When it comes to comfort food, taquitos have always held a special place. They are crunchy, filled with delicious flavors, and are perfect for any party. Here's a simple shredded beef taquitos recipe that will have your guests asking for seconds.
Most of the ingredients required for this recipe - shredded beef, corn tortillas, vegetable oil, olive oil, toothpicks, salsa, guacamole, sour cream, and cilantro lime ranch - are widely available at most supermarkets. However, corn tortillas are an essential part of this recipe and can sometimes be hard to find. They're usually located in the international or Hispanic section of the supermarket. Also, if you prefer a more traditional approach, consider getting a cut of beef to braise and shred at home.
Ingredients for Shredded Beef Taquitos Recipe
Shredded beef: This serves as the main filling. Usually, a cut of beef is braised until it's soft and then shredded.
Corn tortillas: They are the base of the taquitos. Corn tortillas have a slightly sweet and earthy flavor.
Vegetable oil: Used for frying the taquitos. It has a high smoke point, making it ideal for frying.
Extra virgin olive oil: This is optional. It's used along with the vegetable oil for additional flavor.
Toothpicks: Used to hold the taquitos together while frying.
Salsa: This can be homemade or store-bought, and adds a tangy, spicy flavor to the taquitos.
Guacamole: Provides a cool, creamy contrast to the crispy taquitos.
Sour cream: Used as a topping, it adds a tangy creaminess.
Cilantro lime ranch: This is a flavorful dressing that goes well with the taquitos.
One reader, Barbabra Summers says:
This shredded beef taquitos recipe is a game-changer! The beef is so flavorful and tender, and the crispy tortillas are just perfect. It's a hit with my family every time I make it. Plus, it's so easy to customize with different toppings. Highly recommend trying it out!
Techniques Required for Making Shredded Beef Taquitos
How to cook shredded beef: Follow the recipe for shredded beef tacos and drain the beef well before setting it aside.
How to cook tortillas: Heat a non-stick griddle over medium-high heat and cook the tortillas for about 15-30 seconds on each side until they are soft and pliable. Then, cover the stack of cooked tortillas with a saucepan lid to seal in moisture.
How to fill and roll taquitos: Place about 1/4 cup of shredded beef in a line down the center of each tortilla, then roll the tortilla snugly and insert a toothpick through the center to hold the ends in place.
How to fry taquitos: Fill a non-stick saucepan with a mixture of vegetable oil and extra virgin olive oil, then heat the oil over medium heat. Gently place the taquitos into the hot oil and cook until lightly browned on each side, rotating them as needed.
How To Make Shredded Beef Taquitos
These loaded beef taquitos are made with slow cooked, tender shredded beef over crisp tortillas to add umami and heartiness to a classic Mexican favorite!
Serves:
Ingredients
- *Shredded Beef Tacos,(see Recipes Notes below for recipe), beef portion only
- 15corn tortillas
- vegetable oil
- extra virgin olive oil,optional
To Serve (Optional):
- salsa
- guacamole
- sour cream
- cilantro lime ranch
Instructions
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Cook the shredded beef according to directions. Drain the beef well, set aside.
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Heat a non-stick griddle over medium high heat. Cook the tortillas for about 15 to 30 seconds on each side until soft.
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Immediately remove the tortillas to a plate in a stack and cover with a saucepan lid large enough to cover diameter of tortillas. Repeat this step until all the tortillas have been cooked.
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Fill a non-stick sauce pan with mixture of a few tablespoons vegetable oil and a few tablespoons extra virgin olive oil; it should be a layer of oil about ½-inch high.
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Heat the oil over medium heat.
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Remove one tortilla at a time, then place about ¼ cup of shredded beef on tortilla in a line down the center of the tortilla. Roll the tortilla snugly, then insert a toothpick through the center so the ends of tortillas stay in place.
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Using metal tongs, gently the place taquitos into hot oil. Cook until lightly browned, then remove the toothpick, and using tongs, rotate taquito and cook the opposite side until lightly browned.
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Using tongs, remove from oil to a paper towel covered plate. Add the additional oil to pan as needed while cooking taquitos.
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Serve warm with salsa, sour cream, guacamole or cilantro lime ranch for dipping, and enjoy!
Recipe Notes
- *Check out Slow Cooker Shredded Beef Tacos Recipe to go with this dish!
Nutrition
- Calories: 124.60kcal
- Fat: 2.87g
- Saturated Fat: 0.38g
- Trans Fat: 0.01g
- Monounsaturated Fat: 1.37g
- Polyunsaturated Fat: 0.92g
- Carbohydrates: 22.98g
- Fiber: 3.25g
- Sugar: 0.46g
- Protein: 2.94g
- Sodium: 23.39mg
- Calcium: 42.01mg
- Potassium: 98.34mg
- Iron: 0.65mg
- Vitamin A: 1.73µg
- Vitamin C: 0.14mg
Crucial Technique Tip for Perfect Taquitos
When preparing your taquitos, it's important to keep the tortillas soft and pliable to prevent them from cracking when you roll them. This can be achieved by heating them on a griddle and then immediately stacking them on a plate and covering with a lid. The trapped steam will keep the tortillas soft and easy to roll. Additionally, when frying the taquitos, ensure the oil is hot enough so that the taquitos cook quickly and become crispy without absorbing too much oil. This will give your taquitos the perfect texture - crispy on the outside, and tender, juicy beef on the inside.
