Homemade Taquitos Recipe

If you’re looking for a crispy, flavor-packed snack or dinner, Homemade Taquitos are about to become a staple in your kitchen! These golden, crunchy rolls of tender shredded beef, all snuggled up in a warm tortilla, are downright addicting and perfect for family meals, parties, or whenever you need a little fiesta at home.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Let’s talk about simple ingredients that come together to work some serious magic. Each one is chosen to build up bold flavor, melt-in-your-mouth texture, and classic taquito color.

• Beef Chuck Roast: This cut shreds beautifully and soaks up all the spices for that classic, juicy filling.
• Salt & Freshly Ground Black Pepper: A must for seasoning your beef before anything else touches it—layers of flavor start here!
• Beef Broth: Moistens the meat and forms a super savory base for the slow cooker or Instant Pot.
• Salsa: A jar of your favorite salsa keeps things lively and adds just the right tangy kick.
• Chili Powder, Garlic Powder, Ground Cumin, Minced Onion Powder: This classic blend brings those deep, taco-shop flavors we love in Homemade Taquitos—never skip the spices!
• Corn Tortillas: These get crispy on the outside yet stay tender enough to hold together after rolling. Using corn (rather than flour) is key for that traditional taquito crunch.
• Oil for Frying: Vegetable or canola oil works best for sealing in golden color and crunch.
• Toothpicks: Essential for keeping your rolled taquitos tightly secured while frying or baking.
• For Serving—Salsa, Sour Cream, Guacamole, Shredded Cheese: No Homemade Taquitos are complete without a little “dressing up” at the table!

Variations

One of the greatest joys of Homemade Taquitos is how easily they adapt to your cravings or pantry! These are the ultimate canvas for customizing to fit your favorite flavors, dietary swaps, or last-minute fridge finds.

• Chicken Taquitos: Swap in cooked, shredded chicken for a lighter but still super-flavorful filling—great for using up leftovers, too.
• Baked Instead of Fried: Want to skip frying? Bake the rolled taquitos until crispy and golden, brushing them with a light layer of oil for the same irresistible crunch.
• Cheese Lovers’ Taquitos: Tuck a sprinkle of shredded cheese inside each roll for extra gooey goodness.
• Veggie Packed: Add cooked bell peppers, onions, or mushrooms to the filling for a veggie-forward spin that’s still hearty.

How to Make Homemade Taquitos

Step 1: Slow Cook or Pressure Cook the Beef

Start by seasoning your beef chuck roast with salt and pepper on all sides. Place it in your slow cooker (or cut it into four large pieces for the Instant Pot), then scatter in chili powder, garlic powder, cumin, minced onion powder, beef broth, and salsa. Let the magic happen: Slow cook on low for 7–8 hours (or set your Instant Pot to Manual/High Pressure for 50 minutes, with a natural release). This gentle cooking transforms the beef into ultra-tender, flavor-packed shreds!

Step 2: Shred the Meat

Once the beef is fork-tender, transfer it to a plate and shred it with two forks, discarding any big pockets of fat. Return the glorious shredded beef to the pot to keep it warm and juicy while you prep your tortillas.

Step 3: Soften the Tortillas

For easy rolling, heat a nonstick griddle or skillet over medium-high. Warm each corn tortilla for 15–30 seconds per side until pliable—no tearing allowed! Stack them under foil to trap the steam and keep them soft.

Step 4: Roll and Secure

Working one at a time, spoon about 2 tablespoons of the warm beef filling in a straight line along one edge of the tortilla. Roll it up tightly, securing each taquito with a toothpick to keep everything in place during cooking.

Step 5: Fry or Bake the Taquitos

If frying, heat about 1.5 inches of oil in a wide skillet over medium-high until shimmering. Fry the taquitos in batches, turning as needed, until they’re golden and crispy on all sides—just a few seconds per side is all it takes. For baking, lay them seam-side down on a lined baking sheet, spray or brush lightly with oil, and bake at 425°F for 15–20 minutes, flipping once halfway through, until perfectly crisp and golden.

Step 6: Serve and Enjoy!

Let your Homemade Taquitos drain briefly on a paper-towel-lined plate, then pile them high with your favorite toppings—salsa, guacamole, crema, cheese, or whatever your heart desires. Dig in while they’re hot and ultra crispy!

How to Serve Homemade Taquitos

Garnishes

Homemade Taquitos practically beg to be smothered in tasty toppings. Try classic cool and creamy sour cream, chunky guacamole, a sprinkle of shredded cheese, or spoonfuls of bright tomato salsa. Fresh chopped cilantro and a squeeze of lime can take your taquitos from great to unforgettable!

Side Dishes

Balance out the crunch with a side of Mexican rice, cool black bean salad, or even a simple fresh slaw. A bowl of warm refried beans or elote-style corn makes this a true feast, and the leftovers are perfect for lunch the next day.

Creative Ways to Present

For parties, serve Homemade Taquitos stacked on a platter with little bowls of dips and toppings. Add colorful napkins and decorative toothpicks for a festive touch. For dinner, serve them standing upright in a mug or snuggled in parchment cones—creative, fun, and kid-approved!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Let any leftover taquitos cool completely before wrapping them up tight in an airtight container. Store in the fridge for up to four days—they make the best midnight snack or easy lunchbox treat the next day!

Freezing

Homemade Taquitos are freezer-friendly champs. Once cooled, pop them in a freezer-safe bag or container and stash for up to 3 months. They reheat beautifully for those nights you crave crunch but don’t want to cook.

Reheating

To restore maximum crispiness, warm taquitos in a hot, lightly greased skillet for a few minutes per side, or bake at 400°F for 8–10 minutes. The air fryer also works wonders for returning that fresh-from-the-fryer crunch.

FAQs

Final Thoughts

I hope you’re as excited to try these Homemade Taquitos as I always am to share them! There’s just something so special about sinking your teeth into a crispy shell filled with savory, meltingly tender beef. Gather your favorite toppings, invite a few friends or family over, and let the taquito party begin!

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