Description
Crispy Mexican “Baked Cheesy Beef Taquitos” deliver a zesty flavor explosion straight from authentic kitchens. Packed with seasoned ground beef, melted cheese, and a golden crunch, these rolled delights will make you crave another bite.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Protein:
- 1 pound (454 grams) lean ground beef (90-93% lean)
Cheese and Dairy:
- 4 ounces (113 grams) brick-style cream cheese, softened to room temperature
- 1 cup (240 milliliters) shredded pepper Jack cheese (or Mexican cheese blend, Monterey Jack, etc.)
- 1/2 cup (120 milliliters) sour cream
Seasonings and Additional Ingredients:
- 1-ounce (28 grams) package taco seasoning (any spice or sodium level)
- 1/2 cup (120 milliliters) red salsa
- 8 flour tortillas (or as needed)
Instructions
- Prepare the culinary workspace by heating the oven to 375°F and coating a 9×13-inch baking vessel with non-stick spray.
- Utilize a large skillet to brown ground beef over medium-high heat, methodically fragmenting the meat into uniform crumbles.
- Infuse the meat with zesty taco seasoning, ensuring thorough distribution throughout the protein.
- Deactivate the heat source and incorporate shredded cheese, allowing it to melt seamlessly into the beef mixture.
- Fold in cream cheese, sour cream, and salsa, creating a rich, cohesive filling with complex flavor profiles.
- Warm tortillas briefly to enhance flexibility, preventing potential cracking during the rolling process.
- Distribute beef mixture along the tortilla’s vertical edge, carefully rolling each into a compact cylindrical shape.
- Position taquitos strategically within the prepared baking pan, ensuring minimal overlap.
- Roast in the preheated oven for approximately 15 minutes, monitoring until the exterior achieves a golden, crisp texture.
- Present the taquitos immediately, accompanied by complementary garnishes like fresh salsa, vibrant guacamole, chopped cilantro, and zesty lime wedges.
Notes
- Soften tortillas by wrapping in damp paper towel and microwaving for 10-15 seconds to prevent cracking during rolling.
- Use lean ground beef or substitute with ground turkey for a healthier protein option that maintains great flavor.
- Seal taquitos with a toothpick if they tend to unroll during baking to ensure a tight, crispy texture.
- Experiment with different cheese blends like pepper jack or sharp cheddar to customize the flavor profile and add extra kick.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Lunch, Dinner, Snacks
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Mexican
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 4
- Calories: 410
- Sugar: 2 g
- Sodium: 800 mg
- Fat: 24 g
- Saturated Fat: 11 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 30 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 18 g
- Cholesterol: 70 mg