Oven Baked Beef Taquitos
The ultimate comfort food, Oven Baked Beef Taquitos are crispy, savory, and utterly satisfying. Packed with seasoned beef and melted cheese, these easy taquitos make for a delicious weeknight dinner. Perfect for sharing or enjoying on your own!
Equipment
- Skillet
- Oven
- Chef's Knife
- Mixing Bowl
- Baking Sheet
Ingredients
- 1 teaspoon avocado oil
- 1 lb grass-fed ground beef
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1 teaspoon chili powder
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/2 teaspoon fine sea salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 cup refried beans either store-bought or homemade
- 1 cup shredded Mexican cheese
- 12 corn tortillas corn tortillas
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 400ºF. Line a rimmed baking sheet with a piece of parchment paper to prevent sticking. Lightly oil the parchment paper to ensure the taquitos come off easily once baked.
- In a skillet, heat the avocado oil over medium heat. Once hot, add the grass-fed ground beef. Cook until it’s no longer pink, stirring occasionally, for about 4 to 6 minutes. Make sure to drain any excess fat to keep the filling lean.
- Add the paprika, chili powder, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and black pepper. Stir well and cook for an additional minute to let the spices bloom, enhancing their flavors.
- Once the spices are well incorporated, turn off the heat and let the mixture cool slightly before transferring it to a mixing bowl. This cooling step is important to avoid steaming the tortillas when you fill them.
- In the mixing bowl, add the refried beans and shredded Mexican cheese. Mix everything together until combined, creating a flavorful and cheesy filling.
- Warm the corn tortillas either in a hot cast-iron skillet or in the microwave until they become pliable. This makes them easier to roll without cracking.
- Take one tortilla and lay it flat on a clean surface. Place about 1/4 cup of the beef mixture off to one side of the tortilla. Roll it up tightly, tucking in the sides as you go to keep the filling secure.
- Arrange the rolled taquitos seam-side down on the prepared baking sheet. Repeat this step for the remaining tortillas and filling until you’ve used everything up.
- Once all taquitos are laid out, lightly oil the tops with a bit more avocado oil. This will help them crisp up beautifully in the oven.
- Bake the taquitos on the lowest rack in your preheated oven for 15 to 20 minutes. Flip them halfway through to ensure even crisping. They’re ready when they’re lightly crisp and the filling is melty and hot.
- Remove the taquitos from the oven and allow them to cool slightly before serving. They’re fantastic on their own or served with optional garnishes like chopped lettuce, tomato, queso fresco, cilantro, and hot sauce!
Notes
- Tip 1: Store leftover taquitos in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days, reheating them in the oven or an air fryer for the best texture.
- Tip 2: To freeze, let the taquitos cool completely, then freeze them flat on a sheet tray. Once frozen, transfer them to a freezer-safe bag. They can last 3 to 6 months.
- Tip 3: Serve with fresh guacamole, salsa, or a creamy avocado dressing for a delicious dip.
- Tip 4: Add additional ingredients like jalapeños or corn to the beef mixture for extra flavor.
- Tip 5: Top with fresh cilantro or a squeeze of lime juice just before serving for a burst of freshness.