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Spicy Beef Taquitos

Lean ground beef, bold spices, cheese, and corn tortillas baked until crispy. Spicy Beef Taquitos are snack & dinner perfection.
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 15 minutes
Total Time 25 minutes
Servings: 4
Course: Dinner, Lunch, Main Course
Cuisine: Mexican

Ingredients
  

  • 1 tablespoon chili powder
  • ¼ teaspoon garlic powder
  • ¼ teaspoon onion powder
  • ¼ teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes
  • ¼ teaspoon oregano
  • ½ teaspoon paprika
  • teaspoons ground cumin
  • 1 teaspoon sea salt
  • 1 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1 lb 95% lean ground beef
  • ½ cup salsa medium heat recommended, adjust to preference
  • 3 oz 50% reduced fat Pepper Jack cheese shredded
  • 16 corn tortillas 6‑inch size, extra thin works well
  • Cooking spray

Method
 

Step 1: Preheat & Prep
  1. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with foil and lightly mist it with cooking spray. Set aside.
Step 2: Mix the Seasoning
  1. In a small bowl, combine chili powder, garlic powder, onion powder, red pepper flakes, oregano, paprika, cumin, sea salt, and black pepper. Set this seasoning mix aside.
Step 3: Cook Beef Filling
  1. Heat a nonstick skillet over medium heat. Add the ground beef and cook until browned, breaking it up with a wooden spoon. Once fully browned, drain off any excess grease. Stir in the seasoning mix and salsa. Transfer mixture to a bowl. Add shredded Pepper Jack cheese and stir to combine.
Step 4: Warm Tortillas & Roll Taquitos
  1. Warm half the tortillas by placing them between two damp paper towels and microwaving for 30‑60 seconds until flexible. Lay a tortilla on a clean surface. Spoon ~2 rounded tablespoons of beef mixture onto the bottom third of the tortilla. Roll tightly from the bottom, folding in the sides. Place rolled taquito seam‑side down on the prepared baking sheet. Repeat with the rest, warming tortillas in batches if needed. Once all are rolled, mist tops lightly with cooking spray.
Step 5: Bake Until Crispy
  1. Bake in the preheated oven for about 15 minutes, until the tortillas are golden brown and crispy. Let cool slightly before serving.