Easy Vegetarian Taquitos

These five-ingredient vegetarian taquitos are the perfect quick and easy dinner! They’re easy to assemble and you can add your favorite toppings to customize this dinner for the whole family!

I love these vegetarian taquitos because I can get them in the oven in less than 10 minutes. The taco seasoning gives this recipe plenty of flavor and the beans are so satisfying. If you don’t have any taco seasoning in your pantry, you can easily make your own! I originally created this taco seasoning recipe for my cookbook, but I loved it so much I decided to share it on the blog!

This recipe makes between 8-10 taquitos, depending on how full you want them to be. Typically, taquitos are pretty thin and wrapped tightly. But I prefer a little more filling so I usually make 6, but feel free to make more if you like!

Taquitos vs. Flautas

Taquitos are kind of like a rolled-up taco. While many versions are filled with chicken or beef, these taquitos are vegetarian, using beans and cheese as the main filling. Taquitos are traditionally made with corn tortillas whereas flautas are made with flour tortillas. These are certainly not traditional taquitos by any means, but you can read more about the history of taquitos here.

Ingredients

• Taco Seasoning– You can make your own with this taco seasoning recipe or you can pick some up at the store! Just keep an eye on the sodium, as some storebought brands are very salty.
• Refried Beans- Be sure to get vegetarian or fat-free refried beans, as traditional refried beans are often made with lard.
• Tortillas– Taquitos are traditionally made with corn tortillas. You’ll need very fresh corn tortillas that are soft and pliable, so they don’t fall apart. I prefer to use a tortilla that is a blend of corn and wheat so it tastes like corn but it’s more flexible and sturdy. I like the La Tortilla Factory brand.
• Sweet Corn– Frozen or canned sweet corn works great in this recipe!
• Shredded Cheese– I like to use a Mexican blend of cheeses like Monterey jack, cheddar, and Asadero. They melt well and add a nice flavor. But you can use cheddar or mozzarella, too.
• Topping Ideas– I love serving these taquitos with guacamole, salsa, sour cream, and hot sauce. But feel free to add whatever toppings you like!

The Best Tortillas for Taquitos or Flautas

Taquitos are made with corn tortillas. You’ll need very fresh corn tortillas that are soft and pliable so they don’t fall apart. I prefer to use a tortilla that is a blend of corn and wheat so it tastes like corn but it’s more flexible and sturdy. I like the La Tortilla Factory brand. I recommend stacking the tortillas on a plate and covering them with a damp paper towel. Microwave for 30 seconds. This will help soften the tortillas.

How to Make Vegetarian Taquitos

How to Make Taquitos in an Air Fryer

If you prefer, you can make these taquitos in an air fryer. I originally bought the Chefman air fryer and it’s a great option for the price. Now I use the Ninja Foodi which is a grill, dehydrator, and air fryer all in one. But if you don’t have an air fryer, you can still make delicious taquitos in the oven!

• Preheat the air fryer to 390 degrees.
• Place the taquitos seam side down in the fryer basket.
• Cook for 5-6 minutes until golden brown.

Substitution Ideas

• Gluten-free version: Use corn tortillas with no added wheat.
• Vegan version: Skip the cheese and add black beans.
• Note: Refried beans are traditionally made with animal fat, so be sure to look for a fat-free or vegetarian version.

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Taquito Side Dish Ideas

Mexican Street Corn Salad

Easy Black Bean and Corn Salad

What would you put inside these taquitos?