Description
Zesty Mexican Baked Cheesy Beef Taquitos deliver crispy comfort wrapped in golden tortillas. Packed with seasoned ground beef and melted cheese, these irresistible rolls promise a flavor-packed experience you’ll crave again and again.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Protein:
- 1 pound lean ground beef (about 90 to 93% lean)
Cheese and Dairy:
- 4 ounces brick-style cream cheese (softened to room temperature)
- 1/2 cup sour cream
- 1 cup shredded pepper Jack cheese (or a shredded Mexican cheese blend, Monterrey Jack, etc.)
Seasoning and Additional Ingredients:
- 1 ounce package taco seasoning
- 1/2 cup red salsa
- 8 flour tortillas (or as needed)
Instructions
- Prepare the cooking environment by heating the oven to 375°F and coating a 9×13-inch baking dish with non-stick spray to prevent adhesion and promote crispy exterior.
- In a large skillet over medium-high heat, crumble the ground beef and cook thoroughly for 5-7 minutes until completely browned, then incorporate taco seasoning, mixing evenly.
- Remove beef from heat and blend shredded cheese into the warm meat, allowing it to melt smoothly. Subsequently, fold in cream cheese and sour cream until the mixture becomes homogeneous.
- Introduce salsa to the beef mixture, stirring to distribute flavors and create a cohesive filling with balanced moisture.
- Warm tortillas briefly in the microwave to enhance flexibility. Distribute filling evenly along one edge of each tortilla, ensuring moderate portion to prevent overstuffing and potential bursting during baking.
- Tightly roll each tortilla into a compact cylinder, positioning them seam-side down in the prepared baking dish. Lightly mist the taquitos with cooking spray to encourage golden browning.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 15-20 minutes until the exterior transforms into a crisp, golden-brown shell. Serve immediately with complementary accompaniments like fresh salsa, guacamole, cilantro, and lime wedges.
Notes
- Choose lean ground beef to reduce excess grease and create a healthier version of the taquitos.
- Warm tortillas slightly in the microwave for 10 seconds to prevent cracking and make rolling easier.
- Consider using whole wheat or low-carb tortillas for a more nutritious alternative that still delivers delicious flavor.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Lunch, Dinner, Appetizer, Snacks
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Mexican
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 4
- Calories: 485
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 765mg
- Fat: 30g
- Saturated Fat: 15g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 32g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 20g
- Cholesterol: 80mg