Beef and Cheese Chimichangas Recipe
Beef and Cheese Chimichangas are crispy, savory rolled tortillas filled with seasoned ground beef, refried beans, and melted cheese. This Mexican-inspired dish can be baked for a healthier option or pan-fried for extra crispiness, making it a satisfying meal perfect for any occasion.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 6 chimichangas 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Mexican
Ingredients
Scale
Beef Filling
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 small onion, finely diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 packet (1 oz) taco seasoning (or homemade)
- ½ cup salsa
Assembly
- 1 cup refried beans
- 1 ½ cups shredded cheddar cheese or Mexican blend cheese
- 6 large flour tortillas (burrito-size)
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil (for brushing or frying)
Instructions
- Cook the beef filling: In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef with the diced onion until the beef is fully browned and the onion is tender. Drain any excess grease from the skillet. Add the minced garlic, taco seasoning, and salsa, then simmer the mixture for 3 to 4 minutes to combine all the flavors well.
- Assemble the chimichangas: Lay out each flour tortilla flat. Spread a spoonful of refried beans down the center of each tortilla. Top with a generous scoop of the cooked beef mixture, then sprinkle a handful of shredded cheese over it. Fold in the sides of the tortilla and tightly roll it up like a burrito to secure the filling inside.
- Cook the chimichangas: Oven method (healthier): Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Place the rolled chimichangas seam-side down on a baking sheet. Lightly brush each chimichanga with vegetable oil. Bake for 18 to 20 minutes, flipping once halfway through, until they are golden and crispy.
Skillet method (crispier): Heat 2 to 3 tablespoons of vegetable oil in a skillet over medium heat. Place the chimichangas seam-side down and cook for 2 to 3 minutes per side until they become golden brown and crisp. - Serve: Once cooked, remove the chimichangas from heat and let them rest for 2 minutes. Serve warm with your favorite toppings such as sour cream, guacamole, lettuce, or extra salsa for added flavor and freshness.
Notes
- You can substitute ground turkey or chicken for a leaner version.
- For extra spice, add diced jalapeños to the beef mixture or use spicy salsa.
- If using homemade taco seasoning, adjust salt accordingly to your taste.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container and reheat in the oven or air fryer to maintain crispiness.
- Make sure to seal the chimichangas tightly to prevent filling from leaking during cooking.
Keywords: chimichangas, beef chimichangas, Mexican food, baked chimichangas, ground beef recipe, crispy chimichangas, easy Mexican dinner
Find it online: https://cheframiflavor.com/beef-and-cheese-chimichangas-recipe/
