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Homemade Crispy Jalapeno Popper Beef Taquitos photo
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Crispy Jalapeno Popper Beef Taquitos

Savory beef and jalapeño filling with cream cheese and Pepper Jack rolled in tortillas and pan-fried until crispy.
Prep Time15 minutes
Cook Time12 minutes
Total Time27 minutes
Servings: 12 taquitos

Ingredients

  • 12 TortillaLand medium tortillas
  • 1 pound lean ground beef
  • 1/2 small onion chopped
  • 2-4 jalapeños seeded, deveined, diced
  • 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 medium (use medium for more kick)
  • 2 cups Pepper Jack cheese freshly grated, divided
  • 1 teaspoon olive oil optional, for frying

Instructions

  • Heat a large skillet over medium heat and add the ground beef, chopped onion, and diced jalapeños; cook until the beef is browned and onions are softened, about 6–8 minutes.
  • Add the minced garlic and sauté for about 30 seconds until fragrant, then drain any excess fat from the pan.
  • Stir in chili powder, cumin, smoked paprika, salt, and dried oregano until evenly combined with the meat.
  • Reduce heat to medium-low and add the cream cheese and salsa; stir frequently until the cream cheese is fully melted and the mixture is smooth.
  • Stir in 1 cup of the grated Pepper Jack cheese until melted, then remove the filling from heat and let it cool slightly.
  • To assemble, place a tortilla flat and spoon a heaping 1/4 cup of filling across the bottom third of the tortilla, then top with about 1 tablespoon of the remaining Pepper Jack cheese and roll tightly.
  • Heat 1 teaspoon olive oil in a large nonstick skillet over medium heat. Working in batches, place rolled taquitos seam-side down and cook, turning as needed, until golden brown and crisp on all sides, about 2–3 minutes per side.
  • Transfer cooked taquitos to a plate lined with paper towels briefly to drain any excess oil, then serve warm.

Equipment

  • Large Skillet
  • Spatula
  • Measuring spoons
  • measuring cups
  • Grater
  • small bowl

Notes

  • You can adjust jalapeños based on desired heat.
  • Use medium salsa for more spiciness as noted.
  • Work in batches to avoid overcrowding the pan.
  • Let filling cool slightly before assembling to make rolling easier.