The Zesty Beef and Cheese Chimichangas Recipe You’ll Adore

Crispy, golden beef and cheese chimichangas dance with Mexican-inspired flavors that will make your taste buds jump for joy.

Southwest spices mingle inside these crunchy parcels of deliciousness.

Melted cheese oozes between seasoned meat layers, creating a mouthwatering experience.

Our simple recipe brings restaurant-quality magic straight to your kitchen.

Friends and family will beg you to make these again and again.

Packed with bold ingredients and easy preparation, these chimichangas promise a quick and satisfying meal.

Beef and Cheese Chimichangas That Satisfy Deeply

• Quickly Customize: Swap ground beef with shredded chicken or plant-based alternatives for personalized flavor adventures.
• Master Simple Techniques: Learn basic sautéing and frying skills that boost cooking confidence with minimal kitchen expertise.
• Crowd-Pleasing Comfort: Deliver a hearty meal that satisfies everyone from kids to adults with its crispy exterior and cheesy, spiced interior.
• Perfect Party Starter: Ideal for game nights, potlucks, and casual gatherings where finger foods create instant excitement and social connection.

Ingredients for Hearty Beef and Cheese Chimichangas

• Ground Beef: A hearty and flavorful meat that forms the main filling of the chimichangas.

• Cheddar Cheese: Adds rich, melty goodness and enhances the overall flavor of the filling.
• Sour Cream: A cool and tangy topping that complements the crispy chimichangas.

• Cumin, Chili Powder, Garlic Powder, Salt: A blend of spices that provides depth and warmth to the beef filling.

• Tortillas: Soft flour tortillas that are rolled and fried to create the crispy exterior.
• Vegetable Oil: Used for frying the chimichangas to achieve a golden brown and crispy texture.

Steps to Make Crispy Beef and Cheese Chimichangas

Step 1: Brown Ground Beef

Heat a skillet on medium heat. Crumble the ground beef into the pan and cook until the meat turns completely brown and loses its pink color.

Break up the beef with a wooden spoon to ensure even cooking.

Step 2: Infuse Flavor

• Cumin
• Chili powder
• Garlic powder
• Salt

Stir the spices thoroughly into the beef, allowing the flavors to blend completely.

Add shredded cheese and mix until the cheese melts and creates a rich, creamy texture.

Step 3: Wrap Delicious Filling

Lay out soft tortillas on a clean surface.

Spoon the beef and cheese mixture into the center of each tortilla. Fold the sides inward, then roll tightly from the bottom to create a neat, secure package.

Step 4: Create Crispy Golden Exterior

Pour vegetable oil into a deep skillet, heating to medium-high temperature. Carefully place the rolled chimichangas seam-side down into the hot oil.

Fry until the exterior turns a beautiful golden brown, rotating to ensure even crispiness. This should take about 3-4 minutes per side.

Step 5: Prepare for Serving

Remove chimichangas from the oil and place on paper towels to drain excess oil. The towels will help absorb any extra grease, keeping the dish crisp and appetizing.

Plate the chimichangas and serve immediately with a dollop of cool sour cream on the side.

Tips to Nail Perfect Beef and Cheese Chimichangas

• Choose lean ground beef for a healthier version, reducing excess grease while maintaining rich flavor.
• Try different cheese types like pepper jack or monterey jack for unique taste profiles.
• Ensure tortillas are room temperature before rolling to prevent cracking and make folding easier.
• Drain excess oil thoroughly on paper towels to keep chimichangas crispy and prevent sogginess.
• Pat beef dry before cooking to achieve better browning and prevent steaming instead of searing.

Flavorful Twists on Beef and Cheese Chimichangas

• Vegetarian Chimichangas: Replace ground beef with black beans, lentils, or crumbled tofu for a plant-based protein option.
• Chicken Variation: Swap ground beef with shredded rotisserie chicken or seasoned ground chicken for a lighter protein alternative.
• Low-Carb Wrap: Use large lettuce leaves or low-carb tortillas instead of traditional flour tortillas to reduce carbohydrate intake.
• Gluten-Free Option: Choose gluten-free tortillas and ensure all spices are certified gluten-free for those with wheat sensitivities.

