Crispy Shredded Beef & Cheese Taquitos deliver an unforgettable taste of authentic Mexican street food that’s both comforting and delightfully crunchy. This recipe embraces centuries of tradition, blending tender, slow-cooked beef with a melty, sharp cheese filling, all wrapped in a golden, crispy shell that sings with every bite. What makes these taquitos truly irresistible is the perfect balance between deep, rich flavors and an exciting textural contrast-making them an ideal crowd-pleaser for any occasion.
Prep and Cook Time
- Planning: 20 minutes
- Cooking: 2 hours (including slow-cooking beef)
- Total Time: 2 hours 20 minutes
Yield
Approximately 18 taquitos (serves 6)
Difficulty Level
Medium – Perfect for home cooks looking to elevate their appetizer game with some finesse.
Ingredients
- 2 lbs beef chuck roast, trimmed and cut into 3-inch chunks
- 1 medium onion, finely chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup beef broth, low sodium
- 2 tsp smoked paprika
- 1 tsp ground cumin
- 1 tsp chili powder
- 1/2 tsp dried oregano
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- 12 corn tortillas, warmed to prevent cracking
- 2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese (or Monterey Jack for milder flavor)
- Vegetable or avocado oil for frying (about 2 cups)
- Fresh cilantro, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions
- Prepare the beef: Season the beef chunks generously with salt, pepper, smoked paprika, cumin, chili powder, and oregano. In a heavy-bottomed pot or slow cooker, sauté the onion and garlic in a drizzle of oil until translucent and fragrant, about 5 minutes.
- Slow-cook for tenderness: Add the seasoned beef to the pot along with beef broth. Cover and simmer gently on low for 2 hours (or slow cook on low for 6 hours), until the beef is fork-tender and shreddable.
- Shred the beef: Remove beef chunks and shred finely using two forks. Return shredded beef to the pot with cooking juices, adjust seasoning if necesary, and stir to combine. Keep warm.
- Assemble the taquitos: Working with one tortilla at a time, place 2-3 tablespoons of shredded beef in a line near the edge. Top with a generous sprinkle of shredded cheese. Roll tightly and secure by lightly pressing the edge to seal.
- Choose your cooking method: For frying,heat oil to 350°F in a deep pan. Fry taquitos in batches for 2-3 minutes or until golden brown and crispy, turning as needed.For baking, preheat oven to 425°F, arrange taquitos seam-side down on a parchment-lined sheet, brush with oil, and bake 15-20 minutes, flipping halfway. To air fry, place taquitos in a single layer, spray with oil, and cook at 400°F for 10-12 minutes until crisp.
- Drain & serve: Drain fried taquitos on paper towels to remove excess oil. Garnish with fresh cilantro and serve immediately with your favorite dips.
tips for Success
- Warm your tortillas just before rolling to avoid cracking.Wrap with a damp paper towel and microwave for 20 seconds.
- Use tougher cuts of beef like chuck roast for moisture and flavor; slow cooking breaks down collagen for perfect tenderness.
- For extra crispness when baking or air frying, lightly brush the rolled taquitos with oil-this mimics frying without excess grease.
- Make-ahead: Prepare shredded beef up to 2 days in advance and refrigerate. Assemble taquitos just before frying or baking.
- Customize fillings by adding diced jalapeños or sautéed peppers for a smoky heat twist.
Serving Suggestions and Creative Dips to Elevate Your Flavor Fiesta
These crispy shredded beef & cheese taquitos are best enjoyed hot with a variety of zesty accompaniments. For a classic touch, try serving them alongside freshly made creamy guacamole or a tangy pico de gallo. A cool, smooth sour cream or a spicy chipotle crema adds a luscious contrast to the rich meat filling.
