Beef and Cheese Chimichangas

If you’re craving a meal that’s crispy, cheesy, and packed with savory goodness, you’ll absolutely adore this Beef and Cheese Chimichangas recipe. It’s a simple yet flavorful dish perfect for busy weeknights or casual weekend dinners, bringing together tender beef, melted cheese, and warm, crunchy tortillas that promise to please both kids and adults alike. Ready in under an hour, this dish is a guaranteed crowd favorite that combines satisfying flavors with effortless preparation.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick and Easy: This recipe comes together in less than an hour, making it perfect for busy evenings.
• Family-Friendly: The mild yet savory flavors appeal to both kids and adults, ensuring everyone leaves the table happy.
• Crunchy and Creamy: Crispy tortillas meet gooey melted cheese for an irresistible texture combo.
• Customizable: You can easily tweak fillings and spices to suit your taste or dietary preferences.
• Great for Leftovers: These chimichangas reheat well and are perfect for meal prep or next-day lunches.

Ingredients You’ll Need

This Beef and Cheese Chimichangas recipe uses straightforward ingredients that work harmoniously to create delicious layers of flavor and texture. Each component—from the seasoned beef to the cheese and tortillas—plays a role in delivering that perfect balance between savory and crispy.

• Ground Beef: Choose lean or regular based on preference; it’s the hearty base for your filling.
• Shredded Cheese: A blend of cheddar and Monterey Jack melts perfectly for creamy, cheesy goodness.
• Flour Tortillas: Large, sturdy tortillas hold the filling well and crisp up nicely when cooked.
• Onion: Adds mild sweetness and depth to the beef filling.
• Garlic: Fresh cloves infuse the beef with an aromatic punch.
• Spices: Cumin, chili powder, paprika, and a pinch of salt bring warmth and boldness.
• Vegetable Oil: For frying, creating that golden, crunchy outer shell.
• Optional Toppings: Sour cream, salsa, and fresh cilantro add freshness and help balance richness.

Variations for Beef and Cheese Chimichangas

This recipe is incredibly versatile, allowing you to personalize your chimichangas in a way that fits your flavor cravings or dietary needs. Try these creative variations to keep the meal exciting and new every time you make it.

• Spicy Kick: Add diced jalapeños or a dash of hot sauce to the beef mixture for extra heat.
• Vegetarian Version: Swap ground beef for sautéed mushrooms, black beans, or seasoned tofu for a meatless option.
• Cheese Blend: Experiment with queso fresco, pepper jack, or mozzarella for different melty textures and flavors.
• Bake Instead of Fry: For a lighter twist, bake chimichangas until crispy instead of deep-frying.
• Extra Veggies: Fold in diced bell peppers, corn, or spinach to add color and nutrients.

How to Make Beef and Cheese Chimichangas

Step 1: Prepare the Beef Filling

Start by heating a skillet over medium heat and adding a drizzle of oil. Sauté chopped onions and minced garlic until fragrant and translucent. Add the ground beef and cook until browned, breaking it apart with a spatula. Stir in cumin, chili powder, paprika, salt, and pepper to spice things up and let the mixture simmer for a few minutes to deepen the flavors.

Step 2: Assemble the Chimichangas

Warm your tortillas slightly so they’re pliable, then place a generous scoop of the beef filling in the center of each. Top with a hearty handful of shredded cheese, making sure to leave room around the edges to fold. Fold the sides first, then roll tightly from one end to the other, sealing the filling inside.

Step 3: Fry Until Golden and Crispy

Heat about an inch of vegetable oil in a deep pan over medium-high heat. Carefully place each chimichanga seam-side down into the hot oil. Fry for 2 to 3 minutes on each side or until golden brown and crispy. Use tongs to turn them gently and transfer to a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess oil.

Pro Tips for Making Beef and Cheese Chimichangas

• Choose the Right Tortilla: Larger, thicker flour tortillas hold fillings better and create crispier chimichangas.
• Don’t Overfill: Avoid overstuffing to prevent the chimichangas from bursting during frying.
• Keep Oil Hot: Medium-high heat ensures even crisping without sogginess or excess oil absorption.
• Try the Oven-Bake Method: For a healthier option, brush chimichangas with oil and bake at 400°F until crispy.
• Use Fresh Cheese: Freshly shredded cheese melts more evenly than pre-shredded bags with anti-caking agents.

How to Serve Beef and Cheese Chimichangas

Garnishes

Top your chimichangas with fresh garnishes like chopped cilantro, diced tomatoes, sliced avocado, or a dollop of sour cream to add bright, refreshing notes that balance the richness.

Side Dishes

Pair these chimichangas with classic sides like Mexican rice, refried beans, or a crisp green salad for a complete and satisfying meal.

Creative Ways to Present

Serve chimichangas sliced in half for a nice presentation, piling on vibrant salsas or guacamole alongside. You can also offer a variety of dipping sauces like chipotle mayo, queso dip, or salsa verde for extra flavor bursts.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Place cooled chimichangas in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3 days. They hold their flavor well and remain fairly crispy when reheated properly.

Freezing

For longer storage, wrap each chimichanga tightly in plastic wrap, then foil, and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw in the fridge overnight before reheating.

Reheating

Reheat leftover chimichangas in a 375°F oven for about 15 minutes to restore their crispiness. Avoid microwaving if you want to keep the exterior crunchy.

FAQs

Can I make Beef and Cheese Chimichangas without frying?

Absolutely! You can bake chimichangas in the oven brushed with oil to achieve a crispy texture without deep frying.

What type of cheese works best for chimichangas?

Cheddar and Monterey Jack cheese blends are perfect because they melt smoothly and have bold flavors that complement the beef.

Can I prepare chimichangas in advance?

Yes, you can assemble them ahead of time and keep them covered in the refrigerator for a few hours before cooking or freezing for longer storage.

Are chimichangas gluten-free?

Traditional chimichangas use flour tortillas, which contain gluten, but you can use corn tortillas or gluten-free wraps as a substitute.

How spicy are Beef and Cheese Chimichangas?

The base recipe is mildly spiced, but you can easily add jalapeños or hot sauce to increase the heat level according to your preferences.

Final Thoughts

This Beef and Cheese Chimichangas recipe is a fantastic way to bring bold, comforting flavors to your dinner table with minimal fuss and maximum taste. Whether you’re feeding a hungry family or entertaining friends, these crispy, cheesy pockets will quickly become a household favorite. Give this recipe a try tonight and enjoy a warm, satisfying meal that’s as fun to eat as it is to make!

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