Crispy Beef and Cheese Chimichangas Recipe: Fiesta in a Bite

Crispy golden beef and cheese chimichangas dance with flavor, promising a meal that’ll make your taste buds cheer.

Mexican-inspired comfort arrives straight from your kitchen with minimal effort.

Layers of seasoned meat and melted cheese create a seriously addictive combination.

Crunchy exteriors give way to tender, spiced filling that satisfies deep hunger.

Simple ingredients blend into something magical, turning an ordinary dinner into a celebration.

Weeknight meals never looked so delicious – you can totally nail this recipe with confidence.

Dive in and create a feast that’ll have everyone asking for seconds.

Beef And Cheese Chimichangas – Flavor Experience Unleashed

• Master Quick Cooking: Perfect for busy home cooks, this recipe transforms simple ingredients into a restaurant-style dish with minimal preparation and straightforward steps.
• Customize Your Feast: Easily adaptable with various toppings and fillings, these chimichangas let you personalize the meal to suit different taste preferences and dietary needs.
• Impress Without Stress: Surprisingly simple technique creates a gourmet-looking meal that seems more complicated than it actually is, making you look like a culinary pro with minimal effort.

Gathering Ingredients For Cheesy Beef Chimichangas Magic

• Ground Beef: A flavorful and hearty base that provides the primary protein for the chimichangas.

• Onion, Garlic: These ingredients add depth and aromatic flavor to the beef mixture.
• Chili Powder, Cumin, Salt, Pepper: A blend of spices that enhances the overall taste and creates a rich, savory profile.

• Salsa: Adds moisture and tangy flavor to the beef mixture.
• Shredded Cheeses: Provides creamy texture and melts to bind the filling together.
• Tortillas: Serves as the crispy wrapper for the beef and cheese mixture.

• Cooking Oil: Used for deep-frying the chimichangas to achieve a golden, crispy exterior.
• Sour Cream, Guacamole, Salsa: Optional toppings that add extra flavor and freshness to the dish.

Step-By-Step Guide To Crispy Chimichangas Perfection

Step 1: Brown The Beef

In a skillet heated to medium, cook ground beef until it develops a rich, caramel-like color.

Once cooked, carefully drain away any excess fat to keep the filling light and tasty.

Step 2: Enhance Beef Flavor

Add diced onions and minced garlic to the beef, sautéing until they become translucent and fragrant.

• Chili powder
• Ground cumin
• Salt
• Black pepper

Stir in fresh salsa and let the mixture simmer, allowing the spices to meld together for about 5 minutes.

Step 3: Create Cheesy Filling

Remove the skillet from heat and fold in a blend of shredded cheeses, creating a creamy and rich mixture that will make the chimichangas irresistible.

Step 4: Wrap The Chimichangas

Place the beef and cheese mixture onto soft tortillas.

Carefully fold in the sides and roll tightly, ensuring a secure seal that will prevent filling from leaking during frying.

Step 5: Fry To Golden Perfection

Heat oil in a deep pan until it reaches 350°F.

Gently lower the wrapped chimichangas into the hot oil, frying until they turn a beautiful golden brown.

Cook for 2-3 minutes on each side for an even, crispy exterior.

Step 6: Serve And Enjoy

Remove chimichangas from oil and drain on paper towels to remove excess oil.

Serve warm with your favorite toppings.

Tips For Ultimate Beefy Chimichanga Crunch

• Remove all excess fat from ground beef to prevent greasy chimichangas and ensure a crisp, clean flavor.
• Adjust chili powder and salsa to match your heat preference, making the dish mild or spicy as desired.
• Fold tortilla sides inward before rolling to prevent filling from leaking during frying.
• Maintain consistent 350F oil temperature for even, golden-brown exterior without burning.
• Let chimichangas rest on paper towels to absorb extra oil and keep the crispy texture intact before adding toppings.

Fresh Spins On Classic Chimichanga Creations

• Vegetarian Protein Swap: Replace ground beef with black beans, lentils, or crumbled tofu for a plant-based version packed with protein and flavor.
• Chicken Chimichangas: Substitute ground beef with shredded rotisserie chicken or ground chicken for a lighter protein option that's equally delicious.
• Low-Carb Wrap Alternative: Use large lettuce leaves or low-carb tortillas instead of traditional flour tortillas to reduce carbohydrate intake while maintaining the classic chimichanga experience.
• Gluten-Free Version: Opt for gluten-free tortillas and ensure all spices and salsa are certified gluten-free to accommodate those with gluten sensitivities.

