Step 1: Prepare the Beef Filling
- Cook the Beef: In a skillet over medium heat, add the ground beef and cook, breaking it up with a spatula, until browned, about 6-8 minutes. Drain excess fat.
- Add Onion and Garlic: Add the chopped onion and garlic to the beef, and sauté until the onion becomes translucent, about 3 minutes.
- Season the Beef: Add salt, pepper, cumin, chili powder, paprika, and oregano. Stir to coat the beef in the seasonings and cook for another 2 minutes. Remove from heat and let it cool slightly.
- Add Cheese: Once the beef mixture has cooled slightly, add the shredded cheese and stir until evenly combined.
Step 2: Assemble the Taquitos
- Warm the Tortillas: Heat the tortillas in the microwave for 15-20 seconds or wrap them in foil and warm in the oven to make them pliable.
- Fill and Roll: Spoon 2-3 tablespoons of the beef and cheese mixture onto the edge of each tortilla. Roll the tortilla tightly around the filling and secure with a toothpick if necessary.
Step 3: Fry the Taquitos
- Heat the Oil: In a large skillet, pour enough oil to cover the bottom by about 1/2 inch. Heat over medium-high heat until it reaches about 350°F (175°C).
- Fry the Taquitos: Carefully place a few taquitos in the skillet, seam-side down, and fry until golden and crispy on all sides, about 2-3 minutes per side. Avoid overcrowding the skillet.
- Drain: Remove taquitos from the oil and place them on a paper towel-lined plate to drain any excess oil. Repeat with remaining taquitos.
Step 4: Serve and Garnish
- Garnish and Serve: Arrange taquitos on a platter and sprinkle with chopped cilantro if desired. Serve hot with sour cream, guacamole, or salsa on the side for dipping.
Tips for Perfect Taquitos
- Bake Instead of Frying: For a lighter option, brush the taquitos with oil and bake in a 425°F (220°C) oven for 15-20 minutes, flipping halfway, until golden and crispy.
- Extra Cheese: Add a sprinkle of cheese on top of the taquitos as soon as they come out of the oil for a cheesy finish.
- Double the Recipe: These taquitos freeze well! Make a double batch, freeze before frying, and cook whenever a craving hits.
These Crispy Beef Taquitos with Melted Cheese are deliciously crunchy with a savory filling that’s bursting with cheesy, beefy goodness. Serve them up as an appetizer, game-day snack, or weeknight meal!