Pinky's Taquitos

Time :30 minutes
Yield :4 servings

Recipe Background

Wait, are Pinky's Taquitos a snack or a meal? Well, why not either? Pinky's Taquitos are crispy-crunchy and ultra-savory rolls of beefy goodness! Packed with Tex-Mex seasonings for zest and heat and lots of melty cheese, these golden-brown, deep-fried tortilla rolls are perfect for topping with vibrant pico de gallo and rich sour cream! Pinky's Taquitos are just the best!
Wait, are Pinky's Taquitos a snack or a meal? Well, why not either? Pinky's Taquitos are crispy-crunchy and ultra-savory rolls of beefy goodness! Packed with Tex-Mex seasonings for zest and heat and lots of melty cheese, these golden-brown, deep-fried tortilla rolls are perfect for topping with vibrant pico de gallo and rich sour cream! Pinky's Taquitos are just the best!

Ingredients

For the taquitos:

  • 1 tablespoon vegetable oil plus more, to taste
  • 1 pound ground beef
  • 1 small onion diced
  • 2 cloves garlic finely chopped
  • 2 tablespoons tomato paste
  • 1/2 teaspoon ground cumin
  • 1/2 teaspoon chili powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon paprika
  • 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper
  • 1 cup cheddar cheese or Monterey Jack cheese shredded
  • 8 small corn tortillas

Optional, for serving:

  • sour cream to taste
  • pico de gallo to taste
  • cilantro to taste, chopped
  • lime wedges to taste

Directions

  • In a large skillet over medium-high heat, add 1 tablespoon of the oil.
  • Add the ground beef to the hot oil and cook, while crumbling, until it is no longer pink, about 5-7 minutes.
  • Add the onions and the garlic to the beef and cook, while stirring, until they are fragrant, about 2 minutes.
  • Add the tomato paste, the cumin, the chili powder, the paprika, the oregano, the salt, and the black pepper to the beef mixture and cook, while stirring, until combined.
  • Turn off the stovetop heat.
  • Add the cheese to the beef mixture and stir to combine until it is melted.
  • Microwave the tortillas until softened, about 30 seconds.
  • Lay the tortillas out flat and add the 2-3 tablespoons of the beef mixture down the center of each of the tortillas.
  • Roll each of the tortillas up tightly and secure by threading a toothpick lengthwise along the seam in the middle.
  • In a medium pot over medium-high heat, add enough of the extra oil so it is 2 inches deep and heat until it is shimmering, about 3-4 minutes.
  • Add the rolled tortillas to the hot oil, in batches, and deep-fry them, while rotating them to ensure an even browning, until they are golden-brown and crisp on all sides, about 1-2 minutes.
  • Transfer the taquitos to a paper-towel-lined plate to drain and repeat until all of the taquitos are cooked.
  • Allow the taquitos to cool slightly, then remove the toothpicks.
  • Serve with your favorite toppings.
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