Mastering the art of crispy, golden flautas with a simple bean filling

Food & Drink · Published 29 September 2026 · Updated 24 October 2026 Swipe more like this →

In short: Transform humble pantry staples into crispy, golden flautas or taquitos. Whether you prefer corn or flour tortillas, the secret lies in achieving a tight roll and a perfectly melty interior. With a quick bean and chili filling, this method delivers a satisfying crunch that elevates a simple meal into something special.

To prepare the filling, start with a 15.5-ounce can of black or kidney beans, rinsed and drained. Combine these with a 4-ounce can of diced green chilies and 4 ounces of a smooth-melting cheese, such as Monterey Jack. Season the mixture with cumin, oregano, garlic powder, and salt. For the right texture, crush a portion of the beans into a paste before mixing everything thoroughly, ensuring you taste the mixture to adjust for saltiness.

The choice of tortilla dictates your technique. Corn tortillas require extra care; they should be wrapped in a damp towel and warmed in the microwave to increase pliability. To prevent them from unrolling, create a simple glue by boiling a dash of cornstarch in water until gelatinized. Flour tortillas are more forgiving, requiring only a smear of plain water to seal the edges. Regardless of the type, place a log of filling in the center, roll tightly, and position the seam on the bottom.

Cooking requires a wide pan or griddle with a thin film of olive oil over medium-low heat. Place the flautas seam-side down, ensuring the bottom is coated in oil. Slide them around to brown evenly. Once golden and crispy, flip them. While flour tortillas can be browned on a third side, corn tortillas are often too delicate for this. Serve them with fresh condiments like a quick salsa of diced tomato, shallot, jalapeño, and lime juice, or red shallots pickled in vinegar and sugar for a bright, acidic contrast.

General information, not professional advice. Spotted an error? Flag the card or see corrections and complaints.

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