Chorizo Taquitos

Chorizo Taquitos Recipe: Mexican Beef and Cheddar Flour Taquitos

Region / culture: Mexico | Preparation time: 20 minutes | Cooking time: 18 minutes | Servings: 6

Introduction

Chorizo Taquitos are a delicious and flavorful Mexican dish that is perfect for a quick and easy meal or snack. These taquitos are filled with spicy chorizo sausage, salsa, and cheese, then rolled up in a tortilla and baked until crispy. They are perfect for parties, game day, or just a fun weeknight dinner.

History

Chorizo Taquitos have roots in traditional Mexican cuisine, where taquitos are a popular street food. The word "taquito" actually means "small taco" in Spanish. Chorizo, a type of spicy pork sausage, adds a delicious kick to these taquitos and gives them a unique flavor profile.

Ingredients

1 (16 oz, bulk) package of beef chorizo sausage, with casing removed
1 cup of medium chunky salsa, drained
1 cup of shredded mild cheddar cheese
6 fajita-size flour tortillas

How to prepare

Preheat the oven to 400°F (204°C).
In a large skillet, sauté the sausage over medium heat until browned, about 6 minutes.
Drain 0.25 cup of oil from the cooked sausage. Set the sausage aside to cool.
Stir salsa and cheese into the sausage in the skillet.
Place 1 tortilla on a clean work surface.
Spoon 0.25 cup of the sausage mixture down the center of the tortilla.
Fold the tortilla in half, then roll it up. Secure with toothpicks.
Place the rolled tortillas on a foil-covered cookie sheet.
Repeat the process 5 times.
Bake until the filling is hot and the tortilla is crisp and golden brown, about 18 minutes.
Cut the taquitos in half crosswise.
Serve hot with guacamole and sour cream.

Variations

Substitute the chorizo sausage with ground beef or shredded chicken for a different flavor profile.
Add diced onions, bell peppers, or jalapeños to the sausage mixture for added texture and flavor.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

Make sure to drain the salsa well before adding it to the sausage mixture to prevent the taquitos from becoming soggy.

- Use toothpicks to secure the taquitos before baking to ensure they hold their shape.

- Serve the taquitos with fresh guacamole and sour cream for a delicious dipping sauce.

Serving Suggestions

Serve Chorizo Taquitos with fresh guacamole, sour cream, and salsa for dipping.

Cooking Techniques

Baking the taquitos in the oven ensures that they are crispy and golden brown without the need for frying.

Ingredient Substitutions

Use corn tortillas instead of flour tortillas for a gluten-free option.

- Swap out the cheddar cheese for pepper jack or Monterey Jack cheese for a different flavor.

Make Ahead Tips

You can prepare the taquitos ahead of time and store them in the refrigerator until ready to bake.

Presentation Ideas

Serve the Chorizo Taquitos on a platter with fresh cilantro and lime wedges for a colorful and appetizing presentation.

Pairing Recommendations

Pair Chorizo Taquitos with a side of Mexican rice, refried beans, or a simple green salad for a complete meal.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Store any leftover taquitos in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven or microwave until heated through.

Nutrition Information

Calories per serving

Each serving of Chorizo Taquitos contains approximately 250 calories.

Carbohydrates

Each serving of Chorizo Taquitos contains approximately 20 grams of carbohydrates.

Fats

Each serving of Chorizo Taquitos contains approximately 15 grams of fat.

Proteins

Each serving of Chorizo Taquitos contains approximately 12 grams of protein.

Vitamins and minerals

Chorizo Taquitos are a good source of calcium, iron, and vitamin C.

Alergens

Chorizo Taquitos contain dairy (cheese) and wheat (tortillas).

Summary

Chorizo Taquitos are a delicious and satisfying dish that is relatively high in fat and protein, making them a filling meal or snack option.

Summary

Chorizo Taquitos are a delicious and easy-to-make dish that is perfect for any occasion. With a flavorful filling of spicy chorizo sausage, salsa, and cheese, these taquitos are sure to be a hit with family and friends. Serve them with your favorite toppings and enjoy a taste of Mexico in every bite.

How did I get this recipe?

I can still remember the exact moment I discovered this recipe for Chorizo Taquitos. It was a warm summer day, and I was visiting my friend Maria at her home in Mexico City. Maria was known for her incredible cooking skills, and I always looked forward to our culinary adventures together.

As we sat in her cozy kitchen, sipping on freshly brewed coffee, Maria suddenly jumped up from her chair and exclaimed, "I have the perfect recipe to share with you today, my dear friend! It's a family favorite - Chorizo Taquitos."

I was intrigued, as I had never heard of Chorizo Taquitos before. Maria quickly gathered the ingredients - fresh chorizo sausage, corn tortillas, onions, garlic, and a blend of spices. She began to cook, her skilled hands moving effortlessly around the kitchen.

As the delicious aroma of the chorizo filled the room, Maria shared the story behind the recipe. She explained that her grandmother had taught her how to make Chorizo Taquitos when she was just a young girl. It was a treasured family recipe that had been passed down through generations.

Maria's grandmother had learned the recipe from a dear friend who hailed from the northern region of Mexico. The friend had traveled to Maria's village many years ago and had brought with her a taste of her homeland - the spicy and flavorful Chorizo Taquitos.

As Maria continued to cook, she shared memories of her grandmother bustling around the kitchen, teaching her the intricacies of Mexican cuisine. She spoke of the love and care that went into each dish, and how food had the power to bring people together and create lasting memories.

I watched in awe as Maria expertly rolled the chorizo mixture into the corn tortillas, creating perfectly crisp and golden taquitos. She fried them to perfection, and we sat down to enjoy the fruits of our labor.

The Chorizo Taquitos were absolutely delicious - spicy, savory, and bursting with flavor. I couldn't believe how such simple ingredients could come together to create such a mouthwatering dish. Maria beamed with pride as I savored each bite, knowing that she had shared a piece of her family history with me.

After that day, Chorizo Taquitos became a staple in my own kitchen. I would often think back to that warm summer day in Maria's kitchen, the scent of chorizo lingering in the air, and the laughter and friendship we shared over a delicious meal.

I have since shared the recipe with my own grandchildren, passing down the tradition of Chorizo Taquitos from one generation to the next. It brings me joy to see them gathered around the kitchen table, rolling taquitos and creating memories just like Maria and I did so many years ago.

As I look back on that fateful day in Mexico City, I am grateful for the gift of friendship, good food, and cherished family recipes. The recipe for Chorizo Taquitos will always hold a special place in my heart, a reminder of the bonds we create through the simple act of sharing a meal.