Crispy Rolled Chipotle Beef Tacos Recipe

Introduction

These Crispy Rolled Chipotle Beef Tacos are a flavorful twist on a classic favorite. Tender, spicy meat rolled in tortillas and baked until perfectly crispy makes for a satisfying and fun meal. Topped with melted cheese and a creamy chipotle ranch, they’re sure to be a hit at any dinner table.

Ingredients

• 1 1/2 pounds ground beef or chicken
• 1 yellow onion, sliced
• 1 tablespoon chili powder
• 2 teaspoons garlic powder
• 2 teaspoons chipotle chile powder, or 2 canned chipotle chiles, chopped
• 2 teaspoons smoked paprika
• 1 teaspoon ground cumin
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1 can red enchilada sauce
• 2 cups shredded Mexican cheese
• 16-20 flour tortillas
• Olive oil, for rubbing
• 1 cup plain Greek yogurt or sour cream
• 1 cup fresh cilantro
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon onion powder
• 1 teaspoon dried dill
• 1/4 cup lime juice
• 1 teaspoon kosher salt

Instructions

1. Step 1: Preheat the oven to 425° F.
2. Step 2: In a large skillet, combine the ground meat and sliced onions. Cook over medium heat, breaking up the meat, until browned and cooked through, about 5 minutes.
3. Step 3: Add chili powder, garlic powder, chipotle powder or chopped chipotle chiles, smoked paprika, cumin, oregano, and salt. Pour in 1/2 cup water and cook for 2-5 minutes, allowing the water to reduce.
4. Step 4: Stir in 1/2 cup of the enchilada sauce. Remove the skillet from heat.
5. Step 5: Spoon about 2 tablespoons of the meat mixture down the center of each flour tortilla. Roll up the tortillas tightly and place them seam-side down on a baking sheet.
6. Step 6: Brush or rub the tops of the rolled tacos with olive oil. Bake in the preheated oven for 12-15 minutes, until they are crispy and golden all around.
7. Step 7: Pour the remaining enchilada sauce evenly over the baked tacos, then scatter shredded cheese on top. Return to the oven and bake for another 10 minutes until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
8. Step 8: To make the chipotle ranch sauce, blend together Greek yogurt or sour cream, fresh cilantro, garlic powder, onion powder, dried dill, lime juice, and kosher salt until smooth.
9. Step 9: Serve the crispy rolled chipotle beef tacos hot, topped generously with the chipotle ranch sauce. Enjoy with avocado slices or your favorite sides.

Tips & Variations

• For extra heat, add more chipotle chiles or a splash of hot sauce to the meat mixture.
• Swap the ground beef for ground turkey or chicken for a lighter version.
• Use corn tortillas for a gluten-free option, but be careful when rolling as they are less pliable.
• Prepare the ranch sauce a few hours ahead to let the flavors meld.
• Add diced avocado or fresh salsa as additional toppings for more texture and freshness.

Storage

Store leftover tacos in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, bake in a preheated oven at 350° F for about 10 minutes to retain crispiness. Avoid microwaving as it can make the tortillas soggy.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I make these tacos ahead of time?

Yes, you can assemble the rolled tacos in advance and keep them refrigerated before baking. This makes them perfect for meal prep or entertaining.

Can I freeze these tacos?

Yes, these tacos freeze well. Freeze them before baking on a baking sheet, then transfer to a freezer bag. Bake from frozen by adding extra time, about 5-8 minutes more at 425° F.

Crispy Rolled Chipotle Beef Tacos Recipe

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★★★★★

4.7 from 126 reviews

• Author: Jake
• Total Time: 40 minutes
• Yield: 16–20 tacos 1x

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Description

These Crispy Rolled Chipotle Beef Tacos are a flavorful twist on traditional tacos, featuring a smoky chipotle and chili powder seasoned ground beef or chicken, rolled inside flour tortillas, baked to a perfect crispiness, and topped with melty Mexican cheese and a zesty homemade ranch dressing. Perfect for a delicious and satisfying meal with a balance of smoky, spicy, and creamy flavors.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Meat Filling

• 1 1/2 pounds ground beef or chicken
• 1 yellow onion, sliced
• 1 tablespoon chili powder
• 2 teaspoons garlic powder
• 2 teaspoons chipotle chile powder, or 2 canned chipotle chiles, chopped
• 2 teaspoons smoked paprika
• 1 teaspoon ground cumin
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 cup water
• 1/2 cup red enchilada sauce

Tacos & Toppings

• 16–20 flour tortillas
• olive oil, for rubbing
• 1/2 cup red enchilada sauce (remaining from 1 can total)
• 2 cups shredded Mexican cheese

Ranch Dressing

• 1 cup plain Greek yogurt or sour cream
• 1 cup fresh cilantro
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon onion powder
• 1 teaspoon dried dill
• 1/4 cup lime juice
• 1 teaspoon kosher salt

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Instructions

1. Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C) to prepare for baking the crispy tacos.
2. Cook Meat and Onions: In a large skillet over medium heat, combine the ground meat and sliced onions. Cook, breaking up the meat, until browned and the onions are soft, about 5 minutes.
3. Add Spices and Sauce: Stir in chili powder, garlic powder, chipotle powder or chopped canned chipotles, smoked paprika, cumin, oregano, and salt. Pour in 1/2 cup water and cook for 2-5 minutes until the water evaporates. Mix in 1/2 cup of red enchilada sauce and then remove the skillet from heat.
4. Assemble Tacos: Spoon 2 tablespoons of the meat mixture down the center of each flour tortilla. Roll up tightly and place seam-side down on a baking sheet. Lightly rub the tops with olive oil to help crisping.
5. Bake Tacos: Bake the rolled tacos in the preheated oven for 12-15 minutes, until they are crispy all around.
6. Add Sauce and Cheese: Remove from oven and pour the remaining 1/2 cup enchilada sauce over the tacos. Scatter shredded Mexican cheese evenly on top.
7. Melt Cheese: Return the baking sheet to the oven and bake for another 10 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
8. Prepare Ranch Dressing: While the tacos bake, blend together Greek yogurt or sour cream, fresh cilantro, garlic powder, onion powder, dried dill, lime juice, and kosher salt in a blender until smooth and creamy.
9. Serve: Serve the crispy tacos hot with generous drizzles of the homemade cilantro ranch dressing and optional avocado slices for added creaminess and freshness.

Notes

• You can substitute ground chicken for beef for a lighter variation.
• Adjust chipotle chile powder or canned chipotles to control the spice level.
• Use gluten-free tortillas to make this recipe gluten-free if needed.
• Leftover tacos can be refrigerated and crisped up again in the oven before serving.
• For a dairy-free ranch alternative, use a plant-based yogurt and skip the cheese or replace with a non-dairy cheese.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 30 minutes
• Category: Main Dish
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: Mexican

Keywords: chipotle beef tacos, crispy rolled tacos, enchilada sauce tacos, Mexican cheese tacos, homemade ranch dressing