Sizzling Beef and Cheese Chimichangas Recipe for Taco Night

Golden and crispy, these beef and cheese chimichangas deliver a mouthwatering Mexican-inspired experience that will make your taste buds dance.

Stuffed with seasoned ground beef and melted cheese, they promise a delightful crunch in every bite.

Warm tortillas wrap around savory meat and gooey cheese, creating a perfect handheld meal.

Southwest spices infuse each morsel with rich, bold flavors that transport you straight to a cozy cantina.

Minimal ingredients and simple steps mean you can whip up this crowd-pleaser in no time.

Crisp edges and a molten center make these chimichangas irresistibly tempting for anyone seeking a quick and satisfying dinner.

Dive into this recipe and watch magic happen on your dinner plate.

The Bold Flavors Behind Beef and Cheese Chimichangas Explained

• Savor Speedy Satisfaction: This recipe delivers a mouthwatering meal with minimal prep work, making it perfect for busy weeknights or spontaneous dinner cravings.
• Master Customizable Cooking: Easily adjust spice levels, cheese types, and toppings to suit individual tastes, ensuring everyone at the table enjoys their perfect chimichanga.
• Create Crowd-Pleasing Comfort: These crispy, cheesy chimichangas bring restaurant-style excitement to home cooking, guaranteed to impress family and friends with their golden, crunchy exterior and flavorful filling.
• Nail Beginner-Friendly Technique: Simple step-by-step instructions make this recipe approachable for cooks of all skill levels, allowing even kitchen novices to produce a delicious, professional-looking meal.

Essential Ingredients for Crispy and Cheesy Chimichangas

• Ground Beef: A flavorful protein that forms the hearty base of the chimichangas.
• Tortillas: Large flour tortillas that wrap and hold the delicious filling.
• Shredded Cheese: Melts beautifully and adds rich, creamy texture to the beef mixture.

• Onion, Garlic: Provide a deep, savory foundation of flavor for the beef mixture.
• Chili Powder, Cumin, Salt, Black Pepper: Classic spices that enhance the beef's taste and add warmth.
• Salsa: Adds moisture and a tangy, zesty kick to the filling.

• Vegetable Oil: Used for deep-frying to create a crispy, golden exterior of the chimichangas.
• Paper Towels: Helps drain excess oil after frying for a lighter texture.

How to Prepare and Fry the Perfect Chimichangas at Home

Step 1: Brown The Beef

Cook ground beef in a skillet over medium heat until it turns a rich brown color. Carefully drain away any extra fat to keep the filling light and delicious.

Step 2: Sauté Aromatics

Add diced onions and minced garlic to the beef. Stir and cook until the onions become translucent and soft, releasing their amazing fragrance.

Step 3: Spice Up The Filling

Sprinkle in chili powder, ground cumin, salt, and black pepper. Pour in salsa and stir everything together.

Let the mixture simmer for 5 minutes to blend all the incredible flavors.

Step 4: Melt In The Cheese

Remove the skillet from heat and fold in a combination of shredded cheeses.

The residual warmth will help the cheese melt perfectly into the beef mixture.

Step 5: Wrap The Chimichangas

Place a generous scoop of the beef and cheese mixture in the center of each tortilla.

Carefully fold the sides and roll into a tight burrito-like package, ensuring the filling stays secure.

Step 6: Prepare For Frying

Heat vegetable oil in a deep skillet until it reaches 350°F.

The oil should be hot enough to create a crispy, golden exterior.

Step 7: Fry To Perfection

Carefully lower the wrapped chimichangas into the hot oil.

Fry each side for 2-3 minutes until they turn a beautiful golden brown and become wonderfully crispy.

Step 8: Serve And Enjoy

Remove the chimichangas from the oil and let them drain on paper towels.

Plate immediately and serve with your favorite toppings like sour cream, guacamole, or salsa.

Insider Tips to Make Your Chimichangas Crispy and Delicious

• Blot excess grease from ground beef using paper towels to prevent soggy chimichangas.
• Choose flour tortillas with minimal tears to ensure a tight seal while frying.
• Use a deep-fry thermometer to maintain consistent oil temperature for perfectly crispy results.
• Keep chimichangas warm in a low-heated oven if cooking in multiple batches to preserve crispiness.
• For a healthier version, bake chimichangas at 425F for 20-25 minutes instead of deep-frying, brushing with olive oil for a golden exterior.

Flavor Swaps and Creative Ideas to Customize Your Chimichangas

• Chicken Chimichangas: Replace ground beef with shredded chicken for a lighter protein option. Seasoned with similar spices and salsa for familiar flavor profile.
• Vegetarian Black Bean Version: Swap beef with black beans and add diced bell peppers. Use vegetable broth for extra moisture and depth of taste.
• Low-Carb Lettuce Wrap Style: Skip tortillas and wrap beef mixture in large lettuce leaves. Bake instead of frying for healthier alternative.
• Gluten-Free Option: Use corn tortillas and ensure all spices and salsa are certified gluten-free. Check ingredient labels carefully to prevent cross-contamination.

