Crispy Beef and Cheese Chimichangas Recipe for Taco Tuesday

Crispy and golden beef and cheese chimichangas dance with flavor in this mouthwatering Mexican-inspired feast.

Savory ground beef mingles with melted cheese inside a perfectly crisped tortilla wrap.

Authentic spices and simple ingredients create a meal that feels like a celebration.

Comfort food meets culinary excitement with every crunchy bite.

Fresh ingredients make all the difference in this crowd-pleasing dish.

Home cooks can master these delectable parcels with just a few easy steps.

You’ll want to dive right into this irresistible recipe that promises pure deliciousness.

FAQs

• What ingredients make these chimichangas flavorful?

The combination of chili powder, cumin, salsa, and a mix of shredded cheeses creates a rich, spicy flavor profile that makes these chimichangas delicious and satisfying.

• Can I use a different type of meat?

Yes, you can substitute ground beef with ground turkey, chicken, or even shredded pork for a different twist on the classic chimichanga recipe.

• Is deep-frying the only cooking method?

While deep-frying gives the traditional crispy texture, you can also bake chimichangas in a preheated oven at 400F for about 20-25 minutes until golden brown and crispy.

Beef Chimichangas That Hit the Spot

• Spice Up Family Dinners: Transform ordinary weeknight meals into exciting culinary adventures with these crispy, flavor-packed chimichangas that everyone will love.
• Quick and Customizable Cooking: Prepare a delicious meal in minutes, with easy ingredient swaps and personal topping choices that make each bite uniquely satisfying.
• Restaurant-Quality Comfort at Home: Recreate your favorite Mexican restaurant dish without the expensive bill, mastering a restaurant-style recipe that impresses family and friends with minimal cooking skills.
• Crowd-Pleasing Party Favorite: Perfect for game days, potlucks, and casual gatherings, these chimichangas offer a crowd-pleasing option that's sure to disappear quickly from the serving plate.

Everything Inside Beef and Cheese Chimichangas

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

• Chili Powder, Cumin, Salt, Black Pepper: A blend of spices that adds depth and warmth to the beef mixture.
• Onion, Garlic: Aromatic ingredients that enhance the overall flavor profile of the dish.

• Salsa: Adds moisture and a tangy flavor to the beef mixture.
• Shredded Cheese: Melts to create a creamy and rich filling for the chimichangas.
• Tortillas: Soft flour wraps that serve as the crispy exterior when fried.

• Cooking Oil: Used for deep-frying the chimichangas to achieve a golden brown and crispy texture.

Step-by-Step Chimichanga Prep

Step 1: Brown The Beef

Sizzle ground beef in a skillet over medium heat until fully cooked and nicely browned.

Carefully drain away any excess fat to keep the filling lean and delicious.

Step 2: Develop Flavor Base

• Diced onions
• Minced garlic

Sprinkle in spices including chili powder, cumin, salt, and black pepper.

Allow ingredients to blend and become fragrant.

Step 3: Incorporate Salsa

Pour salsa into the beef mixture and simmer for 2-3 minutes.

This adds moisture and deepens the overall taste profile.

Remove from heat and let the filling cool slightly.

Step 4: Blend Cheese

Fold shredded cheese varieties into the beef mixture, ensuring even distribution.

The melting cheese will help bind the filling together.

Step 5: Wrap The Chimichangas

Place a generous spoonful of beef mixture in the center of each tortilla.

Carefully fold the sides inward, then roll tightly to create a secure package.

Step 6: Fry To Golden Perfection

Heat oil in a deep pan to 350°F.

Carefully lower chimichangas into hot oil, frying until each side turns a beautiful golden brown, approximately 2-3 minutes per side.

Step 7: Serve And Enjoy

Transfer fried chimichangas to paper towels to drain excess oil.

Plate and serve warm with optional toppings like sour cream, guacamole, or salsa.

Things That Help Chimichangas Taste Best

• Remove all excess fat from ground beef to prevent greasy chimichangas and ensure a crisp, light texture.
• Adjust chili powder and cumin quantities to match your heat preference, creating a personalized flavor profile.
• Fold tortilla edges tightly and use a toothpick if needed to prevent filling from leaking during frying.
• Maintain consistent 350F oil heat for even browning and crispy exterior without absorbing excess oil.
• Select melting cheeses like monterey jack or cheddar for smooth, creamy filling that enhances overall taste.

