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Crispy Jalapeño Popper Beef Taquitos: A Flavor Bomb You Didn’t Know You Needed

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  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 20 minutes
  • Total Time: 35 minutes
  • Yield: 12 taquitos 1x
  • Category: Appetizer
  • Method: Stovetop, Baked, or Air Fried
  • Cuisine: Mexican-Inspired
  • Diet: Halal

Description

These Crispy Jalapeño Popper Beef Taquitos are packed with spicy beef, melty cheese, and creamy jalapeño popper filling—all rolled up in golden, crispy tortillas. Baked, air-fried, or pan-crisped, they’re perfect for parties or weeknight cravings. #BeefTaquitos #JalapenoPopper #EasyAppetizer


Ingredients

Scale
  • 12 TortillaLand raw medium tortillas
  • 1 pound lean ground beef
  • 1/2 small onion, chopped
  • 24 jalapeños, seeded, deveined, diced (adjust for heat preference)
  • 3 garlic cloves, minced
  • 1 1/2 teaspoons chili powder
  • 1 teaspoon ground cumin
  • 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1/4 teaspoon dried oregano
  • 8 oz cream cheese, softened
  • 1/2 cup salsa (use medium for more of a kick)
  • 2 cups freshly grated Pepper Jack cheese, divided

Optional Garnishes:

  • Sour cream
  • Guacamole
  • Extra salsa
  • Cilantro
  • Lime wedges

Instructions

  1. In a large skillet over medium heat, cook ground beef and onion until beef is browned and onion is soft. Drain excess grease if needed.
  2. Add jalapeños and garlic, sautéing for 1–2 minutes until fragrant.
  3. Stir in chili powder, cumin, paprika, salt, and oregano. Cook for 1 more minute.
  4. Reduce heat to low and mix in the softened cream cheese until fully melted and combined.
  5. Stir in salsa and 1 cup of the Pepper Jack cheese. Mix well and remove from heat.
  6. Preheat a clean skillet or griddle over medium heat.
  7. Working one at a time, warm tortillas briefly until pliable. Spoon about 2–3 tablespoons of filling along one side of each tortilla, roll tightly, and place seam-side down.
  8. Cook taquitos seam-side down in the preheated skillet, pressing gently, until golden and crispy, about 1–2 minutes per side. (Alternatively, bake at 425°F for 15–20 minutes or air fry at 400°F for 8–10 minutes until golden.)
  9. Sprinkle remaining 1 cup of cheese over hot taquitos if desired, or serve as-is with garnishes.

Notes

  • Adjust the number of jalapeños to your spice preference.
  • You can substitute Pepper Jack with Monterey Jack or cheddar.
  • Make ahead and freeze before cooking—just bake or air fry from frozen!
  • TortillaLand tortillas are raw and need preheating before rolling; substitute with pre-cooked tortillas if needed.

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 taquito
  • Calories: 250
  • Sugar: 2g
  • Sodium: 390mg
  • Fat: 17g
  • Saturated Fat: 8g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 8g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Carbohydrates: 14g
  • Fiber: 1g
  • Protein: 11g
  • Cholesterol: 45mg