Oven Baked Beef Taquitos

Crispy, crunchy, and savory, these Oven Baked Beef Taquitos are a delightful snack or meal that your family will love. Perfect for weeknight dinners or casual gatherings, they are made with wholesome ingredients like ground beef and refried beans. Plus, they freeze well, making them a go-to option for busy days.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Easy to Prepare: With minimal prep time and straightforward steps, you can have these taquitos ready in no time.
• Flavorful Filling: The combination of spices and ingredients creates a deliciously satisfying filling that everyone will enjoy.
• Versatile Options: Customize the fillings or toppings to suit your taste preferences or dietary needs.
• Freezer-Friendly: Make a big batch and store them in the freezer for quick meals whenever you need them.
• Kid-Approved: These taquitos are fun to eat, making them a hit with children and adults alike.

Tools and Preparation

Before diving into making your taquitos, gather the necessary tools. Having everything ready will make the cooking process smoother and more enjoyable.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Baking sheet
• Parchment paper
• Skillet
• Mixing bowl
• Cooking spray or pastry brush

Importance of Each Tool

• Baking Sheet: Provides an even surface for baking the taquitos, ensuring they crisp up nicely.
• Skillet: Essential for cooking the beef evenly and incorporating all the spices into a flavorful mix.

Ingredients

For the Taquitos

• 1 teaspoon avocado oil plus additional for greasing the taquitos
• 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

How to Make Oven Baked Beef Taquitos

Step 1: Preheat the Oven

Preheat your oven to 400ºF (200ºC). Line a rimmed baking sheet with parchment paper and lightly oil it to prevent sticking.

Step 2: Cook the Beef

In a skillet over medium heat, heat olive oil. Once hot, add the ground beef:
1. Cook until browned and no longer pink (about 4-6 minutes).
2. Drain any excess fat from the skillet.
3. Stir in paprika, chili powder, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Cook for an additional minute until fragrant.

Step 3: Combine Ingredients

Remove from heat and allow cooling slightly before transferring the beef mixture to a bowl:
– Add refried beans and shredded cheese.
– Mix until well combined.

Step 4: Prepare Tortillas

Warm tortillas until they are pliable:
– Use either a hot cast-iron skillet or microwave.
– Place one tortilla on a flat surface and fill with about 1/4 cup of beef mixture off to one side.

Step 5: Roll Taquitos

Roll each tortilla tightly around the filling:
– Place seam side down on the prepared baking sheet.
– Continue this process until all filling is used.

Step 6: Bake

Lightly oil the tops of each rolled taquito:
– Bake on the lowest rack of your preheated oven for 15-20 minutes.
– Flip halfway through baking until lightly crisped.

Serve your delicious Oven Baked Beef Taquitos warm with garnishes like chopped lettuce, tomato, queso fresco, cilantro, or hot sauce! Enjoy!

How to Serve Oven Baked Beef Taquitos

Oven Baked Beef Taquitos are versatile and can be served in various ways to enhance your meal. Whether it’s a casual snack or a festive gathering, these taquitos can be paired with delightful accompaniments.

With Fresh Garnishes

• Chopped Lettuce: Adds a refreshing crunch and color.
• Diced Tomatoes: Provides juiciness and brightness.
• Cilantro: Offers a burst of flavor that complements the beef well.
• Sour Cream or Greek Yogurt: Creaminess balances the spices in the taquitos.
• Hot Sauce: For those who enjoy an extra kick!

As Part of a Platter

• Guacamole: A creamy dip that pairs beautifully with the crispy taquitos.
• Salsa: Choose from mild to spicy for an exciting flavor boost.
• Black Bean Salad: Adds protein and fiber to your meal while enhancing nutrition.

For Meal Prep

• Freezer-Friendly: Prepare a batch and freeze for easy weeknight dinners.
• Lunch Boxes: Pack them cold or warm for a delightful midday treat.

