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Shredded Beef Taquitos

Shredded beef taquitos with crispy golden fried rolls and tender, salsa-speckled filling. Quick-fry method at 350°F delivers crunchy edges while the cheese melts inside.
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 15 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Servings: 12 servings
Course: Main
Cuisine: Mexican
Calories: 520
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

Beef filling and seasoning
  • 2 cup shredded beef
  • 0.5 cup diced onion
  • 0.25 cup cilantro, chopped
  • 2 tbsp salsa
  • 0.5 Salt and pepper to taste
Taquito assembly
  • 12 small flour tortillas
  • 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
Frying and serving
  • 2 cup vegetable oil for frying
  • 1 Sour cream and salsa for serving

Equipment

  • 1 Dutch oven

Method
 

Make the shredded beef filling
  1. Combine shredded beef, diced onion, cilantro, salsa, and salt and pepper in a bowl, mixing until evenly distributed and cohesive. Taste and adjust seasoning for a balanced filling.
Assemble taquitos
  1. Lay the small flour tortillas out on a clean surface and spoon about 2 tablespoons of the beef mixture into the center of each. Add a small handful of shredded cheddar cheese alongside the beef.
  2. Roll each tortilla tightly into a snug cylinder and secure with a toothpick if needed. Arrange seam-side down so they hold their shape during frying.
Fry until crispy
  1. Heat vegetable oil to 350°F in a Dutch oven. Use a gentle, steady heat so the tortillas fry evenly and turn crisp.
  2. Fry taquitos in batches until golden and crispy, about 2 minutes per side. Look for deep golden edges and bubbling around the seam as your visual cue.
  3. Drain taquitos on paper towels after frying. Let excess oil release for 1 minute so the outside stays crisp.
Serve
  1. Serve taquitos warm with sour cream and additional salsa on the side. Add a little extra cilantro garnish if desired for a fresh finish.

Notes

For the crispiest texture, keep the oil at a steady 350°F and avoid overcrowding the Dutch oven. Store leftovers in the refrigerator up to 3 days, then re-crisp in a hot oven or air fryer; freezing is not recommended because the tortillas soften after thawing. Dietary swap: use a dairy-free shredded cheese and sour cream alternative to make the taquitos dairy-free while keeping the fried method.