Beef crispitos were a popular snack served in many school cafeterias years ago. These filled tortillas featured a seasoned spiced beef filling that provided a savory and satisfying mini-meal for kids during lunchtime. While they may have disappeared from many school menus, you can still find ways to enjoy this nostalgic cafeteria snack.
In this article, I’ll explain exactly what beef crispitos are and where you can buy them today. I’ll cover places to find pre-made crispitos as well as how to make homemade versions. I’ll also provide tips on buying crispitos in bulk for a party or event.
What Are Beef Crispitos?
Crispitos are essentially a crispy corn tortilla shell stuffed with a highly seasoned beef filling, The typical seasoning blend contains ingredients like
- Onion
- Garlic
- Oregano
- Cumin
- Chili powder
- Paprika
- Pepper
This seasoning gives the beef a signature Mexican-inspired flavor The crispy fried or baked tortilla shell provides a satisfying crunch and ability to eat it by hand
School cafeterias could make large batches quickly and easily. Crispitos were convenient to eat and transport, making them a popular lunchroom option.
Where to Buy Pre-Made Beef Crispitos
While some school districts may still serve crispitos, they’ve been taken off the menu in many places. But there are still a number of ways to purchase similar pre-made crispitos through grocery stores, online shops, and wholesale retailers.
Grocery Store Options
Check the freezer section at major grocery chains like Kroger, Safeway, Publix, and HEB. Look for brands like:
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Gorditas Foldables – Offered in beef, chicken, and bean & cheese varieties. The beef option mimics school crispitos closely.
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El Monterey Burritos – The beef and potato and beef and bean burritos provide a similar crispy tortilla taste.
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Tio Santi’s Crispy Tacos – The beef crispy taco is probably the most spot-on copy of old school cafeteria crispitos.
Online Retailers
Websites like Amazon, Walmart, and Instacart allow you to order crispitos online and have them shipped directly to your door. Search for:
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Hormel Beef Crispitos – Specifically marketed as the school lunch item. Offered in packs of 24.
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Juanita’s Beef Crispitos – Also advertise as a school lunch favorite. Provide bulk packs of 24.
Wholesale Clubs
For large quantities of crispitos, visit Sam’s Club or Costco. You can find big bulk packs of brands like:
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El Monterey Burritos – Available in 54-count boxes.
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Tio Santi’s Crispy Tacos – Sold in packs of 100+.
This allows you to stock up for a party or event at a discounted per-unit price.
How to Make Homemade Crispitos
If you want complete control over the ingredients and flavor, make crispitos at home. You’ll need:
- Corn tortillas
- Ground beef
- Taco seasoning
- Oil for frying
Simply:
- Cook ground beef with taco seasoning until done.
- Drain excess grease from the beef mixture.
- Fry corn tortillas in hot oil until crisped and hardened.
- Fill tortillas with 2-3 tbsp of seasoned beef.
- Fold tortilla over filling to close.
Adjust the amount of spice and crispiness to match your perfect school lunch memory. Serve with tater tots or fries on the side!
Where to Buy Crispitos for Delivery
Don’t want to leave your house? You can get crispitos delivered through services like:
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Uber Eats – Browse local restaurants that may offer crispitos.
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DoorDash – Another delivery option to bring crispitos to your door.
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Instacart – Get crispitos from local supermarkets delivered same-day in many areas.
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Amazon Prime – Offers 2-day shipping on name brand crispitos.
With delivery, you don’t have to go anywhere to satisfy your crispitos craving!
Buying Crispitos in Bulk
Planning a party, game day bash, or school event? You can order crispitos in large quantities:
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Sam’s Club – Sells boxes of 54 El Monterey burritos.
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Restaurant Depot – Carry cases of 120 Gordita Foldables (membership required).
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Gordon Food Service – Offers crispitos from Tio Santi’s and El Monterey in big packs.
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Webstaurant Store – Sells crispitos in cases of 200-500.
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Sysco – Food service supplier that sells crispitos in bulk to businesses.
Getting 100+ crispitos ensures there’s plenty to satisfy a crowd!
Are Crispitos Healthy?
While not the most nutritious snack, crispitos can be enjoyed in moderation. Two beef crispitos contain about:
- 300 calories
- 15g fat
- 30g carbs
- 10g protein
Enjoy them occasionally as a treat alongside more balanced everyday meals.
