Shredded Beef Taquitos {Easy, Healthier, Baked Taquitos} Recipe
These Shredded Beef Taquitos are an easy and healthier version of a beloved Mexican favorite. Instead of frying, the taquitos are baked to crispy perfection, making them a lighter alternative without sacrificing flavor. Filled with tender Mexican shredded beef, fire-roasted green chiles, sautéed onions, and melted Monterey cheese, these taquitos are ideal for a quick weeknight dinner or a tasty party appetizer.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 20 taquitos 1x
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Mexican
Ingredients
Scale
Shredded Beef Filling
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- ½ cup onion, minced
- 2 cups Mexican shredded beef, drained (about 1 pound)
- 4 ounces canned green chiles, un-drained (fire roasted preferred)
- 2 cups finely shredded cheese (about 4 ounces, Monterey cheese recommended)
- ¼ teaspoon salt, or to taste
Taquitos
- 20 corn tortillas (around 6″, Mission Super Soft Yellow corn tortillas recommended)
- Oil cooking spray or oil for brushing
Instructions
- Prepare the Filling: Heat the olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add the minced onion and sauté until translucent and fragrant, about 4-5 minutes. Stir in the shredded beef and canned green chiles, cooking until warmed through. Remove from heat and mix in the shredded Monterey cheese and salt until evenly combined.
- Warm the Tortillas: To make the corn tortillas pliable and prevent cracking during rolling, warm them briefly. You can heat them in a dry skillet on the stovetop for 20-30 seconds per side or wrap them in a damp towel and microwave for 30 seconds.
- Assemble the Taquitos: Lay a warmed tortilla flat and place about 2 tablespoons of the shredded beef filling along the lower edge. Roll the tortilla tightly around the filling, securing the taquito. Repeat this process with the remaining tortillas and filling.
- Prepare for Baking: Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or lightly grease it. Place the rolled taquitos seam side down on the baking sheet to keep them sealed during baking. Lightly spray the taquitos with oil or brush them with a small amount of oil for extra crispiness.
- Bake the Taquitos: Bake in the preheated oven for 15-20 minutes or until the taquitos are golden brown and crisp. Halfway through baking, you can flip them for even crisping if desired.
- Serve: Remove the taquitos from the oven and let them cool for a couple of minutes. Serve warm with your favorite toppings such as sour cream, guacamole, salsa, or chopped cilantro.
Notes
- Use corn tortillas for authentic flavor and better crispiness. If using flour tortillas, warm them gently to prevent cracking and be aware the texture will differ.
- Mexican shredded beef can be homemade or store-bought; ensure it’s well drained to avoid soggy taquitos.
- For extra flavor, add cumin, smoked paprika, or chili powder to the beef filling.
- These taquitos can be made ahead and refrigerated before baking; just add a couple of extra minutes to the baking time if baking straight from the fridge.
- Oil spray or brushing oil helps achieve a crispy exterior without deep frying.
Keywords: shredded beef taquitos, baked taquitos, healthy taquitos, Mexican appetizers, easy taquitos, baked Mexican food