Craving something crunchy, cheesy, and satisfying but without the guilt of deep-frying? These Crispy Oven Baked Beef Taquitos are the answer! This lighter take on a classic Mexican-inspired favorite delivers bold flavors wrapped in a golden tortilla and baked to perfection. Ideal for busy weeknights, game day snacks, or casual get-togethers, these taquitos are a crowd-pleasing comfort food that’s easy to customize.
Juicy seasoned ground beef is combined with melty cheese, wrapped tightly in tortillas, and oven-baked until crisp and golden. Paired with creamy dips and zesty toppings, these homemade taquitos offer that restaurant-style crunch—without the mess of frying or added oil.
Whether you’re serving them as appetizers, a fun dinner, or a lunchbox favorite, these taquitos are versatile, satisfying, and easy to love.
Why These Beef Taquitos Are a Must-Try
There are many reasons to make these baked taquitos part of your regular meal rotation:
- Crispy Texture Without Frying
Achieve that irresistible crunch using just a touch of oil or spray—no deep-frying necessary. - Quick & Easy Preparation
Simple ingredients, fast cooking, and minimal cleanup make these perfect for weeknight dinners or last-minute gatherings. - Perfect for Meal Prep
Make a batch ahead of time, freeze, and reheat when hunger strikes. - Full of Flavor
Seasoned ground beef, aromatic garlic and onion, and melty cheese create a savory filling everyone will love. - Highly Customizable
Change up the fillings, tortilla type, or spice level to suit your preferences or dietary needs. - Kid-Approved
These are fun to eat, easy to hold, and picky-eater friendly!
Ingredients
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
To make these oven baked taquitos, you’ll need the following:
- Ground beef – Use lean ground beef for less grease, or substitute with turkey or a plant-based option.
- Onion, diced – Adds sweetness and depth to the filling.
- Garlic, minced – Provides that irresistible savory aroma.
- Taco seasoning – Store-bought or homemade, this blend of spices brings it all together.
- Water – Helps the spices coat the meat and keep everything moist.
- Shredded cheese – Cheddar, Monterey Jack, or a Mexican cheese blend melts beautifully.
- Small tortillas – Corn or flour work well, but warm them first to prevent cracking.
- Olive oil or cooking spray – A light coat helps the taquitos crisp up in the oven.
- Optional dips and toppings – Think salsa, guacamole, sour cream, chopped cilantro, or queso.
Step-by-Step Directions
1. Preheat the Oven
Start by heating your oven to 425°F (220°C). Prepare a large baking sheet by lining it with parchment paper or lightly greasing it with oil.
2. Cook the Beef
Place a skillet over medium heat. Add the ground beef and break it up with a spatula. Cook until fully browned, then drain off any excess grease.
3. Add Flavor
Add diced onion and minced garlic to the skillet and cook for about 2–3 minutes, or until the onion is translucent. Stir in taco seasoning and a splash of water, allowing it to simmer for a couple of minutes so the flavors meld together. Remove from heat and let the filling cool slightly.
4. Warm the Tortillas
To prevent cracking, microwave the tortillas for 20–30 seconds, wrapped in a damp paper towel, until soft and pliable.
5. Fill and Roll
Spoon 2–3 tablespoons of the beef mixture onto one end of each tortilla. Top with shredded cheese. Roll tightly and place seam-side down on the prepared baking sheet.
6. Bake
Brush each taquito with a light coating of olive oil or use cooking spray. Bake for 15–20 minutes, or until the taquitos are golden brown and crispy on the outside.
7. Serve
Let them cool for a few minutes before serving. Pair with your favorite dips like guacamole, sour cream, or salsa for the ultimate experience.
Serving Size and Time Breakdown
- Servings: 4 to 6 people (makes 12–15 taquitos)
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
Variations to Try
Want to switch things up? These variations are just as easy and delicious:
- Chicken Taquitos
Swap out the ground beef for cooked, shredded chicken—perfect for using up leftovers. - Vegetarian Option
Use black beans, refried beans, sautéed veggies, or a meatless ground alternative. - Extra Cheesy
Add a few tablespoons of cream cheese to the filling for extra richness and a creamy texture. - Make it Spicy
Mix in diced jalapeños or your favorite hot sauce to turn up the heat. - Diet-Friendly Swaps
Try whole wheat or gluten-free tortillas to meet specific dietary goals.
Storage and Reheating Instructions
One of the best parts about this recipe is that it stores beautifully. Here’s how to keep your taquitos fresh and crispy:
- Refrigerate
Store leftover taquitos in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. - Freeze
Arrange baked taquitos in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze until solid. Transfer to a freezer-safe bag or container and store for up to 3 months. - Reheat
- From the fridge: Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 10–15 minutes until crispy.
- From frozen: Bake directly from frozen at 350°F (175°C) for 20–25 minutes.
Oven Baked Beef Taquitos
Ingredients
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 small onion, finely diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 oz packet taco seasoning or homemade
- 1/4 cup water
- 1 1/2 cups shredded cheddar or Monterey Jack cheese
- 12 small flour or corn tortillas
- 2 tbsp olive oil or cooking spray
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 425°F (220°C) and prepare a baking sheet with parchment or light oil.
- In a skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef until browned. Drain excess fat.
- Add diced onion, minced garlic, and taco seasoning to the skillet. Cook 2-3 minutes. Stir in water and simmer 2 minutes more.
- Warm tortillas until pliable. Fill each with 2-3 tablespoons of beef and cheese. Roll tightly and place seam-side down on the baking sheet.
- Lightly brush with olive oil or spray. Bake for 15-20 minutes until crispy and golden.
- Serve warm with salsa, guacamole, sour cream, or chopped cilantro.
Notes
Nutrition
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Can I substitute ground beef with another meat?
Yes! Ground turkey or chicken make excellent, lean alternatives to beef.
2. How do I stop the taquitos from unrolling during baking?
Make sure to place them seam-side down on the baking sheet. You can also secure them with toothpicks if needed.
3. Can I prepare them in advance?
Absolutely. Assemble them ahead of time and refrigerate for up to 24 hours before baking.
4. Are corn or flour tortillas better?
Both work great. Corn tortillas are more traditional and crisp up well, while flour tortillas are easier to roll and stay soft on the inside.
5. Can I fry these instead?
Yes, you can shallow or deep fry them in hot oil until golden brown. Be sure to drain them on paper towels afterward.
6. My tortillas keep cracking. What should I do?
Warm them before rolling to make them more flexible. A damp paper towel and a short microwave session work wonders.
7. Can I use leftover taco meat?
Definitely. Leftover seasoned meat makes prep even faster and reduces waste.
8. What dips go best with taquitos?
Classic choices include guacamole, sour cream, salsa, and queso. Pico de gallo or spicy crema also pair well.
9. Are these taquitos dairy-free?
To make them dairy-free, simply skip the cheese or use a plant-based alternative.
10. How can I make them super crispy?
Bake them on a wire rack so heat circulates evenly, and brush them lightly with oil to encourage crisping.
Final Thoughts
These Crispy Oven Baked Beef Taquitos are the kind of dish you’ll want to make again and again. They’re packed with savory flavor, quick to prepare, and easy to adapt to whatever you have on hand. Whether you’re feeding picky kids, hosting friends, or meal prepping for the week, taquitos are a winning choice. Don’t forget the dips—they take this dish from great to unforgettable!
Ready to impress your family with a healthier twist on a fast-food favorite? Give these taquitos a try and see how quickly they disappear!