Baked Beef Flautas with Birria

These Baked Flautas made with Birria de Res are the party appetizer you need in your life. My friend and photographer, Jenna, gave me the genius idea! These crispy rolled tacos are beefy and cheesy — boasting all the yumminess of quesabirria tacos without the mess. 

They are designed for easy dipping and socializing, making them the perfect appetizer! Whether it’s a festive holiday or game day get-together, these crispy tubes of beefy goodness are guaranteed to be a hit. 

But here’s the best part – this recipe is as easy as it is delicious. With fewer than 10 ingredients, you can whip up these birria-stuffed Mexican flautas in a flash. Simply brush the tortillas with oil, stuff them with cheese and tender beef birria, roll them up, secure them with toothpicks, and bake to crunchy golden perfection. Congratulations — you just won hostess of the year!

What are Flautas de Birria?

If you’ve never heard of flautas de birria, they’re basically birria taco’s fun, dip-able cousin! Imagine deliciously seasoned birria – a savory, rich, tender stewed meat, typically goat or beef – rolled snugly in a tortilla with loads of melty jack cheese. If you want a lamb birria recipe, you can find that recipe in Muy Bueno Fiestas.

But here’s the twist: these rolled flautas are baked instead of deep fried until they’re wonderfully crispy, transforming them into flautas.

Think of flautas as ‘snackable tacos that you dip.’ They’re the perfect finger food – easy to stuff with anything you fancy, easy to hold, even easier to dip! Imagine dunking these crispy treats into a warm, flavorful birria consommé, each dip adding a burst of savory goodness. It’s a match made in food heaven, bringing together the heartiness of tender, juicy meat, deliciously seasoned broth, and the crunch of a flauta.

In a nutshell, these birria-stuffed Mexican flautas are your go-to snack for when you want all the flavors of traditional quesabirria tacos but in a fun, crispy, and party-friendly form. Trust me, one bite and you’ll be hooked!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe For Baked Flautas de Birria

If you’re looking for a recipe that combines convenience, flavor, and a touch of party flair, you’ve struck gold with these baked beef flautas. Here’s why you’re going to adore these scrumptious flautas:

• Baked Instead of Fried: Let’s start with the best part – these flautas are baked, not fried! You get all the crispy goodness without the extra oil. It’s a healthier twist that doesn’t skimp on texture or taste. Plus, baking means less mess and hassle compared to frying.
• Perfect for Parties: Whether it’s game day, a birthday, or a festive holiday, these flautas fit right in. They’re easy to serve, fun to eat, and a surefire crowd-pleaser. 
• Quick & Easy: Who said delicious has to be time-consuming? Not only are these flautas a cinch to whip up, but they also pack a flavor punch that’ll have everyone coming back for seconds.

Ingredients & Substitutions

As promised, this Mexican appetizer or snack is made with just a handful of ingredients. Here’s what to grab:

• Wheat & Corn Flour Tortillas – While I’m typically all for corn tortillas when it comes to flautas, the added flour in the blend yields a more tender, crispier flauta shell. I highly recommend Trader Joe’s wheat and corn flour tortillas for this recipe. Plus, who doesn’t love the extra convenience, especially when there’s a party to be had?
• Cheese – Creamy and mild jack is a family favorite. Feel free to swap in another melty variety of cheese like queso quesadilla, Chihuahua, Oaxaca, or fiery pepper jack,
• Birria de Res with Consomé – Making a batch of birria meat is the gift that keeps on giving. You can also turn it into birria ramen, add hominy and use it to make pozole, make birria grilled cheese sandwiches, and another party favorite – birria nachos.
• White Onion – I prefer using white onion here, but feel free to swap in yellow.
• Fresh Cilantro – For a pop of brightness among the rich, savory flavors of meat and cheese. In a pinch, parsley will work.
• Avocado Oil – Any high smoke-point, neutral-flavored oil will work (e.g. canola, grapeseed, or vegetable oil).

How To Make Baked Birria Flautas

This recipe for flautas comes together in just a few simple steps. Here’s how:

Make Birria de Res: Making this slow cooker birria de res is an absolute breeze in the slow cooker!

Prep: Preheat oven to 400 F. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper for easy cleanup. If you already have birria made then slightly warm with consommé in a saucepan over medium heat before making flautas.

Step 1: Spray or Brush tortillas with avocado oil.

Step 2: Fill. Sprinkle cheese first then add shredded beef.

Step 3: Roll up tightly and secure each flauta with a toothpick. 

Step 4: Bake at 400 degrees F until golden brown and crispy (15-18 mins).

Step 5: Serve. Slice diagonally for an extra fancy touch and serve with consommé for that perfect dipping experience.

Optional Variations

The great thing about making these baked flautas is there’s lots of room for you to make them your own. Here are a handful of ideas to spark your creative juices:

• Air Fryer Flautas – Since air fryers blow the hot air around, they typically cook much faster than regular ovens. I’d recommend preheating the air fryer to 375F, then frying for about 5 to 8 minutes. Start checking at the 5 minute mark, shake, and continue to air fry to your preferred level of doneness. Here is my favorite Air Fryer if you are in the market for one.
• Birria Egg Rolls – Birria egg rolls are all the rage!! If you want to make birria egg rolls, wrap Birria with spring roll wrappers and fry!
• Have fun with your fillings! Want to make baked flautas with other fillings? Try Black Bean & Bacon Flautas, Pork Tinga Flautas, or Brisket Flautas. 
• Toppings – Just like tacos, flautas taste even better served with a variety of toppings and salsas and sauces. Try simple crema Mexicana or a spicy creamy avocado sauce!

Expert Tips

• Control your oil. Feel free to either brush or spray your tortillas with avocado oil. Brushing typically adds a bit more oil to the mix for a more indulgent bite, whereas cooking sprays keep it a little lighter.
• Don’t overstuff. It’s tempting to stuff as much finger-licking-delicious goodness into each flauta, but you’ll only be doing yourself a disservice. If you overstuff, all the cheesy, meaty goodies burst out and become nearly impossible to eat without a fork.
• Prep ahead. I recommend preparing the birria ahead of time, and assembling and baking flautas on the day of serving. Tortillas have a tendency to get soggy quickly, and assembling flautas ahead of time might not work. Once flautas are baked, you can freeze any leftovers. To reheat, bake until heated all the way through.

Serving Suggestions

Every great dish deserves to be paired with equally amazing sides and drinks, and these cheesy baked flautas with birria are no exception! Here are some of my go-tos:

• Create a Dipping Station: Set up a station with various dips like guacamole, salsa, and sour cream. Don’t forget the star – a warm, spiced birria consommé for that authentic dipping experience.
• Pair with Fresh Sides: Complement the flautas with fresh, zesty sides. Think a crisp and sweet batch of esquites or Cowboy Caviar.
• Mexican Rice or Beans: Serve these crispy delights alongside classic Mexican rice or refried beans.
• Tex-Mex Inspired Beverages: For drinks, why not mix up some margaritas or offer a selection of Mexican beer cocktails? Non-alcoholic options like chilled horchata or other refreshing aguas frescas are great for the kiddos and DD’s.
• Sweet Endings: End on a sweet note with handheld Mexican dessert favorites like cinnamon-sugar churros, sweet empanadas, or frosty paletas.

Frequently Asked Questions

More Birria Recipes

• Mexican Ramen with Birria
• Easy Slow Cooker Birria de Res

If you make this recipe, please let me know! Leave a ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ rating on this recipe below and leave a comment, take a photo and tag me on Instagram with #muybuenocooking.

Photography: Jenna Sparks