Authentic Mexican Beef Flautas: Step-by-Step Recipe

Ingredients

  • 1 lb lean ground beef
  • 1/2 cup chopped onions
  • 1 garlic clove, minced
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper
  • 1 tablespoon chili powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon ground cumin
  • 1/4 teaspoon paprika
  • 1/2 cup refried beans
  • 12 small corn tortillas
  • 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
  • Vegetable oil for frying
  • 1 cup salsa for serving
  • 1/2 cup sour cream for serving
  • 1/2 cup guacamole for serving
  • 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro for garnish

Steps and instructions

  1. In a large skillet, brown the ground beef over medium heat. Drain any excess fat.
  2. Add the onions and garlic to the skillet and cook until the onions are translucent.
  3. Stir in the salt, black pepper, chili powder, cumin, and paprika. Cook for another 2 minutes.
  4. Add the refried beans to the meat mixture and stir until well combined. Remove from heat and set aside.
  5. Heat a small amount of oil in a separate skillet over medium heat. One by one, fry the tortillas for about 10 seconds on each side to make them pliable. Be careful not to overcook them. Drain on paper towels.
  6. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
  7. Spoon about 2 tablespoons of the beef and bean mixture onto each tortilla. Sprinkle with a generous amount of cheddar cheese.
  8. Roll up each tortilla tightly and place seam-side down on the prepared baking sheet.
  9. Brush the tops of the rolled tortillas with a bit of vegetable oil.
  10. Bake in the preheated oven for about 15-20 minutes, or until the tortillas are crispy and golden brown.
  11. Remove from the oven and let cool for a few minutes before serving.
  12. Serve the beef flautas with salsa, sour cream, and guacamole on the side. Garnish with fresh cilantro.

Tools for making

  • Skillet - A large skillet for browning the ground beef and cooking the onions and garlic.
  • Spatula - A utensil for stirring and flipping the ground beef and vegetables in the skillet.
  • Small Skillet - A separate skillet for frying the tortillas.
  • Tongs - Used to flip and remove the tortillas from the small skillet.
  • Baking Sheet - A sheet pan lined with parchment paper for baking the assembled flautas.
  • Pastry Brush - Used to brush vegetable oil onto the tops of the rolled tortillas.
  • Paper Towels - To drain the fried tortillas.
  • Oven - Preheat to 375°F (190°C) for baking the flautas.
  • Parchment Paper - Lined on the baking sheet to prevent sticking and for easy cleanup.

Recipe variations

  • Use shredded chicken instead of ground beef for a chicken flautas variation.
  • Replace the corn tortillas with flour tortillas for a different texture.
  • Add diced green chilies or jalapenos for a spicy kick.
  • Experiment with different types of cheese, such as Monterey Jack or pepper jack.
  • Add diced bell peppers or corn kernels for extra flavor and texture.
  • Include chopped fresh tomatoes or salsa in the filling for added moisture.
  • Try baking the flautas instead of frying them for a healthier option.
  • Make the flautas vegetarian by substituting the ground beef with black beans or a meat substitute.
  • Add a squeeze of lime juice or sprinkle of lime zest to brighten the flavors.
  • Serve the flautas with a variety of dipping sauces, such as chipotle mayo, ranch, or queso dip.

Recipe overview

This delicious Beef Flautas recipe is a traditional Mexican dish that's perfect for a fun family dinner or a festive game day feast. Flautas, also known as rolled tacos, are corn tortillas filled with a savory beef and bean mixture, sprinkled with cheddar cheese, rolled up, and baked until crispy. They're served with tangy salsa, creamy sour cream, and refreshing guacamole for dipping. Expect a delightful crunch with each bite, filled with rich, spicy flavors and gooey melted cheese. This dish is relatively easy to prepare, and while it requires some time, the end result is absolutely worth it. So roll up your sleeves, gather your ingredients, and let's get cooking!

Common questions

  1. Can I use ground turkey instead of ground beef? Yes, you can substitute ground turkey for the ground beef in this recipe. Just make sure to adjust the cooking time accordingly as turkey usually cooks faster than beef.
  2. Can I use flour tortillas instead of corn tortillas? While corn tortillas are traditionally used for flautas, you can use flour tortillas if you prefer. Keep in mind that the texture and taste will be slightly different.
  3. Can I prepare the beef flautas in advance? Yes, you can prepare the beef flautas in advance by rolling them up and storing them in the refrigerator. When you're ready to serve, simply bake them according to the recipe instructions.
  4. Can I freeze the beef flautas? Yes, you can freeze the beef flautas before baking them. Place the rolled tortillas on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper and freeze until firm. Then, transfer them to a freezer-safe container or bag for long-term storage. When ready to cook, bake them from frozen, adding a few extra minutes to the baking time.
  5. Can I use a different type of cheese? Absolutely! While cheddar cheese is commonly used in this recipe, you can experiment with other types of cheese such as Monterey Jack, Mexican blend, or even pepper jack for a spicy kick.
  6. What other toppings can I serve with the beef flautas? In addition to salsa, sour cream, guacamole, and fresh cilantro, you can also consider serving them with diced tomatoes, chopped lettuce, sliced jalapenos, or a squeeze of lime juice for added freshness.

Serving dishes and utensils

  • Skillet - A large skillet for browning the ground beef and cooking the onions and garlic.
  • Small Skillet - A small skillet for frying the tortillas.
  • Baking Sheet - A baking sheet lined with parchment paper for baking the flautas in the oven.
  • Paper Towels - To drain the fried tortillas and remove excess oil.
  • Brush - A brush for brushing oil onto the rolled tortillas before baking.
  • Spoon - A spoon for spooning the beef and bean mixture onto the tortillas.
  • Cheese Grater - A cheese grater for shredding the cheddar cheese.
  • Knife - A knife for chopping onions, garlic, and cilantro.
  • Cutting Board - A cutting board for chopping ingredients.
  • Oven - An oven for baking the flautas.
  • Parchment Paper - Parchment paper to line the baking sheet.

Origin stories

Flautas, often known simply as "rolled tacos," are a popular dish in Mexican cuisine. The name 'flauta' translates to 'flute' in Spanish, referencing the long, cylindrical shape of the dish that resembles the musical instrument. Although their exact origins are a bit murky, flautas are believed to have originated in the Northern regions of Mexico, where wheat tortillas are more commonly used. This could be why you'll often find flautas made with flour tortillas, unlike many other Mexican dishes which typically use corn. So, how do you differentiate between a flauta and a taquito? It's all in the size. Flautas are typically larger, made with a full-size tortilla, while taquitos are made with smaller, snack-sized tortillas. Either way, these crispy, filled rolls are a beloved part of Mexican cuisine, enjoyed with a variety of fillings and toppings.

Disclaimer: This recipe was not created by humans and we cannot ensure that it will turn out as expected. We do not guarantee or take any liability for the accuracy of this recipe (including steps, ingredients, nutritional information, and all sections on this page). You should check to make sure you are not allergic to any ingredients and take safety precautions while making this. The images on this page are generated by AI and may not accurately represent the result of making this recipe.