How to Perfect Oven Baked Beef Taquitos

Creating the perfect Oven Baked Beef Taquitos is all about attention to detail. Here are some tips to ensure they turn out crispy and flavorful every time.

• Use Fresh Ingredients: Fresh spices and quality beef will enhance flavor significantly.
• Don’t Overfill the Tortillas: Adding too much filling makes rolling difficult and can lead to breakage.
• Warm Tortillas First: This helps them stay pliable and prevents cracking during rolling.
• Oil Lightly: A light coating of oil on top ensures a crispy texture without excess grease.
• Flip Halfway Through Baking: This promotes even crisping on both sides for the best texture.

Best Side Dishes for Oven Baked Beef Taquitos

Pairing side dishes with your Oven Baked Beef Taquitos enhances the meal experience. Here are some great options to consider:

1. Mexican Rice: Fluffy rice cooked with tomatoes and spices complements the savory flavors of the taquitos.
2. Refried Beans: Creamy refried beans add richness and pair perfectly with taquitos.
3. Corn Salad: A fresh salad with corn, bell peppers, and lime adds a sweet crunch that balances savory dishes.
4. Chips and Salsa: Classic tortilla chips served with salsa make for an enjoyable appetizer or snack alongside your taquitos.
5. Grilled Vegetables: Seasonal vegetables grilled until tender provide a healthy contrast to the crispy taquitos.
6. Avocado Salad: Light and creamy, this salad offers healthy fats and bright flavors that complement beef nicely.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Making Oven Baked Beef Taquitos can be fun and straightforward, but a few common mistakes can ruin your dish.

• Using cold tortillas: Cold tortillas can crack when rolling. Warm them up in a skillet or microwave until they are pliable.
• Overfilling the taquitos: Filling them too much can cause them to burst while baking. Use about 1/4 cup of the beef mixture for each tortilla.
• Not preheating the oven: Baking in an unheated oven can result in uneven cooking. Always preheat your oven to 400ºF before placing the taquitos inside.
• Skipping the oil: Failing to oil the tops of the taquitos can lead to soggy tortillas. Lightly oiling helps achieve that crispy texture.
• Using low-quality ingredients: Using lower-quality meat or cheese can affect flavor. Opt for fresh, high-quality ingredients for the best taste.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Duration: Store in the fridge for up to 3 days.
• Containers: Place in an airtight container to prevent moisture loss.

Freezing Oven Baked Beef Taquitos

• Duration: Freeze for 3-6 months.
• Containers: Store in a freezer-safe bag or container after fully cooling.

Reheating Oven Baked Beef Taquitos

• Oven: Preheat to 400ºF and bake for 15-20 minutes until crispy.
• Microwave: Heat on a microwave-safe plate for about 1-2 minutes; they won’t be as crispy.
• Stovetop: Heat in a skillet over medium heat for about 3-4 minutes per side until warmed through and crisp.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are Oven Baked Beef Taquitos?

Oven Baked Beef Taquitos are rolled tortillas filled with seasoned ground beef and cheese, baked until crisp. They make a delicious snack or meal option.

How do I customize my Oven Baked Beef Taquitos?

You can customize your taquitos by adding different fillings like beans, veggies, or various types of cheese. Spice levels can also be adjusted with seasonings.

Can I use other meats instead of beef?

Yes, you can substitute ground turkey, chicken, or lamb based on your preference. Adjust seasoning accordingly for best results.

Are Oven Baked Beef Taquitos freezer-friendly?

Absolutely! These taquitos freeze well and are perfect for meal prepping. Just ensure they cool completely before freezing.

How do I serve Oven Baked Beef Taquitos?

Serve with toppings like chopped lettuce, diced tomatoes, avocado slices, or hot sauce. They pair well with salsa and guacamole too!

Final Thoughts

Oven Baked Beef Taquitos are not only easy to make but also versatile and satisfying. You can customize them with various fillings and toppings based on your cravings. Give this recipe a try, and enjoy a delightful dish that your family will love!