Crispy Taquitos

Crispy, crunchy corn tortillas filled with meat and LOTS of cheese. You can't go wrong!

I honestly think I could eat Mexican food every single day. From fresh salsas to hearty soups to tacos, there are so many wonderful options for all kinds of occasions and taste buds. Taquitos (also sometimes known as flautas) are crispy and crunchy and their filling can be customized to whatever flavor you prefer. Here I've included two of my personal favorites - buffalo chicken inspired and Mexican beef and refried beans.

Taquitos

• Prep Time: 30 minutes

• Cook Time: 15 minutes

• Total Time: 45 minutes

Ingredients

Buffalo Chicken Taquitos

• 1 rotisserie chicken breast, shredded

• 4 oz (half a block) of cream cheese, softened

• 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese

• 1/2 of one large jalapeño, diced

• 1 Tbs hot sauce (optional)

Mexican Beef and Beans

• 1/2 pound ground beef

• 1 taco seasoning packet

• 1 cup refried beans, smashed into a thick paste

• 1/2 of one large jalapeño, diced

You will also need:

• 12-16 corn tortillas

• vegetable oil

• Shredded lettuce

• Queso fresco or cotija cheese, crumbled

• Crema or sour cream

Directions

1. For the chicken taquitos - add all ingredients in a bowl and mix until well combined.

2. For the beef taquitos - cook the ground beef with the taco seasoning as described on the package. When the meat is fully cooked, add into a bowl with the other ingredients and mix to combine.

3. While you are prepping the fillings, heat about 1/4 inch of oil over medium-high heat in a large, high walled skillet.

4. Once the fillings are prepped, take 4 or 5 of the corn tortillas and wrap them in a paper towel. Wet your hands and pat the covered tortillas until they are slightly damp and then microwave them for 30 seconds. This will help make the tortillas more pliable and will prevent them from cracking open during cooking.

5. Spoon about 2 tablespoons of the filling mixture into a line about a 1/3 of the way up one end a tortilla and tightly roll it up.

6. When your oil is hot, place the rolled tortilla seam side down into the pan. You'll know the oil is hot enough if the taquitos sizzle as soon as they hit the oil. Fry the taquitos for a few seconds on each side, rotating them as they cook, until they are golden and crispy on all sides. Place them on a paper towel lined plate.

7. Repeat this process in small batches until all of your filling is used.

8. Serve taquitos with shredded lettuce, cheese, and any other of your favorite toppings such as guacamole, crema, or salsa.