If you’re on the hunt for a flavor-packed, satisfying meal, look no further than these **Cheesy Beef Flautas**. Crunchy on the outside with a delectably creamy and cheesy beef filling, they’re a surefire way to bring bold tastes to your table with minimal effort.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick and Easy: These flautas can be prepared in under 30 minutes, perfect for busy weeknights!
- Crowd-Pleaser: The cheesy beef filling has a universal appeal that even picky eaters can’t resist.
- Versatile: Perfect for serving as an appetizer, main course, or even a late-night snack.
- Customizable: Easily adapt to include your favorite toppings and salsas to enhance every bite.
Ingredients You’ll Need
These Cheesy Beef Flautas rely on simple, yet essential ingredients to deliver their bold, mouthwatering flavor. Each ingredient adds its own special touch, making these flautas irresistible.
- Lean Ground Beef: Provides the savory base for your filling, full of rich flavor.
- Taco Seasoning: A blend of spices that adds a zesty kick to the beef.
- Cream Cheese: Makes the filling creamy and cohesive, binding everything together seamlessly.
- Sour Cream: Adds a tangy depth of flavor, complementing the spice perfectly.
- Salsa: Brings a fresh, tomato-y taste that heightens the overall flavor profile.
- Pepper Jack Cheese: Offers a hint of heat and extra cheesiness.
- Flour or Corn Tortillas: The perfect vessel for holding your delicious filling, offering a sturdy yet crispy exterior.
Variations
One of the joys of making Cheesy Beef Flautas is how adaptable they are. You can easily tailor this recipe to fit different dietary needs or simply to suit your taste.
- Vegetarian Flautas: Substitute the beef with black beans or mashed sweet potatoes for a delightful vegetarian twist.
- Spicy Kick: Add diced jalapeños or a sprinkle of chili flakes to the filling for those who love extra heat.
How to Make Cheesy Beef Flautas
Step 1: Prepare the Beef Filling
In a large skillet over medium-high heat, brown the ground beef, breaking it into tiny pieces with a spatula. Once cooked, drain any excess grease and stir in the taco seasoning until combined.
Step 2: Create the Cheesy Mixture
Add the cream cheese, sour cream, and salsa to the beef mixture, stirring continuously until everything is melted and the mixture is smooth. Finally, stir in the shredded pepper jack cheese and remove from heat.
Step 3: Assemble the Flautas
Take each tortilla and warm it slightly in the microwave if necessary to make it pliable. Place two heaping tablespoons of the beef mixture on one side of a tortilla, roll it tightly, and place it seam-side down on a baking sheet.
Step 4: Cook the Flautas
Bake at 375°F until the tortillas are crispy, about 15 minutes. Alternatively, use an air fryer set to 375°F for 3 to 4 minutes or pan fry them until golden brown and crisp for a different texture.
Pro Tips for Making Cheesy Beef Flautas
- Ingredient Temperature: Ensure your cream cheese is at room temperature to blend more easily into the beef mixture.
- Tortilla Softening: Briefly heating your tortillas in the microwave will prevent them from cracking when rolling.
- Extra Crispy Flautas: Brushing each flauta with a little oil before baking or frying gives them a wonderfully crispy finish.
- Cheese Choices: Feel free to mix in some cheddar or mozzarella with the pepper jack for a varied cheesy flavor.
How to Serve Cheesy Beef Flautas
Garnishes
Top your Cheesy Beef Flautas with fresh pico de gallo, a dollop of sour cream, or a sprinkle of chopped cilantro to enhance both flavor and visual appeal.
Side Dishes
Pair these flautas with a side of Mexican rice, refried beans, or a light salad to create a well-rounded meal that’s satisfying and delicious.
Creative Ways to Present
Arrange the flautas in a spiral pattern on a large platter, accompanied by small bowls of your favorite salsas for an eye-catching and party-ready presentation.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Keep any leftover flautas in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days, ensuring they remain fresh and tasty.
