If you’re craving something crispy, cheesy, and packed with flavor, these Beef and Cheese Chimichangas are exactly what you need. Imagine tender, seasoned beef, melted cheese, and a hint of spice, all wrapped up in a golden, crispy tortilla shell. These chimichangas are the perfect comfort food for any occasion—whether you’re feeding your family or enjoying a cozy night in.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe?
These Beef and Cheese Chimichangas are everything you want in a Mexican-inspired dish. They’re easy to make, and you don’t need a lot of fancy ingredients. Just a few simple steps, and you’ll have a plate of delicious, crispy chimichangas ready to devour. The combination of seasoned beef and melted cheese wrapped in a warm tortilla makes every bite irresistible. Plus, you can customize them with your favorite toppings and fillings—making them a versatile meal that’s sure to please everyone!
Ingredients
Here’s a sneak peek at what you’ll need. For the full list of ingredients, keep reading!
- Ground beef
- Shredded cheese (cheddar, Monterey Jack, or a blend)
- Onion
- Garlic
- Taco seasoning
- Flour tortillas
- Olive oil (for frying)
For the full ingredient list and measurements, see below!
Directions
Step 1: Cook the Beef
Start by heating a bit of olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the ground beef and cook it until browned, breaking it up into small pieces as it cooks. Once the beef is cooked through, drain any excess fat. Then, toss in the chopped onion and garlic, and sauté them for a few minutes until fragrant and soft. Add the taco seasoning and a bit of water (as directed on the seasoning packet), and stir everything together. Let it simmer for a few minutes until the mixture thickens.
Step 2: Prepare the Chimichangas
Lay your flour tortillas flat on a clean surface. Spoon a generous amount of the beef mixture into the center of each tortilla, then sprinkle a good amount of shredded cheese on top. Carefully fold in the sides of the tortilla, then roll it up tightly, making sure the filling is sealed inside. Repeat this process with the remaining tortillas and filling.
Step 3: Fry the Chimichangas
Heat about 1-2 tablespoons of olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Once the oil is hot, place the chimichangas seam-side down in the skillet. Fry them for about 2-3 minutes on each side, or until they’re golden brown and crispy. You might need to fry them in batches depending on the size of your pan.
Step 4: Drain and Serve
Once the chimichangas are crispy and golden, remove them from the skillet and place them on a paper towel-lined plate to drain any excess oil. Serve them hot with your favorite toppings like sour cream, guacamole, or salsa.
Expert Tips and Tricks
- Don’t Overstuff: Be careful not to overfill your chimichangas, or they might burst open while frying. A little goes a long way!
- Crispy Perfection: To get the crispiest chimichangas, make sure the oil is hot enough before adding them to the pan. If it’s not hot enough, they’ll absorb more oil and become greasy.
- Shredded Cheese: Use a good melting cheese like cheddar or Monterey Jack to get that perfect gooey cheese pull in every bite.
Recipe Variations and Possible Substitutions
- Meat Options: You can swap the ground beef for ground chicken, turkey, or even shredded beef for a different flavor.
- Vegetarian Version: For a vegetarian twist, use black beans, corn, and sautéed vegetables as the filling.
- Cheese Variations: While shredded cheddar and Monterey Jack are classic, you can also use pepper jack cheese for a little extra heat or a Mexican cheese blend for even more flavor.
Serving and Pairing Suggestions
Serve these Beef and Cheese Chimichangas with a side of fresh guacamole, salsa, and a dollop of sour cream. You can also pair them with a simple Mexican rice and some refried beans for a complete meal. For a lighter touch, try serving them with a side of crisp lettuce, tomato, and avocado for a refreshing contrast to the warm, crispy chimichangas.
Storage and Reheating Tips
If you have leftovers, store the chimichangas in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, you can place them in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10-15 minutes to crisp them up again. Alternatively, you can reheat them in a skillet over low heat, flipping them occasionally to ensure they stay crispy.
4 FAQs
- Can I make chimichangas ahead of time?
Yes! You can assemble the chimichangas ahead of time and store them in the fridge or freezer. Just make sure to wrap them tightly in plastic wrap or foil before storing. When you’re ready, fry or bake them as usual. - Can I bake the chimichangas instead of frying them?
Absolutely! For a lighter version, bake the chimichangas at 400°F (200°C) for 15-20 minutes, or until they’re golden brown and crispy. Be sure to brush them with a bit of oil before baking to help them crisp up. - Can I freeze these chimichangas?
Yes, these chimichangas freeze wonderfully! Just assemble them, then wrap each one tightly in foil or plastic wrap and store them in a freezer bag. When you’re ready to eat, bake or fry them from frozen, adding a few extra minutes to the cooking time. - What can I use if I don’t have taco seasoning?
You can easily make your own taco seasoning by combining chili powder, cumin, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, and a pinch of cayenne for some heat. Adjust to taste!
Conclusion
These Beef and Cheese Chimichangas are a deliciously crispy and cheesy treat that’s sure to satisfy your cravings. Whether you’re making them for a weeknight dinner or a weekend treat, they’re easy to prepare, full of flavor, and so much fun to eat. Customize them with your favorite fillings and toppings, and you’ll have a meal that’s perfect for any occasion. Enjoy!
Print
Beef and Cheese Chimichanga
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: Mexican
Description
These Beef and Cheese Chimichangas are crispy, cheesy, and packed with tender seasoned beef and melted cheese wrapped in a golden tortilla. The perfect comfort food for any occasion!
Ingredients
- Ground beef: 1 lb (450g)
- Shredded cheese (cheddar, Monterey Jack, or a blend): 1 1/2 cups (about 6 oz or 170g)
- Onion: 1 medium, finely chopped
- Garlic: 2 cloves, minced
- Taco seasoning: 1 packet (usually about 1 oz or 28g)
- Flour tortillas: 4 (8-inch)
- Olive oil (for frying): 2-3 tbsp (depending on the pan size)
Instructions
- Cook the Beef: In a large skillet over medium heat, cook ground beef until browned, breaking it up into small pieces. Drain any excess fat. Add chopped onion and garlic, sauté until fragrant and soft. Stir in taco seasoning and a bit of water (as directed on the packet). Let it simmer until the mixture thickens.
- Prepare the Chimichangas: Lay flour tortillas flat. Spoon a generous amount of beef mixture into each tortilla and top with shredded cheese. Fold in the sides and roll tightly, sealing the filling inside.
- Fry the Chimichangas: Heat 1-2 tbsp of olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Fry the chimichangas seam-side down for 2-3 minutes on each side until golden and crispy.
- Drain and Serve: Remove from the skillet and place on a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess oil. Serve hot with your favorite toppings (sour cream, guacamole, salsa).
Notes
- Be careful not to overstuff the chimichangas, as this can cause them to burst while frying.
- For extra crispy chimichangas, ensure the oil is hot enough before frying.
- Use melting cheese like cheddar or Monterey Jack for a perfect gooey center.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 chimichanga
- Calories: 380
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 600mg
- Fat: 22g
- Saturated Fat: 8g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 22g
- Cholesterol: 50mg