Time-Saving Tips for Making Shredded Beef Taquitos
Prep ahead: Cook the shredded beef in advance and store it in the refrigerator until ready to use. This will save time on the day of making the taquitos.
Assembly line: Set up an assembly line with all the ingredients and tools needed for making the taquitos. This will streamline the process and make it more efficient.
Double batch: Consider making a double batch of shredded beef tacos and freezing the extra portion for future use. This way, you'll have ready-to-use filling on hand for quick taquito preparation.
Use store-bought: If time is limited, consider using store-bought shredded beef or rotisserie chicken as a time-saving alternative to cooking the filling from scratch.
Multitask: While the tortillas are cooking, prepare the filling or set up the dipping sauces to make the most of your time in the kitchen.
Team effort: Enlist the help of family or friends to assist with the assembly process, making it a fun and efficient cooking activity.
Substitute Ingredients For Shredded Beef Taquitos Recipe
shredded beef tacos - Substitute with shredded chicken tacos: Chicken can be a great substitute for beef, providing a lighter and milder flavor. It also cooks faster, making it a convenient alternative.
corn tortillas - Substitute with flour tortillas: If you prefer a softer texture, flour tortillas can be used as a substitute for corn tortillas. They are more pliable and have a slightly different flavor.
vegetable oil - Substitute with canola oil: Canola oil is a neutral-flavored oil and can be used as a substitute for vegetable oil in most recipes. It has a high smoke point, making it suitable for frying.
extra virgin olive oil - Substitute with avocado oil: Avocado oil is a good substitute for extra virgin olive oil due to its mild flavor and high smoke point. It also offers similar health benefits.
salsa - Substitute with pico de gallo: Pico de gallo can be used as a substitute for salsa, providing a fresh and chunky texture with similar flavors. It's a great alternative for topping taquitos.
guacamole - Substitute with sour cream and diced avocado: If you don't have guacamole, a combination of sour cream and diced avocado can be used as a substitute to provide a creamy and rich topping for the taquitos.
sour cream - Substitute with Greek yogurt: Greek yogurt can be used as a healthier substitute for sour cream, offering a similar tangy flavor and creamy texture.
cilantro lime ranch - Substitute with chipotle aioli: Chipotle aioli can be used as a substitute for cilantro lime ranch to provide a creamy, tangy, and slightly spicy flavor to complement the taquitos.
Best Way to Serve Shredded Beef Taquitos
Elevate the tortillas: Gently warm the tortillas and arrange them neatly on the plate, ensuring they are not overlapping or crumpled.
Artful placement of taquitos: Carefully position the cooked taquitos on the plate, ensuring they are aligned and spaced evenly.
Garnish with vibrant salsa: Add a dollop of vibrant salsa on the side of the plate, using a small spoon to create an appealing design.
Dollop of guacamole: Place a small dollop of fresh guacamole on the plate, using a piping bag for a precise and elegant presentation.
Drizzle of sour cream: Use a squeeze bottle to create a delicate drizzle of sour cream over the taquitos, adding a touch of richness and visual appeal.
Sprinkle of fresh cilantro: Garnish the dish with a sprinkle of fresh cilantro leaves, adding a pop of color and a hint of herbal freshness.
Accompany with cilantro lime ranch: Serve a small ramekin of cilantro lime ranch on the side, adding a creamy and zesty element to the presentation.
Essential Tools for Making Taquitos
- Non-stick griddle: A flat cooking surface with a non-stick coating, used for heating and cooking tortillas.
- Saucepan: A deep cooking pan with a handle, used for heating and frying the taquitos in oil.
- Metal tongs: Long-handled, scissor-like utensils used for flipping and removing the taquitos from the hot oil.
Storing and Freezing Shredded Beef Taquitos
Allow the taquitos to cool completely before storing or freezing. This will prevent them from becoming soggy and help maintain their crispy texture.
For short-term storage, place the cooled taquitos in an airtight container or resealable plastic bag. They can be kept in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
To reheat refrigerated taquitos, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Place the taquitos on a baking sheet and bake for 10-15 minutes, or until heated through and crispy.
For longer storage, taquitos can be frozen for up to 2-3 months. Wrap each taquito individually in plastic wrap or aluminum foil, then place them in a freezer-safe container or resealable plastic bag.
To reheat frozen taquitos, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Place the frozen taquitos on a baking sheet and bake for 15-20 minutes, or until heated through and crispy. There's no need to thaw them before reheating.
