Beef Taquitos Recipe

If you’ve been on the hunt for a crowd-pleasing, insanely flavorful snack or meal, this Beef Taquitos Recipe is an absolute game changer. Imagine tender, slow-cooked beef wrapped snugly in crispy corn tortillas, fried to perfection and bursting with zesty salsa verde and melted cheese. It’s the kind of dish that brings smiles, calls for seconds, and fills your kitchen with irresistible aromas. Perfect for parties or a cozy night in, these taquitos combine simple ingredients for a knockout taste that feels both comforting and exciting.

Ingredients You’ll Need

These ingredients are straightforward yet essential, each adding a unique layer to the final dish. From the rich, slow-cooked beef chuck roast to the bright, tangy salsa verde and the perfect crunchy tortillas, everything plays a vital role in crafting these flavorful taquitos.

• 2 pounds boneless beef chuck roast: This cut becomes so tender after slow cooking, absorbing all the spices perfectly.
• 1 cup water or beef broth: Adds moisture for cooking the beef and layers a subtle richness.
• 1 cup salsa verde: Brings a fresh, tangy brightness that cuts through the richness of the beef.
• 2 teaspoons chili powder: Adds mild heat and deepens the smoky flavor of the filling.
• 1 teaspoon Kosher salt: Enhances all the flavors and balances the seasoning.
• 24 corn tortillas: The crispy, handheld shell that’s traditional and deliciously authentic.
• 1.5 cups shredded cheese: Optional, but highly recommended for that melty, cheesy goodness inside each roll-up.

How to Make Beef Taquitos Recipe

Step 1: Preparing and Cooking the Beef

Start by placing your boneless beef chuck roast into your Instant Pot or slow cooker. If you like, sear the roast on all sides using the sauté mode on your Instant Pot for an extra depth of flavor. Next, pour in the water or broth, sprinkle the salt and chili powder evenly over the beef, then drizzle the salsa verde all over. This combination infuses the beef with incredible tang and subtle spice while it cooks low and slow.

Step 2: Pressure Cooking the Beef

Seal the lid on your Instant Pot and set it to cook on high pressure for 60 minutes. After cooking, let the steam release naturally for about 10 minutes. This slow, moist environment breaks down the beef into juicy tenderness that’s perfect for shredding. If you’re using a slow cooker, expect about 6-8 hours on low to reach the same melt-in-your-mouth texture.

Step 3: Shredding the Meat

Carefully remove the cooked chuck roast from the pot and discard any excess fat. Using two forks, shred the beef finely, then return it to the pot with the cooking juices. Keep it warm as you prepare your tortillas. This soaking in the flavorful broth ensures every bite is juicy and packed with taste.

Step 4: Preparing the Tortillas and Filling

Heat about 1 inch of oil in a skillet until it reaches 350°F. While the oil heats, wrap your corn tortillas in a damp paper towel and microwave them for 1 minute—this makes them pliable and easier to roll. For each taquito, place about a tablespoon of shredded cheese if you like, topped with 2 tablespoons of the luscious beef. Be careful not to overfill to avoid breakage.

Step 5: Rolling and Frying the Taquitos

Wrap the filled tortilla tightly into a roll and secure it with a toothpick to prevent unrolling while frying. If your tortillas start to crack, pop them back into the microwave briefly to soften them again. Fry the taquitos in batches, cooking until they’re beautifully golden brown and crisp, flipping them occasionally for even cooking. Drain each batch on paper towels to remove excess oil.

How to Serve Beef Taquitos Recipe

Garnishes

The joy of Beef Taquitos Recipe is customizing your toppings. Fresh shredded cheese, cool dollops of guacamole or sour cream, and vibrant pico de gallo add layers of creamy, tangy, and fresh notes that balance the crispy, spicy beef perfectly. Don’t forget a squeeze of lime and some chopped cilantro for extra freshness!

Side Dishes

Complement your taquitos with a crunchy Mexican street corn salad, a simple mixed greens salad with a zesty vinaigrette, or even a helping of refried beans. These sides add freshness and texture contrast, making your meal well-rounded and even more satisfying.

Creative Ways to Present

Try stacking your taquitos on a colorful platter garnished with chopped herbs and lime wedges for a festive feel. You can serve them alongside small bowls of different salsas—like mango habanero or classic tomato salsa—to let everyone customize their bites. For a fun twist, turn the beef filling into mini taquito sliders on soft buns for parties.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store leftover cooked beef in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Keep the tortillas and oil-fried taquitos separate to prevent sogginess. When ready to eat, reheat the beef and assemble fresh taquitos for the best texture.

Freezing

You can freeze assembled, uncooked taquitos by wrapping them tightly in plastic wrap and placing them in a freezer bag for up to 2 months. When you want to enjoy them, simply fry them straight from frozen, adding an extra couple of minutes to the cooking time.