Change Up Your Chimichanga Style

• Chicken Chimichangas: Replace ground beef with shredded chicken breast for a lighter protein option. Season chicken with same spices for consistent flavor profile.
• Vegetarian Bean Chimichangas: Swap ground beef with black beans or refried beans. Add diced bell peppers for extra texture and nutritional boost.
• Gluten-Free Version: Use corn tortillas instead of flour tortillas. Ensure all spices and salsa are certified gluten-free for safe preparation.
• Low-Carb Alternative: Substitute tortillas with large lettuce leaves for wrapping. Use cauliflower rice instead of traditional filling to reduce carbohydrate content.

Chimichangas Ready to Serve

• Fiesta Feast Companions: Top crisp chimichangas with fresh salsa, sour cream, and chopped cilantro for a zesty flavor explosion.
• Dipping Delights: Prepare quick guacamole, creamy ranch, or spicy verde sauce as complementary sides for added taste excitement.
• Plate Perfection: Serve alongside Mexican-style rice, refried beans, or mixed green salad to create a complete and satisfying meal experience.
• Cool Contrast: Add a refreshing garnish of sliced avocado, pickled jalapeños, or lime wedges to balance the rich, crispy chimichangas.

Keep Your Chimichangas Safe and Tasty

• Store leftover chimichangas in an airtight container for up to 3-4 days. Place parchment paper between layers to prevent sticking.
• Wrap each chimichanga individually in plastic wrap, then place in freezer bags. Keeps well for 2-3 months. Label with date for tracking.
• Preheat oven to 350F. Place chimichangas on baking sheet and cover with foil. Warm for 10-15 minutes until heated through. Uncover last 2-3 minutes for crispy exterior.
• Heat for 1-2 minutes on medium power. Let stand 30 seconds. Check internal temperature reaches 165F to ensure food safety. Crisp briefly in skillet for better texture.

Beef And Cheese Chimichangas Recipe

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4.9 from 28 reviews

• Total Time: 25 minutes
• Yield: 6 1x

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Description

Mexican culinary magic shines through these beef and cheese chimichangas, blending rich flavors and crispy textures. Hearty beef filling and melted cheese create a delightful experience you’ll savor with each delicious bite.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Protein:

• 1 pound (454 grams) ground beef
• 1 cup (100 grams) shredded cheddar cheese
• 1 cup (100 grams) shredded Monterey Jack cheese

Spices and Seasonings:

• 1 teaspoon chili powder
• 1/2 teaspoon cumin
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper

Vegetables and Additional Ingredients:

• 1 small onion, diced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1/2 cup (120 milliliters) salsa
• 6 large flour tortillas
• Oil for frying

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Instructions

1. Brown ground beef in a skillet over medium heat, discarding any excess grease.
2. Incorporate diced onions and minced garlic, sautéing until vegetables become translucent and fragrant.
3. Sprinkle in chili powder, cumin, salt, and black pepper, stirring to distribute seasonings evenly throughout the meat mixture.
4. Pour salsa into the skillet, allowing flavors to meld and simmer for 2-3 minutes, then remove from heat and let cool slightly.
5. Fold shredded cheese varieties into the meat mixture, ensuring even distribution and partial melting.
6. Place tortillas on a clean surface and center a portion of the beef and cheese filling, carefully folding the sides and rolling into compact packages.
7. Heat cooking oil in a deep pan to 350°F, creating a consistent frying temperature for optimal browning.
8. Carefully lower chimichangas into hot oil, frying each side until achieving a crisp, golden-brown exterior, approximately 2-3 minutes per side.
9. Transfer fried chimichangas to paper towel-lined plates to absorb excess oil and drain.
10. Serve immediately while warm, accompanied by optional garnishes like sour cream, guacamole, or additional salsa.

Notes

• Handling Tortillas: Warm tortillas slightly before filling to prevent cracking and make them more pliable for rolling.
• Fat Management: Drain ground beef thoroughly to prevent greasy chimichangas and ensure a crisp exterior when frying.
• Temperature Control: Maintain consistent oil temperature around 350F to achieve golden-brown, crispy shells without burning.
• Dietary Adaptations: Swap ground beef for ground turkey or plant-based crumbles to create lighter, leaner versions of the dish.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 10 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner, Appetizer, Snacks
• Method: Frying
• Cuisine: Mexican

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 6
• Calories: 519 kcal
• Sugar: 2 g
• Sodium: 600 mg
• Fat: 33 g
• Saturated Fat: 13 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 17 g
• Trans Fat: 1 g
• Carbohydrates: 32 g
• Fiber: 3 g
• Protein: 26 g
• Cholesterol: 75 mg