Description
These Ground Beef Flautas are crispy, golden rolled tortillas filled with a flavorful mix of seasoned ground beef and melted cheese. Paired with a creamy cilantro avocado sauce, they make a perfect appetizer or main dish that’s easy to prepare and deliciously satisfying.
Ingredients
Flautas:
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 small red onion, diced
- 4–5 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 pound ground beef
- 2 teaspoons cumin
- 2 teaspoons diced chiles in adobo
- 1 teaspoon chili powder
- Splash of water
- 7–8 oz. shredded Chihuahua cheese (cheddar or mozzarella work too)
- 8 (8”) taco size flour tortillas
- Vegetable oil for frying (about 1/2 inch in pot)
- Kosher salt
- Fresh cracked pepper
Cilantro Avocado Sauce:
- 2 avocados, pitted and diced
- 1/4 cup sour cream
- 1/4 cup fresh cilantro leaves
- Juice of 2–3 limes
- Splash of water
Instructions
1. Heat 1 tablespoon olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add the diced red onion with a pinch of kosher salt and fresh cracked pepper. Stir frequently and cook for 3-4 minutes until softened and fragrant.
2. Add minced garlic to the pot and cook for about 1 minute, stirring frequently to release its aroma without burning.
3. Add the ground beef to the pot and cook until browned, breaking it up with a spatula to crumble it evenly. Ensure the beef is cooked through with no pink remaining.
4. Stir in cumin, diced chiles in adobo, chili powder, and a splash of water to combine. Adjust seasoning with kosher salt and fresh cracked pepper to taste. Mix well.
5. Fold in the shredded Chihuahua cheese until melted and evenly incorporated into the meat mixture. Remove from heat.
6. While the filling cooks, pour about 1/2 inch vegetable oil into a large pot and heat over medium. The oil is ready when a drop of water sprinkled in it sizzles immediately.
7. Lay out each flour tortilla and spread about 1/2 cup of the meat and cheese filling in a line along the bottom half of the tortilla. Roll the tortilla tightly away from you around the filling, securing the flauta.
8. Fry flautas in batches of 2-3 (depending on pot size), frying each side for 1-2 minutes until the exterior is dark golden brown and crispy. If frying occurs too quickly, reduce heat to avoid burning.
9. In a food processor, combine diced avocados, sour cream, fresh cilantro leaves, lime juice, and a splash of water. Process until smooth and creamy, adding water as needed to reach desired consistency.
10. Plate the crispy flautas and drizzle or serve with the creamy cilantro avocado sauce. Garnish with fresh cilantro leaves and crumbled queso fresco if desired.
Notes
Use flour tortillas for best rolling and frying results; corn tortillas may crack during frying.
Adjust the spice level by modifying the amount of diced chiles in adobo and chili powder used.
Make sure oil temperature is medium to moderate to avoid undercooked or burnt flautas.
Leftover flautas can be reheated in an oven to retain crispiness.
For a lighter alternative, these flautas could be baked instead of fried, though frying yields the best texture.
Chihuahua cheese can be substituted with cheddar or mozzarella, but traditionally Chihuahua cheese adds a creamy melt and subtle flavor.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: Mexican
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 flauta
