Beef and Cheese Chimichangas

Chimichangas hold a special place in my heart as a delicious, comforting dish that brings a burst of flavor to any table. These crispy, golden delights, filled with savory beef and melted cheese, are perfect for satisfying that evening hunger or impressing guests at a casual get-together. In my experience, they’re the kind of meal that feels like a warm hug, blending meatiness with just the right amount of spice. Whether it’s a weeknight dinner or a fun family brunch, Beef and Cheese Chimichangas are sure to elevate your culinary repertoire.

What Makes This Recipe Special

There’s something uniquely satisfying about biting into a perfectly cooked chimichanga. The crispiness of the tortilla paired with a savory, cheesy filling creates a delightful contrast that delights both the mind and palate. You’ll love this recipe for its:

• Quick Prep: With just a bit of simmering and rolling, you can have these on the table in under an hour.
• Budget-Friendly Ingredients: Made primarily with ground beef, beans, and cheese, this recipe keeps your wallet happy while still delivering big on flavor.
• Kid-Approved: Both kids and adults rave about these tasty bundles, making them ideal for family dinners.
• Versatile Serving Options: Whether you dress them up with toppings or serve them plain, they are always a hit!

“Made these for a Sunday family dinner, and they disappeared in minutes! Everyone loved the crispy exterior and cheesy filling.”

Your Easy Cooking Guide

Making Beef and Cheese Chimichangas is straightforward and enjoyable. The process involves cooking a seasoned beef mixture, assembling the chimichangas, and then either frying or baking them to perfection. With multiple cooking methods available, whether you prefer a health-conscious oven bake or a golden-fried finish, this recipe accommodates every cook’s style. Here’s what you need to know about preparing this delicious dish.

Gather Your Ingredients

Everything You Need for This Recipe

• 1 lb ground beef
• 1 small onion (finely diced)
• 2 cloves garlic (minced)
• 1 packet (1 oz) taco seasoning (or homemade)
• ½ cup salsa (your favorite variety)
• 1 cup refried beans
• 1 ½ cups shredded cheddar cheese (or Mexican blend)
• 6 large flour tortillas (burrito-sized)
• 2 tbsp vegetable oil (for brushing/frying)

Substitution Note: You can easily swap ground beef for turkey or chicken for a lighter option. Black beans or pinto beans can replace refried beans for a vegetarian twist!

Step-by-Step Guide to Cooking It

1. Cook the beef filling: Heat a large skillet over medium heat. Add ground beef and diced onion. Cook until meat is browned and onions are tender. Drain any excess grease.

2. Add flavor: Stir in minced garlic, taco seasoning, and salsa. Allow it to simmer for 3–4 minutes until everything is well combined.

3. Assemble the chimichangas: On each tortilla, spread a spoonful of refried beans, then top with a generous scoop of beef mixture and a handful of cheese.

4. Roll it up: Fold in the sides of the tortilla and roll it tightly like a burrito.

5. Cook the chimichangas:

   • For the oven method (healthier option): Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C). Place chimichangas seam-side down on a baking sheet, brush lightly with vegetable oil, and bake for 18–20 minutes, flipping once until golden.
   • For the skillet method (crispier option): Heat 2–3 tablespoons of oil in a skillet over medium heat. Cook chimichangas seam-side down, 2–3 minutes per side until crispy.

6. Serve: Let the chimichangas rest for about 2 minutes before serving. Enjoy them with toppings like sour cream, guacamole, or salsa if desired.

Tips for Serving

When it comes to serving your Beef and Cheese Chimichangas, creativity is key. Here are some serving suggestions:

• Toppings Galore: Consider offering a variety of toppings, such as freshly diced tomatoes, jalapeños, or cilantro.
• Fun Dips: Serve with sour cream, guacamole, and salsa for dipping—let everyone personalize their bite.
• Pair with Sides: Complement your chimichangas with a refreshing salad or Mexican-style rice for a complete meal.

