Rolled Taquitos Fresh Salsa and Guacamole

Rolled Taquitos

Ingredients:

1 tablespoon chili powder

¼ teaspoon garlic powder

¼ teaspoon onion powder

¼ teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes

¼ teaspoon oregano

½ teaspoon paprika

1 ½ teaspoons ground cumin

1 teaspoon sea salt

1 teaspoon black pepper

1 lb 95% lean ground beef

½ cup salsa (I used medium heat, but feel free to adjust to your preferences)

3 oz 50% reduced fat Pepper Jack cheese, shredded (I used Cabot)

16 6” corn tortillas (I used Mission Extra Thin Yellow Corn)

Instructions:

Step 1:

Pre-heat the oven to 400. Line a baking sheet with foil and then lightly mist it with cooking spray and set aside.

Step 2:

Combine the chili powder, garlic powder, onion powder, red pepper flakes, oregano, paprika, cumin, salt and pepper in a dish and stir together to make your own taco seasoning.

Set aside.

Step 3:

Bring a large nonstick skillet over medium heat and add the ground beef.

Cook while breaking up with a wooden spoon until beef is completely browned and broken into small pieces.

Drain any grease from the pan.

Add the taco seasoning from step 2 and the salsa and stir together until well combined.

Transfer the mixture to a mixing bowl and add the shredded cheese.

Stir to combine.

Step 4:

Place about half the tortillas between two paper towels and microwave them for 30-60 seconds until they are warm and pliable.

Place a tortilla on a clean, dry work surface and then scoop two rounded tablespoons of beef filling onto the bottom third of the tortilla.

Roll the tortilla up from the bottom to surround the filling and once it’s rolled into a tube, place it on the prepared baking sheet, seam side down.

Repeat steps with the remaining ingredients (including microwaving the other half of the tortillas when you get to them).

When all the taquitos are rolled and on the baking sheet, mist the tops of the taquitos with cooking spray.

Step 5:

Place the baking sheet in the oven and bake for about 15 minutes until tortillas start to get golden and crispy.

Enjoy !!

Notes:

Homemade Taco Seasoning: The recipe starts by making a homemade taco seasoning blend using a variety of spices like chili powder, garlic powder, onion powder, red pepper flakes, oregano, paprika, cumin, salt, and pepper. This ensures full control over the flavors and allows customization based on personal preference.

Lean Ground Beef: The use of 95% lean ground beef reduces the fat content while still providing flavor and protein. Browning the beef well and draining excess grease ensures the taquito filling is not greasy.

Salsa for Flavor: Adding salsa to the ground beef mixture adds moisture, flavor, and a hint of spiciness. Use your preferred heat level of salsa to adjust the spiciness of the taquitos.

Reduced-Fat Pepper Jack Cheese: Using reduced-fat cheese helps to reduce the overall fat content without compromising on flavor. Pepper Jack cheese adds a bit of heat and melts beautifully inside the taquitos.

Corn Tortillas: Corn tortillas are used to make these taquitos, providing an authentic flavor and texture. Microwaving the tortillas helps to make them pliable and easier to roll without breaking.

Assembly and Baking: Rolling the tortillas with the beef and cheese filling and then baking them in the oven until golden and crispy ensures a healthier cooking method compared to frying. Baking with a light mist of cooking spray helps achieve a crispy texture without excess oil.

Customization: Feel free to customize the filling by adding ingredients like diced onions, bell peppers, or black beans for extra texture and flavor.

Serving and Enjoyment: Serve these taquitos with your favorite toppings such as guacamole, sour cream, or salsa for dipping. They make a delicious appetizer, snack, or main dish for lunch or dinner.

Make-Ahead Option: These taquitos can be prepared ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator. Simply reheat in the oven or microwave before serving.

Healthier Alternative: Baking instead of frying these taquitos results in a healthier dish with less added fat, making them a great option for those looking to enjoy Mexican-inspired flavors without excess calories.

Nutrition Information:

SERVING SIZE: 2 taquitos

Fresh Salsa and Guacamole

Ingredients:

Salsa

5 ripe tomatoes, diced

1/3 cup red onion, diced

1 jalapeño, minced for a lot of extra heat, don’t gut the jalapeño; throw the seeds into the mix.

3 cloves of garlic, minced

1 lime, zested and juiced

1/4 cup extra virgin olive oil

1/2 tsp kosher salt

1/4 cup freshly chopped cilantro (or flat leaf parsley, if you’re like me and hate cilantro).

Guacamole

4 large avocados, peeled and pitted

1 lime, zested and juiced

1/4 tsp kosher salt, more to taste if necessary

1/3 cup of the homemade salsa, plus extra juice from the salsa due to the freshly chopped tomatoes, the salsa can get liquid-y. No biggie! Transfer some of that juice to your guac and mix it in 🙂

Instructions

Salsa

Combine all of the ingredients together in a large bowl and toss until combined.

Let stand for 15 minutes before serving, or cover and place in the refrigerator until serving time. (If you simply cover it with plastic wrap, it *will* make your fridge smell garlicky. Just a heads up 😉 )

Guacamole

Peel and pit the avocados, and place them into a large bowl.

Smash them a few times with a form to break them down.

Add the lime juice, kosher salt, and 5 TBSPs of the salsa, plus some of the juice from the salsa.

Smash and mix until the guacamole reaches your ideal smoothness (some people like it chunky, some like it silky. You do you!)

If not serving immediately, cover and place in the refrigerator until serving time.

Serve with your fave tortilla chips!

Notes:

Fresh Ingredients: This recipe uses vibrant and fresh ingredients like ripe tomatoes, red onion, jalapeño, garlic, lime, cilantro (or parsley for cilantro haters), and avocados. These ingredients provide bold flavors and textures.