Pairings That Go Well with Beef and Cheese Chimichangas

• Pair chimichangas with zesty Mexican-style rice that complements the crispy, cheesy texture and adds a delightful side carbohydrate.
• Serve alongside fresh, tangy salsa verde or pico de gallo to cut through the richness of the fried beef and cheese, balancing each delicious bite.
• Match with an ice-cold Mexican beer like Corona or Modelo Especial, whose light, crisp profile perfectly offsets the heavy, savory chimichangas.
• Top with cool, smooth guacamole that provides a creamy counterpoint to the crunchy exterior and adds a fresh, vibrant element to the dish.

Storage Tips for Beef and Cheese Chimichangas

• Refrigerate: Store leftover chimichangas in an airtight container for up to 3-4 days. Wrap individually in plastic wrap or aluminum foil to prevent drying out.
• Freeze: Place cooled chimichangas in freezer-safe bags or containers. They'll stay fresh for 2-3 months. Separate layers with parchment paper to prevent sticking.
• Oven Reheat: Warm refrigerated or thawed chimichangas at 350°F for 10-15 minutes. Wrap in foil to retain moisture and crisp up the exterior. Flip halfway through for even heating.
• Microwave Option: Reheat from refrigerated state for 1-2 minutes. Add a damp paper towel to prevent dryness. Check temperature and heat in 30-second intervals to maintain texture.

FAQs

• Is ground beef the only meat option?

You can swap ground beef for shredded chicken, pulled pork, or ground turkey for variety.

• Do I need a deep fryer to make chimichangas?

No, a regular skillet with enough oil works perfectly for frying.

• How do I prevent the tortillas from unrolling while frying?

Secure each chimichanga with toothpicks before frying to keep them tightly rolled.

• Can I make chimichangas ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare and refrigerate them uncooked, then fry just before serving for best crispiness.

Beef And Cheese Chimichangas Recipe

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4.7 from 13 reviews

• Total Time: 30 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Mexican cuisine shines through these beef and cheese chimichangas, delivering crispy golden perfection with savory filling. Crisp tortillas encase spicy ground beef and melted cheese, promising a satisfying meal that brings zest to your dining experience.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 1 lb (454 g) lean ground beef
• 2 cups (480 ml) shredded cheddar and Monterey Jack cheese
• 2 cups (480 ml) cooking oil (for frying)
• 4 large flour tortillas
• 1 tsp (5 ml) chili powder
• 1 tsp (5 ml) cumin
• 1 tsp (5 ml) garlic powder
• sour cream (for serving)

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Instructions

1. Warm a skillet over medium heat and thoroughly cook ground beef until completely browned and no pink remains, approximately 5-7 minutes.
2. Season the meat with cumin, chili powder, garlic powder, and salt, creating a robust flavor profile. Gently incorporate cheese, stirring until fully melted and smoothly integrated with the meat mixture.
3. Take each tortilla and carefully distribute the seasoned meat filling, ensuring even placement. Fold and roll the tortilla tightly, tucking in edges to prevent filling from escaping during cooking.
4. Pour oil into a deep skillet, heating to medium-high temperature. Carefully position chimichangas seam-side down, allowing them to crisp and transform into a golden-brown exterior, approximately 3-4 minutes per side.
5. Remove chimichangas from hot oil and place on paper towels to absorb excess grease, helping maintain a crisp texture. Plate immediately while hot, accompanying with a dollop of cool sour cream for contrasting temperature and flavor.

Notes

• Customize spice levels by adjusting chili powder and adding jalapeños for extra kick without overwhelming heat.
• Use lean ground beef or swap with ground turkey for a healthier protein option that maintains delicious flavor profile.
• Prevent tortilla tearing by warming them slightly before filling to increase flexibility and reduce cracking during rolling.
• brush chimichangas with olive oil and cook at 400°F for 20-25 minutes until crispy golden brown.

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

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 850
• Sugar: 2 g
• Sodium: 600 mg
• Fat: 60 g
• Saturated Fat: 25 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 30 g
• Trans Fat: 1.5 g
• Carbohydrates: 35 g
• Fiber: 2 g
• Protein: 40 g
• Cholesterol: 100 mg