Crispy Jalapeno Popper Beef Taquitos
If you’re on the hunt for a deliciously crispy, cheesy, and spicy snack or meal, look no further than these Crispy Jalapeno Popper Beef Taquitos! Perfect for game day, movie night, or even a quick weeknight dinner, these taquitos are bursting with flavor and are incredibly easy to whip up. The combination of lean ground beef, creamy cheese, zesty jalapenos, and a perfectly crispy exterior makes these taquitos irresistible. Serve them with your favorite dipping sauce, and you’ll have a dish that everyone will love. Let’s dive into the recipe!
Top Reasons to Make Crispy Jalapeno Popper Beef Taquitos
- Flavor Explosion: The mix of beef, cream cheese, and jalapenos creates a flavor profile that’s savory, spicy, and utterly delicious.
- Versatile Dish: Perfect for appetizers, snacks, or even a main course. You can customize them with your favorite ingredients!
- Easy to Make: With simple steps and minimal prep time, these taquitos come together quickly, making them ideal for busy weeknights.
- Crispy Texture: The crispy exterior paired with a creamy interior creates the ultimate textural contrast that will keep you coming back for more.
Ingredients at a Glance
- 12 TortillaLand raw medium tortillas
- 1 pound lean ground beef
- 1/2 small onion, chopped
- 2-4 jalapenos, seeded, deveined, diced
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 1/2 teaspoons chili powder
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon dried oregano
- 8 oz. cream cheese, softened
- 1/2 cup salsa (medium for more of a kick)
- 2 cups freshly grated Pepper Jack cheese, divided
Prep & Cook Tools
- Large Skillet: For browning the beef and sautéing the vegetables.
- Mixing Bowl: To combine the filling ingredients.
- Rolling Pin: Optional, for flattening the tortillas if needed.
- Baking Sheet: For placing the taquitos in the oven.
- Parchment Paper: To line the baking sheet for easy cleanup.
Crispy Jalapeno Popper Beef Taquitos Cooking Guide
Step 1: Prepare the Filling
In a large skillet over medium heat, add the lean ground beef. Cook until browned, breaking it apart with a spatula as it cooks. Once the beef is cooked through, drain any excess fat.
Step 2: Sauté the Veggies
Add the chopped onion, diced jalapenos, and minced garlic to the skillet. Sauté for 3-4 minutes until the onion is translucent and the jalapenos are softened.
Step 3: Spice It Up
Sprinkle in the chili powder, ground cumin, smoked paprika, salt, and dried oregano. Stir well to combine and cook for another minute to allow the spices to bloom.
Step 4: Mix in the Cream Cheese
Reduce the heat to low and add the softened cream cheese and salsa to the skillet. Stir until the cream cheese is fully melted and combined with the beef mixture. Remove from heat and fold in 1 1/2 cups of the grated Pepper Jack cheese.
Step 5: Assemble the Taquitos
Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C). Take a tortilla and spoon about 2 tablespoons of the beef filling onto the center. Roll the tortilla tightly around the filling and place it seam-side down on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Repeat with the remaining tortillas and filling.
Step 6: Bake to Crispy Perfection
Sprinkle the remaining 1/2 cup of grated Pepper Jack cheese on top of the taquitos. Lightly spray the taquitos with cooking spray or brush them with olive oil. Bake in the preheated oven for 15-20 minutes, or until golden brown and crispy.
Step 7: Serve and Enjoy
Once baked, remove the taquitos from the oven and let them cool for a few minutes. Serve with your favorite dipping sauces, such as sour cream, guacamole, or extra salsa. Enjoy your Crispy Jalapeno Popper Beef Taquitos while they’re hot!
Substitutions by Category
- Meat: Substitute ground beef with ground turkey or chicken for a lighter option.
- Cheese: Use cheddar or a dairy-free cheese alternative if preferred.
- Spice Level: Adjust the number of jalapenos or use milder peppers like bell peppers for less heat.
