- Beef Flautas or Taquitos

$- 1 lb ground beef - 1 small onion, finely chopped - 2 cloves garlic, minced - Spices: ground cumin and smoked paprika - Corn tortillas (10) - Vegetable oil for frying - 1 ripe avocado, diced - 1 medium tomato, diced - 1/4 cup red onion, finely chopped - 1 jalapeño, seeded and minced - Juice of 1 lime - Salt to taste - Fresh cilantro, chopped - Optional: sour cream or crumbled queso fresco The main ingredients for beef flautas are simple yet full of flavor. You start with one pound of ground beef. Add a small onion and two cloves of garlic for depth. The spices, ground cumin and smoked paprika, give the filling warmth and a smoky taste. Corn tortillas are key to making flautas. You will need about ten of them. The vegetable oil is essential for frying. It creates that crispy texture on the outside. For the avocado salsa, you need one ripe avocado, one medium tomato, and a quarter cup of red onion. One jalapeño adds a nice kick, while the lime juice and salt balance the flavors. When you garnish, fresh cilantro adds a bright touch. You can also add sour cream or crumbled queso fresco for richness. This combination of ingredients makes beef flautas a crispy and flavorful treat you can enjoy at home. For the full recipe, check out the details above. - Sauté ground beef, onion, and garlic. - Cook until the beef browns and the onion softens. - Season with ground cumin and smoked paprika. - Stir well and cook for two more minutes. - Cool filling slightly before assembly. - Combine diced avocado, tomato, red onion, and jalapeño. - Add lime juice and salt, gently mix. - Be careful not to mash the avocado. - Warm tortillas for flexibility. - Fill and roll tortillas tightly around the beef filling. - Fry until golden brown and crispy. - Cook in hot oil for about three to four minutes. - Drain excess oil on a paper towel. For detailed instructions, check the Full Recipe. When making beef flautas, start with quality ground beef. Use 80/20 beef for the best flavor and juiciness. Leaner beef can turn out dry. Next, season your beef well. A mix of ground cumin and smoked paprika gives the filling depth. Don’t forget to add salt and pepper to taste. Taste your filling before rolling it in the tortillas. It should be flavorful and vibrant. Frying flautas requires the right oil temperature. Heat your oil to about 350°F (175°C). If the oil is too cold, the flautas will absorb too much oil. If it’s too hot, they will burn. Test the oil with a small piece of tortilla. It should bubble and sizzle right away. Fry only a few flautas at a time. This prevents overcrowding, which can lead to soggy flautas. Cook them until golden brown, about 3-4 minutes per side. For an appealing presentation, arrange the crispy flautas on a large platter. Garnish with chopped fresh cilantro to add color. Serve with a bowl of avocado salsa for dipping. You can also add a side of sour cream or crumbled queso fresco for extra flavor. Arranging the flautas in a fan shape makes them look even more inviting. Enjoy your delicious creation! {{image_4}} You can switch the beef for other proteins. Chicken works great and is very tasty. Use shredded chicken for a nice texture. Pork is another option; it adds a rich flavor. If you prefer plant-based meals, try beans, lentils, or mushrooms for a vegetarian filling. These options keep the dish fun and fresh. Salsas can change the game for your flautas. A simple tomato salsa gives a bright taste. Corn salsa adds a sweet crunch that pairs well. If you enjoy heat, try a spicy chipotle dip. You can mix and match these dips to find what you love best. Each dip adds a new layer of flavor to your dish. Choosing the right tortilla matters. Corn tortillas are classic for flautas. They bring a nice corn flavor and stay crispy when fried. However, they can break easily if not warmed up. Flour tortillas are softer and hold more fillings. They don't crisp up as much but offer a chewy texture. Both types have their perks, so try them and see which you prefer! To keep leftover flautas fresh, store them in an airtight container. This helps to lock in flavor and moisture. Place a paper towel inside the container to absorb any extra oil. You can keep them in the fridge for up to three days. After that, they may lose their crispiness and taste. To reheat your flautas and keep them crispy, use the oven. Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Place the flautas on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Bake for about 10-15 minutes, flipping halfway through. This method restores their crunch and warms them evenly. Yes, you can freeze beef flautas! To do this, let them cool completely. Then, place them in a single layer on a baking sheet. Freeze until solid, then transfer them to a freezer bag. They can last in the freezer for up to three months. To thaw, move them to the fridge overnight before reheating. This keeps them tasty and fresh. Enjoy your flautas later with ease! To make beef flautas, start by cooking the filling. In a skillet, add ground beef, chopped onion, and minced garlic. Sauté this for about five minutes until the beef is brown. Then, add ground cumin, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. Stir and cook for two more minutes. Next, warm corn tortillas in the microwave or on a pan. Spoon the beef filling onto each tortilla and roll them tightly. Finally, fry the rolled flautas in hot oil until golden brown. For detailed steps, check the Full Recipe. Flautas and taquitos are similar but have key differences. Flautas use larger corn tortillas, while taquitos use smaller ones. Flautas are usually rolled tightly and fried until very crispy. Taquitos may be less crispy and can be softer. Both are delicious, but the size and texture set them apart. Yes, you can bake flautas for a healthier option. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Place the rolled flautas on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Brush them lightly with oil to help them crisp. Bake for about 15-20 minutes, flipping halfway through. They will not be as crispy as fried flautas but still tasty. Flautas pair well with various sides. Here are some great options: - Guacamole: Creamy and rich, it adds flavor. - Sour Cream: A cooling dip that balances the spices. - Pico de Gallo: Fresh and zesty, it complements the beef. - Mexican Rice: A hearty side that fills you up. - Refried Beans: Creamy and savory, they make a great match. These sides enhance the meal and offer variety in flavors and textures. Beef flautas are tasty and easy to make at home. We covered the key ingredients, including ground beef, tortillas, and a fresh avocado salsa. You learned how to prepare, fill, and fry these delicious treats. Remember to keep your oil hot for the best crisp. Don’t hesitate to try different fillings or toppings. Whether shared at a gathering or enjoyed alone, beef flautas are sure to impress. Happy cooking!$

