These Crispy Beef Taquitos with Melted Cheese are irresistibly delicious, with tender, flavorful beef and gooey melted cheese wrapped in a crispy corn tortilla. Perfect for game day, family gatherings, or a fun dinner, these taquitos can be fried, baked, or air-fried to achieve that satisfying crunch. Serve them with your favorite toppings for a crowd-pleasing dish that everyone will love!
Ingredients
For the Taquitos:
- 3 cups Mexican shredded beef (recipe below)
- 1 cup shredded Monterey Jack cheese
- 1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese
- 16 corn tortillas (5-6 inches)
- Vegetable oil or cooking spray, for cooking
- Toothpicks, to secure the taquitos
For the Beef:
- 1 boneless beef chuck roast (3-4 lbs.), trimmed of excess fat and cut into 7-8 pieces
- 1 ½ tablespoons vegetable oil
Spice Rub:
- 1 tablespoon each of chili powder, ground cumin, kosher salt (or 1 ½ teaspoons table salt)
- ½ tablespoon each of garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika
- 1 teaspoon each of black pepper, ground coriander
- ½ to 1 ½ teaspoons chipotle chili powder (adjust for heat preference)
Braising Liquid:
- 1 cup reduced-sodium beef broth
- 1 cup mild salsa or salsa verde (use medium for more spice)
- 1 can (4 oz.) mild diced green chilies, undrained
- 2 tablespoons tomato paste
- 2 tablespoons lime juice
- 2 tablespoons brown sugar
- 1-3 teaspoons liquid smoke (optional, for smoky flavor)
- 1 tablespoon beef bouillon base (or crushed cubes)
- 1 tablespoon dried oregano
Optional Toppings:
- Chipotle sauce
- Shredded lettuce
- Pico de gallo
- Guacamole
- Sour cream, Greek yogurt, or Mexican crema
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Prepare the Beef:
- Season the Beef: In a small bowl, mix all the spice rub ingredients. Pat the beef pieces dry with paper towels, then generously coat them with the spice rub. Press the rub into the meat, reserving any extra spices.
- Sear the Beef: Heat the vegetable oil in a large skillet or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Sear the beef pieces on all sides until browned.
2. Slow Cook the Beef:
- Add Braising Liquid: Transfer the seared beef to a slow cooker. Add the braising liquid ingredients, including any leftover spice rub. Stir to combine.
- Cook: Cover and cook on high for 3 ½ to 4 ½ hours or on low for 6-8 hours, until the beef easily shreds with two forks.
- Shred the Beef: Once the beef is tender, transfer it to a plate and shred, discarding any excess fat. Return the shredded beef to the slow cooker and stir it into the juices. Let it cook on low for an additional 20 minutes to absorb the flavors.
3. Make the Taquitos:
- Warm the Tortillas: Wrap 6 tortillas in damp paper towels and microwave for 30 seconds until soft and pliable. Repeat with remaining tortillas as needed.
- Assemble Taquitos: Place about 3 tablespoons of shredded beef on the bottom third of each tortilla and top with 2 tablespoons of cheese. Roll the tortilla tightly and secure with a toothpick along the seam.
4. Cook the Taquitos (Choose a Method):
- To Pan Fry (Recommended): Heat about ½ inch of vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat (350°F). Once hot, place taquitos seam-side down and fry for 3-4 minutes, turning as needed, until they are golden brown and crispy. Drain on paper towels, then transfer to a preheated oven (200°F) to keep warm.
- To Air Fry: Preheat air fryer to 400°F. Lightly brush or spray taquitos with olive oil or cooking spray. Place seam-side down in the air fryer basket, ensuring they don’t touch. Cook for 6-8 minutes, turning halfway, until golden and crispy.
- To Bake: Preheat oven to 425°F. Place taquitos on a baking rack set inside a baking pan, and brush with olive oil or spray with cooking spray. Bake for 15-20 minutes, or until golden and crisp. Broil for extra crispiness if desired.
5. Serve:
- Remove Toothpicks: Carefully remove toothpicks before serving.
- Top and Serve: Serve with optional toppings like chipotle sauce, shredded lettuce, pico de gallo, guacamole, or sour cream.
Tips for Perfect Taquitos
- Warm the Tortillas: Warm tortillas are easier to roll and less likely to crack. If microwaving, wrap them in damp paper towels to keep them moist.
- Choose the Right Cheese: Monterey Jack and sharp cheddar provide a great melting quality and flavor. Mix them for the perfect combination.
- Use a Toothpick to Secure: Toothpicks help the taquitos stay rolled while cooking. Just remember to remove them before serving!
- Cooking Options: Pan-frying is recommended for the crispiest taquitos, but air-frying and baking are great for a lighter option.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This Crispy Beef Taquitos with Melted Cheese recipe combines the rich, savory flavors of Mexican shredded beef with creamy melted cheese, all wrapped in a crispy tortilla. They’re customizable, easy to make, and perfect for dipping in a variety of sauces and toppings. Whether fried, air-fried, or baked, these taquitos are delicious and versatile.
Nutritional Information
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 4-5 hours (slow cooker) + 15-20 minutes for taquitos
- Total Time: 4-5 hours (including slow cooking time)
- Calories: Approximately 350-400 kcal per serving (based on 2 taquitos per serving)
Note: Nutritional values may vary based on portion sizes and specific brands of ingredients used.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Can I make the shredded beef ahead of time?
- Yes! The beef can be made a day in advance and stored in the refrigerator. Just reheat it gently before assembling the taquitos.
2. Can I use flour tortillas instead of corn?
- Corn tortillas are traditional for taquitos and crisp up better, but you can use small flour tortillas if you prefer. They’ll have a slightly different texture.
3. How do I prevent taquitos from unrolling?
- Securing them with a toothpick is the easiest way. Additionally, make sure the tortillas are warm and pliable when you roll them.
4. Can I freeze the taquitos?
- Yes! Assemble the taquitos, then freeze them on a baking sheet before cooking. Once frozen, transfer to a freezer bag. Cook from frozen by baking at 425°F for 20-25 minutes or until crispy.
5. What are some good dipping sauces for taquitos?
- Try chipotle sauce, salsa, guacamole, or sour cream. You could also use queso or a spicy aioli for extra flavor.
Conclusion
These Crispy Beef Taquitos with Melted Cheese are a delicious, satisfying dish that’s perfect for any occasion. With savory shredded beef, melted cheese, and crispy corn tortillas, they’re a flavor-packed option that’s easy to make. Pair them with your favorite toppings and dipping sauces for a meal that’s sure to please everyone at the table. Enjoy every crunchy, cheesy bite!