Heart-Healthy Beef Taquitos

Crispy, flavorful, and guilt-free, these *Heart-Healthy Beef Taquitos* are a wholesome twist on a comfort food favorite! Packed with lean ground beef, aromatic spices like cumin and smoked paprika, and nutrient-rich whole wheat tortillas, this recipe delivers big on both taste and nutrition. Baked to golden perfection—rather than fried—these taquitos are brushed with heart-healthy olive oil, reducing unnecessary fats while keeping them irresistibly crunchy. They’re stuffed with a zesty beef and tomato mixture, a sprinkle of low-fat cheddar cheese, and topped with fresh cilantro, creamy avocado slices, and a squeeze of lime for tangy balance. Quick and easy to prepare in just 45 minutes, these baked taquitos are perfect for busy weeknights or as a healthy appetizer that everyone will love. Perfect for those seeking a heart-smart, high-protein meal without sacrificing flavor!

Nutriscore Rating: 72/100

Prep Time:20 mins

Cook Time:25 mins

Total Time:45 mins

Servings: 6

Ingredients

• 1 pound Lean ground beef (90% lean)
• 2 tablespoons Olive oil
• 1 medium Yellow onion, finely chopped
• 3 cloves Garlic cloves, minced
• 1 teaspoon Ground cumin
• 1 teaspoon Chili powder
• 1 teaspoon Smoked paprika
• 0.5 teaspoon Salt
• 0.25 teaspoon Black pepper
• 1 cup Diced tomatoes, drained
• 12 small Whole wheat tortillas
• 1 cup Low-fat cheddar cheese, shredded
• 0.25 cup Fresh cilantro, chopped
• 1 large Avocado, sliced
• 4 Lime wedges

Directions

Step 1

Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.

Step 2

Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and garlic; cook for 3-4 minutes until softened.

Step 3

Add the ground beef to the skillet and cook until browned, about 5-7 minutes, breaking it up with a spatula as it cooks. Drain any excess fat.

Step 4

Stir in cumin, chili powder, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper. Cook for another 2 minutes until the spices are fragrant.

Step 5

Add the drained diced tomatoes to the beef mixture and stir well. Cook for 3-4 minutes until the mixture is well combined and slightly thickened.

Step 6

Remove the skillet from heat and let the mixture cool slightly.

Step 7

Place a tortilla on a flat surface, spoon about 2 tablespoons of beef mixture down the center, and sprinkle with a little cheddar cheese.

Step 8

Roll the tortilla tightly around the filling and place seam-side down on the prepared baking sheet.

Step 9

Brush the tops of the taquitos lightly with the remaining 1 tablespoon of olive oil.

Step 10

Bake in the preheated oven for 15 minutes, or until the tortillas are golden brown and crispy.

Step 11

Remove from the oven and let cool for a couple of minutes.

Step 12

Garnish with fresh cilantro and serve with avocado slices and lime wedges. Enjoy!

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	1855.5 grams (1855.5g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	3524

Total Fat 150.80g	193%
Saturated Fat 40.00g	200%
Polyunsaturated Fat 2.70g
Cholesterol 380mg	127%
Sodium 7065mg	307%
Total Carbohydrate 343.40g	125%
Dietary Fiber 59.80g	214%
Total Sugars 26.20g
Protein 205.20g	410%

Vitamin D 0IU	0%
Calcium 1516mg	117%
Iron 34mg	188%
Potassium 4765mg	101%

*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.

Source of Calories

Fat: 38.2%

Protein: 23.1%

Carbs: 38.7%