Recapturing That School Lunch Nostalgia
For many adults, biting into a beef crispito brings back fond cafeteria memories. The unique flavor and crispy texture made them a favorite lunchtime pick. While you may no longer be able to get them in the school lunch line, you can still enjoy this iconic snack.
Here is what you will need to make this beef crispitos recipe!
So what is a beef crispito? It’s basically a taquito. And neither one of these is authentic. Here’s my take on this high school/7-11 staple.
For the Crispitos:
- 1 lb ground beef
- 12 in (burrito-sized) flour tortillas, cut in half
- 1/2 red onion, diced
- 1 bunch of fresh cilantro
- 1/2 cup Cotija Cheese
- 1 tablespoon grapeseed oil
For the Cilantro Lime Crema:
- 3/4 cup sour cream
- Juice of 1 lime
- 3 tablespoons fresh cilantro
- 4 tablespoons cumin
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon fresh ground black pepper
- 1 oz tequila (yes, really.)
For the ground beef seasoning
- 1 teaspoon chili powder
- 2 tablespoons cumin
- 1 tablespoon paprika
- 2 teaspoons onion powder
- 2 teaspoons garlic powder
- 2 teaspoons dried cilantro
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon white pepper
The Best Crispitos Recipe
Start by making the beef seasoning. Simply combine all of the spices in a small bowl and stir to combine. This seasoning gives the crispitos the best flavor Set aside until it’s time to cook the beef.
Next, make the cilantro lime aioli. Whisk together all of the ingredients until well combined. Do not forget the lime juice. It is the best way to make this aioli. Make sure to give it a taste and adjust the ingredients to your tastebuds.
First tip, always add a little more tequila, or just take a swig from the bottle. Or do both. Yea. Do both. Take your 12-inch flour tortillas and cut them in half. Set aside for building the crispitos.
Dice your onions and cilantro and set aside.
Now it’s time to cook. Add a thin drizzle of grapeseed oil, olive oil, or cooking spray to your large skillet over medium heat. You could use a frying pan here but a deep-set skillet works best. I prefer to use a cast iron skillet when cooking any kind of beef, even ground beef. A well-kept cast iron skillet just cooks beef well. But not well done. never cook your beef well done. Ground beef is the exception.
Lunchroom Crispitos
FAQ
Are Crispitos discontinued?
Crispitos no more: Tyson will no longer produce beloved school lunch staple.
How to cook frozen school crispitos?
Appliances vary, adjust accordingly. Conventional Oven 10 – 12 minutes at 375°F from frozen. 4 – 6 minutes at 375°F from thawed.
What company makes Crispitos?
State Fair® Crispitos® Fully Cooked Chicken and Cheese Flour Tortillas flaunt a much-loved, crispy, crunchy texture and satisfying taste.
Where can I buy beef crispitos?
Hormel Beef Crispitos can be hard to find in stores, but you can purchase them online through sites like Walmart or Amazon for around $20 per 24-pack. Another brand, Juanita’s Foods, also makes crispitos labeled as “school lunch favorites”.
How much do Hormel Beef Crispitos cost?
Hormel Beef Crispitos can be purchased online through sites like Walmart or Amazon for around $20 per 24-pack. Hormel makes their own branded Beef Crispitos designed to replicate the school lunch item. They feature a seasoned beef filling in a crunchy folded tortilla.
Where can I buy crispitos?
You can buy crispitos from various places. Gordon Food Service offers them in large packs from Tio Santi’s and El Monterey. Webstaurant Store also has them available in bulk quantities. For commercial accounts, Sysco may offer crispitos. For big events, you can order 100+ crispitos.
Where can you buy Juanita’s crispitos?
Juanita’s crispitos are primarily available through online retailers like Walmart and Amazon for around $25 per 24-pack. Juanita’s Foods is another brand that makes crispitos specifically labeled as “school lunch favorites”.
How can I make beef crispitos at home?
To make beef crispitos at home, follow these steps: Cook ground beef with spices and taco seasoning, then drain excess grease. For the tortillas, fold and stuff them with the beef filling, then crisp them in hot oil or oven at 400°F until hardened. Here are the simple ingredients you’ll need for both the filling and tortillas.
Why did Tyson K12 stop producing Crispitos?
Tyson K12, the company that produces school lunch Crispitos, has said that their production has been halted because of a shortage of tortillas and workers. A beloved school lunch staple will not be served for the foreseeable future.