Crispy Beef Taquitos with Melted Cheese

Golden, cheesy, and packed with flavor — these taquitos are a crowd-pleasing favorite!
Craving something crunchy, cheesy, and full of bold, beefy goodness? These Crispy Beef Taquitos with Melted Cheese are your new go-to snack, dinner, or game day star. Made with tender, spice-rubbed Mexican shredded beef, two types of cheese, and crisped to perfection — you can bake, fry, or air-fry them for ultimate snacking satisfaction!
Ingredients
(Makes about 16 taquitos | Serves 4–6)
For the Taquitos:
- 3 cups Mexican shredded beef (see recipe below)
- 1 cup shredded Monterey Jack cheese
- 1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese
- 16 corn tortillas (5–6 inch size)
- Vegetable oil or cooking spray (for frying, air-frying, or baking)
- Toothpicks (to secure the taquitos)
For the Mexican Shredded Beef:
- 1 boneless beef chuck roast (3–4 lbs), trimmed and cut into 7–8 pieces
- 1½ tablespoons vegetable oil
Spice Rub:
- 1 tablespoon each: chili powder, ground cumin, kosher salt
- ½ tablespoon each: garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika
- 1 teaspoon each: black pepper, ground coriander
- ½ to 1½ teaspoons chipotle chili powder (adjust to taste)
Braising Liquid:
- 1 cup reduced-sodium beef broth
- 1 cup mild salsa or salsa verde
- 1 (4 oz.) can diced green chilies, undrained
- 2 tablespoons tomato paste
- 2 tablespoons lime juice
- 2 tablespoons brown sugar
- 1–3 teaspoons liquid smoke (optional but flavorful)
- 1 tablespoon beef bouillon base (or 2 crushed cubes)
- 1 tablespoon dried oregano
Optional Toppings:
- Chipotle sauce
- Shredded lettuce
- Pico de gallo
- Guacamole
- Sour cream, Greek yogurt, or Mexican crema
Step-by-Step Instructions
1️⃣ Make the Mexican Shredded Beef
Rub & Sear:
- Mix all spice rub ingredients together.
- Pat the beef dry and coat generously with the spice blend.
- Heat oil in a large skillet or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Sear beef on all sides until browned.
Slow Cook:
- Transfer beef to a slow cooker.
- Add all braising liquid ingredients and any leftover spice rub.
- Cover and cook on high for 3½–4½ hours or low for 6–8 hours, until the beef is fall-apart tender.
- Shred the beef and return it to the slow cooker. Let it soak in the juices for another 20 minutes.
2️⃣ Assemble the Taquitos
- Warm the tortillas: Wrap in damp paper towels and microwave for 30 seconds until soft.
- Fill each tortilla with about 3 tablespoons shredded beef and 2 tablespoons cheese.
- Roll tightly and secure with a toothpick along the seam.
3️⃣ Cook the Taquitos – Choose Your Method
To Pan Fry (for ultimate crisp!):
- Heat ½ inch of vegetable oil in a skillet to 350°F.
- Fry taquitos seam-side down for 3–4 minutes, turning as needed, until golden brown.
- Drain on paper towels and keep warm in a 200°F oven.
To Air Fry:
- Preheat air fryer to 400°F.
- Spray taquitos with oil and place seam-side down.
- Air fry for 6–8 minutes, flipping halfway, until crispy.
To Bake:
- Preheat oven to 425°F.
- Place taquitos on a baking rack inside a sheet pan.
- Brush or spray with oil and bake for 15–20 minutes until golden and crisp.
Serving Suggestions:
Pile these beauties high with your favorite toppings — a drizzle of chipotle sauce, a dollop of guac, or some fresh pico. They’re perfect as a meal or appetizer, and leftovers reheat beautifully in the oven or air fryer!
Why You’ll Love These Taquitos:
- Crispy outside, cheesy inside
- Packed with slow-cooked, flavorful beef
- Easy to make ahead and freeze
- Versatile: bake, fry, or air-fry
Nutrition (Estimated Per Serving – 2 Taquitos):
- Calories: ~410
- Protein: 24g
- Carbs: 25g
- Fat: 24g
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