- Vegetables: Add additional vegetables like corn or black beans to the filling for extra flavor and nutrition.
What I Learned Testing
- Using freshly grated cheese makes a significant difference in the meltability and flavor compared to pre-packaged cheese.
- Allowing the filling to cool slightly before rolling helps prevent the tortillas from tearing.
- Experimenting with different salsas can change the flavor profile; try a roasted salsa for a smoky twist!
- Don’t overcrowd the baking sheet; this ensures even cooking and crispiness.
Storage Pro Tips
If you have leftover taquitos, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10-15 minutes to restore their crispiness. You can also freeze the uncooked taquitos before baking. Just place them on a baking sheet until frozen, then transfer to a freezer bag. When ready to eat, bake them directly from frozen, adding a few extra minutes to the cooking time.
Troubleshooting Q&A
Why are my taquitos not crispy?
Ensure that you’re baking them at a high temperature and that they’re not overcrowded on the baking sheet. Spraying or brushing them with oil will also help achieve that crispy texture.
Can I make these taquitos ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the filling and assemble the taquitos ahead of time. Just store them in the refrigerator and bake them when you’re ready to enjoy.
What dip should I serve with these taquitos?
These taquitos pair beautifully with sour cream, guacamole, or a zesty salsa. You can also try a creamy ranch dressing or a spicy queso dip!
How do I prevent the tortillas from tearing while rolling?
Warming the tortillas slightly in the microwave or on a skillet makes them more pliable and less likely to tear. You can also use a rolling pin to flatten them gently before filling.
Final Bite
Crispy Jalapeno Popper Beef Taquitos are more than just a snack—they’re a delightful way to bring friends and family together over delicious food. Whether it’s a casual gathering or a cozy family dinner, these taquitos are sure to impress. Enjoy the perfect blend of flavors and textures in every bite, and don’t forget to experiment with different fillings and dips to make this recipe your own.
These Crispy Jalapeno Popper Beef Taquitos are not only fun to make but even more fun to eat! The combination of spiced beef, creamy cheese, and zesty jalapenos all wrapped up in a crispy tortilla is a winning recipe you won’t want to miss. So roll up your sleeves, gather your ingredients, and treat yourself to a plate of these delicious taquitos tonight!
Crispy Jalapeno Popper Beef Taquitos
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- In a large skillet over medium heat, add the lean ground beef. Cook until browned, breaking it apart with a spatula as it cooks. Once the beef is cooked through, drain any excess fat.
- Add the chopped onion, diced jalapenos, and minced garlic to the skillet. Sauté for 3-4 minutes until the onion is translucent and the jalapenos are softened.
- Sprinkle in the chili powder, ground cumin, smoked paprika, salt, and dried oregano. Stir well to combine and cook for another minute to allow the spices to bloom.
- Reduce the heat to low and add the softened cream cheese and salsa to the skillet. Stir until the cream cheese is fully melted and combined with the beef mixture. Remove from heat and fold in 1 1/2 cups of the grated Pepper Jack cheese.
- Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C). Take a tortilla and spoon about 2 tablespoons of the beef filling onto the center. Roll the tortilla tightly around the filling and place it seam-side down on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Repeat with the remaining tortillas and filling.
- Sprinkle the remaining 1/2 cup of grated Pepper Jack cheese on top of the taquitos. Lightly spray the taquitos with cooking spray or brush them with olive oil. Bake in the preheated oven for 15-20 minutes, or until golden brown and crispy.
- Once baked, remove the taquitos from the oven and let them cool for a few minutes. Serve with your favorite dipping sauces, such as sour cream, guacamole, or extra salsa. Enjoy your Crispy Jalapeno Popper Beef Taquitos while they’re hot!
Notes
- Store leftover taquitos in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10-15 minutes to restore crispiness.
- You can freeze uncooked taquitos before baking; bake directly from frozen, adding extra minutes to the cook time.