Flavor Balance: The salsa and guacamole are seasoned with kosher salt and lime juice, which helps to balance the flavors and enhance the natural taste of the ingredients.

Preparation: Both the salsa and guacamole are easy to prepare. For the salsa, simply combine all the ingredients in a bowl and let it stand to allow the flavors to meld together. For the guacamole, mash the avocados and mix in the lime juice, salt, and salsa, adjusting to your preferred texture.

Customizable Heat: The spiciness of the salsa can be adjusted by leaving the seeds in or removing them from the jalapeño. This allows you to tailor the heat level to your preference.

Make-Ahead: Both the salsa and guacamole can be prepared ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator until serving. This makes them convenient options for parties or gatherings.

Serve with Tortilla Chips: The finished salsa and guacamole pair perfectly with tortilla chips, making them ideal for snacking or as an appetizer for gatherings.

Freshness and Brightness: The lime zest and juice add a bright, citrusy flavor to both the salsa and guacamole, enhancing their freshness.

Texture: The guacamole’s texture can be adjusted based on personal preference—whether you like it chunky or smooth.

Variations: Feel free to customize the recipe by adding additional ingredients such as diced mango, diced cucumber, or a touch of hot sauce to suit your taste.

Storage: Leftover salsa and guacamole can be stored in airtight containers in the refrigerator. To prevent browning of the guacamole, press plastic wrap directly onto the surface before sealing.

Nutrition Information:

Serving size: 1/6 salsa and 1/4 guacamole

Frequently Asked Questions of Rolled Taquitos

Can I use a different type of meat instead of ground beef for these taquitos?

Yes, you can use other meats such as ground turkey, chicken, or even a meatless option like seasoned beans or tofu for a vegetarian version.

Is there a milder version of the taquitos for those who can’t handle too much spice?

Absolutely! You can adjust the level of spiciness by reducing or omitting the crushed red pepper flakes and using a mild salsa instead of medium or hot.

Can I make the taquitos ahead of time and reheat them later?

Yes, you can assemble the taquitos ahead of time and refrigerate them.

When you’re ready to enjoy them, preheat the oven and bake until they are warm and crispy.

Can I freeze the taquitos for future use?

Yes, you can freeze the taquitos before baking them. Place the assembled taquitos on a baking sheet and freeze until firm.

Then transfer them to a freezer-safe container or bag. When you’re ready to bake, no need to thaw, just increase the baking time slightly.

Can I serve these taquitos with any dipping sauce?

Absolutely! You can serve these taquitos with your favorite dipping sauce, such as guacamole, sour cream, salsa, or a spicy chipotle sauce for an extra kick.

Can I use different types of cheese for the taquitos?

Yes, you can use other types of cheese according to your preference.

Monterey Jack, Colby Jack, or even regular cheddar cheese can be good alternatives.

Can I make these taquitos gluten-free?

To make the taquitos gluten-free, ensure that the corn tortillas you use are certified gluten-free.

Most corn tortillas are gluten-free, but it’s essential to check the packaging to confirm.

Are there any vegetable additions that would complement the spicy beef filling?

Absolutely! You can add diced bell peppers, onions, or even cooked black beans to the beef mixture for added flavor and texture.

Can I use flour tortillas instead of corn tortillas?

Yes, you can use flour tortillas if you prefer.

Keep in mind that flour tortillas may have a slightly different texture and taste, but they will still work well for making taquitos.

Frequently Asked Questions of Fresh Salsa and Guacamole

Can I adjust the spiciness of the salsa?

Absolutely! The heat level can be adjusted by controlling the amount of jalapeño used.

For a milder salsa, remove the seeds and membranes from the jalapeño before mincing.

How do I prevent the guacamole from browning?

To prevent guacamole from browning, press a piece of plastic wrap directly onto the surface of the guacamole before covering it with an airtight lid.

This minimizes exposure to air and helps retain its vibrant green color.

Can I substitute cilantro with parsley in the salsa?

Yes, if you’re not a fan of cilantro, flat-leaf parsley can be used as an alternative.

It adds a fresh herbaceous flavor without the distinctive taste of cilantro.

What’s the best way to choose ripe avocados for guacamole?

Look for avocados that are slightly firm yet yield to gentle pressure when squeezed.

Avoid avocados that are mushy or have dark spots.

The color under the stem should be green.

How long can I store the salsa and guacamole in the refrigerator?

Both salsa and guacamole can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 2-3 days in airtight containers.

However, guacamole may start to brown after a day, even with proper storage.

Can I make this recipe ahead of time for a party?

Yes, both salsa and guacamole can be prepared ahead of time and stored separately.

Combine them just before serving to maintain optimal freshness and texture.

What are the best tortilla chips to serve with salsa and guacamole?

Choose your favorite tortilla chips based on personal preference.

Opt for sturdy chips that can hold up to dipping without breaking, such as traditional yellow corn tortilla chips or multigrain varieties.

Is this recipe suitable for vegetarians?

Yes, this recipe is vegetarian-friendly. It features fresh vegetables, fruits (avocados), and herbs without any meat or animal products.

Can I add additional ingredients to customize the salsa or guacamole?

Absolutely! Feel free to add diced mango, pineapple, cucumber, or finely chopped red bell pepper to the salsa for added sweetness and texture.

For guacamole, diced red onion or minced jalapeño can be delightful additions.

What other dishes can I serve with this salsa and guacamole?

This salsa and guacamole pair well with a variety of Mexican-inspired dishes such as tacos, quesadillas, nachos, or as a topping for grilled meats or seafood.

They can also elevate simple salads or grain bowls.