Every home cook occasionally faces the delightful challenge of having an abundance of a delicious ingredient. For me, that ingredient was perfectly seasoned shredded beef. My culinary journey often involves refining recipes through multiple test runs, and sometimes, this leaves me with a generous surplus. It’s in these moments of creative necessity that some of the best recipes are born, and these irresistible Mexican Shredded Beef Baked Taquitos are a prime example!

The Origin Story: Transforming Leftover Shredded Beef

My adventure with these taquitos began just a few weeks ago as I was meticulously fine-tuning my Instant Pot Chipotle Shredded Beef recipe. As a recipe developer, achieving the ideal flavor and texture often requires multiple iterations. Despite my husband’s love for all things meat, he isn’t always the biggest fan of traditional pot roasts. Yet, I found myself preparing that chipotle shredded beef three times in under two weeks! Consequently, I had shredded beef aplenty – some was enjoyed immediately, a portion was stashed in the freezer, but a substantial amount awaited a fresh, exciting purpose.

Instead of letting this richly flavored beef sit idle, I embraced the opportunity to transform it. With a dash of improvisation and a few pantry staples, I conceived the idea for these Mexican Shredded Beef Taquitos. The moment they emerged from the oven, golden and crispy, I knew I had stumbled upon something truly special. The combination of ease, flavor, and the sheer joy of repurposing leftovers made them an instant hit in my kitchen, compelling me to quickly document and share this fantastic recipe with you all.

Why Choose Baked Over Fried Taquitos?

Traditional taquitos are typically deep-fried, yielding a crispy shell but often involving a messy cooking process and adding significant calories. Our baked taquitos offer all the crave-worthy crunch and flavor without any of the guilt or greasy cleanup! This method makes them a much healthier alternative, perfect for those looking to enjoy their favorite Mexican comfort food in a lighter way.

Baking achieves that sought-after crispy texture through a few simple tricks. By lightly spraying the rolled taquitos with nonstick cooking spray before baking, you create a thin layer of fat that crisps beautifully in the oven. Utilizing a wire rack on a baking sheet is also crucial, as it allows hot air to circulate evenly around each taquito, ensuring they brown and crisp perfectly on all sides. The result is a delightfully crunchy exterior with a tender, flavorful interior – a truly satisfying experience that proves you don’t need to deep-fry for deliciousness.

The Irresistible Filling: A Symphony of Creamy, Spicy, and Savory Flavors

The magic of these taquitos lies undoubtedly in their incredibly balanced and flavorful filling. It’s wonderfully creamy, offers just the right amount of zest and a subtle kick, making every bite an exciting experience. Here’s a closer look at the key components that come together to create this delectable mixture:

• Shredded Beef: The undeniable star! While my Chipotle Shredded Beef provides a rich, smoky foundation, any tender, well-seasoned shredded beef (such as pot roast, brisket, or even slow-cooked chuck roast) will work perfectly. The key is to have it well-shredded for an even texture in the taquito.
• Monterey Jack Cheese: This cheese is a fantastic choice for its excellent melting properties and mild, creamy flavor. It binds the filling together beautifully and adds a comforting, gooey element without overpowering the other ingredients. Feel free to use a Mexican blend cheese if that’s what you have on hand.
• Cream Cheese: This is the secret weapon for an exceptionally creamy and luxurious filling! When softened to room temperature, it blends seamlessly with the shredded beef and Monterey Jack, adding a velvety texture and a slight tang that elevates the entire profile of the taquito.
• Diced Green Chiles: These little gems bring a mild, earthy warmth and that distinctive Southwestern flavor. They introduce a lovely brightness to the mixture without making it overly spicy, ensuring the taquitos are enjoyable for all palates.
• Fresh Cilantro: A vibrant burst of fresh, herbaceous flavor that is essential in authentic Mexican cuisine. Finely chopped cilantro adds a refreshing counterpoint to the richness of the beef and cheese. If you’re not a fan, you can certainly omit it or substitute a small amount of fresh parsley for color.

