Oh, you are absolutely going to fall in love with this Cheesy Ground Beef Taquitos Recipe! It’s one of those dishes that’s bursting with bold flavors and melty cheese, wrapped in a crispy tortilla that’s just begging to be dipped and devoured. Perfect for weeknight dinners, parties, or any time you crave a satisfying bite that’s packed with hearty ground beef, creamy cheese, and a kick of spice. Once you try these, they’ll quickly become your go-to comfort food that everyone asks for again and again.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Don’t be fooled by the simple list of ingredients — each one plays a crucial role in creating that perfect balance of creamy, savory, and crunchy that makes this dish unforgettable. From tender ground beef to tangy salsa and ooey-gooey pepper jack cheese, these ingredients combine to form the heart of our Cheesy Ground Beef Taquitos Recipe.
- 1 pound ground beef: The main protein that brings the hearty, meaty base to the filling.
- 1 ounce taco seasoning: Adds the signature Tex-Mex flavor punch without any complicated prep.
- 4 ounces cream cheese: Ensures a creamy, velvety texture that enhances every bite.
- ½ cup sour cream: Adds tanginess and smoothness, balancing the spices.
- ½ cup salsa: Brings a fresh, zesty element that keeps things lively and colorful.
- 1 cup freshly shredded pepper jack cheese: The spicy, melty cheese that delivers that irresistible cheesy goodness.
- 8 tortillas (corn or flour): Your crispy handheld vehicle for all that delicious filling—choose your favorite!
- Salsa, guacamole, sour cream, shredded cheese: Perfect for topping and serving, adding extra flavor and texture.
How to Make Cheesy Ground Beef Taquitos Recipe
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
Start by getting your oven ready at 375°F. A well-preheated oven is key for those perfectly crispy, golden taquitos. Be sure to spray your baking pan with some nonstick spray so nothing sticks while baking.
Step 2: Cook the Ground Beef
Place a large pan over medium-high heat and add your ground beef. Cook until the meat is no longer pink, breaking it apart as you go to ensure even cooking and prevent any clumps.
Step 3: Add Taco Seasoning
Sprinkle in the taco seasoning and stir it into the beef until all that meaty goodness is evenly coated with bold, spicy flavor.
Step 4: Mix in Cream Cheese
Now, add the cream cheese. Stir continuously over low heat until it melts fully and mixes into the beef mixture, creating a rich, creamy base for the filling.
Step 5: Incorporate Sour Cream and Salsa
Stir in the sour cream and salsa, blending everything together until the mixture is smooth, creamy, and heated through. This is the secret to balancing out the spices with a little tang and sweetness.
Step 6: Add Shredded Pepper Jack Cheese
Fold in the pepper jack cheese and mix until it melts and fully combines with the beef mixture. This cheesy layer is what makes these taquitos truly crave-worthy.
Step 7: Soften Tortillas
Quickly microwave your tortillas for about 10 seconds so they become pliable and easier to roll without cracking—a little trick that makes rolling taquitos a breeze.
Step 8: Assemble the Taquitos
Lay a tortilla flat and spoon a generous amount of the cheesy beef mixture onto one side. Roll it up tight, then place it seam-side down in your prepared pan to keep everything snug during baking. Repeat this with all your tortillas and filling.
Step 9: Bake Until Crispy
Bake the taquitos for approximately 15 minutes until they’re golden brown and crispy. Keep an eye on them so they don’t overcook—this is when that crispy texture develops and flavors meld perfectly.
Step 10: Serve and Enjoy
Once out of the oven, serve these beauties warm with your favorite toppings like salsa, guacamole, sour cream, and extra shredded cheese for the full experience.
How to Serve Cheesy Ground Beef Taquitos Recipe
Garnishes
Toppings are where you can get creative! Fresh salsa adds a juicy freshness, creamy guacamole provides richness, sour cream cools down the spice, and a sprinkle of shredded cheese adds an extra kick of melty yum. These garnishes not only enhance flavor but also make the dish look vibrant and inviting.
Side Dishes
Pair your taquitos with classic Mexican side dishes like Mexican rice, refried beans, or a crisp simple salad with lime dressing to complement the richness without overpowering the star of the show. A side of pickled jalapeños or fresh corn salad can also add an exciting contrast.
Creative Ways to Present
Serving these taquitos on a colorful platter lined with lettuce leaves and scattered fresh cilantro makes for an eye-catching presentation. You could also turn them into mini appetizers by slicing the rolled taquitos into bite-sized pieces—perfect for parties or family gatherings where finger foods rule the night.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Place leftover taquitos in an airtight container and store in the fridge for up to three days. When you’re ready to enjoy them again, you’ll find that they keep their flavor wonderfully, though you may want to reheat to revive the crispness.
