Beef Taquitos With A Spicy Tomatillo Jalapeño Salsa

Ingredients:

½ lb tomatillos

2 (¾ oz) pieces cheddar

¼ oz fresh cilantro

1 medium red onion

10 oz ground beef

taco seasoning (use 2¼ tsp)

6 (6-inch) flour tortillas

2 oz sour cream

1 jalapeño chile

Instructions:

Prep ingredients

Preheat oven to 425°F with a rack in the upper third.

Remove and discard husks from tomatillos; halve and coarsely chop.

Cut all of the cheddar into small pieces.

Coarsely chop cilantro leaves and stems together.

Peel and finely chop onion.

Thinly slice jalapeño crosswise into rings, then finely chop 1 tablespoon (reserve rings for step 6).

Lightly oil a rimmed baking sheet.

Cook beef

Heat 1 tablespoon oil in a medium skillet over medium-high.

Add all but 2 tablespoons of the onions; cook, stirring, until softened and golden brown, 3–4 minutes.

Add beef, 2¼ teaspoons taco seasoning, and a pinch of salt.

Cook beef, breaking up large pieces with a spoon, until browned, about 3 minutes.

Season to taste with salt and pepper.

Assemble taquitos

Place tortillas on a work surface; spoon about 3 tablespoons beef filling onto one half of each tortilla, and spread to a 4×1-inch rectangle.

Top with cheese, then roll tightly, starting at the filled side of the tortilla.

Place taquitos seam sides down on prepared baking sheet.

Rinse and dry skillet and reserve for step 5.

Bake taquitos

Generously brush tops and sides of taquitos with oil.

Bake on upper oven rack until golden brown and crisp, 15–20 minutes (watch closely, as ovens vary).

Make tomatillo salsa

Heat 1 tablespoon oil in reserved skillet over medium.

Add chopped jalapeños and tomatillos, and cook, stirring, until softened and lightly browned, 2–4 minutes.

Add ½ cup water and ¼ teaspoon each salt and sugar.

Cook, crushing tomatillos with potato masher or fork, until reduced to 1 cup, 4–5 minutes.

Stir in half of the cilantro.

Season to taste with salt and pepper.

Finish & serve

In a small bowl, slightly thin sour cream by mixing in 1 teaspoon water as needed until pourable.

Season to taste with salt and pepper.

Serve taquitos topped with tomatillo salsa, sour cream, and remaining chopped onions, reserved jalapeño rings, and cilantro.

Enjoy!

Notes:

Preparation Efficiency: This recipe is efficient in its preparation, as it guides you to prep ingredients while the oven preheats and provides clear step-by-step instructions for each component.

Flavorful Salsa: The tomatillo jalapeño salsa adds a zesty and spicy kick to the dish, complementing the savory beef and cheese filling of the taquitos. It’s a fresh and vibrant addition to the meal.

Customizable: You can easily customize the level of spiciness in both the salsa and the taquitos by adjusting the amount of jalapeño used. Additionally, you can add extra toppings or ingredients to suit your taste preferences.

Texture Contrast: The baked taquitos offer a crispy exterior that contrasts nicely with the tender beef filling and gooey melted cheese inside. This variation in textures enhances the overall eating experience.

Make-Ahead Option: While best served fresh from the oven, you can prepare components of this dish in advance, such as cooking the beef filling and making the salsa. This can help save time when you’re ready to assemble and bake the taquitos.

Presentation: Garnishing the taquitos with reserved jalapeño rings, chopped onions, and fresh cilantro adds visual appeal and additional flavor layers, making the dish more appetizing.

Serving Suggestions: Serve the taquitos with sides like guacamole, salsa verde, or a simple salad to create a well-rounded meal. The sour cream topping provides a cool and creamy contrast to the spicy salsa.

Versatile: While the recipe specifies beef filling, you can easily substitute it with other proteins such as chicken, pork, or beans to cater to dietary preferences or restrictions.

Family-Friendly: These beef taquitos are sure to be a hit with the whole family. They’re a fun and interactive dish that can be enjoyed as a snack, appetizer, or main course.

Cleanup Tips: To minimize cleanup, line the baking sheet with parchment paper or aluminum foil before placing the taquitos on it. This makes for easier cleanup and prevents the taquitos from sticking to the pan.

Nutrition Information:

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can I use corn tortillas instead of flour tortillas for this recipe?

Yes, you can use corn tortillas if you prefer.

The flavor and texture may vary slightly, but they will work well with the beef filling and salsa.

How can I make this recipe vegetarian?

To make it vegetarian, you can substitute the ground beef with cooked black beans, lentils, or a meat alternative of your choice seasoned with taco seasoning.

Can I use pre-made taco seasoning instead of making my own?

Yes, you can use pre-made taco seasoning if you prefer.

Just adjust the amount according to the package instructions and your taste preferences.

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

While they are best served fresh from the oven for optimal crispiness, you can make them ahead of time and reheat them in the oven at 350°F until warmed through.

Is there a substitute for tomatillos if I can’t find them?

If you can’t find tomatillos, you can substitute them with green tomatoes or canned green salsa verde.

However, keep in mind that the flavor may differ slightly.

How spicy is the jalapeño salsa?

The spiciness of the salsa can vary depending on the heat level of the jalapeño and whether you remove the seeds.

Adjust the amount of jalapeño to suit your taste preferences for spice.

Can I freeze the taquitos before baking them?

Yes, you can assemble the taquitos and freeze them on a baking sheet until firm, then transfer them to a freezer bag.

When ready to bake, no need to thaw; just bake them directly from the freezer, adding a few extra minutes to the cooking time.

What can I serve as side dishes with these taquitos?

You can serve them with Mexican rice, refried beans, corn salad, or a simple side salad.

Guacamole and salsa are also excellent accompaniments.

Can I use ground turkey or chicken instead of beef?

Yes, you can substitute ground turkey or chicken for the beef if you prefer.

Just ensure they are cooked through before assembling the taquitos.

How long will the leftover salsa and taquitos stay fresh in the refrigerator?

The salsa can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days, while the taquitos are best consumed within 2-3 days.

Reheat the taquitos in the oven to maintain their crispiness.