Easy Beef and Cheese Chimichangas Recipe: Crispy Homemade Joy

My culinary adventure with beef and cheese chimichangas started unexpectedly during a spontaneous kitchen experiment.

Crispy tortillas wrapped around savory meat quickly became a household favorite.

Deep golden shells promise a delightful crunch that makes mouths water.

Melted cheese oozes from inside these Mexican-inspired pockets of deliciousness.

Textures and flavors dance together in a perfect harmony of comfort food.

Rich beef mingles with spices, creating an irresistible filling that will have everyone asking for seconds.

You’ll want to dive right in and savor every delectable bite of these mouthwatering chimichangas.

Beef And Cheese Chimichangas: Highlights

• Quick Crowd-Pleaser: Perfect for entertaining guests with minimal kitchen stress, this shrimp gratin delivers gourmet flavors without complicated techniques.
• Protein-Packed Comfort: Loaded with succulent shrimp and creamy cheese, the dish provides a satisfying meal that feels indulgent yet nutritious.
• Versatile Dinner Solution: Adapts beautifully for casual family dinners or elegant gatherings, making it a reliable recipe for multiple dining scenarios.
• Simple Ingredient Magic: Transforms basic pantry staples into a restaurant-quality dish with just a few strategic cooking steps, allowing home cooks to create something spectacular.

Ingredients For Beef And Cheese Chimichangas

• Ground Beef: A rich and hearty protein that forms the core of the chimichangas filling.

• Onion, Garlic: These classic ingredients add depth and savory flavor to the beef mixture.
• Chili Powder, Cumin, Salt, Pepper: A blend of spices that creates a warm and complex seasoning profile.

• Salsa: Adds moisture and tangy flavor to enhance the beef mixture.
• Shredded Cheese: Provides creamy texture and melts to bind the filling together.

• Tortillas: Soft flour tortillas serve as the wrapper for the chimichanga.
• Cooking Oil: Enables frying to create a crispy, golden-brown exterior.

• Salsa, Sour Cream, Guacamole: Classic condiments that add freshness and additional flavor to the dish.

How To Prepare Beef And Cheese Chimichangas

Step 1: Brown The Beef

Heat a skillet over medium flame and cook ground beef until it’s perfectly browned. Make sure to drain away any extra grease for a cleaner, tastier filling.

Step 2: Build Flavor Base

• Chopped onions
• Minced garlic

• Chili powder
• Cumin
• Salt
• Black pepper
• Salsa

Let the mixture simmer and meld together for about 5 minutes, creating a rich, zesty flavor profile.

Step 3: Add Cheesy Goodness

Remove the skillet from heat and stir in a blend of shredded cheeses until they’re evenly distributed throughout the beef mixture.

Step 4: Wrap And Roll

Place a tortilla on a flat surface.

Spoon the beef and cheese mixture into the center. Carefully fold in the sides and roll tightly, creating a neat package that’ll hold all the delicious filling.

Step 5: Crisp To Perfection

Heat oil in a deep pan. Gently place the rolled chimichangas into the hot oil, frying until they turn a gorgeous golden brown and become wonderfully crispy.

Use paper towels to drain excess oil.

Step 6: Serve And Enjoy

Plate the hot, crispy chimichangas immediately.

Serve with your favorite toppings like fresh salsa, cool sour cream, or creamy guacamole for a mouthwatering meal that’ll impress everyone at the table.

Pro Tips For Beef And Cheese Chimichangas

• Drain beef thoroughly to prevent soggy chimichangas and ensure a crispy exterior.
• Select flour tortillas at room temperature for easier folding and better seal.
• Control oil temperature around 350°F for even, golden-brown frying without burning.
• Experiment with different cheese blends like pepper jack or monterey jack for extra flavor complexity.
• Freeze assembled chimichangas before frying for a make-ahead meal that maintains structural integrity during cooking.

Flavor Variations For Beef And Cheese Chimichangas

• Chicken Chimichangas: Replace ground beef with shredded chicken for a lighter protein option that still packs tons of flavor.
• Vegetarian Black Bean Version: Swap beef with seasoned black beans and add roasted bell peppers for a plant-based alternative that maintains the classic chimichanga texture.
• Breakfast Chimichanga Spin: Include scrambled eggs, crispy bacon bits, and cheddar cheese to transform this recipe into a morning meal with southwestern flair.
• Spicy Green Chile Edition: Incorporate diced green chiles and pepper jack cheese to create a zesty version with extra kick and southwestern regional authenticity.

