Cheesy Beef Baked Taquitos

These mouthwatering oven-baked beef taquitos are not only delicious but also a healthier alternative for game day appetizers or meal prep snacks. Packed with 8 grams of protein, just 10 grams of carbs, and a mere 115 calories per taquito, they are a guilt-free indulgence. The crispy exterior gives way to a cheesy seasoned ground beef filling that will have your taste buds begging for more. The best part? You can easily make a large batch and customize them with various fillings to suit your preferences.

How to Make Healthier Beef Taquitos

If you’re a fan of my infamous baked beef tacos, then you’ll love this upgraded version of beef taquitos. While the recipe is similar, there are a few tweaks in the seasoning and baking time. But don’t worry if you’re new here! I’ll guide you through the entire process, providing you with handy tips and substitution ideas.

Cook ground beef with diced white onion and minced garlic.

To maximize flavor, I recommend browning the ground beef separately from the onion and garlic. By creating a well in the center of the skillet, you can brown the beef while allowing the moisture from the onions to escape. Although some moisture may still impede the browning process, this method ensures that you achieve the desired flavor development.

Season the beef and add enchilada sauce.

For seasoning, you only need a few spices, but if your spice cabinet is running low, a little taco seasoning will work wonders. As for the enchilada sauce, feel free to use your favorite brand. Trader Joe’s red enchilada sauce is an excellent option, with its low calorie count and flavorful profile. Alternatively, you can create a homemade sauce using fire-roasted tomatoes, onion, garlic, chipotle peppers in adobo, and various spices.

Remove from the heat and fold in shredded Monterey jack and cheddar cheese.

Unlike the original beef tacos, this recipe calls for slightly less shredded cheese, reducing the fat and calorie content. However, if you have room in your calorie budget, adding an extra ounce or two of cheese will elevate the filling. Remember to use freshly shredded cheese for the best melt and flavor.

Meal prep note: If you want to stretch your filling and make more than 16 taquitos for future freezing, consider adding rice, beans, or cauliflower rice after incorporating the cheese. This allows you to create a heartier filling without compromising on taste. Need inspiration? Check out my ground beef and rice skillet recipe.

Fill extra thin corn tortillas with the beef, roll tightly, and place on a baking sheet.

Now, here’s a golden tip: warm your tortillas in the microwave until they are almost too hot to handle. This will make them pliable and easy to roll, especially if you’re using extra thin corn tortillas. If your tortillas aren’t warm enough, they may crack or unravel during the rolling process. To avoid this, work in batches, heating and rolling the tortillas as you go.

Bake for 25-30 minutes until golden brown.

Roll the taquitos tightly, placing them seal side down on a baking sheet. Give them enough space to ensure they crisp up evenly. Avoid overcrowding the baking sheet, as this can lead to soggy taquitos. Bake until the taquitos acquire a beautiful golden brown color and become wonderfully crunchy.

Can I air fry these beef taquitos? Absolutely! However, depending on the size of your air fryer, you may need to cook them in batches. Make sure to wedge them in the air fryer basket to prevent them from moving around too much. Remember to keep an eye on them and adjust the cooking time if needed.

Serving Your Baked Taquitos

When it comes to serving these delicious taquitos, I have a go-to dip that pairs perfectly with Tex-Mex flavors. Combine fat-free Greek yogurt with salsa or hot sauce for a tangy and creamy dip. For an extra touch, add chopped cilantro. If presentation matters, consider serving the taquitos alongside guacamole, pico de gallo, diced jalapeños, and more cilantro. The options are endless, so let your creativity shine.

Update: Looking for more dip options? Try my recipes for creamy jalapeño Greek yogurt dip, high protein ranch dip, creamy salsa verde, or zucchini salsa verde. They all work wonderfully with these taquitos.

Meal Prep Taquitos Tips

In case you missed any details, here’s a quick roundup:

• Double the recipe if you want to prepare more taquitos. Ensure proper positioning and timing in the oven when baking a double batch.
• Extend your filling by adding rice (or cauliflower rice) and beans for a heartier meal. Get inspiration from my refried black beans and stuffed poblano peppers recipes.
• These baked taquitos freeze well and reheat beautifully. For best results, use an oven or air fryer to bring back the crispness. If you’re in a rush, a microwave will also do the trick.

For more tips and tricks on freezing, reheating, and bulk prepping recipes, join my free Facebook group. Connect with over 16,000 healthy home cooks and learn from their experiences.

Alright, you’re all set to rock and roll! If you have any recipe-related questions, drop a comment below. And don’t forget to leave a review or share your experience if you try these taquitos. Happy cooking!