Freezing
Flautas can be frozen for future enjoyment; simply place them in a single layer on a baking sheet to freeze, then transfer to a freezer bag for up to two months.
Reheating
To reheat, bake the flautas in a preheated oven at 375°F for 10-12 minutes, or until they regain their original crispiness and are heated through.
FAQs
-
Can I use corn tortillas instead of flour tortillas?
Absolutely! Corn tortillas can be a fantastic gluten-free option that adds a different texture and flavor to your flautas.
-
How do I prevent my tortillas from cracking?
Warming the tortillas gently in the microwave helps make them more pliable and easier to roll without breaking.
-
What can I use instead of taco seasoning?
You can create your own blend using chili powder, cumin, paprika, garlic powder, and onion powder to taste if you prefer to avoid store-bought seasoning.
-
Are these flautas spicy?
The spice level is moderate due to the taco seasoning and pepper jack cheese, but you can adjust the heat with the type of salsa or cheese you choose.
Final Thoughts
These Cheesy Beef Flautas are a delightful treat that’s easy to fall in love with, thanks to their crispy exterior and flavorful filling. Whether you’re serving them at a gathering or as a quick meal option, they’re bound to become a household favorite. So, gather your ingredients, and let the magic of these flautas fill your kitchen with joy!
Print
Cheesy Beef Flautas Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 8 Flautas 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Mexican-inspired
Description
These cheesy beef flautas are crispy, savory, and perfect for a quick snack or dinner. Filled with seasoned ground beef, cream cheese, salsa, and shredded pepper jack cheese, then baked or air-fried until golden and crunchy. Serve with your favorite toppings for an irresistible treat.
Ingredients
For the Taquitos
- 1 lb lean ground beef
- 1 (1 oz) packet taco seasoning
- 4 ounces cream cheese
- 1/2 cup sour cream
- 1/2 cup salsa
- 1 cup shredded pepper jack cheese
- 8 flour tortillas, or corn tortillas (for taquitos)
Optional Toppings
- Salsa
- Tomatillo Avocado Salsa
- Homemade Pico de Gallo
- Sour Cream
- Guacamole
- Queso
- Cilantro
Instructions
- Preheat the Oven or Air Fryer: Preheat your oven to 375°F or preheat the air fryer to 350°F.
- Cook the Ground Beef: In a large skillet over medium-high heat, cook the ground beef, breaking it apart with a spatula until it is no longer pink. Drain excess grease if desired, then add the taco seasoning and stir to combine.
- Add Cream Cheese, Salsa, and Sour Cream: Mix in the cream cheese, sour cream, and salsa, stirring until melted and hot. Then, stir in the shredded pepper jack cheese and remove from heat.
- Soften Tortillas: If needed, microwave the tortillas for 10 seconds to soften them, making them easier to roll.
- Assemble Flautas: Place about two heaping tablespoons of filling on one side of each tortilla. Roll them tightly and place seam-side down on a baking sheet.
- Cooking Method: Bake the flautas in the oven for about 15 minutes until crispy or place them in the air fryer at 375°F for 3 to 4 minutes until golden and crispy. Optionally, brush them with a little oil before baking or air frying for extra crispiness. For pan frying, add about half an inch of oil to a skillet and fry each flauta on all sides until golden brown and crispy.
- Serve: Serve immediately with desired toppings such as salsa, pico de gallo, sour cream, or guacamole.
Notes
- Ensure tortillas are soft enough to roll; microwaving them briefly helps prevent cracking.
- For extra crispiness, brush flautas with a little oil before baking or frying.
- Adjust the spiciness by choosing mild or hot salsa and pepper jack cheese.
- Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days and reheated in the oven or air fryer.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 flauta (about 60g)
- Calories: 250 kcal
- Sugar: 2 g
- Sodium: 520 mg
- Fat: 15 g
- Saturated Fat: 7 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 18 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 15 g
- Cholesterol: 55 mg
