheese to tortillas that you desire.

Can I Bake These To Make Them Healthier?

If you want to make these a little healthier, you can bake them instead of frying them. Just spray each taquito lightly with cooking spray and place it on a baking sheet. This will help them get that crispy texture that you are looking for. Bake at 425 degrees for 15-20 minutes until crisp.

Are Taquitos The Same As Flautas?

Taquitos and flautas are very similar. The main difference is that taquitos are usually made with smaller corn tortillas, and flautas are made with larger flour tortillas. Other than that, they are both rolled-up tacos that are fried or baked until crispy.

Whatever name you give them, the result is going to be the same. A delicious tortilla filled with ingredients and fried until crisp.

If you like this easy recipe and want more beginner recipes to try you might also be interested in my latest cookbook release, The Complete Cookbook for Beginners. Tips, skills, and 101 recipes for the beginner cook to learn from!

taquitos on teal plate with fresh lime wedges

More Mexican-Inspired Dishes

The delicious Mexican flavors are often found on our menu. Below you'll find some more ideas for using these flavors as a starter for your meal plan. Make sure that you bookmark the recipes, print out the recipes, or pin them to a board on Pinterest to make them soon.

📖 Recipe

Yield: 5

Classic Fried Ground Beef Taquitos

These classic fried ground beef taquitos are a perfect appetizer or snack! Plus they come with healthier air fryer taquito directions!

Cook Time 30 minutes

Total Time 30 minutes

Ingredients

½ pound ground beef (500 g)
2 tablespoons taco seasoning
2 tablespoons salsa
½ cup water (118 ml)
4 ounces shredded cheddar cheese (113 g)
5 corn tortillas
Oil for frying

Instructions

In a large skillet, over medium heat, cook the ground meat for 5 to 6 minutes, or until no longer pink and cooked through. Make sure to break up the ground beef as it cooks.
Once it is no longer pink, add in the taco seasoning and stir to combine.
Add the water and salsa to the ground beef, and continue cooking, stirring occasionally, until it is browned and the water has evaporated.
On a clean surface, place a corn tortilla with a pinch of cheese in the center.
Then add a spoon of the cooked ground beef.
Roll the tortilla over the cheese and beef to form a tube/taquito.
If needed, use a toothpick through the middle to hold secure.
In a clean skillet, heat oil for frying over medium heat. Once the oil is hot, place the taquitos into the oil, seam side down.
Cook for 2 to 3 minutes, rotating sides until they are golden brown and crisp.

How To Make Taquitos In The Air Fryer

To make in the air fryer, cook and roll as directed.
Place seam side down into the tray or basket of the air fryer.
Turn to 400°F and cook for 2 minutes then rotate and turn the taquitos and continue cooking for another 2 minutes, or until golden brown and crisp.