Creamy Ground Beef Flautas

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Flautas are a fantastic way to enjoy all the comforting flavors of a taco in a crispy, handheld form. These Creamy Ground Beef Flautas are loaded with a savory filling that’s smooth and creamy, yet hearty enough to satisfy. The seasoned ground beef mixed with cream cheese, sour cream, and salsa creates a rich, indulgent flavor that perfectly complements the crispy tortilla shell. They are easy to make, customizable with your favorite toppings or fillings, and great for parties, meal prep, or a quick weeknight dinner.

Ingredients

• 1 pound lean ground beef
• 1 packet mild taco seasoning
• 1 teaspoon light brown sugar
• 4 ounces cream cheese, softened
• 1/2 cup sour cream
• 1/2 cup salsa
• 1 cup shredded cheese (any variety)
• 20 fajita-size flour tortillas

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Directions

1. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or lightly grease it.
2. In a large skillet, cook the ground beef over medium heat, breaking it apart with a spoon, until it is fully browned. Drain any excess fat.
3. Stir in the taco seasoning and light brown sugar, then cook for an additional 2 minutes to let the seasoning and sugar fully combine with the beef.
4. Reduce the heat to low and add the softened cream cheese, sour cream, and salsa to the skillet. Stir until the mixture is smooth and creamy.
5. Remove the skillet from the heat and stir in the shredded cheese, continuing to mix until the cheese melts and the filling is well combined.
6. Warm the flour tortillas slightly in the microwave for about 15 seconds to make them easier to roll.
7. Spoon about 2 tablespoons of the beef mixture onto the center of each tortilla. Roll the tortillas tightly to form flautas, folding in the sides slightly as you roll.
8. Place the rolled flautas seam-side down on the prepared baking sheet. You may need to do this in batches depending on the size of your baking sheet.
9. Bake for 15–20 minutes, or until the flautas are golden brown and crispy.
10. Serve immediately with your favorite dipping sauces such as salsa, guacamole, or sour cream.

Servings and Timing

This recipe makes 20 flautas and serves 4–6 people. It takes about 30 minutes to prepare and bake.

Variations

• Spicy Flautas: Add diced jalapeños, hot sauce, or a can of diced green chilies to the filling to make these flautas spicier.
• Chicken Flautas: Swap the ground beef for shredded cooked chicken for a lighter version of the flautas.
• Vegetarian Version: Replace the beef with black beans, corn, and bell peppers for a delicious vegetarian option.
• Cheese Variations: Use any cheese you like—Monterey Jack, pepper jack, or a Mexican cheese blend would work wonderfully in place of the shredded cheese.

Storage/Reheating

• Storage: Store leftover flautas in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3–4 days.
• Reheating: Reheat the flautas in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for 10–12 minutes, or until crispy again. You can also reheat them in the microwave, though they won’t be as crispy.

FAQs

Can I freeze the flautas before baking?

Yes, you can freeze the rolled but unbaked flautas. Place them in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze until solid, then transfer them to a freezer-safe bag. When ready to bake, simply cook them from frozen, adding an extra 5-10 minutes to the baking time.

Can I use ground turkey instead of ground beef?

Yes! Ground turkey or chicken can be used as a leaner alternative to ground beef. Just be sure to adjust the seasoning to your taste.

Can I make these flautas ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the filling ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. When ready to serve, simply roll the flautas and bake as directed.

How can I make these flautas crispier?

To make the flautas extra crispy, spray them with a light coat of cooking spray or brush them with olive oil before baking.

Can I use corn tortillas instead of flour tortillas?

You can use corn tortillas, but they may be more fragile when rolled. If using corn tortillas, it’s best to warm them up in a dry skillet for a few seconds on each side to make them more pliable before rolling.

How can I make these flautas spicier?

Add diced jalapeños, chili powder, or hot sauce to the filling to increase the heat. You can also use a spicy salsa or a spicier cheese like pepper jack.

Can I bake these in an air fryer?

Yes! Preheat your air fryer to 375°F (190°C) and cook the flautas in batches for 7–10 minutes, or until golden and crispy. Be sure to spray them lightly with oil before air frying for the best crisp.

Can I make these flautas without cheese?

Yes, you can omit the cheese for a dairy-free option. The cream cheese and sour cream will still make the filling creamy and flavorful.

How do I avoid the flautas from unrolling while baking?

Make sure to place the flautas seam-side down on the baking sheet to help keep them tightly rolled while baking. You can also use toothpicks to secure them if needed.

Can I use a different protein for the filling?

Yes! Ground chicken, turkey, or even beef sausage would work as great alternatives to ground beef. Just be sure to adjust the seasoning accordingly.

Conclusion

Creamy Ground Beef Flautas are a perfect blend of creamy, cheesy filling and crispy, golden tortillas. With their deliciously seasoned beef, tangy salsa, and creamy mixture of sour cream and cream cheese, these flautas are sure to be a hit at your next meal. Whether you’re serving them for a family dinner or as an appetizer for a party, they’re easy to make, customizable, and always delicious. Serve them with your favorite dipping sauces, and enjoy the crispy, creamy goodness!

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