SAD NEWS: Chef Anne Burrell Has Passed Away — Heartwarming Video of Her Cooking With Her Son Shared

Introduction

A Heartfelt Moment: Chef Anne Burrell Cooks Her Son’s Favorite Flautas

Recently, the culinary world was deeply saddened to learn of the passing of Chef Anne Burrell, one of television’s most beloved and charismatic chefs. In tribute, a very special video has resurfaced and gone viral: a tender moment where Anne cooks alongside Javier, her boyfriend’s son, recreating a nostalgic childhood dish – flautas, the crispy rolled tacos popular in Mexican cuisine.

Cooking with Kids: Love in Every Step

The video opens with Anne’s familiar warm smile as she introduces Javier – an adorable and enthusiastic “sous chef” for the day. Javier shares that he wants to learn how to make flautas, a dish his mother used to cook for him when he was little. With her trademark patience and humor, Anne guides him through each step of the process.

The Comfort of a Classic: Beef Flautas Recipe

Anne’s flautas recipe is simple yet full of heart:

  • Filling: Ground beef sautéed with onions, garlic, and salt, then mixed with Monterey Jack cheese (though cheddar or traditional Oaxaca cheese also work).

  • Salsa Roja: A smoky tomato sauce made with sautéed onions, garlic, jalapeños, crushed tomatoes, and chipotle chili powder.

  • Tortillas are softened in the oven before being rolled to prevent cracking.

  • The flautas are then fried until crispy and drained on paper towels.

Anne adds her own creative twist by serving the flautas in romaine lettuce leaves, topped with tomato sauce, cheese, and a tangy lime crema that Javier helps zest and prepare.

Family and Food, Hand in Hand

What makes this video truly moving isn’t just the delicious food – it’s the genuine connection and warmth between Anne and Javier. From her gentle instructions to the shared laughter and pride when Javier tastes the final dish, it’s a beautiful example of how cooking can bring people together.

The video ends with the two of them raising their lettuce-wrapped flautas and taking a proud bite – a joyful moment that feels more like a hug than a cooking lesson.

A Culinary and Emotional Legacy That Lives On

Chef Anne Burrell leaves behind more than recipes and cooking tips; she leaves behind a legacy of kindness, mentorship, and love through food. This video is more than a step-by-step guide – it’s a reminder of what truly matters: sharing joy, honoring memories, and nurturing each other around the kitchen table.

Video

Popular star Anne Burrell died unexpectedly on June 17 at age 55, TMZ reported. She was found unresponsive at her Brooklyn home, and paramedics couldn’t revive her. While no cause of death has been revealed, an autopsy will be conducted. TMZ noted no signs of foul play. Just weeks earlier, Burrell appeared healthy and active, visiting CareRite Centers in Florida on June 4–5 to launch a culinary program. There were no known prior health issues known to the public.