Crispy Beef and Cheese Chimichangas Recipe: A Fiesta of Flavor

Crispy golden chimichangas stuffed with savory beef and melted cheese tantalize taste buds like nothing else.

These Mexican-inspired delights blend hearty flavors in a delectable handheld package.

Authentic spices and tender beef create a mouthwatering experience that satisfies deep hunger.

Crunchy exterior gives way to a rich, creamy filling that makes every bite memorable.

The magic happens when seasoned ground beef mingles with gooey cheese inside a perfectly fried tortilla.

Serve these chimichangas hot and watch as everyone around the table becomes instantly excited.

Prepare to transform an ordinary meal into an extraordinary culinary adventure.

Beef and Cheese Chimichangas: Crispy, Savory Tex-Mex Goodness

• Whip up these mouthwatering chimichangas in minimal time, perfect for satisfying sudden hunger cravings with minimal kitchen stress.
• Packed with zesty spices and melted cheese, this recipe guarantees happy faces around the dinner table, making it a go-to meal for family gatherings and casual get-togethers.
• Adaptable recipe allows for simple ingredient swaps or additions, letting home cooks put their personal spin on this classic Mexican-inspired dish while keeping preparation straightforward.
• Create a delicious restaurant-style meal without the expensive bill, bringing professional-level Mexican cuisine right to your kitchen with basic cooking skills.

Gathering Everything for Homemade Chimichangas

• Ground Beef: A hearty and flavorful base for the chimichangas that provides rich protein and substance.

• Cheddar Cheese, Monterey Jack Cheese: A combination of melty cheeses that adds creamy texture and sharp flavor to the filling.

• Onion, Garlic: Foundational ingredients that create a deep, savory flavor profile for the beef mixture.
• Cumin, Chili Powder, Salt, Pepper: Spices that enhance and balance the overall taste of the chimichangas.

• Tortillas: Soft flour tortillas that serve as the crispy, golden wrapper for the beef and cheese filling.
• Vegetable Oil: Used for deep frying to create a crisp, golden-brown exterior of the chimichangas.

• Salsa, Sour Cream, Guacamole: Classic condiments that provide fresh, tangy, and creamy complementary flavors to the rich chimichangas.

Essential Tools for Perfect Beef Chimichangas

• Large skillet: Perfect for browning beef and sautéing onions and garlic.
• Wooden spoon or spatula: Essential for stirring and mixing ingredients while cooking.
• Paper towels: Great for draining excess oil from fried chimichangas.
• Deep skillet or heavy-bottomed pan: Ideal for frying chimichangas to golden perfection.
• Tongs: Helpful for safely turning and removing chimichangas from hot oil.
• Cutting board: Useful for prepping ingredients before cooking.
• Sharp knife: Needed for chopping onions and garlic.

Filling, Folding, and Frying Chimichangas at Home

Step 1: Brown the Beef

Grab a skillet and heat it up over medium flame.

Toss in ground beef, diced onions, and minced garlic.

Cook everything together, breaking up the beef as it sizzles.

Keep stirring until the meat turns a rich brown and the onions become super soft.

Carefully drain away any extra grease to keep your chimichangas from getting soggy.

Step 2: Spice It Up

• Cumin
• Chili powder
• Salt
• Black pepper

Stir the spices into the beef mixture and let them dance around for about two minutes.

This will help the spices release their amazing aromas and infuse the meat with incredible flavor.

Step 3: Add Cheesy Goodness

Take the skillet off the heat and let the beef mixture cool down just a bit.

Now it’s time for the cheese party!

• Shredded cheddar cheese
• Monterey Jack cheese

Mix everything until the cheese starts to melt and get all gooey and delicious.

Step 4: Wrap It Up

Grab your tortillas and get ready to create magic.

Spoon a generous portion of the beef and cheese mixture right in the center of each tortilla.

Fold the sides in tightly, then roll from the bottom up.

Make sure to create a snug little package that will hold all that yummy filling.

Step 5: Fry to Golden Perfection

Heat up vegetable oil in a deep skillet until it’s nice and hot.

Carefully lower the wrapped chimichangas into the oil.

Fry them until they turn a gorgeous golden brown, rotating them to ensure even crispiness.

Once they’re looking amazing, lift them out and let them drain on paper towels to remove excess oil.

Step 6: Serve and Enjoy

• Fresh salsa
• Cool sour cream
• Creamy guacamole

Serve immediately while they’re hot and crispy.

Watch everyone’s eyes light up as they dig into these incredible homemade chimichangas!

Chimichanga Tips for Extra Crunch and Melted Cheese

• Remove all excess grease from beef to prevent soggy chimichangas and ensure a crispy exterior.
• Let beef mixture cool slightly before adding cheese to help it melt smoothly without becoming greasy.
• Fold tortilla edges tightly and roll firmly to prevent filling from leaking during frying.
• Maintain medium-high heat around 350°F for even golden-brown frying without burning.
• For a lighter version, brush chimichangas with oil and bake at 400°F for 20-25 minutes until crisp and golden.

