Description
These Crispy Jalapeño Popper Beef Taquitos combine spicy jalapeños, creamy cheese, and savory ground beef wrapped in warm tortillas and pan-fried to a golden crisp. Perfect as a flavorful appetizer or a satisfying meal, they deliver a delightful crunch and rich, spicy cheese filling in every bite.
Ingredients
Scale
Taquito Ingredients
- 12 TortillaLand raw medium tortillas
- 1 pound lean ground beef
- ½ small onion, chopped
- 2-4 jalapeños, seeded, deveined, and diced
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 ½ teaspoons chili powder
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- ½ teaspoon smoked paprika
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon dried oregano
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- ½ cup salsa (medium heat)
- 2 cups freshly grated Pepper Jack cheese, divided
- 1 teaspoon olive oil (optional)
Instructions
- Make Filling: Add the ground beef, diced jalapeños, and chopped onions to a large skillet over medium heat. Cook until the onions are softened and the beef is fully cooked. Add minced garlic and sauté for an additional 30 seconds until fragrant. Drain any excess fat from the skillet to reduce greasiness.
- Add Seasonings and Cheese: Stir in the chili powder, ground cumin, smoked paprika, salt, and dried oregano. Follow by adding salsa and softened cream cheese. Cook over medium-low heat, stirring often until the cream cheese is fully melted and evenly combined. Stir in 1 cup of the freshly grated Pepper Jack cheese until melted. Remove the mixture from heat.
- Assemble Taquitos: Place about a heaping ¼ cup of the beef and cheese filling onto the bottom third of each raw tortilla. Top the filling with a heaping tablespoon of the remaining Pepper Jack cheese. Roll the tortillas tightly to secure the filling inside.
- Cook Taquitos: Heat 1 teaspoon of olive oil in a large nonstick skillet over medium heat (this step is optional but helps achieve extra crispiness). Working in batches to avoid overcrowding, add the rolled taquitos and cook until golden brown on all sides, turning frequently to ensure even crisping.
Notes
- For less heat, reduce the number of jalapeños or remove all seeds and membranes.
- Use medium heat salsa to balance the spice without overpowering the dish.
- Olive oil is optional but recommended for extra crispiness and flavor.
- Make sure to roll the taquitos tightly to avoid fillings leaking during cooking.
- This recipe can be made ahead and refrigerated before cooking for convenience.
