As I flipped through my recipe book, the vibrant colors of autumn inspired me to create something special. Enter my Grain-Free Paleo Fall Flautas, a delightful twist on a classic Mexican dish that’s perfect for savoring the season’s richness. Crispy and golden on the outside, these flautas are filled with a mouthwatering mixture of seasoned ground meat, delivering a hearty and satisfying bite. Not only are these flautas incredibly delicious, but they’re also a quick and easy option for busy weeknights, ensuring you can enjoy homemade goodness without the fuss. Plus, they’re gluten-free and grain-free, making them a great choice for those following a Paleo lifestyle. Whether serving them as a cozy dinner or as a festive addition to a gathering, these flautas are sure to become a new favorite. Curious about how to make them? Let’s dive in! Why are Fall Flautas a Must-Try? Flavor Explosion: The unique combination of spices, from cinnamon to cumin, delivers an unforgettable taste that will leave your guests raving. Crispy Perfection: Baked to golden crispness, these flautas provide that satisfying crunch you crave without the guilt of frying. Easy Prep: These flautas come together quickly, making them ideal for busy weeknights or last-minute gatherings. Versatile Filling: Feel free to get creative with the filling! Substitute ground beef for chicken or add in seasonal veggies for a twist. Gluten-Free Goodness: Perfectly aligned with a grain-free lifestyle, these flautas can be enjoyed by everyone, making them a hit at any gathering. Try pairing them with bright and zesty tomatillo salsa or homemade guacamole to elevate the experience! Fall Flautas Ingredients For the Tortillas • Grain-Free Tortillas – Essential for the flautas, providing a gluten-free wrap without compromising on flavor. For the Filling • Ground Beef – The star protein; feel free to substitute with pork, chicken, or turkey for varied taste. • Chopped Sweet Onion – Adds a touch of sweetness; Walla Walla or Vidalia onions are ideal for their flavor. • Hatch Green Chiles – Bring a mild, zesty kick; if unavailable, regular green chiles work just as well. • Ground Cinnamon – Infuses warmth and a hint of sweetness into the filling. • Ground Cumin – A must-have for an authentic taste, contributing earthiness. • Redmond Real Salt – Enhances all flavors; any sea salt can be substituted if needed. • Garlic Powder – Adds savory depth; you can swap in fresh garlic for a bolder punch. • Chipotle Chili Powder – Optional for a smoky undertone; skip if you prefer less spice. • Juice of 2 Limes – Brightens the entire dish; can be swapped with lemon juice if necessary. • Full-Fat Coconut Milk – Provides creaminess to the filling; almond milk is an alternative but will lack richness. • Otto’s Cassava Flour – Helps thicken your meat mixture; consider almond flour for a different texture. • Chopped Cilantro – A fresh garnish; add if you enjoy that extra pop of flavor. • Cotija Cheese – Optional but adds a delightful salty kick; feta can be used as a substitute. For Assembly • Toothpicks – Essential for securing your rolled flautas before baking. • Additional Avocado Oil – For brushing each flauta to ensure a crispy finish in the oven. Step‑by‑Step Instructions for Fall Flautas Step 1: Prepare the Tortillas Start by making your grain-free tortillas according to your favorite recipe. Roll them out until they’re thin and pliable, ideally about ¼ inch thick. Once your tortillas are ready, set them aside on a clean surface, ensuring they’re covered with a damp cloth to prevent drying out as you continue with the filling. Step 2: Sauté the Filling In a large skillet, heat 2 tablespoons of avocado oil over medium heat. Add 1 pound of ground beef and chopped sweet onion, cooking until the meat is browned and the onions are soft, about 5-7 minutes. Stir occasionally, ensuring everything is well combined and the beef is fully cooked with no pink remaining. Step 3: Add Flavorful Ingredients Once the meat mixture is ready, stir in 1 cup of chopped Hatch green chiles, ½ teaspoon of ground cinnamon, 1 teaspoon of ground cumin, 1 teaspoon of salt, and 1 teaspoon of garlic powder. If you’d like a smokier flavor, add ½ teaspoon of chipotle chili powder. Let the mixture simmer for 5-7 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld beautifully while stirring occasionally. Step 4: Incorporate Creaminess In a small bowl, mix the juice of 2 limes with ½ cup of full-fat coconut milk. Pour this mixture into the skillet with the meat and stir well. Add 2 tablespoons of Otto’s cassava flour, stirring continually until the filling thickens and becomes cohesive. If necessary, adjust the consistency with additional coconut milk for a creamy texture. Step 5: Finish the Filling Once thickened, remove the skillet from heat and gently fold in ¼ cup of chopped cilantro, giving the filling a fresh and zesty flavor boost. Allow the filling to cool for a few minutes, making it easier to work with while you prepare to assemble the fall flautas. Step 6: Preheat the Oven Meanwhile, preheat your oven to 420°F (215°C). This temperature will ensure that your flautas bake to crispy perfection. Prepare a baking sheet lined with parchment paper for easy cleanup and to prevent sticking. Step 7: Assemble the Flautas To assemble