How To Present Chimichangas With Extra Flair

Fiesta Plate Perfection: Arrange chimichangas on a colorful platter with fresh cilantro sprinkled on top for a vibrant presentation.

Dipping Delight: Serve with a trio of dipping sauces – classic salsa, creamy guacamole, and zesty sour cream to enhance flavor variety.

Sidekick Spectacular: Pair with Mexican-style rice, black beans, or a crisp side salad to create a complete and satisfying meal that balances the rich chimichangas.

Garnish Glow-Up: Top with chopped green onions, sliced jalapeños, and a drizzle of hot sauce for extra heat and visual appeal that makes the dish pop.

Storing Leftover Chimichangas To Keep Them Crisp

• Store leftover chimichangas in an airtight container for up to 3-4 days in the refrigerator. Wrap each chimichanga individually in aluminum foil to maintain moisture and prevent them from sticking together.
• Place cooled chimichangas in freezer-safe bags or containers. Seal tightly, removing as much air as possible. Freeze for up to 2-3 months. Label with the date to track freshness.
• Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Unwrap frozen or refrigerated chimichangas and place on a baking sheet. Bake for 15-20 minutes, turning once halfway through to ensure even heating. This method helps restore the crispy exterior.

FAQs

• What are chimichangas?

A deep-fried burrito originating from Mexican-American cuisine, typically filled with meat, cheese, and spices, then crispy-fried until golden brown.

• Can I bake chimichangas instead of frying?

Yes, brush them with oil and bake at 400F for 20-25 minutes until crispy and golden, which is a healthier alternative to deep-frying.

• How do I prevent chimichangas from falling apart during frying?

Ensure tortillas are tightly rolled, seal edges by tucking them in, and use toothpicks if needed to keep the fold secure during frying.

• What type of tortillas work best for chimichangas?

Large flour tortillas are ideal because they’re soft, pliable, and won’t crack when folding and frying.

Zippy Beef And Cheese Chimichangas Recipe

---

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

4.5 from 37 reviews

• Total Time: 30 minutes
• Yield: 6 1x

Print Recipe

Pin Recipe

Description

Sizzling beef and cheese chimichangas bring Mexican-inspired comfort to dinner tables with crispy tortillas packed with savory goodness. Melted cheese and seasoned ground beef create a mouthwatering blend that promises delicious satisfaction for hungry diners.

---

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Main Ingredients:

• 1 pound (1 lb) ground beef
• 6 large flour tortillas
• 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
• 1 cup shredded Monterey Jack cheese

Aromatics and Spices:

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

Liquid and Cooking Ingredients:

• 1/2 cup salsa
• Vegetable oil (for frying)

Cook Mode Prevent your screen from going dark

---

Instructions

1. Sauté ground beef in a skillet over medium heat until thoroughly cooked, eliminating excess grease.
2. Incorporate diced onions and minced garlic, cooking until vegetables become translucent and fragrant.
3. Season the meat mixture with chili powder, cumin, salt, and black pepper, then integrate salsa for added complexity. Allow flavors to meld by simmering for 5 minutes.
4. Remove skillet from heat and fold in a blend of shredded cheeses until evenly distributed throughout the meat mixture.
5. Lay out tortillas and carefully distribute the beef and cheese filling, ensuring precise folding by tucking in sides and creating a compact, sealed roll.
6. Heat oil in a deep fryer or heavy-bottomed pan to 350°F, maintaining a consistent temperature for even cooking.
7. Carefully submerge each chimichanga into hot oil, frying until exterior achieves a crisp, golden-brown texture, approximately 2-3 minutes per side.
8. Transfer fried chimichangas to a paper towel-lined plate to absorb excess oil and drain.
9. Serve immediately while hot, accompanied by traditional garnishes like cool sour cream, fresh guacamole, or zesty salsa.

Notes

• Drain beef thoroughly to prevent greasy chimichangas and ensure a crispy exterior.
• Choose flour tortillas with high gluten content for better sealing and less chance of breaking during frying.
• Experiment with different cheese blends like pepper jack or Mexican blend for added flavor complexity.
• Allow meat mixture to cool slightly before filling tortillas to prevent soggy wrappers and maintain structural integrity.

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

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 6
• Calories: 495 kcal
• Sugar: 2 g
• Sodium: 740 mg
• Fat: 29 g
• Saturated Fat: 12 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 15 g
• Trans Fat: 0.5 g
• Carbohydrates: 32 g
• Fiber: 3 g
• Protein: 26 g
• Cholesterol: 75 mg