Ingredients
Scale
- 1 lb (450 g) ground beef
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tsp chili powder
- 1 tsp cumin
- ½ tsp paprika
- ½ tsp salt (adjust to taste)
- ¼ tsp black pepper
- ¼ cup tomato sauce (or salsa)
- 1 cup shredded cheese (cheddar, mozzarella, or Mexican blend)
- 10–12 small flour or corn tortillas
- 1 cup shredded cheese (extra for topping)
- Cooking spray or oil (for brushing)
- Sour cream, guacamole, or salsa for dipping
- Fresh cilantro or green onions for garnish
Instructions
- In a skillet over medium heat, cook ground beef and onion until browned (5–7 minutes).
- Add garlic, chili powder, cumin, paprika, salt, and pepper. Stir to combine.
- Stir in tomato sauce and cook for another 2 minutes until slightly thickened.
- Remove from heat and stir in 1 cup shredded cheese while warm — this will make the filling creamy and cohesive.
- Preheat oven to 425°F (220°C).
- Warm the tortillas briefly (10 seconds per side in a skillet or microwave) to make them pliable.
- Spoon 2 tablespoons of the beef mixture onto each tortilla and roll tightly.
- Place seam side down on a parchment-lined baking sheet.
- Lightly brush or spray each taquito with oil and sprinkle with extra cheese on top.
- Bake for 15–18 minutes, or until golden brown and the cheese is melted and bubbly.
- For extra crispiness, broil for 1–2 minutes at the end — watch closely to avoid burning.
- Serve hot with sour cream, salsa, or guacamole.
- Garnish with chopped cilantro or green onions for a fresh touch.
Notes
- Use lean ground beef for less grease.
- Warm tortillas to prevent cracking.
- Shredded cheese melts better than pre-sliced.
- Broil briefly for extra crispiness.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Mexican
- Diet: Low Lactose
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 2 taquitos
- Calories: 280
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 450mg
- Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7g
- Trans Fat: 0.5g
- Carbohydrates: 20g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 18g
- Cholesterol: 50mg