For a colorful presentation, sprinkle diced radishes, chopped green onions, and a squeeze of lime over the taquitos. Garnish with fresh cilantro leaves to amplify the brightness. Pairing with a chilled mango salsa or a smoky roasted tomatillo dip creates a flavor balance that keeps every bite exciting and fresh.
| Nutritional Info (per serving) | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | 370 kcal |
| Protein | 28 g |
| Carbohydrates | 18 g |
| Fat | 20 g |
Q&A
Q&A: Crispy Shredded Beef & Cheese Taquitos: A Flavor Fiesta!
Q1: What makes these shredded beef & cheese taquitos a true flavor fiesta?
A1: It’s all about the perfect balance of bold, savory shredded beef seasoned with a blend of spices, paired with melty, gooey cheese, wrapped in a crispy, golden tortilla.When you take a bite, you get that irresistible crunch followed by a rich, cheesy, and meaty explosion of flavors-pure fiesta on your palate!
Q2: What type of beef works best for shredded beef taquitos?
A2: You want a cut that’s flavorful and tender after slow cooking or braising. Chuck roast or brisket are fantastic choices as the long, slow cooking breaks down the meat into juicy, pull-apart shreds that soak up all the spices and juices perfectly.
Q3: How can I get my taquitos extra crispy without deep frying?
A3: Oven baking or air frying are the champions here! Lightly brush the rolled taquitos with a bit of oil before baking or air frying at high heat. This method gives you that golden, crunchy exterior with less mess and fewer calories, still keeping them deliciously crispy.
Q4: What’s a quick and easy way to shred beef if I’m short on time?
A4: use two forks to pull the meat apart after it’s tender, or toss the cooked beef into a food processor with a quick pulse (be careful not to puree it!). Alternatively, cooking the beef in a slow cooker or pressure cooker softens it enough to shred with minimal effort.
Q5: Can I customize the cheese in these taquitos?
A5: Absolutely! Classic choices include shredded cheddar, Monterey Jack, or a Mexican cheese blend.For a creamier texture, mix in some queso fresco or melting cheeses like mozzarella to add richness that complements the beef beautifully.
Q6: What’s the secret to keeping taquitos from getting soggy after baking?
A6: Make sure your tortillas are slightly warmed and flexible before filling to avoid cracks. Don’t overfill, and brush the surface with oil to encourage crisping. Also, serving them immediately after cooking helps maintain that crunchy perfection.
Q7: Are there fun dips or sides that pair perfectly with these taquitos?
A7: Oh yes! Classic choices like tangy guacamole, zesty salsa verde, or creamy chipotle sour cream bring out even more excitement in every bite. Pair with a fresh cabbage slaw or Mexican street corn for a truly vibrant and festive meal.
Q8: Can these taquitos be made ahead of time?
A8: Definately! Prepare the shredded beef mixture in advance, assemble the taquitos, then freeze them before cooking.When you’re ready to enjoy, bake or air fry straight from the freezer for a quick, crowd-pleasing treat anytime.
Q9: What’s the best way to season the shredded beef for maximum flavor?
A9: A blend of cumin, smoked paprika, chili powder, garlic, and onion powder creates a warm, smoky foundation. Adding fresh lime juice and a touch of cayenne pepper wakes up the flavors and balances the richness of the beef.
Q10: Can I make these taquitos vegetarian?
A10: While these are crafted to celebrate shredded beef, you can absolutely switch in hearty roasted vegetables or spiced jackfruit with the same seasoning for a meat-free fiesta that’s just as satisfying and crispy!
Key Takeaways
As the last bite of these Crispy Shredded Beef & Cheese Taquitos melts in your mouth, it’s clear that this flavor fiesta doesn’t just satisfy hunger-it awakens the senses. Packed with tender, savory beef and gooey cheese wrapped in perfectly crunchy shells, these taquitos bring a delightful texture and bold taste to your table. Whether you’re hosting a lively gathering or simply craving a satisfying snack,this recipe promises an irresistible experience every time. So grab your ingredients,roll up your sleeves,and get ready to turn ordinary meals into exceptional celebrations of flavor!