your fall flautas, take a tortilla and place a generous spoonful of the meat mixture in the center. Roll the tortilla tightly around the filling, securing it with a toothpick to hold its shape. Place the rolled flautas seam-side down on the prepared baking sheet, ensuring they are spaced evenly apart for even cooking. Step 8: Bake to Crispiness Brush each flauta lightly with additional avocado oil to promote a golden crust and enhance their crunch. Bake in the preheated oven for 15 minutes, then remove them and carefully brush again with oil. Return them to the oven for an additional 5 minutes, or until they are crispy and golden brown. Step 9: Cool and Serve Once baked, remove the flautas from the oven and allow them to cool slightly for about 5 minutes. Garnish with additional chopped cilantro and crumbled cotija cheese if desired. These delicious fall flautas are now ready to be served alongside a vibrant tomatillo salsa for a delightful, homemade meal. Expert Tips for Fall Flautas Consistent Dough: Ensure your tortilla dough is soft but not too sticky for easy handling. This will help prevent cracks during assembly. Cast Iron Skillet: Using a cast iron skillet for cooking the filling helps maintain even heat, ensuring the meat cooks thoroughly and evenly. Avoid Overfilling: To prevent bursting while rolling, be mindful not to overfill the tortillas with the meat mixture. A few tablespoons should suffice. Brush for Crispiness: Don’t skip brushing the flautas with avocado oil before baking; this creates that desired golden crunch and enhances flavor. Bake in Batches: If making a larger batch, bake the flautas in batches to allow for even cooking and perfect crispiness. Pair Thoughtfully: Serve your fall flautas with fresh tomatillo salsa or creamy guacamole to elevate the flavor profile even further. Fall Flautas Variations & Substitutions Customize your flautas for an even more delightful experience, adding your personal touch to this comforting dish. Dairy-Free: Substitute cotija cheese with nutritional yeast for a cheesy flavor without the dairy. Spice It Up: Add jalapeños or a sprinkle of cayenne pepper to the meat mixture for an extra kick. Vegetarian Option: Swap ground meat for a mixture of black beans, sautéed mushrooms, and corn for a hearty filling. Herb Variations: Experiment with fresh herbs, like parsley or oregano, instead of cilantro for a different flavor profile. Nut-Free Flour: Use tapioca starch or a gluten-free blend if cassava flour isn’t on hand to thicken your mix. Zesty Twist: Add lime zest along with the lime juice to brighten the flavors even more. Flavor Enhancement: Incorporate smoked paprika or taco seasoning for a unique twist that elevates the taste. Costly Ingredients Substitution: If Hatch green chiles are hard to find, mild salsa verde is a fantastic alternative that adds flavor with ease. No matter how you decide to personalize them, these flautas will surely be a hit, especially when paired with homemade tomatillo salsa for that extra touch of joy! What to Serve with Fall Flautas Elevate your dining experience with delightful complementary dishes that make your flautas truly shine. Fresh Guacamole: Creamy and buttery, the vibrant flavors of guacamole perfectly balance the crispy, savory flautas for a comforting bite. Tomatillo Salsa: A zesty, tangy salsa enhances the dish with fresh and bright notes, making each bite feel festive and exciting. Chopped Salad: Crisp greens tossed with avocado, tomatoes, and a light lime dressing add a refreshing crunch, contrasting beautifully with the warm flautas. Mexican Street Corn: The sweet, smoky flavors of elote offer a perfect flavor pairing, making for a rich, comforting meal that satisfies. Spicy Black Beans: These hearty beans add a protein-packed side to your meal, providing a nice contrast in texture that complements the flautas. Coconut-Lime Rice: Aromatic and fluffy rice flavored with coconut and lime can be a great base, absorbing the delicious juices from the flautas and salsa. Chips and Salsa: Serve with crunchy tortilla chips alongside a variety of salsas for a fun, shareable appetizer as guests await the main event. Classic Margarita: A refreshing drink like a margarita allows for a bright, citrusy splash that cuts through the richness of the flautas, enhancing the entire meal experience. Indulging in these pairings ensures a satisfying and well-rounded meal that celebrates the flavors of fall! Make Ahead Options These Grain-Free Paleo Fall Flautas are perfect for busy home cooks looking to save time without sacrificing flavor! You can prepare the meat filling up to 3 days in advance and refrigerate it in an airtight container. Simply assemble the flautas when ready to bake; roll the tortillas tightly around the filling, secure with toothpicks, and place them on a baking sheet. To maintain their deliciousness and crispiness, brush them with avocado oil just before baking. When it’s time to eat, bake at 420°F for about 20 minutes (15 minutes first, then an additional 5 minutes after brushing with oil). You’ll have a delightful meal ready with minimal effort! How to Store and Freeze Fall Flautas Fridge: Store leftover flautas in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Ensure they cool completely before sealing to avoid sogginess. Freezer: For longer storage, freeze the flautas in a single layer on a baking sheet before transferring to a freezer-safe bag or container. They’ll last for up to 2 months. Reheating: To reheat, bake from frozen at 375°F (190°C) for 20-25 minutes, or until heated through and crispy. This method retains their delightful crunch. Airtight Storage: Whether in the fridge or freezer, ensure they’re tightly sealed to prevent freezer burn and keep the flavors of your Fall Flautas intact. Fall Flautas Recipe FAQs What kind of tortillas should I use for my Fall Flautas? Absolutely! Using grain-free tortillas is essential for these flautas. You can either purchase them or make your own, ideally rolling them out thin (about ¼ inch thick) to ensure they wrap nicely around the filling without cracking. How should I store leftover Fall Flautas? For optimal storage, place leftover flautas in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. It’s important to allow them to cool completely before sealing to keep them from getting soggy. When you’re ready to enjoy them again, reheat in the oven to achieve that desired crispiness! Can I freeze Fall Flautas? Certainly! To freeze, lay the assembled flautas in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze until solid. Then, transfer them to a freezer-safe bag or container. They can be stored for up to 2 months. When ready to eat, bake them from frozen at 375°F (190°C) for about 20-25 minutes, or until heated through and crispy. What if my filling is too dry after cooking? If you find your filling is too dry, don’t worry! Simply add a splash of coconut milk or broth to the mixture to achieve the desired consistency. Stir well and let it simmer for another few minutes until everything is well combined and creamy again. Are these Fall Flautas suitable for gluten-free diets? Yes, indeed! These flautas are made with grain-free tortillas and contain no gluten, making them a great option for anyone following a gluten-free or Paleo lifestyle. Just be sure to check the labels of your ingredients to ensure they are certified gluten-free! Can I make these Fall Flautas vegetarian? Absolutely! You can substitute the ground meat with a delicious mix of beans, lentils, or sautéed seasonal vegetables for a tasty vegetarian option. Just ensure to adjust the seasoning to complement the vegetarian filling for full flavor! Crispy Fall Flautas Packed with Flavor and Comfort Enjoy these Fall flautas filled with seasoned ground meat and spices for a delicious gluten-free dinner option. Print Recipe Pin Recipe Prep Time 30 minutes minsCook Time 20 minutes minsCooling Time 5 minutes minsTotal Time 55 minutes mins Servings: 4 flautasCourse: DinnerCuisine: MexicanCalories: 250 Ingredients Equipment Method Nutrition Notes Ingredients 1x2x3x? For the Tortillas1 batch Grain-Free Tortillas Essential for the flautas.For the Filling1 pound Ground Beef Can substitute with pork, chicken, or turkey.1 cup Chopped Sweet Onion Walla Walla or Vidalia onions are ideal.1 cup Hatch Green Chiles Mild, zesty kick.0.5 teaspoon Ground Cinnamon Adds warmth to the filling.1 teaspoon Ground Cumin For an authentic taste.1 teaspoon Redmond Real Salt Enhances flavor.1 teaspoon Garlic Powder Savory depth.0.5 teaspoon Chipotle Chili Powder Optional for smokiness.2 juices Juice of Limes Brightens the dish.0.5 cup Full-Fat Coconut Milk Provides creaminess.2 tablespoons Otto’s Cassava Flour Helps thicken the meat mixture.0.25 cup Chopped Cilantro Fresh garnish.0.25 cup Cotija Cheese Optional salty kick.For Assembly1 pack Toothpicks To secure rolled flautas.2 tablespoons Avocado Oil For brushing. Equipment skilletBaking sheetParchment Paper Method Step-by-Step Instructions for Fall FlautasPrepare the Tortillas: Make your grain-free tortillas according to your favorite recipe. Roll them out until thin and pliable, about ¼ inch thick, and cover with a damp cloth.Sauté the Filling: In a skillet, heat avocado oil over medium heat, add ground beef and chopped onion, cooking until browned.Add Flavorful Ingredients: Stir in chopped green chiles, cinnamon, cumin, salt, and garlic powder, simmering for 5-7 minutes.Incorporate Creaminess: Mix lime juice with coconut milk, pour into skillet, add cassava flour, stirring until thickened.Finish the Filling: Fold in chopped cilantro, allowing to cool briefly.Preheat the Oven: Heat oven to 420°F (215°C) and prepare a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.Assemble the Flautas: Take a tortilla, fill it with meat mixture, roll tightly, and secure with a toothpick, placing seam-side down on the baking sheet.Bake to Crispiness: Brush each flauta with avocado oil, bake for 15 minutes, brush again, and bake for an additional 5 minutes until crispy.Cool and Serve: Allow to cool for about 5 minutes, garnish with cilantro and cotija cheese if desired, and serve with salsa. Nutrition Serving: 1flautaCalories: 250kcalCarbohydrates: 12gProtein: 18gFat: 16gSaturated Fat: 10gPolyunsaturated Fat: 1gMonounsaturated Fat: 5gCholesterol: 60mgSodium: 600mgPotassium: 300mgFiber: 2gSugar: 1gVitamin A: 300IUVitamin C: 5mgCalcium: 50mgIron: 2mg NotesStore leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days or freeze for up to 2 months. Reheat from frozen at 375°F for 20-25 minutes. Tried this recipe?Let us know how it was!