Reheating

To bring back that crispy crunch, reheat fried taquitos in a 375°F oven for 10-15 minutes or until heated through and crisp. Avoid microwaving to keep that crispy texture intact.

FAQs

Can I use a slow cooker instead of an Instant Pot for this recipe?

Absolutely! Slow cooking the beef for 6-8 hours on low delivers the same tender, shreddable texture that’s perfect for your taquitos.

What’s the best cheese to use in Beef Taquitos Recipe?

Cheeses that melt well, such as Monterey Jack or a mild cheddar, work beautifully—they add creaminess without overpowering the flavors.

Can these taquitos be baked instead of fried?

Yes, baking is a great healthier option. Simply brush the rolled taquitos with oil and bake at 425°F for 20-25 minutes until golden and crispy.

How spicy is this Beef Taquitos Recipe?

The chili powder and salsa verde provide a mild to moderate spice level, but you can always adjust the chili powder amount up or down to suit your taste.

Can I make taquitos ahead of time for a party?

Definitely! Prepare and roll them in advance and refrigerate or freeze until you’re ready to fry. This makes entertaining a breeze.

Final Thoughts

This Beef Taquitos Recipe truly shines as a go-to for gatherings, family dinners, or whenever you crave something crispy, cheesy, and satisfying. It’s approachable, delicious, and so worth the little bit of effort it takes to make. Give it a try and watch these tasty taquitos quickly become one of your favorite dishes to share and enjoy!

Beef Taquitos Recipe

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These Beef Taquitos are a delicious and crispy Mexican-inspired dish made with tender shredded beef cooked in an Instant Pot, wrapped in warm corn tortillas, and fried to golden perfection. Perfect as a snack or a main dish, they can be topped with cheese, guacamole, sour cream, and pico de gallo for an authentic and flavorful experience.

• Author: Paula
• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
• Total Time: 1 hour 25 minutes
• Yield: 24 taquitos
• Category: Appetizer
• Method: Instant Pot
• Cuisine: Mexican

Ingredients

Beef Filling

• 2 pounds boneless beef chuck roast, cut into 3 pieces
• 1 cup water or beef broth
• 1 cup salsa verde
• 2 teaspoons chili powder, more if desired
• 1 teaspoon kosher salt

Taquito Assembly

• 24 corn tortillas
• 1.5 cups shredded cheese
• 1 inch of oil for frying (vegetable or canola oil preferred)

Instructions

1. Prepare the Beef: Place the chuck roast pieces into a 6-quart Instant Pot. Optionally, sear the roast on all sides using the sauté mode for extra flavor. Pour 1 cup of water or beef broth into the pot, then sprinkle with chili powder and kosher salt. Drizzle the salsa verde evenly over the meat.
2. Pressure Cook: Seal the Instant Pot lid and set the valve to sealing. Cook on high pressure for 60 minutes. After the cooking cycle completes, allow natural steam release for about 10 minutes before opening the lid.
3. Shred the Meat: Remove the roast from the Instant Pot and discard excess fat. Use two forks to shred the meat finely. Return the shredded beef to the pot and keep on warm setting until ready to assemble.
4. Prepare the Filling: Remove about 1 cup of the cooking liquid from the Instant Pot (keep or discard as desired), then stir the shredded beef with the remaining liquid to keep it moist and flavorful. Close the lid to keep warm.
5. Heat the Oil: In a deep skillet, pour about 1 inch of oil and heat it to 350°F (175°C) over medium-high heat. This temperature is ideal for frying to achieve crispiness without burning.
6. Warm the Tortillas: Place tortillas wrapped in a damp paper towel and microwave for 1 minute to make them pliable and easy to roll without breaking.
7. Assemble Taquitos: Place about 1 tablespoon of shredded cheese in the center of each tortilla followed by approximately 2 tablespoons of the beef mixture. Be careful not to overfill. Roll the tortilla tightly around the filling, then secure it with a toothpick if needed to hold the shape.
8. Fry the Taquitos: Carefully place 3 to 5 taquitos in the hot oil at a time. Fry them, turning occasionally to ensure even browning, until they are golden and crispy. If they brown too quickly, reduce the heat to maintain the oil temperature.
9. Drain and Serve: Remove the fried taquitos with a slotted spoon and place them on a plate lined with paper towels to absorb excess oil. Remove toothpicks before serving.
10. Serving Suggestions: Serve the crispy taquitos topped with your favorite accompaniments such as shredded cheese, guacamole, sour cream, and fresh pico de gallo for an authentic Mexican snack or meal.

Notes

• For a spicier kick, increase the chili powder or add diced jalapeños to the beef mixture.
• Make sure tortillas are warm and pliable before rolling to prevent cracking during frying.
• Leftover broth from the Instant Pot can be used as a flavorful soup base or gravy.
• Use corn tortillas for an authentic flavor and texture; however, flour tortillas can be substituted if preferred.
• To make this recipe gluten free, ensure tortillas and all seasoning ingredients are certified gluten free.