Taquitos with beef

If you’re craving something crunchy, cheesy, and totally satisfying, these are calling your name! Golden on the outside and bursting with tender beef, sweet peppers, and a hint of melty cheese on the inside, they’re a handheld fiesta you can whip up in no time.

I like to serve them with creamy yoghurt and a simple, refreshing salad with fresh coriander, juicy tomatoes, and red onion. Bright, fresh, and perfectly light to balance the indulgent taquitos.

Not only are they delicious, but they’re healthy too! Lean beef brings protein, sweet peppers pack vitamin C and antioxidants, the vegetables add fibre, and the yoghurt gives gut-friendly probiotics.

Inspired by Mexican street food, taquitos are all about simplicity, crunch, and bold flavours. These are easy, fast, and insanely tasty, perfect for weeknight dinners, fun lunches, or a snack to wow your friends.

Ingredients: (for 8 pieces – 2 portions)

• 400 g ground beef
• 1 heaping tablespoon Mexican seasoning mix
• 1 red onion
• 1 medium tomato
• 1 heaping tablespoon smoked paprika (spicy or sweet, depending on preference)
• 8 small tortilla wraps
• 50 g yoghurt
• 60 g grated cheese (cheddar works well)
• 1 bell pepper
• 200 g canned crushed tomatoes
• 1 tablespoon vinegar
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• A little sunflower oil
• 10 g fresh coriander

Preparation:

Wash, peel, and chop the vegetables as shown in the image below.

Preheat the oven to 220°C and let it heat up.

In a large frying pan, heat a little oil over medium heat. Once hot, add the bell pepper and two-thirds of the chopped onion. Sauté for a few minutes until the onion starts to soften. Add the ground beef along with the Mexican seasoning mix, stirring well. Cook for 3–4 minutes, stirring frequently, then add the crushed tomatoes and smoked paprika. Mix everything and let it simmer for about 4–5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until slightly reduced.

Line a baking tray with parchment paper.

Once the filling is ready, remove the pan from the heat and start assembling the taquitos. Divide the mixture into 8 equal portions. Place one portion of the beef mixture on each tortilla wrap, sprinkle a little grated cheese on top, then roll them up and secure with a toothpick.

Transfer the taquitos to the prepared baking tray and bake in the preheated oven for about 10 minutes, or until the tortillas are nicely golden and crisp.

While the taquitos are baking, prepare the salad. Combine the remaining chopped onion with the diced tomato and chopped coriander. Season with salt, pepper, and a tablespoon of vinegar. Mix everything well and set aside.

Once the taquitos are baked, remove them from the oven and transfer to a serving platter. Don’t forget to take out the toothpicks! Serve them alongside the salad and a dollop of yoghurt.

If you try the recipe, let me know how you liked it! 😊

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