Description
Beef and Cheese Chimichangas are crispy, cheesy, and packed with savory flavors. This quick and easy recipe combines tender seasoned ground beef with a blend of cheddar and Monterey Jack cheese, wrapped in large flour tortillas and fried until golden brown. Perfect for busy weeknights or casual dinners, these chimichangas offer a satisfying texture combo of crunchy tortillas and creamy melted cheese that appeals to the whole family. Customize with spices and fillings to suit your taste, and enjoy leftovers that reheat wonderfully.
Ingredients
Scale
Filling Ingredients
- 1 lb ground beef (lean or regular)
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tsp cumin
- 1 tsp chili powder
- 1 tsp paprika
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 1 ½ cups shredded cheese (cheddar and Monterey Jack blend)
Assembly Ingredients
- 4 large flour tortillas
Cooking Ingredients
- Vegetable oil (about 1 inch deep for frying)
Optional Toppings
- Sour cream
- Salsa
- Fresh cilantro, chopped
- Diced tomatoes
- Sliced avocado
Instructions
- Prepare the Beef Filling: Heat a skillet over medium heat and add a drizzle of oil. Sauté the 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. Let the mixture simmer for a few minutes to deepen the flavors.
- Assemble the Chimichangas: Warm the flour tortillas slightly so they are pliable. Place a generous scoop of the beef filling in the center of each tortilla. Top with a hearty handful of shredded cheese, leaving room around the edges for folding. Fold the sides inward first, then roll tightly from one end to the other, sealing the filling inside.
- 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 they turn golden brown and crispy. Use tongs to turn them gently and transfer to a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess oil.
Notes
- Choose larger, thicker flour tortillas for better filling hold and crispier texture.
- Avoid overstuffing to prevent bursting during frying.
- Maintain medium-high oil temperature for even crisping and minimal oil absorption.
- For a healthier option, brush chimichangas with oil and bake at 400°F until crispy instead of frying.
- Use freshly shredded cheese for a smoother melt compared to pre-shredded varieties.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Appetizers
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: Mexican
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 chimichanga
- Calories: 450 kcal
- Sugar: 2 g
- Sodium: 600 mg
- Fat: 28 g
- Saturated Fat: 12 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 14 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 30 g
- Fiber: 3 g
- Protein: 22 g
- Cholesterol: 70 mg
Keywords: chimichangas, beef chimichangas, cheese chimichangas, Mexican appetizers, fried tortillas, cheesy beef pockets
