Cheesy Beef Taquitos – Crispy, Flavorful Tex-Mex Treats

These Cheesy Beef Taquitos are the perfect combination of savory, cheesy filling wrapped in crispy tortillas. The seasoned ground beef, paired with cream cheese, salsa, and pepper jack cheese, creates a rich, creamy interior. The outside gets golden and crunchy whether baked, air-fried, or pan-fried. They’re perfect for any meal, snack, or party appetizer and are a favorite among both kids and adults. You can even customize the filling with additional vegetables or switch the beef for ground turkey for a leaner option.

Ingredients:

For the Taquitos:

• 1 lb lean ground beef
  
  

• 1 (1 oz) packet taco seasoning
  
  

• 4 oz cream cheese
  
  

• 1/2 cup sour cream
  
  

• 1/2 cup salsa
  
  

• 1 cup shredded pepper jack cheese
  
  

• 8 flour tortillas (or corn tortillas for taquitos)
  
  

Directions:

1. Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Alternatively, preheat the air fryer to 350°F (175°C).
   
   

2. In a large skillet, cook the ground beef over medium-high heat, breaking it into small pieces until browned. Drain any excess grease.
   
   

3. Stir in the taco seasoning, sour cream, cream cheese, and salsa. Cook until the mixture is well-combined and heated through.
   
   

4. Remove from heat and stir in the shredded pepper jack cheese until melted and smooth.
   
   

5. If using flour tortillas, warm them in the microwave for 10 seconds to soften. Place 2 tablespoons of the beef mixture on one side of each tortilla, then tightly roll it up, sealing the edge with the seam side down.
   
   

6. Arrange the rolled taquitos on a baking sheet. Bake for 15 minutes, or until golden and crispy. If using an air fryer, cook the taquitos at 375°F for 3-4 minutes.
   
   

7. Alternatively, for pan-frying, heat 1/2 inch of oil in a shallow skillet and fry the taquitos on each side until crispy and golden brown.
   
   

8. Serve immediately with your favorite dipping sauces such as guacamole, sour cream, or salsa.
   
   

Nutritional Value (per taquito):

• Calories: 305 kcal
  
  

• Carbohydrates: 18g
  
  

• Protein: 20g
  
  

• Fat: 17g
  
  

• Saturated Fat: 9g
  
  

• Polyunsaturated Fat: 1g
  
  

• Monounsaturated Fat: 5g
  
  

• Trans Fat: 0.2g
  
  

• Cholesterol: 71mg
  
  

• Sodium: 509mg
  
  

• Potassium: 324mg
  
  

• Fiber: 1g
  
  

• Sugar: 3g
  
  

• Vitamin A: 478 IU
  
  

• Vitamin C: 0.5mg
  
  

• Calcium: 187mg
  
  

• Iron: 3mg