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Beef and Cheese Chimichangas

Beef and Cheese Chimichangas

This easy Beef and Cheese Chimichangas recipe delivers crispy, cheesy, and savory delights perfect for any meal. Featuring tender seasoned ground beef combined with melted cheddar and Monterey Jack cheese, all wrapped in golden, crispy flour tortillas. Ready in under 30 minutes, these chimichangas are a family-friendly favorite that can be customized with various cheeses, spices, or toppings, and offer both frying and baking options for a versatile and satisfying meal.

  • Total Time: 25 minutes
  • Yield: 4 chimichangas 1x

Ingredients

Scale

Beef Filling

  • 1 lb lean ground beef
  • 1/2 cup diced onion
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 teaspoon chili powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon cumin
  • 1/2 teaspoon paprika
  • Salt and pepper, to taste

Cheese

  • 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
  • 1 cup shredded Monterey Jack cheese

Tortillas

  • 4 large flour tortillas

Frying

  • Vegetable or canola oil (enough for deep frying, about 2 cups)

Optional Toppings

  • Sour cream
  • Guacamole
  • Salsa
  • Chopped cilantro

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Beef Filling: Heat a skillet over medium heat and add the ground beef. Cook until browned, breaking it apart as it cooks. Add diced onions, minced garlic, chili powder, cumin, paprika, salt, and pepper. Stir well and cook for a few more minutes until fragrant and the beef is fully cooked.
  2. Assemble the Chimichangas: Lay out the large flour tortillas on a flat surface. Spoon a generous amount of the beef mixture into the center of each tortilla. Top with a handful of shredded cheddar and Monterey Jack cheese. Fold the sides of the tortilla inward and roll tightly into neat burrito shapes. Use a little water or beaten egg on the edges to seal the chimichangas securely.
  3. Fry Until Crispy: Heat vegetable or canola oil in a deep pan over medium-high heat to about 350°F (175°C). Carefully place the rolled chimichangas seam side down in the hot oil. Fry for 2-3 minutes per side until all sides turn golden brown and crispy. Remove and drain on paper towels to absorb excess oil.
  4. Serve Warm and Enjoy: Serve the chimichangas hot with optional toppings such as sour cream, guacamole, salsa, or chopped cilantro. Enjoy the crunchy, cheesy, and savory flavors in every bite.

Notes

  • Use large tortillas for easier rolling and to hold more filling.
  • Do not overfill to prevent spills and bursting during frying.
  • Seal chimichangas edges with water or beaten egg to keep them closed.
  • Maintain oil temperature at 350°F for crispy, non-greasy chimichangas.
  • Drain cooked chimichangas on paper towels promptly to remove extra oil.
  • Author: Lina
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 15 minutes
  • Category: Appetizers
  • Method: Frying
  • Cuisine: Mexican-inspired
  • Diet: Not Gluten Free

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 chimichanga
  • Calories: 450 kcal
  • Sugar: 2 g
  • Sodium: 550 mg
  • Fat: 28 g
  • Saturated Fat: 12 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 14 g
  • Trans Fat: 0.5 g
  • Carbohydrates: 30 g
  • Fiber: 2 g
  • Protein: 22 g
  • Cholesterol: 65 mg

Keywords: beef chimichangas, cheese chimichangas, crispy chimichangas, mexican appetizers, easy chimichanga recipe