Crispy Golden Beef and Cheese Chimichangas Recipe to Wow Guests

Crispy, golden beef and cheese chimichangas bring a burst of mexican-inspired flavor to your dinner table.

Packed with savory goodness, these delightful pockets combine tender meat and melted cheese in a perfectly crisp tortilla.

Southwestern spices dance through each bite, creating a mouthwatering experience that feels like a culinary celebration.

Home cooks adore how simple ingredients can produce such an impressive meal.

Sour cream and fresh salsa make incredible companions to these delectable parcels.

Quick to prepare and absolutely scrumptious, these chimichangas will have everyone asking for seconds.

You’ll want to add this recipe to your weekly rotation for an instant crowd-pleaser.

Why Beef and Cheese Chimichangas Are So Filling

• Tackle Spice Explosion: Packed with bold chili powder and cumin, this recipe delivers a flavor-packed punch that transforms ordinary beef into a spectacular meal.
• Master Simple Cooking Techniques: Perfect for home cooks wanting to practice skillet skills and oven-baking methods with straightforward, step-by-step instructions.
• Create Restaurant-Quality Comfort: These chimichangas bring the excitement of Mexican-inspired cuisine directly to your kitchen, offering a gourmet experience without complex preparations.
• Customize with Ease: Adaptable recipe allows personalization with different cheese blends, optional toppings, and side accompaniments to suit individual taste preferences.

Ingredients For Beef and Cheese Chimichangas

• Ground Beef: A flavorful and hearty protein that serves as the primary filling for the chimichangas.

• Cheddar Cheese, Monterey Jack Cheese: These melty cheeses add richness and a creamy texture to the beef mixture.

• Flour Tortillas: Soft and pliable wraps that hold the beef and cheese filling, transforming into crispy golden parcels when baked.

• Onions, Garlic: These aromatic vegetables provide a deep, savory base flavor to the beef mixture.
• Chili Powder, Cumin, Salt, Black Pepper: A blend of spices that adds warmth, depth, and seasoning to the beef.

• Vegetable Oil: Helps achieve a golden, crispy exterior when brushed on the chimichangas.
• Cilantro (Optional): A fresh herb that can add a bright, herbaceous garnish.

• Sour Cream, Salsa: Classic condiments that provide cool and tangy contrast to the hot and crispy chimichangas.

How To Make Beef and Cheese Chimichangas

Step 1: Warm Up The Oven

Crank the oven to a toasty 400°F and line a baking sheet with parchment paper for super easy cleanup.

Step 2: Sizzle The Onions

Grab a large skillet and toss in diced onions, cooking over medium heat until they turn soft and release their delicious aroma.

Step 3: Brown The Beef

Tumble in minced garlic and ground beef, breaking the meat into tiny crumbles while cooking until it’s completely browned with zero pink showing.

Step 4: Spice It Up

• Chili powder
• Cumin
• Salt
• Black pepper

Stir everything until the spices dance throughout the meat mixture.

Step 5: Drain The Fat

Pull the skillet off the heat and get rid of any extra grease from the beef.

Step 6: Melt The Cheese

• Cheddar cheese
• Monterey jack cheese

Mix until the cheese starts to get all melty and delicious.

Step 7: Warm The Tortillas

Quickly heat flour tortillas for a quick 10-15 seconds to make them super flexible.

Step 8: Roll The Chimichangas

Plop a generous heap of cheesy beef mixture in the center of each tortilla. Fold the sides in and roll tightly to create perfect sealed bundles.

Step 9: Oil The Exterior

Brush each chimichanga with vegetable oil, making sure every inch gets covered for gorgeous golden browning.

Step 10: Arrange For Baking

Place the rolled chimichangas seam-side down on the prepared baking sheet.

Step 11: Bake To Perfection

Slide into the oven and bake for 20-25 minutes. Spin the pan halfway through to ensure even browning until the tortillas turn beautifully crisp and golden.

Step 12: Rest And Cool

Pull out of the oven and let them chill for 2-3 minutes.

Step 13: Serve With Flair

Sprinkle with fresh chopped cilantro and serve alongside sour cream and salsa for an epic meal.

Tips To Make Beef and Cheese Chimichangas Even Better

• Drain Excess Fat: Remove extra grease from the beef to prevent soggy chimichangas and reduce unnecessary calories.
• Seal Tortillas Properly: Fold edges tightly and roll carefully to prevent filling from leaking during baking, ensuring a perfect crispy exterior.
• Cheese Melting Trick: Mix cheese into warm beef mixture so it starts melting, creating a more cohesive and flavorful filling.
• Oil Coating Technique: Brush chimichangas evenly with vegetable oil to achieve a golden, crispy exterior that looks and tastes restaurant-quality.
• Temperature Control: Allow chimichangas to rest briefly after baking to let cheese set and prevent burning your mouth when eating.

Flavor Twists For Beef and Cheese Chimichangas

• Vegetarian Chimichangas: Replace ground beef with black beans, lentils, or crumbled tofu, maintaining the same spice blend and cheese mixture for a plant-based version.
• Chicken Chimichangas: Swap ground beef with shredded rotisserie chicken or diced grilled chicken breast, keeping the original seasoning and cheese combination.
• Gluten-Free Option: Use corn tortillas instead of flour tortillas and ensure all spices and ingredients are certified gluten-free for those with dietary restrictions.
• Spicy Southwest Variation: Add diced jalapeños, green chiles, or a dash of hot sauce to the beef mixture for an extra kick of heat and bold flavor.

