Beef and Cheese Chimichangas

Beef and Cheese Chimichangas are a delightful Mexican dish featuring crispy, fried tortillas stuffed with a savory beef and cheese mixture. This ultimate comfort food is perfect for family dinners or gatherings.

Ingredients

6 large flour tortillas
1 lb ground beef
1 onion, finely chopped
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 teaspoon cumin
1 teaspoon chili powder
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon black pepper
1 cup cheddar cheese, shredded
1/2 cup Monterey Jack cheese, shredded
Vegetable oil, for frying
Salsa, sour cream, and guacamole, for serving

Directions

1. In a large skillet, cook the ground beef, chopped onion, and minced garlic over medium heat until the beef is browned and the onions are soft.
2. Add cumin, chili powder, salt, and black pepper. Stir to combine and cook for another 2 minutes. Remove from heat and stir in the shredded cheddar and Monterey Jack cheeses until melted.
3. Warm the tortillas in the microwave for about 30 seconds to make them pliable.
4. Spoon the beef mixture onto the center of each tortilla, fold in the sides, and roll up tightly to enclose the filling.
5. Heat about 1 inch of vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Carefully place the chimichangas seam-side down and fry until golden brown and crispy on all sides, turning as needed. Remove from oil and drain on paper towels.
6. Serve hot with salsa, sour cream, and guacamole.

Servings and Timing

This recipe serves 6. The prep time is about 15 minutes, and the cooking time is approximately 15 minutes, totaling around 30 minutes.

Variations

Try adding black beans or corn to the filling for extra flavor. You can also experiment with different cheeses, such as pepper jack for a spicy kick.

Storage/Reheating

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) to maintain crispiness.

10 FAQs

1. Can I bake the chimichangas instead of frying?
   Yes, bake at 375°F (190°C) for about 20-25 minutes until golden.
2. What can I serve with chimichangas?
   They pair well with rice, beans, or a fresh salad.
3. Can I use ground turkey instead of beef?
   Absolutely! Ground turkey is a great alternative.
4. How do I make them vegetarian?
   Replace the beef with sautéed vegetables or beans.
5. Can I freeze chimichangas?
   Yes, freeze before frying; just add a few extra minutes to the cooking time when frying from frozen.
6. How do I know when they’re done frying?
   They should be golden brown and crispy on all sides.
7. Can I use whole wheat tortillas?
   Yes, whole wheat tortillas can be used for a healthier option.
8. What toppings work well?
   Try adding shredded lettuce, diced tomatoes, or jalapeños.
9. Can I use leftover taco meat?
   Yes, leftover taco meat is perfect for this recipe.
10. What’s the best way to reheat fried chimichangas?
    Reheat in an air fryer for extra crispiness.

Conclusion

Beef and Cheese Chimichangas are a flavorful and satisfying dish that everyone will love. Delve into this recipe for a delightful meal that brings the taste of Mexico right to your table!

Print