This carefully chosen combination ensures that each Mexican Shredded Beef Baked Taquito is a harmonious blend of textures and tastes, creating a truly memorable culinary delight.

Flour Versus Corn Tortillas: Choosing for Success

While traditional taquitos are frequently made with corn tortillas, I have found that flour tortillas are significantly easier and more reliable for this baked rendition. Corn tortillas, especially if not exceptionally fresh or perfectly warmed, have a tendency to crack and break during the rolling process. This can be frustrating and can lead to wasted effort and ingredients.

Flour tortillas, conversely, possess a natural pliability and elasticity that makes them far more forgiving. A brief warm-up in the microwave or on a dry skillet renders them perfectly soft and flexible, allowing for effortless rolling without any tearing or cracking. This ensures a smoother and more efficient taquito-making experience, which is particularly beneficial for busy cooks or when preparing a larger batch.

If you are determined to use corn tortillas, opt for the freshest available and implement a rigorous warming process. Wrapping them in damp paper towels and microwaving them for 20-30 seconds, or briefly dipping them in warm water, can impart enough moisture and flexibility to prevent breakage. However, for consistent ease of use and guaranteed integrity in the final baked product, flour tortillas remain my steadfast recommendation for these delectable shredded beef taquitos.

Elevate Your Meal: Serving Suggestions & Customization

These Mexican Shredded Beef Baked Taquitos are delicious enough to be enjoyed on their own, but they truly transform into a culinary event when paired with the right accompaniments. Here are some ideas to enhance your taquito experience:

• Essential Dips: A generous dollop of fresh guacamole, vibrant pico de gallo, cool sour cream, or a zesty avocado ranch dressing are classic choices that perfectly complement the savory filling.
• Turn Up the Heat: For those who crave an extra kick, offer a side of sliced jalapeños (fresh or pickled), a sprinkle of red pepper flakes, or a drizzle of your favorite hot sauce.
• Make It a Full Meal: Serve your taquitos alongside traditional Mexican rice, hearty refried beans, or a light, crisp green salad tossed with a tangy lime vinaigrette for a complete and satisfying dinner.
• Cheese, Please! A final flourish of crumbled cotija cheese or a scattering of queso fresco over the warm taquitos adds an authentic touch and an extra layer of flavor.
• Brighten with Citrus: A fresh squeeze of lime juice just before serving brightens all the flavors and adds a refreshing zing that cuts through the richness of the beef and cheese.

Don’t hesitate to get creative with the filling itself! While the chipotle shredded beef is outstanding, this recipe is highly adaptable. Consider using shredded chicken, tender pulled pork, or even a flavorful vegetarian mixture of black beans and corn. You can also easily adjust the spice level to suit your family’s preferences by increasing or decreasing the amount of green chiles, or by adding a touch of ground cayenne pepper for a bolder heat.

Freezing and Storage: Prep for Future Deliciousness!

One of the most remarkable advantages of these Mexican Shredded Beef Baked Taquitos is their exceptional freezer-friendliness. This quality makes them an absolute dream for meal prepping, ensuring you always have a convenient, delicious, and homemade option ready to go. Imagine the ease of pulling a batch from the freezer for a quick weeknight dinner, a satisfying lunch, or an unexpected snack! Here’s how to best store and reheat them:

To Freeze Unbaked Taquitos:

1. Prepare the taquitos according to the instructions, completing all steps up to the point of baking. Crucially, do not apply cooking spray or salt at this stage.
2. Arrange the unbaked taquitos in a single layer on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
3. Place the baking sheet in the freezer for 1 to 2 hours, or until the taquitos are completely solid. This critical step prevents them from sticking together once bagged.
4. Once individually frozen, transfer the taquitos to a freezer-safe airtight container or a heavy-duty freezer bag. Clearly label the container with the date. They will maintain their quality for up to 3 months.
5. When you’re ready to enjoy them, remove the desired number of taquitos from the freezer. Lightly spray them with nonstick cooking spray, sprinkle with coarse salt, and bake directly from frozen at 400°F (200°C) for 15-20 minutes, or until they are golden brown, crisp, and heated through. There’s no need to thaw!

