Crunchy Taquitos

Cooking is so fun when you try something new.  I have made these taquitos in the oven several times but I wanted to up my game and fry them for a real authentic crunchy texture.  I tried one.....epic fail.  It came unraveled and looked terrible.  I tried another....and another....and couldn't get it quit right.  I got out the sheet pan and pre-heated the oven to bake them instead when I thought....maybe I will try one more.  That one more was all it took to get to these yummy crunchy taquitos!  The great thing about these is that you can fill them with anything you like and if you want to save calories you can bake them instead of frying.

Ingredients:

Toothpicks are the key!!

Small tortillas (corn or flour)
Taco seasoned ground beef or shredded chicken
Refried beans
Shredded cheese
1/2 chopped sweet onions
Chili powder
Olive Oil
Vegetable Oil
Toothpicks

Optional Toppings / Dipping:
Salsa
Sour Cream
Guacamole

Instructions:
Prepare beef, chicken, or other meat filling with taco seasoning and set aside.
Heat beans and set aside.
Cook onions in a teaspoon of olive oil with chili pepper to season.  Cook until caramelized, on medium heat for about 10 minutes and set aside,
Warm tortillas in a pan or in microwave.
Add a smear of beans to tortilla, a scoop of filling, top with onions and cheese, and roll tightly.  (Don't over fill!)
Secure the seam with a toothpick and repeat for all.  (This is the key to keeping them together - see pic)
Heat oil to medium hot in a large pot.
Add taquitos 3 at a time and cook 1.5 minutes per side. 
Remove from oil and let drain on a paper towel lined plate.  Continue with all taquitos.
Serve hot with salsa, sour cream, and guacamole!

To Bake:
Fill and roll taquitos, secure with toothpicks, and bake at 400 degrees for 15-20 minutes.