Alternatively, you can reheat both refrigerated and frozen taquitos in an air fryer. Preheat the air fryer to 350°F (175°C) and cook the taquitos for 5-7 minutes (if refrigerated) or 8-10 minutes (if frozen), or until heated through and crispy.
To maintain the best quality and texture, consume the stored or frozen taquitos within the recommended time frames. After reheating, avoid refreezing the taquitos to prevent loss of quality and potential food safety issues.
How To Reheat Leftover Taquitos
To reheat leftover shredded beef taquitos, preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Place the taquitos on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper or aluminum foil. Brush them lightly with a bit of olive oil or spray with cooking spray to help crisp up the tortillas. Bake for 10-15 minutes, or until heated through and crispy.
Another option is to reheat the taquitos in an air fryer. Set the air fryer to 350°F (175°C) and place the taquitos in the basket, making sure they aren't touching each other. Cook for 5-7 minutes, or until heated through and crispy. This method will give you the crispiest results without the need for additional oil.
If you're in a hurry, you can also reheat the taquitos in the microwave. Place them on a microwave-safe plate and heat for 30-60 seconds, or until heated through. Keep in mind that microwaving may result in a softer texture compared to oven or air fryer reheating.
For a quick and easy snack, you can even enjoy the leftover taquitos cold, straight from the refrigerator. The flavors of the shredded beef and toppings will still be delicious, and the tortillas will have a slightly chewy texture.
If you want to add some extra flavor and moisture to your reheated taquitos, consider serving them with a side of salsa, guacamole, sour cream, or cilantro lime ranch. These dips and sauces will complement the flavors of the taquitos and make them even more enjoyable.
Interesting Fact About Shredded Beef Taquitos
The shredded beef taquitos recipe is a popular Mexican dish that is often enjoyed as a snack or appetizer. Taquitos are typically filled with a savory filling, rolled tightly, and then fried until crispy. They are commonly served with salsa, guacamole, sour cream, or cilantro lime ranch for dipping. This dish is a great way to use up leftover shredded beef and can be easily customized with different toppings and fillings. Taquitos are a delicious and convenient finger food that is perfect for parties or casual gatherings. They are a crowd-pleaser and can be enjoyed by people of all ages.
Is Making Shredded Beef Taquitos at Home Cost-Effective?
This shredded beef taquitos recipe is quite cost-effective for a household. The main ingredient, shredded beef, can be a budget-friendly option when purchased in bulk. The additional ingredients such as corn tortillas, vegetable oil, and salsa are also reasonably priced. The versatility of the shredded beef allows for multiple uses, making it a worthwhile investment. The approximate cost for a household of 4 people would be around $20-$25, making it an affordable and satisfying meal option. Overall Verdict: 9/10
Are Shredded Beef Taquitos Healthy or Unhealthy?
The shredded beef taquitos recipe, while delicious, is not particularly healthy due to several factors:
- The recipe relies heavily on deep-frying the taquitos in oil, which adds significant amounts of fat and calories to the dish.
- Corn tortillas, although gluten-free, are still high in carbohydrates and may not be the most nutrient-dense option.
- The shredded beef, depending on the cut and preparation method, could be high in saturated fat.
- The suggested dips, such as sour cream and ranch, are also high in fat and calories.
To make this recipe healthier, consider the following modifications:
- Instead of deep-frying, try baking the taquitos in the oven. Brush them lightly with olive oil and bake at a high temperature until crispy.
- Use whole-grain or sprouted corn tortillas to increase the fiber content and nutritional value.
- Choose a leaner cut of beef, such as sirloin or flank steak, and trim any visible fat before cooking.
- Opt for healthier dips like fresh salsa, guacamole made with minimal ingredients, or Greek yogurt instead of sour cream.
- Incorporate more vegetables into the filling, such as sautéed bell peppers, onions, or even shredded carrots for added nutrients and fiber.
- Serve the taquitos with a side salad or vegetable-based dish to balance out the meal.
Editor's Opinion on This Taquitos Recipe
The shredded beef taquitos recipe is a delightful combination of tender, flavorful shredded beef encased in crispy, golden corn tortillas. The technique of briefly heating the tortillas before filling and rolling them ensures a pliable and easy-to-handle texture. The use of a mixture of vegetable oil and extra virgin olive oil for frying adds a depth of flavor and a touch of richness. The finished taquitos are beautifully golden and crispy on the outside, with a succulent and savory filling. Served with salsa, guacamole, sour cream, or cilantro lime ranch, these taquitos are sure to be a hit at any gathering.
Why trust this Shredded Beef Taquitos Recipe:
This recipe guarantees authentic shredded beef taquitos that will transport your taste buds to the streets of Mexico. The shredded beef is cooked to perfection, ensuring a tender and flavorful filling. The use of corn tortillas adds an authentic touch, while the cooking method ensures a soft and pliable texture. The combination of vegetable oil and extra virgin olive oil brings out the rich flavors and adds a delightful crispiness. With the option to serve with salsa, guacamole, sour cream, or cilantro lime ranch, this recipe offers a complete and satisfying culinary experience.
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