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:

  1. Mix all spice rub ingredients together.
  2. Pat the beef dry and coat generously with the spice blend.
  3. Heat oil in a large skillet or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Sear beef on all sides until browned.

Slow Cook:

  1. Transfer beef to a slow cooker.
  2. Add all braising liquid ingredients and any leftover spice rub.
  3. Cover and cook on high for 3½–4½ hours or low for 6–8 hours, until the beef is fall-apart tender.
  4. Shred the beef and return it to the slow cooker. Let it soak in the juices for another 20 minutes.

2️⃣ Assemble the Taquitos

  1. Warm the tortillas: Wrap in damp paper towels and microwave for 30 seconds until soft.
  2. Fill each tortilla with about 3 tablespoons shredded beef and 2 tablespoons cheese.
  3. Roll tightly and secure with a toothpick along the seam.

3️⃣ Cook the Taquitos – Choose Your Method

To Pan Fry (for ultimate crisp!):

  1. Heat ½ inch of vegetable oil in a skillet to 350°F.
  2. Fry taquitos seam-side down for 3–4 minutes, turning as needed, until golden brown.
  3. Drain on paper towels and keep warm in a 200°F oven.

To Air Fry:

  1. Preheat air fryer to 400°F.
  2. Spray taquitos with oil and place seam-side down.
  3. Air fry for 6–8 minutes, flipping halfway, until crispy.

To Bake:

  1. Preheat oven to 425°F.
  2. Place taquitos on a baking rack inside a sheet pan.
  3. 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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