Ways to Mix Up Your Beef Chimichanga Filling

• Vegetarian Veggie Chimichangas: Replace ground beef with black beans, quinoa, or diced portobello mushrooms for a plant-based protein option that maintains the rich, satisfying flavor profile.
• Chicken Chimichangas: Swap ground beef with shredded cooked chicken for a lighter protein alternative that keeps the classic Mexican-inspired texture and taste.
• Gluten-Free Corn Tortilla Version: Use corn tortillas instead of flour tortillas to create a gluten-free friendly recipe that accommodates dietary restrictions without compromising on crunch and taste.
• Low-Carb Lettuce Wrap Style: Skip traditional tortillas and wrap the beef and cheese mixture in large lettuce leaves for a low-carb, keto-friendly approach that reduces overall calorie intake.

Serving Chimichangas Like a Restaurant Pro

• Fiesta Flavor Companions: Pair these crispy chimichangas with fresh, zesty sides that complement the rich beef and cheese filling.
• Cooling Cream Contrast: Top with a generous dollop of tangy sour cream to balance the hot, crispy exterior and cut through the richness of the beef.
• Salsa Splash Sensation: Add homemade or store-bought salsa for a bright, fresh kick that enhances the Mexican-inspired flavors and adds a pop of color to the plate.
• Green Goodness Garnish: Sprinkle fresh chopped cilantro or serve with creamy guacamole to bring a cool, herbal note that brightens the entire dish and adds extra texture.

Storing Chimichangas and Keeping Them Crispy

• Store leftover chimichangas in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Wrap each chimichanga individually in aluminum foil to maintain moisture and prevent them from sticking together.
• Place cooled chimichangas in freezer-safe containers or zip-lock bags. They'll stay fresh for 2-3 months. Separate each chimichanga with parchment paper to prevent freezer burn and make it easier to remove individual portions.
• Preheat oven to 350°F. Unwrap frozen or refrigerated chimichangas and place on a baking sheet. Bake for 15-20 minutes until crispy and heated through. For extra crispiness, brush with a little oil before reheating.

FAQs

• What are the key spices used in this chimichanga recipe?

The key spices are cumin and chili powder, which add depth and authentic Mexican flavor to the ground beef mixture. These spices help create a rich, warm taste that makes the chimichangas delicious.

• How do I prevent the tortillas from falling apart while frying?

To keep the tortillas intact, fold the sides in first, then roll from the bottom, creating a tight seal. This technique ensures the filling stays inside and prevents oil from seeping into the chimichanga during frying.

• Can I use different types of cheese in this recipe?

Yes, while the recipe calls for cheddar and Monterey Jack, you can experiment with other melting cheeses like pepper jack, queso blanco, or a Mexican cheese blend. Just ensure the cheese melts well and complements the beef flavor.

Beef and Cheese Chimichangas Recipe

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4.9 from 8 reviews

• Total Time: 25 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Mexican-inspired beef and cheese chimichangas bring crispy, golden delight to dinner tables with minimal effort. Packed with savory beef, melted cheese, and zesty seasonings, you’ll savor each crunchy bite of this classic southwestern comfort meal.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Main Proteins:

• 1 pound (1 lb/454 grams) ground beef
• 1 cup (240 milliliters) cheddar cheese, shredded
• 1/2 cup (120 milliliters) monterey jack cheese, shredded

Seasonings and Aromatics:

• 1 onion, finely chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon cumin
• 1 teaspoon chili powder
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper

Accompaniments and Wrappers:

• 6 large flour tortillas
• Vegetable oil, for frying
• Salsa, for serving
• Sour cream, for serving
• Guacamole, for serving

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Instructions

1. In a skillet over medium heat, sauté ground beef with diced onions and minced garlic until meat browns and onions become translucent, approximately 8-10 minutes.
2. Drain excess fat from the skillet and season the beef mixture with cumin, chili powder, salt, and pepper, allowing spices to bloom for 2 minutes.
3. Remove skillet from heat and let mixture cool slightly, then fold in shredded cheddar and Monterey Jack cheeses until evenly distributed.
4. Warm tortillas briefly to increase flexibility, then place beef and cheese mixture in the center of each tortilla, carefully folding sides inward and rolling from bottom to create a secure packet.
5. Heat vegetable oil in a deep skillet to 375°F, carefully placing chimichangas seam-side down and frying until exterior turns crisp and golden brown, rotating to ensure even cooking, about 3-4 minutes per side.
6. Transfer chimichangas to paper towel-lined plate to absorb excess oil and drain excess grease.
7. Plate hot chimichangas immediately, garnishing with fresh salsa, dollops of sour cream, and chunky guacamole as accompaniments.

Notes

• Choose lean ground beef to reduce excess fat and create a healthier version of the dish.
• Allow meat mixture to cool slightly before adding cheese to prevent immediate melting and ensure even distribution.
• Secure tortilla edges tightly while rolling to prevent filling from leaking during frying.
• Maintain consistent oil temperature around 350°F for perfectly crispy chimichangas without burning.
• Pat tortillas dry before filling to help them crisp up better and prevent soggy results.
• Experiment with ground turkey or plant-based crumbles for lighter, alternative protein options.
• Drain fried chimichangas on a wire rack instead of paper towels to keep them crispier by preventing steam buildup.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 10 minutes
• Category: Dinner, Appetizer, Snacks
• Method: Frying
• Cuisine: Mexican

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 550
• Sugar: 2 g
• Sodium: 600 mg
• Fat: 30 g
• Saturated Fat: 12 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 15 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 40 g
• Fiber: 2 g
• Protein: 28 g
• Cholesterol: 80 mg