If you're a fan of Taco John's, chances are you've tried their famous Mexi Rolls. These crispy, cheesy rolls are packed with seasoned beef and melted cheese, then fried until perfectly golden brown. They are easy to eat, incredibly satisfying, and make a great snack, appetizer, or quick meal.
The good news is that you don't have to make a trip through the drive-thru to enjoy them. This homemade Taco John's Mexi Rolls recipe captures all the flavors you love using simple ingredients you can find at your local grocery store. The result is a crunchy exterior with a warm, cheesy, beef-filled center that tastes just like the restaurant favorite.
Whether you're making them for game day, family movie night, or simply because you're craving fast food at home, these homemade Mexi Rolls are sure to become a favorite.
Make sure to try out these other favorits from Taco John's - Taco John's Potato Ole Seasoning and Taco John's Nacho Cheese Sauce
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Why This Works
- Uses simple ingredients that are easy to find.
- Crispy tortilla shell mimics the original restaurant version.
- Seasoned ground beef provides authentic taco flavor.
- Melted cheese creates the perfect gooey filling.
- Easy to customize with different cheeses and proteins.
- Great for meal prep and freezer-friendly.
- Can be fried, air fried, or baked.
Ingredients Needed for Mexi Rolls
- 1 lb Ground Beef - Lean ground beef provides the hearty filling and classic taco flavor.
- 1 packet Taco Seasoning - Adds the signature Mexican-inspired seasoning blend to the beef.
- 1 can refried beans - you do not need to warm the beans up or anything just spread them on the tortilla.
- Water - Helps distribute the taco seasoning evenly throughout the meat.
- 1 cup Cheddar Cheese - Sharp cheddar adds rich flavor and excellent meltability.
- 8 small Flour Tortillas - Small flour tortillas work best for rolling and frying.
- Vegetable Oil - Used for frying the Mexi Rolls until crispy and golden.
How to Make Mexi Rolls
Brown the ground beef in a skillet and drain excess grease.
Stir in taco seasoning and prepare according to package directions.
Let the meat cool slightly.
Spread refried beans onto each tortilla in the middle and then seasoned beef and cheese.
Roll tightly, folding in the sides as you go.
Fry in 350 degree Fahrenheit oil until golden brown and crispy on all sides.
Drain on paper towels and serve warm.
Air Fryer Mexi Rolls
If you do not like deep frying try cooking these Mexi rolls in the air fryer!
- Lightly spray the outside with cooking spray (optional, but helps them crisp up).
- Place them seam-side down in the air fryer basket.
- Cook at 375°F for about 6–8 minutes, flipping halfway through.
- Check that they're golden brown and crispy on all sides.
Pro Tips for Mexi Rolls
- Do not overfill the tortillas or they may burst during frying.
- Let the beef cool slightly before assembling to prevent soggy tortillas.
- Roll the tortillas tightly to help keep the filling inside.
- Warm tortillas for a few seconds in the microwave if they crack while rolling.
- Use freshly shredded cheese for the best melting texture.
- Monitor the oil temperature closely for even browning.
- For a lighter version, cook the rolls in an air fryer at 390 degrees Fahrenheit for 8 to 10 minutes.
Storage
Store leftover Mexi Rolls in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
To reheat, place them in an air fryer at 350 degrees Fahrenheit for 3 to 5 minutes. This helps restore the crispy texture. You can also reheat them in the oven at 375 degrees Fahrenheit until heated through.
For longer storage, freeze the cooked and cooled rolls in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months. Reheat directly from frozen in the air fryer or oven.
Serving Suggestions
These homemade Mexi Rolls pair well with a variety of dipping sauces and side dishes.
- Nacho cheese sauce Taco John's Nacho Cheese Sauce
- Make some air fryer crispy crowns and season them with Taco John's Potato Ole Seasoning
- Guacamole
- Sour cream
- Pico de gallo
- Mexican rice
- Refried beans
- Taco salad
- Chips and queso
Serve them as a party appetizer, game day snack, or easy weeknight dinner.
Recipe FAQs
Yes. Ground chicken or shredded cooked chicken works wonderfully in this recipe and offers a lighter option.
Absolutely. Air fry at 390 degrees Fahrenheit for about 8 to 10 minutes, flipping halfway through cooking.
A combination of cheddar and Monterey Jack closely resembles the restaurant version, but pepper jack or Colby Jack also work well.
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Taco John's Mexi Rolls
- Prep Time: 10 min
- Cook Time: 10-20 min
- Total Time: 30 min
- Yield: 8 1x
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Air Fryer or Oven
Description
If you're a fan of Taco John's, chances are you've tried their famous Mexi Rolls. These crispy, cheesy rolls are packed with seasoned beef and melted cheese, then fried until perfectly golden brown.
Ingredients
-
1 lb Ground Beef -
-
1 packet Taco Seasoning
-
1 can refried beans
-
Water
-
1 cup Cheddar Cheese
-
8 small Flour Tortillas
-
Vegetable Oil
Instructions
Brown the ground beef in a skillet and drain excess grease.
Stir in taco seasoning and prepare according to package directions.
Let the meat cool slightly.
Spread refried beans onto each tortilla in the middle and then seasoned beef and cheese.
Roll tightly, folding in the sides as you go.
Fry in 350 degree Fahrenheit oil until golden brown and crispy on all sides.
Drain on paper towels and serve warm.
Air Fryer Mexi Rolls
-
Lightly spray the outside with cooking spray (optional, but helps them crisp up).
Place them seam-side down in the air fryer basket.
Cook at 375°F for about 6–8 minutes, flipping halfway through.
Check that they're golden brown and crispy on all sides.
Notes
Do not overfill the tortillas or they may burst during frying.
Let the beef cool slightly before assembling to prevent soggy tortillas.
Roll the tortillas tightly to help keep the filling inside.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1
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