Introduction: Cheesy Taquitos, also known as “Chequitos,” are a mouthwatering snack that perfectly blends savory meats with gooey, melted cheese wrapped in a crispy, golden shell. This recipe combines seasoned ground beef and flavorful shredded chicken with a delectable cheese blend, all encased in a homemade cheese “tortilla.” These cheesy taquitos are the ultimate comfort food and are perfect for game day, parties, or a fun family meal. Let’s dive into this easy and delicious recipe that’s sure to become a favorite in your household.
Overview of the Recipe: Cheesy Taquitos are a creative twist on traditional taquitos. Instead of using flour or corn tortillas, these taquitos are wrapped in a crispy, melted cheese shell that adds an extra layer of flavor and texture. The filling options include seasoned ground beef and shredded chicken, both spiced to perfection. This recipe is versatile, allowing you to choose your preferred filling or mix and match for a combination of flavors. The taquitos are easy to assemble and can be served with a variety of toppings and dips.
History and Origin: Taquitos, meaning “little tacos” in Spanish, originated in Mexican cuisine and have become a popular snack in the United States, particularly in the Southwest. Traditionally, taquitos are made by filling tortillas with meat and cheese, rolling them up, and then frying or baking until crispy. This recipe puts a cheesy spin on the classic by using a cheese shell instead of a tortilla, creating a unique and indulgent version of this beloved dish.
Ingredients:
For the Ground Beef Filling:
- 1 lb ground beef (455 g), 80/20
- 1 cup white onion (150 g), diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt
- 1 ½ teaspoons ground cumin
- ½ teaspoon chili powder
- ½ teaspoon cayenne pepper
- 2 teaspoons paprika
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
For the Shredded Chicken Filling:
- 2 cups shredded chicken (250 g), cooked
- 1 cup tomato (200 g), crushed or diced
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt
- 1 ½ teaspoons ground cumin
- ½ teaspoon chili powder
- ½ teaspoon cayenne pepper
- 2 teaspoons paprika
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
For the Cheese Shell:
- 2 cups shredded Parmesan cheese (200 g)
- 1 cup shredded Mexican cheese blend (100 g)
For Serving:
- Lime wedges
- Sour cream
- Fresh cilantro, chopped
Instructions:
- Prepare the Ground Beef Filling:
- In a large saucepan over medium heat, cook the ground beef until browned, breaking it up into small pieces with a spatula. This should take about 5-7 minutes.
- Add the diced onion and minced garlic to the beef. Cook for an additional 5 minutes, or until the onion is translucent and softened.
- Stir in the kosher salt, ground cumin, chili powder, cayenne pepper, paprika, and dried oregano. Cook for 2-3 minutes more, allowing the spices to infuse the beef with flavor. Once done, remove the beef mixture from the pan and set it aside.
- Prepare the Shredded Chicken Filling:
- In a clean large saucepan over medium heat, combine the shredded chicken and crushed or diced tomatoes.
- Add the kosher salt, ground cumin, chili powder, cayenne pepper, paprika, and dried oregano. Stir well to combine and cook for about 5 minutes, or until the mixture is heated through and the flavors have melded. Remove from the heat and set aside.
- Prepare the Cheese Shells:
- In a medium bowl, mix together the shredded Parmesan cheese and shredded Mexican cheese blend.
- Heat a medium nonstick pan over medium heat. Once hot, add about ¼ cup (25 g) of the cheese mixture to the center of the pan. Spread the cheese into a circle, about 4-5 inches in diameter.
- Allow the cheese to melt and cook until the edges begin to crisp and turn golden brown, about 2-3 minutes.
- Assemble the Taquitos:
- Once the cheese has melted and slightly crisped, add a spoonful of either the beef or chicken filling to the bottom third of the cheese circle.
- Carefully slide the cheese shell out of the pan onto a cutting board. Let it cool for about 30 seconds, then quickly and tightly roll the cheese shell around the filling, forming a taquito. The cheese will stick to itself, sealing the taquito.
- Repeat the process with the remaining cheese and fillings.
- Serve:
- Arrange the taquitos on a serving platter. Serve with lime wedges, a dollop of sour cream, and a sprinkle of fresh chopped cilantro.
- Enjoy these cheesy, savory taquitos while they’re warm and gooey!
Serving: Cheesy Taquitos are best enjoyed fresh and warm, straight from the pan. They make a great appetizer or snack and can be served with a variety of dipping sauces like salsa, guacamole, or queso. These taquitos are also perfect for a casual meal, paired with a side salad or rice.
Pairing and Serving Suggestions: Pair these taquitos with refreshing sides like pico de gallo, avocado slices, or a fresh corn salad. For beverages, consider serving them with a chilled margarita, iced tea, or a cold soda. The lime wedges and cilantro add a fresh contrast to the rich, cheesy taquitos, making them even more enjoyable.
Variations of the Recipe:
- Vegetarian Cheesy Taquitos: Substitute the meat fillings with a combination of sautéed vegetables, such as bell peppers, mushrooms, and zucchini.
- Cheesy Beef and Bean Taquitos: Add a spoonful of refried beans to the beef filling for extra heartiness.
- Cheesy BBQ Chicken Taquitos: Use shredded BBQ chicken as the filling for a sweet and tangy twist.
Health Benefits: While these taquitos are indulgent, you can make them slightly healthier by using lean ground beef or chicken breast. Additionally, using reduced-fat cheese can help lower the calorie content. Pairing them with fresh vegetables or a side salad also adds nutritional balance to the meal.
Notes:
- To save time, you can prepare the beef and chicken fillings in advance and store them in the refrigerator until you’re ready to assemble the taquitos.
- Be careful not to overcook the cheese shells, as they can become too brittle to roll.
FAQs:
- Can I make these taquitos ahead of time?
- Yes, you can prepare the fillings ahead of time and store them in the fridge. Assemble and cook the cheese shells just before serving to ensure they are warm and crispy.
- What other cheeses can I use for the shell?
- Besides Parmesan and Mexican cheese blend, you can try using cheddar, mozzarella, or a blend of your favorite cheeses.
- How do I keep the taquitos from sticking to the pan?
- Use a nonstick pan and avoid flipping or moving the cheese until it has fully melted and started to crisp. This will prevent sticking and help the cheese release easily.
- Can I bake the taquitos instead of pan-frying?
- This recipe is designed for pan-frying the cheese shells, but you could bake assembled taquitos in a preheated oven at 375°F (190°C) for 10-15 minutes, ensuring they are heated through and slightly crispy.
Conclusion: Cheesy Taquitos are a fun and delicious twist on traditional taquitos, offering a gooey, savory experience that’s hard to resist. Whether you’re making them for a party, a family meal, or just as a treat, these taquitos are sure to be a hit. With versatile filling options and the rich flavor of the cheese shells, they provide a satisfying and indulgent snack or meal. Try this recipe and enjoy the cheesy, flavorful goodness that these taquitos bring to the table!