Beef Taquitos Mexican Style (Printable Version)

# What You’ll Need:

→ Beef Filling

01 - 1 pound ground beef or shredded cooked beef (e.g., brisket or roast)
02 - 1 small onion, finely diced
03 - 2 cloves garlic, minced
04 - 1 teaspoon chili powder
05 - 1 teaspoon ground cumin
06 - 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
07 - 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
08 - 1/2 teaspoon salt, adjust to taste
09 - 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
10 - 1/2 cup tomato sauce or salsa
11 - 1/2 cup shredded cheese (cheddar, Monterey Jack, or a Mexican blend)

→ Taquitos

12 - 12 small corn tortillas
13 - Vegetable oil for frying or cooking spray for baking
14 - Toothpicks, optional for holding taquitos together during cooking

→ Garnish

15 - Guacamole
16 - Sour cream
17 - Salsa
18 - Shredded lettuce
19 - Chopped cilantro
20 - Diced tomatoes

# Steps to Follow:

01 - Heat a large skillet over medium heat and add a drizzle of oil. Cook the diced onion until softened, about 3-4 minutes. Add the garlic and sauté for 30 seconds until fragrant.
02 - Stir in the ground beef, breaking it up with a spoon. Cook until browned and no longer pink. If using shredded cooked beef, warm it through in the skillet.
03 - Mix in the chili powder, cumin, smoked paprika, oregano, salt, and black pepper. Cook for 1-2 minutes to toast the spices.
04 - Add the tomato sauce or salsa and stir well. Cook for 3-5 minutes until the mixture thickens slightly. Remove the pan from heat and stir in the shredded cheese. Let it cool slightly.
05 - Warm the tortillas in a skillet for 10-15 seconds per side. This makes them pliable. Alternatively, wrap them in a damp paper towel and microwave for 20-30 seconds.
06 - Place 2 tablespoons of the beef filling in a line along the bottom third of each tortilla. Roll the tortilla tightly around the filling and secure it with a toothpick.
07 - Heat 1-2 inches of vegetable oil in a deep skillet or saucepan to 350°F. Fry the taquitos in batches, seam-side down first, for 2-3 minutes per side or until golden and crispy. Drain on paper towels.
08 - Preheat your oven to 425°F. Place the taquitos seam-side down on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Spray lightly with cooking spray or brush with oil. Bake for 15-20 minutes, turning halfway, until crispy and golden.
09 - Preheat the air fryer to 400°F. Arrange the taquitos seam-side down in a single layer (cook in batches if needed). Spray lightly with oil and air fry for 6-8 minutes, flipping halfway through.
10 - Arrange the taquitos on a platter. Garnish with toppings like guacamole, sour cream, salsa, shredded lettuce, or diced tomatoes. Sprinkle with chopped cilantro for a fresh finish. Enjoy!