What Goes Best With Beef and Cheese Chimichangas

• Perfectly Pair Chimichangas with These Flavor Boosters
• Enhance Zesty Margarita: Blend classic lime margarita with the crispy, spicy chimichanga to cut through rich beef and cheese flavors, creating a refreshing balance.
• Elevate Fresh Pico de Gallo: Top chimichangas with bright, tangy pico de gallo to add fresh citrus notes and crisp vegetable texture that complements the hearty meat filling.
• Complement Mexican Rice: Serve alongside cilantro-lime rice to provide a light, herbal side that absorbs delicious chimichanga juices while adding complementary southwestern flavors.
• Match Cool Guacamole: Include creamy guacamole as a dipping sauce to introduce smooth avocado richness that softens the crispy tortilla's texture and balances spicy meat seasoning.

How To Store Beef and Cheese Chimichangas

• Seal cooled chimichangas in airtight containers or wrap tightly with plastic wrap. Store in refrigerator for up to 3-4 days, keeping them fresh and preventing moisture buildup.
• Layer chimichangas between parchment paper in a freezer-safe container. Freeze for up to 2-3 months, ensuring they remain intact and maintain their crispy texture.
• Preheat oven to 375°F. Place frozen or refrigerated chimichangas on a baking sheet, cover loosely with foil to prevent excessive browning. Warm for 15-20 minutes until heated through and crispy.
• Place chimichanga on microwave-safe plate, heat for 1-2 minutes, rotating halfway.

FAQs About Beef and Cheese Chimichangas

• What are the key ingredients for a perfect chimichanga?

Ground beef, flour tortillas, cheddar and monterey jack cheese, onions, garlic, and essential spices like chili powder and cumin create the authentic flavor profile.

• Can I use a different type of meat for this recipe?

Absolutely! Shredded chicken or pulled pork work wonderfully as alternative protein options while maintaining the classic chimichanga taste.

• How do I prevent my chimichangas from falling apart during baking?

Fold the tortillas tightly, ensuring the edges are sealed completely, and place them seam-side down on the baking sheet to maintain their structure during cooking.

• Is baking healthier than deep-frying these chimichangas?

Yes, baking reduces the overall oil content and provides a crispy exterior while being a lighter cooking method compared to traditional deep-frying techniques.

Peppery Beef And Cheese Chimichangas Recipe

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4.7 from 9 reviews

• Total Time: 40 minutes
• Yield: 6 1x

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Description

Sizzling beef and cheese chimichangas bring Mexican street cuisine straight to home kitchens with crispy golden perfection. Savory seasoned meat wrapped in warm tortillas creates an irresistible meal you’ll crave again and again.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Protein:

• 1 lb ground beef
• 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese
• 1/2 cup shredded monterey jack cheese

Vegetables and Seasonings:

• 1 small onion, diced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tsp chili powder
• 1 tsp ground cumin
• 1/2 tsp salt
• 1/4 tsp black pepper

Wrap and Cooking:

• 6 large flour tortillas
• 2 tbsp vegetable oil
• Optional: sour cream for serving
• Optional: salsa for serving
• Optional: chopped cilantro for garnish

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Instructions

1. Preheat the oven to 400°F and prepare a baking sheet with parchment paper for easy cleanup.
2. In a large skillet, sauté diced onions over medium heat until translucent and fragrant, about 3-4 minutes.
3. Add minced garlic and ground beef to the skillet, breaking the meat into small crumbles while cooking until completely browned and no pink remains.
4. Incorporate chili powder, cumin, salt, and black pepper into the meat mixture, stirring thoroughly to distribute the spices evenly.
5. Remove the skillet from heat and drain any excess fat from the beef mixture.
6. Sprinkle cheddar and monterey jack cheeses into the seasoned beef, mixing until the cheese begins to melt slightly.
7. Warm the flour tortillas for 10-15 seconds to make them more pliable and easier to fold.
8. Place a generous portion of the beef and cheese mixture in the center of each tortilla, folding the sides inward and rolling tightly to create sealed chimichangas.
9. Brush each chimichanga with vegetable oil, ensuring complete coverage to promote even browning.
10. Arrange the rolled chimichangas seam-side down on the prepared baking sheet.
11. Bake for 20-25 minutes, rotating the pan halfway through, until the tortillas turn golden brown and crispy.
12. Remove from oven and let rest for 2-3 minutes before serving.
13. Garnish with optional chopped cilantro and serve with sour cream and salsa on the side.

Notes

• Customize spice levels by adjusting chili powder and cumin to suit personal heat preferences.
• Prevent soggy chimichangas by thoroughly draining beef and using minimal liquid ingredients.
• Create healthier alternatives by substituting ground beef with lean turkey or plant-based protein crumbles.
• Enhance flavor complexity by adding finely diced bell peppers or jalapeños during meat sautéing stage.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 25 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner, Snacks, Appetizer
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: Mexican

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 6
• Calories: 500
• Sugar: 1 g
• Sodium: 600 mg
• Fat: 25 g
• Saturated Fat: 10 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 12 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 40 g
• Fiber: 2 g
• Protein: 30 g
• Cholesterol: 80 mg