Crispy Baked Beef Flautas are a delicious, golden-brown Mexican appetizer featuring seasoned ground beef and melted cheese wrapped in flour tortillas and baked until perfectly crispy. Served with queso dip, guacamole, or sour cream, these flautas are a flavorful and easy-to-make dish perfect for parties, game days, or a fun weeknight meal.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Baked, Not Fried – A healthier take on traditional fried flautas without sacrificing crispiness.
- Packed with Flavor – A savory beef filling seasoned with cumin, chili powder, and smoked paprika.
- Easy to Make – Simple ingredients and minimal prep make this a stress-free recipe.
- Perfect for Entertaining – A great finger food for parties, potlucks, or casual gatherings.
- Customizable – Swap the beef for chicken, beans, or veggies to fit your preferences.
Ingredients
(Tip: You can find the complete list of ingredients and their measurements in the recipe card below.)
For the Flautas:
- Ground beef
- Olive oil
- Small onion (diced)
- Garlic (minced)
- Cumin
- Chili powder
- Smoked paprika
- Salt
- Black pepper
- Salsa
- Shredded cheese (cheddar or Monterey Jack)
- Small flour tortillas
- Cooking spray
For Dipping:
- Queso dip
- Guacamole
- Sour cream
Directions
Preheat the Oven:
- Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
Cook the Beef Mixture:
- In a skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat.
- Add onions and garlic, sauté for 2 minutes until fragrant.
- Add ground beef and cook until browned, breaking it apart with a spatula.
- Stir in cumin, chili powder, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper.
- Mix in salsa and simmer for 2 minutes. Remove from heat.
Assemble the Flautas:
- Place 2 tablespoons of beef mixture on each tortilla.
- Sprinkle shredded cheese over the beef.
- Roll each tortilla tightly and place seam-side down on the baking sheet.
Bake the Flautas:
- Lightly spray the flautas with cooking spray to help them crisp up.
- Bake for 15-18 minutes or until golden brown and crispy.
Serve:
- Garnish with fresh cilantro and serve warm with queso dip, guacamole, or sour cream.
Servings and Timing
- Servings: Makes 10 flautas
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 18 minutes
- Total Time: 28 minutes
Variations
- Spicy Kick – Add diced jalapeños or extra chili powder to the beef mixture.
- Chicken Flautas – Swap ground beef for shredded rotisserie chicken.
- Vegetarian Option – Use black beans and corn instead of beef.
- Cheese Lovers – Add an extra layer of cheese inside the flautas for a cheesier bite.
- Crunchier Texture – Brush flautas with melted butter before baking for an extra crispy finish.
Storage/Reheating
- Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Reheating: Reheat in a 375°F oven for 5-7 minutes or in an air fryer for 3-4 minutes. Avoid microwaving, as it can make them soggy.
- Freezing: Freeze assembled, unbaked flautas for up to 2 months. Bake from frozen, adding a few extra minutes to the cooking time.
FAQs
Can I use corn tortillas instead of flour?
Yes, but warm them first to prevent cracking when rolling.
How do I keep flautas from unrolling while baking?
Place them seam-side down and use a light coat of cooking spray to help them stay in place.
What’s the difference between flautas and taquitos?
Flautas are typically made with flour tortillas, while taquitos use corn tortillas.
Can I make these in an air fryer?
Yes, air fry at 375°F for 8-10 minutes, flipping halfway through.
How can I make these dairy-free?
Use a dairy-free cheese alternative or omit the cheese altogether.
What are the best toppings for flautas?
Fresh cilantro, diced tomatoes, avocado slices, or a drizzle of sour cream work well.
Can I add rice to the filling?
Yes, mixing in cooked rice makes the filling heartier.
Can I prepare these in advance?
Yes, assemble and refrigerate them for up to 8 hours before baking.
Are these best served hot or cold?
They’re best served hot and crispy right out of the oven.
What can I serve with flautas?
They pair well with Mexican rice, refried beans, or a fresh salad.
Conclusion
Crispy Baked Beef Flautas are an easy, flavorful, and crowd-pleasing appetizer or meal. With their crunchy texture, cheesy filling, and bold spices, these baked flautas deliver all the deliciousness of traditional fried versions with a lighter touch. Serve with your favorite dips and enjoy!
