Beef Taquitos

Beef taquitos are not something I eat very much of. I mean, they're just small tacos rolled up and then fried. I'm surprised I haven't eaten them more. 

These are super easy to make and ever so delicious. I baked mine in the oven, but next time I'm doing it in the air fryer.

Beef Taquitos

Recipe from Two Peas and Their Pod

Serves 6

• 1/2 tablespoon avocado oil or olive oil
• 1/4 medium onion, diced
• 1 pound ground beef
• Taco Seasoning use the entire recipe of our homemade taco seasoning*
• 1/4 cup water
• 20 corn tortillas
• 1 1/2 cups shredded Mexican blend cheese or cheddar cheese
• Oil, if you are frying the taquitos
• Toppings: shredded lettuce, diced tomatoes, sour cream, salsa, and guacamole
• beef

In a large skillet, heat the oil over medium high heat. Add the onion and cook until tender, about 3 minutes. Add the ground beef and brown for about 5 minutes, breaking up the meat into small pieces using a wooden spoon. Cook until meat is no longer pink. Drain off any excess grease.

Add the taco seasoning and water; stir to combine. Simmer until thickened, about 3 minutes. Remove from heat and drain off any excess liquid. Set aside.

Wrap the tortillas in a damp paper towel and place on a plate. Microwave for 1 minute, flipping halfway through, or until tortillas are pliable. Remove from the microwave and keep covered while you assemble the taquitos.

Lay out one tortilla at a time on a flat surface. Place a heaping tablespoon of ground beef in the center of the tortillas. Top with about a tablespoon of shredded cheese. Tightly roll up each tortilla tightly. You can use toothpicks to make sure they stay securely rolled up. Continue assembling taquitos.

To bake the taquitos: Preheat oven to 425 degrees F. Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper. Place the taquitos in a single layer on the pan, seam side down, making sure they are not touching. Spray the tops of the taquitos with cooking oil or brush with avocado oil. Bake for 15-20minutes or until crispy and golden brown.

To fry the taquitos: Pour the oil into the bottom of a deep skillet, about 2-inches deep. Heat over medium-high heat until the oil is shimmering hot, it should be at 350 degrees F. Once hot, add 3 to 4 taquitos, seam side down, and fry until crisp and golden brown, about 3 to 5 minutes. Use tongs to rotate the taquitos during cooking to make sure they get crisp on all sides.

To use the air fryer: Preheat air fryer to 400 degreesF. Place the taquitos in a single layer in the basket, seam side down. You will have to cook in batches. Spray the taquitos with cooking spray, air fry for 5 minutes, flip and spray again, then air fry for 2 more minutes or until crispy. Transfer to a plate and repeat with remaining taquitos.

Transfer to a baking sheet or tray that has been lined with paper towels. Repeat with remaining taquitos, adjusting the temperature of the oil, if necessary.

If you used toothpicks, remove, and serve with desired toppings.