Serving Ideas For Beef And Cheese Chimichangas

• Arrange golden chimichangas on a colorful ceramic plate with vibrant salsa and creamy sour cream dollops. Garnish with fresh cilantro sprigs and lime wedges for a zesty pop of color.
• Pair crispy chimichangas with Mexican-style rice and black beans. Drizzle additional melted cheese on top and sprinkle chopped green onions for extra texture and flavor depth.
• Cut chimichangas into bite-sized pieces for easy sharing. Serve on a rustic wooden board with multiple dipping sauces like spicy salsa verde, classic salsa roja, and smooth guacamole for a crowd-pleasing party platter.

Storage Instructions For Beef And Cheese Chimichangas

• Store leftover chimichangas in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking. Seal tightly to prevent moisture and preserve flavor. Refrigeration keeps them fresh for 3-4 days.
• Wrap individual chimichangas in plastic wrap, then place in freezer-safe bags. Remove excess air to prevent freezer burn. Frozen chimichangas maintain quality for up to 2 months.
• Warm in oven at 350°F for 10-15 minutes to restore crispiness. Avoid microwave to prevent soggy texture. Ensure internal temperature reaches 165°F for food safety.

FAQs

• What are chimichangas?

Chimichangas are deep-fried burritos originating from Mexican-American cuisine, typically filled with meat, cheese, and spices, then crispy-fried to golden perfection.

• Can I bake instead of frying chimichangas?

Yes, you can bake chimichangas at 400°F for 20-25 minutes, brushing with oil to help achieve a crispy exterior and healthier cooking method.

• What type of ground beef works best?

Use lean ground beef (80/20 or 85/15) to ensure flavor without excessive grease, which helps maintain the chimichanga’s crispy texture.

• How do I prevent the tortillas from breaking during rolling?

Warm tortillas slightly before filling and rolling, and ensure you don’t overfill them, which can cause tearing during the rolling process.

Beef And Cheese Chimichangas Recipe

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4.6 from 35 reviews

• Total Time: 25 minutes
• Yield: 6 1x

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Description

Mexican-inspired beef and cheese chimichangas delight diners with crispy golden exteriors and savory fillings. Melted cheese and seasoned ground beef create a mouthwatering combination you’ll crave again and again.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 1 lb (0.45 kg) ground beef
• 1 cup (120 g) shredded cheddar cheese
• 1 cup (120 g) shredded Monterey Jack cheese
• 6 large flour tortillas
• 1/2 cup (120 ml) salsa
• 1 small onion, diced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tsp (5 ml) chili powder
• 1/2 tsp (2.5 ml) cumin
• 1/2 tsp (2.5 ml) salt
• 1/4 tsp (1.25 ml) black pepper
• Oil for frying

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Instructions

1. Brown ground beef in a skillet over medium heat, eliminating any surplus fat.
2. Incorporate diced onions and minced garlic, sautéing until translucent and fragrant.
3. Introduce chili powder, cumin, salt, and pepper, then fold in salsa. Allow mixture to simmer for 5 minutes, developing rich flavors.
4. Remove skillet from heat and gently fold shredded cheese into the meat mixture until evenly distributed.
5. Lay out tortillas and center a generous portion of the beef and cheese filling. Carefully fold edges inward, creating a compact envelope.
6. Roll tortillas tightly, ensuring filling remains secure within the wrapper.
7. Heat vegetable oil in a deep pan to 375°F, creating a hot cooking environment for frying.
8. Carefully place rolled chimichangas into the hot oil, rotating to achieve an even, golden-brown exterior.
9. Fry each chimichanga for approximately 2-3 minutes, monitoring color and crispness.
10. Transfer fried chimichangas to a paper towel-lined plate to absorb excess oil and maintain crispiness.
11. Plate immediately and accompany with fresh salsa, cool sour cream, or creamy guacamole for dipping.

Notes

• Choose lean ground beef to reduce excess grease and create a healthier dish.
• Try ground turkey or plant-based meat alternatives for a lighter protein option.
• Pat tortillas dry before rolling to ensure maximum crispiness during frying.
• Control oil temperature between 350-375°F for perfectly golden and crispy chimichangas without absorbing too much oil.

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

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 6
• Calories: 485 kcal
• Sugar: 2 g
• Sodium: 680 mg
• Fat: 28 g
• Saturated Fat: 12 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 14 g
• Trans Fat: 0.5 g
• Carbohydrates: 29 g
• Fiber: 3 g
• Protein: 27 g
• Cholesterol: 75 mg