To Freeze Baked Taquitos:

1. Allow the fully baked taquitos to cool completely to room temperature after they come out of the oven.
2. Arrange the cooled taquitos in a single layer on a parchment-lined baking sheet and freeze until solid (about 1-2 hours).
3. Once frozen, transfer them to a freezer-safe airtight container or bag, ensuring to label with the date. They will remain fresh for up to 2 months.
4. To reheat, bake the frozen, already-cooked taquitos at 350°F (175°C) for approximately 10-15 minutes, or until thoroughly heated through and re-crisped to your liking. Alternatively, an air fryer can reheat them beautifully in 5-8 minutes at 375°F (190°C).

Keeping a well-stocked supply of these freezer-friendly taquitos means you’re always prepared for a delicious, effortless meal!

Discover More Incredible Shredded Beef Creations

If you’ve fallen in love with these versatile taquitos and find yourself with more shredded beef on hand, or simply enjoy exploring diverse beef recipes, I highly recommend trying these other fantastic options:

• Enchilada Beef Sliders: A fun, crowd-pleasing appetizer or light meal.
• Beef Barbacoa: Perfect for tacos, burritos, or bowls, offering deep, rich flavors.
• Chipotle Beef Baked Taquito Recipe: Another superb baked taquito option with a slightly different spice profile.

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Mexican Shredded Beef Baked Taquitos

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Author: Deborah Harroun

Prep Time: 15 minutes

Cook Time: 10 minutes

Total Time: 25 minutes

Servings: 12 taquitos

Course: Main Dish

Cuisine: Mexican

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These Mexican Shredded Beef Baked Taquitos deliver incredible crispiness and rich flavor without the deep-frying. They’re quick, satisfying, and perfect for freezing!

Ingredients

• 1 cup grated Monterey Jack cheese
• 4 oz cream cheese, at room temperature
• 3 cups Chipotle Shredded Beef
• 4 oz can diced green chiles
• 1/4 cup chopped cilantro
• 12 flour tortillas

Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 400ºF (200°C). Prepare a baking sheet by lining it with foil and placing a wire baking rack on top. Spray the rack generously with nonstick cooking spray.
2. In a large mixing bowl, combine the grated Monterey Jack cheese with the softened cream cheese. Mix thoroughly until the cheeses are well blended and form a creamy base.
3. Add the cooked, shredded beef, diced green chiles, and chopped cilantro to the cheese mixture. Stir all the ingredients together gently until they are evenly combined, ensuring the filling is consistent.
4. To make the tortillas pliable and prevent cracking, warm them slightly. You can do this by heating them in the microwave for about 30 seconds, or until they are soft and flexible.
5. Take one softened flour tortilla. Spoon about 2-3 tablespoons of the beef and cheese mixture onto the lower third of the tortilla, leaving a small border free from the edges to allow for easy rolling.
6. Carefully and snugly roll the tortilla from the bottom upwards to form a tight taquito. Place the rolled taquito seam-side down on the prepared baking rack.
7. Repeat this process with the remaining tortillas and filling until all 12 taquitos are assembled and neatly arranged on the baking rack.
8. Once all taquitos are on the rack, lightly spray the tops of them with nonstick cooking spray. For an extra touch of flavor and crunch, sprinkle a pinch of coarse salt over them.
9. Bake in the preheated oven for approximately 10 minutes, or until the taquitos achieve a beautiful golden brown color and are wonderfully crisp to the touch.
10. Carefully remove the baking sheet from the oven. Allow the taquitos to cool slightly on the rack for a few minutes before serving; this helps them firm up and retain their crispiness. Enjoy them warm with your favorite toppings!

Keywords: baked taquitos, shredded beef, Mexican, easy, healthy, freezer-friendly, weeknight dinner, meal prep, taquito recipe

Did you make this recipe? If you enjoyed these delicious taquitos, I’d love to hear from you! Tag me on Instagram @tasteandtell and hashtag your creation #tasteandtell. You can also leave me a comment and rating below to share your feedback. Your culinary adventures inspire me!