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Crispy Cheesy Beef Taquitos (Flautas)

A stack of crispy, golden-brown cheesy beef flautas filled with seasoned ground beef, served on a white plate.
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Make simple, crispy beef taquitos or flautas at home using a flavorful shredded beef and cheese filling. You can bake or fry these rolled tacos for a satisfying meal or appetizer.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
  • 1 pound ground beef
  • 1 small onion, finely chopped
  • 1 teaspoon chili powder
  • 1 teaspoon ground cumin
  • 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1/2 cup water or beef broth
  • 1 cup shredded Monterey Jack or cheddar cheese
  • 12 corn tortillas
  • Cooking spray or oil for frying/baking

Instructions

  1. Heat the vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and cook until soft, about 5 minutes.
  2. Add the ground beef to the skillet. Break it up with a spoon and cook until browned. Drain off any excess fat.
  3. Stir in the chili powder, cumin, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
  4. Pour in the water or beef broth. Bring to a simmer, then reduce heat to low, cover, and cook for 15 minutes, allowing the beef to absorb the liquid and become tender.
  5. Remove the lid and cook until most of the liquid evaporates. Stir in the shredded cheese until melted and combined with the beef mixture. Remove from heat.
  6. Warm the corn tortillas briefly in a damp paper towel in the microwave for 30 seconds, or quickly heat them in a dry skillet. This makes them pliable.
  7. Place about 2 tablespoons of the beef filling near one edge of a tortilla. Roll the tortilla tightly around the filling to form a taquito or flauta. Secure with a toothpick if necessary to prevent unrolling.
  8. To bake: Preheat your oven to 400 degrees F (200 degrees C). Place the taquitos seam-side down on a baking sheet. Spray or brush lightly with oil. Bake for 15-20 minutes, turning halfway, until golden brown and crisp.
  9. To shallow fry: Heat about 1 inch of cooking oil in a deep skillet to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C). Carefully place the taquitos seam-side down in the hot oil, working in batches. Fry for 2-3 minutes per side until golden brown and crisp. Remove and drain on paper towels.
  10. Remove toothpicks before serving. Serve immediately with your favorite toppings.

Notes

  • For extra crispy taquitos, use a small amount of oil to lightly brush the tortillas before rolling if you plan to bake them.
  • If you prefer shredded beef over ground beef, use 2 cups of pre-cooked slow cooker shredded beef and mix it with the spices and cheese.
  • Serve with salsa verde, sour cream, or guacamole for dipping.

Nutrition

Find it online: https://pureplatepath.com/cheesy-beef-flautas-or-beef-taquitos-recipe/