Perfect Serving Ideas to Pair with Beef and Cheese Chimichangas

• Game Night Crowd-Pleaser: Slice chimichangas into bite-sized pieces for easy sharing during movie or sports gatherings, perfect for dipping in extra salsa or sour cream.
• Fiesta Plating Style: Arrange golden chimichangas on a colorful platter, garnish with fresh cilantro, diced tomatoes, and drizzle with crema for a restaurant-worthy presentation.
• Weeknight Meal Hack: Prepare extra filling in advance and refrigerate, allowing quick assembly of chimichangas during busy evenings, saving time without compromising flavor.
• Leftover Magic: Transform remaining chimichangas into next-day breakfast by topping with a fried egg and serving alongside black beans for a hearty morning meal.

How to Store Chimichangas to Keep Them Fresh and Tasty

• Refrigerate leftover chimichangas in an airtight container for up to 3-4 days to maintain freshness and prevent bacterial growth.
• Wrap each chimichanga individually in plastic wrap or aluminum foil before storing to protect from moisture and freezer burn.
• Freeze cooked chimichangas for maximum 2 months by placing them in a freezer-safe container with parchment paper between layers.
• Reheat refrigerated chimichangas in the oven at 350°F for 10-15 minutes to restore crispiness, ensuring they reach an internal temperature of 165°F for food safety.

FAQs

• What are the key spices in this chimichangas recipe?

Chili powder and cumin provide the main flavor profile, adding warmth and depth to the ground beef mixture.

• Can I make these chimichangas ahead of time?

You can prepare the beef filling and assemble the chimichangas in advance, then refrigerate and fry just before serving to maintain crispiness.

• How do I prevent the chimichangas from falling apart during frying?

Fold the tortillas tightly and seal the edges well to prevent the filling from leaking during frying.

• What type of cheese works best for this recipe?

A blend of cheddar and monterey jack cheese provides great melting qualities and rich flavor for the filling.

Best Beef And Cheese Chimichangas Recipe

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4.7 from 36 reviews

• Total Time: 35 minutes
• Yield: 6 1x

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Description

Mexican-inspired beef and cheese chimichangas combine crispy tortillas with savory seasoned ground beef and melted cheese. Golden-brown exterior gives way to a rich, hearty filling that delights diners seeking authentic southwestern comfort.

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Ingredients

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Main Ingredients:

• 1 pound (1 lb) ground beef
• 6 large flour tortillas
• 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
• 1 cup shredded Monterey Jack cheese

Seasonings and Aromatics:

• 1 small onion, chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon chili powder
• 1/2 teaspoon cumin
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper

Additional Ingredients:

• 1/2 cup salsa
• Vegetable oil (for frying)

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Instructions

1. Brown ground beef in a skillet over medium heat, carefully draining excess fat to ensure a crisp texture.
2. Sauté diced onions and minced garlic until they become translucent and fragrant, releasing their aromatic flavors.
3. Incorporate chili powder, cumin, salt, and black pepper into the meat mixture, then blend in salsa for a robust and zesty profile.
4. Allow the mixture to simmer for 5 minutes, letting the spices meld and intensify the overall taste.
5. Remove from heat and gently fold in a blend of shredded cheeses, creating a creamy and rich filling.
6. Carefully distribute the beef mixture onto the center of each tortilla, then meticulously fold into a compact, sealed burrito shape.
7. Heat oil in a deep skillet to precisely 350°F (175°C), ensuring the perfect frying temperature for a crispy exterior.
8. Carefully lower chimichangas into the hot oil, frying in small batches until they achieve a golden-brown, crunchy finish, approximately 2-3 minutes per side.
9. Transfer to paper towels to absorb excess oil, allowing them to drain and maintain their crisp texture.
10. Serve immediately, accompanied by your preferred garnishes for a delightful and authentic Mexican-inspired meal.

Notes

• Customize the spice level by adjusting chili powder or using different types of salsa for varied heat intensities.
• Choose lean ground beef to reduce excess grease and create a healthier version of the dish.
• Prevent soggy chimichangas by ensuring tortillas are tightly wrapped and oil is at the correct temperature before frying.
• Transform into a vegetarian option by substituting beef with black beans, lentils, or plant-based meat alternatives for a protein-rich filling.

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 15 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner, Appetizer, Snacks
• Method: Frying
• Cuisine: Mexican

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 6
• Calories: 468 kcal
• Sugar: 2 g
• Sodium: 580 mg
• Fat: 28 g
• Saturated Fat: 12 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 14 g
• Trans Fat: 0.5 g
• Carbohydrates: 30 g
• Fiber: 3 g
• Protein: 27 g
• Cholesterol: 65 mg