Get ready to impress with these Crispy Beef Flautas topped with a zesty Avocado Salsa! This delicious recipe features seasoned ground beef wrapped in crispy tortillas, making it the perfect appetizer or main dish. Discover step-by-step instructions to create this flavor-packed meal that serves 5. Don't miss out on the joy of cooking; click through now to explore the full recipe and treat yourself to a taste of Mexico!

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Ingredients

1 lb ground beef

1 small onion, finely chopped

2 cloves garlic, minced

1 teaspoon ground cumin

1 teaspoon smoked paprika

Salt and black pepper to taste

10 corn tortillas

Vegetable oil for frying

Fresh cilantro, chopped (for garnish)

For Avocado Salsa:

1 ripe avocado, diced

1 medium tomato, diced

1/4 cup red onion, finely chopped

1 jalapeño, seeded and minced

Juice of 1 lime

Salt to taste

Instructions

Cook the Beef: In a large skillet over medium heat, combine the ground beef, chopped onion, and minced garlic. Sauté the mixture for about 5-7 minutes or until the beef is nicely browned and the onion becomes translucent.

Season the Filling: Add the ground cumin, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper to the beef mixture. Stir well and cook for an additional 2 minutes to allow the spices to infuse. Remove from heat and let the mixture cool slightly.

Prepare Avocado Salsa: In a separate mixing bowl, combine the diced avocado, diced tomato, finely chopped red onion, minced jalapeño, lime juice, and salt. Gently stir the ingredients together, taking care not to mash the avocado. Set the salsa aside to let the flavors meld.

Heat Oil for Frying: Add a generous amount of vegetable oil to a clean skillet, enough to cover the bottom. Heat it over medium heat until hot but not smoking.

Warm Tortillas: To make the corn tortillas more pliable, warm them briefly in the microwave (about 20-30 seconds) or on a heated pan for a few seconds on each side.

Assemble the Flautas: Take a warm tortilla and spoon a couple of tablespoons of the beef filling along one edge. Carefully roll the tortilla tightly around the filling, ensuring it’s firmly wrapped. If necessary, secure the flauta with a toothpick to hold its shape. Repeat this process for all tortillas.

Fry the Flautas: Gently place the rolled flautas into the hot oil seam-side down. Fry them in batches to avoid overcrowding, cooking until they are golden brown and crispy, about 3-4 minutes, turning occasionally for even cooking.

Drain: Once cooked, carefully remove the flautas from the oil and place them on a paper towel-lined plate to drain off any excess oil.

Prep Time, Total Time, Servings: 15 minutes | 25 minutes | Serves 5

- Presentation Tips: Arrange the crispy flautas on a spacious platter, garnished with a sprinkle of fresh cilantro. Serve alongside a bowl of the refreshing avocado salsa for dipping. Enhance your presentation by adding a side of sour cream or a sprinkle of crumbled queso fresco for a delicious finishing touch.