Freezing
If you’re making extra batches, freeze the rolled taquitos on a baking sheet until firm. Then transfer to a freezer-safe bag or container, where they will keep for up to two months. This makes a fantastic ready-to-bake snack or meal whenever the craving hits.
Reheating
The best way to reheat frozen or refrigerated taquitos is in the oven at 375°F for 10-12 minutes. This helps keep the outside crispy while warming the filling to perfection. Avoid microwaving if you want to preserve that satisfying crunch!
FAQs
Can I use corn tortillas instead of flour tortillas?
Absolutely! Corn tortillas work wonderfully and give a slightly different flavor and texture. Just be sure to warm them well before rolling to prevent cracking.
Is it possible to make this recipe vegetarian?
Yes! Simply substitute the ground beef with cooked beans, lentils, or a plant-based meat alternative, and follow the rest of the recipe as is for a delicious vegetarian twist.
Can I prepare the filling ahead of time?
Definitely. You can make the beef and cheese filling a day in advance and store it in the refrigerator. When ready to cook, assemble and bake the taquitos as instructed.
What can I add to make the taquitos spicier?
Add finely diced jalapeños to the filling, use a spicier salsa, or sprinkle a little cayenne pepper or hot sauce into the beef mixture to amp up the heat level to your liking.
How do I ensure the taquitos stay crispy after baking?
Place them seam-side down on the baking sheet and avoid overcrowding so hot air circulates well. For reheating, use the oven instead of the microwave to retain crispiness.
Final Thoughts
This Cheesy Ground Beef Taquitos Recipe is one of those golden finds that brings simple, delicious ingredients together for a dish that’s bursting with flavor and texture. Whether for a casual dinner or a fun party snack, these taquitos deliver all the satisfaction you could want from comfort food. Give them a try, and I promise they’ll quickly become a beloved staple in your kitchen just like they are in mine!
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Cheesy Ground Beef Taquitos Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Mexican
Description
These Beef Taquitos are a delicious, crispy, and cheesy Mexican-inspired appetizer or main dish perfect for family dinners or game day. Ground beef is cooked with taco seasoning, cream cheese, sour cream, salsa, and pepper jack cheese to create a rich, flavorful filling wrapped in corn or flour tortillas, then baked to golden perfection.
Ingredients
Beef Mixture
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 ounce taco seasoning (store-bought or homemade, 1 packet)
- 4 ounces cream cheese (½ brick)
- ½ cup sour cream
- ½ cup salsa (store-bought or homemade)
- 1 cup freshly shredded pepper jack cheese
Assembly
- 8 tortillas (corn or flour)
For Serving
- Salsa
- Guacamole
- Sour cream
- Shredded cheese
Instructions
- Preheat the oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and spray a 9×13-inch baking pan or jellyroll pan with nonstick spray. Set it aside to prepare for baking the taquitos.
- Cook the ground beef: In a large pan set over medium-high heat, cook the ground beef until it is no longer pink, breaking it apart with a spoon as it cooks to ensure even browning.
- Add taco seasoning: Stir in the taco seasoning until it is evenly combined with the cooked beef, infusing the mixture with bold flavors.
- Mix in cream cheese: Add the cream cheese to the pan and stir continuously until the cream cheese melts completely and blends smoothly into the beef mixture.
- Incorporate sour cream and salsa: Stir in the sour cream and salsa until everything is well combined and heated through. Then remove the pan from the heat to prevent overcooking.
- Add cheese: Stir the shredded pepper jack cheese into the beef mixture until it is melted and evenly incorporated, enhancing the richness and texture.
- Soften tortillas: Microwave the tortillas individually for about 10 seconds to make them pliable and easy to roll without cracking.
- Assemble the taquitos: Place a tortilla on a clean work surface and spoon a portion of the beef mixture onto one side. Roll the tortilla tightly around the filling and place it seam-side down in the prepared baking pan. Repeat with the remaining tortillas and beef mixture.
- Bake the taquitos: Bake the assembled taquitos in the preheated oven for about 15 minutes or until they become crispy and golden brown. Monitor closely to prevent burning or drying out.
- Serve and enjoy: Serve the warm taquitos with your preferred toppings such as salsa, guacamole, sour cream, and shredded cheese for a flavorful and fun eating experience.
Notes
- You can use either corn or flour tortillas based on your preference, but warming them before rolling helps prevent cracking.
- For extra crispiness, you can broil the taquitos for an additional 1-2 minutes after baking, watching carefully to avoid burning.
- If you prefer a spicier filling, add diced jalapeños or hot sauce to the beef mixture.
- Leftover taquitos reheat well in the oven or air fryer to retain crisp texture.
- Substitute ground turkey or chicken for a lighter protein option.