Best Way to Store Beef and Cheese Chimichangas

Storing leftover chimichangas is simple and allows you to enjoy these treats later! Here are some tips:

• Refrigerate: Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
• Freezing: These chimichangas freeze well! Wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer-safe bag for up to 2 months.
• Reheat: To reheat, bake in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) until heated through or pan-fry for a crispy finish.

Pro Chef Tips

For the best results when making Beef and Cheese Chimichangas, keep these expert tips in mind:

• Don’t Overstuff: Avoid the temptation to overload the tortillas; a little filling goes a long way for easier rolling and cooking.
• Crispy Corners: If you’ve baked them, give them a quick pan-fry after they come out of the oven for extra crispiness.
• Seasonal Twist: Experiment with different cheeses like pepper jack for a spicy kick or add some corn to the beef mixture for additional texture.

Creative Twists

Feel like experimenting? Here are some variations to spice things up:

• Vegetarian Version: Substitute the ground beef with a mix of sautéed veggies, mushrooms, or lentils.
• Buffalo Chicken Chimichangas: Replace the beef with shredded chicken mixed with buffalo sauce for a zesty variation.
• Cheesy Spin: Mix in cream cheese with your filling for extra creaminess and indulge in cheesy goodness.

Questions & Answers

• What is the prep time for Beef and Cheese Chimichangas?
  Prep time is about 15 minutes, while cooking takes approximately 20-25 minutes, making this dish quick and approachable.

• Can I make these ahead of time?
  Yes! You can assemble the chimichangas in advance and store them in the refrigerator until you’re ready to bake or fry.

• What’s a good substitute for tortillas?
  If you’re looking for a gluten-free option, consider using corn tortillas, although they may require additional care in rolling to avoid breaking.

Beef and Cheese Chimichangas are more than just a meal; they’re a delightful adventure wrapped in a crispy tortilla. With these tips and tricks, you’ll be set to enjoy this recipe at home or impress guests at your next gathering!

Beef and Cheese Chimichangas

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• Total Time: 40 minutes
• Yield: 6 servings 1x
• Diet: Carnivore

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Description

Delicious, crispy chimichangas filled with savory beef and melted cheese, perfect for dinner or gatherings.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 1 lb ground beef
• 1 small onion (finely diced)
• 2 cloves garlic (minced)
• 1 packet (1 oz) taco seasoning (or homemade)
• ½ cup salsa (your favorite variety)
• 1 cup refried beans
• 1 ½ cups shredded cheddar cheese (or Mexican blend)
• 6 large flour tortillas (burrito-sized)
• 2 tbsp vegetable oil (for brushing/frying)

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Instructions

1. Heat a large skillet over medium heat. Add ground beef and diced onion. Cook until meat is browned and onions are tender. Drain any excess grease.
2. Stir in minced garlic, taco seasoning, and salsa. Allow it to simmer for 3–4 minutes until well combined.
3. On each tortilla, spread a spoonful of refried beans, then top with a generous scoop of beef mixture and a handful of cheese.
4. Fold in the sides of the tortilla and roll it tightly like a burrito.
5. For oven method: Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C). Place chimichangas seam-side down on a baking sheet, brush lightly with vegetable oil, and bake for 18–20 minutes, flipping once until golden.
6. For skillet method: Heat 2–3 tablespoons of oil in a skillet over medium heat. Cook chimichangas seam-side down for 2–3 minutes per side until crispy.
7. Let the chimichangas rest for about 2 minutes before serving. Enjoy with toppings like sour cream, guacamole, or salsa.

Notes

For a healthier option, bake instead of frying. Leftovers can be stored in the fridge for up to 3 days or frozen for 2 months.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 25 minutes
• Category: Main Course
• Method: Frying or Baking
• Cuisine: Mexican

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 chimichanga
• Calories: 400
• Sugar: 2g
• Sodium: 600mg
• Fat: 20g
• Saturated Fat: 8g
• Unsaturated Fat: 10g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 35g
• Fiber: 5g
• Protein: 25g
• Cholesterol: 65mg

Keywords: chimichangas, beef, cheesy, Mexican food, comfort food, easy dinner