Crispy Beef Taquitos with Melted Cheese

Step 1: Prepare the Beef Filling

1. Cook the Beef: In a skillet over medium heat, add the ground beef and cook, breaking it up with a spatula, until browned, about 6-8 minutes. Drain excess fat.
2. Add Onion and Garlic: Add the chopped onion and garlic to the beef, and sauté until the onion becomes translucent, about 3 minutes.
3. Season the Beef: Add salt, pepper, cumin, chili powder, paprika, and oregano. Stir to coat the beef in the seasonings and cook for another 2 minutes. Remove from heat and let it cool slightly.
4. Add Cheese: Once the beef mixture has cooled slightly, add the shredded cheese and stir until evenly combined.

Step 2: Assemble the Taquitos

1. Warm the Tortillas: Heat the tortillas in the microwave for 15-20 seconds or wrap them in foil and warm in the oven to make them pliable.
2. Fill and Roll: Spoon 2-3 tablespoons of the beef and cheese mixture onto the edge of each tortilla. Roll the tortilla tightly around the filling and secure with a toothpick if necessary.

Step 3: Fry the Taquitos

1. Heat the Oil: In a large skillet, pour enough oil to cover the bottom by about 1/2 inch. Heat over medium-high heat until it reaches about 350°F (175°C).
2. Fry the Taquitos: Carefully place a few taquitos in the skillet, seam-side down, and fry until golden and crispy on all sides, about 2-3 minutes per side. Avoid overcrowding the skillet.
3. Drain: Remove taquitos from the oil and place them on a paper towel-lined plate to drain any excess oil. Repeat with remaining taquitos.

Step 4: Serve and Garnish

1. Garnish and Serve: Arrange taquitos on a platter and sprinkle with chopped cilantro if desired. Serve hot with sour cream, guacamole, or salsa on the side for dipping.

Tips for Perfect Taquitos

• Bake Instead of Frying: For a lighter option, brush the taquitos with oil and bake in a 425°F (220°C) oven for 15-20 minutes, flipping halfway, until golden and crispy.
• Extra Cheese: Add a sprinkle of cheese on top of the taquitos as soon as they come out of the oil for a cheesy finish.
• Double the Recipe: These taquitos freeze well! Make a double batch, freeze before frying, and cook whenever a craving hits.

These Crispy Beef Taquitos with Melted Cheese are deliciously crunchy with a savory filling that’s bursting with cheesy, beefy goodness. Serve them up as an appetizer, game-day snack, or weeknight meal!