Sizzling Beef and Cheese Chimichangas Recipe for Fun Family Dinners

Crispy, golden beef and cheese chimichangas dance with vibrant flavors that promise an unforgettable meal.

Mexican cuisine brings incredible excitement to your dinner table.

Authentic ingredients combine in a delightful blend of spices and textures.

Carefully wrapped tortillas cradle seasoned ground beef and melted cheese.

Each bite delivers a satisfying crunch that makes taste buds celebrate.

Rich, robust fillings create a perfect balance of comfort and excitement.

You’ll want to savor every delectable morsel of this mouthwatering dish.

Jump into this culinary adventure and let your kitchen become a flavor paradise.

Flavor Alternatives for Beef and Cheese Chimichangas

• Chicken Chimichangas: Replace ground beef with shredded rotisserie chicken for a quicker, leaner option.
• Vegetarian Black Bean Chimichangas: Swap beef with seasoned black beans and add bell peppers for protein-packed vegetarian version.
• Low-Carb Lettuce Wrap Chimichangas: Use large lettuce leaves instead of tortillas for a gluten-free, low-carb alternative.
• Baked Healthier Chimichangas: Brush chimichangas with olive oil and bake at 400°F for 20-25 minutes instead of deep-frying to reduce oil content.

Side Dishes to Serve with Beef and Cheese Chimichangas

• Party Platter Paradise: Slice chimichangas into bite-sized pieces for easy sharing during game nights or casual gatherings, perfect for dipping into various sauces.
• Fiesta Family Dinner: Create a build-your-own chimichanga station where everyone can customize their plate with different toppings like fresh cilantro, chopped tomatoes, and extra cheese.
• Southwest Meal Combo: Pair these crispy delights with Mexican rice, black beans, and a refreshing corn salad for a complete and satisfying southwestern-style meal that brings bold flavors to the table.
• Leftover Lunch Hack: Transform remaining chimichangas into a hearty next-day lunch by reheating in the oven and serving alongside a crisp green salad for added freshness.

Storage Guidelines for Beef and Cheese Chimichangas

• Store leftover chimichangas in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
• Wrap each chimichanga individually in plastic wrap or aluminum foil to prevent moisture and freezer burn.
• Freeze cooked chimichangas for up to 2 months, ensuring they are completely cooled before storing.
• Reheat refrigerated chimichangas in the oven at 350°F for 10-15 minutes to maintain crispy texture.
• For frozen chimichangas, thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
• Avoid microwaving to prevent soggy shells; use the oven or air fryer for best results.
• Crisp up reheated chimichangas by placing them on a wire rack in the oven to allow air circulation.

FAQs

• How do I prevent the chimichangas from unraveling during frying?

Use toothpicks to secure the edges before frying, or ensure you fold and roll the tortillas tightly, tucking in the sides firmly to create a sealed package.

• Can I bake these chimichangas instead of frying?

Yes, brush the rolled chimichangas with oil and bake at 400°F for about 20-25 minutes until golden and crispy, turning once halfway through cooking.

• What type of tortillas work best for chimichangas?

Large flour tortillas are ideal because they’re more pliable and less likely to tear when rolling and frying. Make sure they’re at room temperature for easier handling.

Beef and Cheese Chimichangas Made Right

• Craft Crowd-Pleasing Meal: These chimichangas deliver massive flavor that brings everyone together, making them perfect for family dinners or casual gatherings with friends.
• Master Simple Cooking Technique: The recipe requires basic kitchen skills, allowing home cooks of all levels to create a restaurant-quality dish without complicated steps.
• Pack Protein-Rich Satisfaction: Ground beef combined with melted cheese creates a hearty, filling meal that keeps hunger at bay and provides substantial nutrition.
• Customize with Endless Toppings: Serve with various garnishes like fresh salsa, creamy sour cream, or zesty guacamole to personalize each bite and enhance the dining experience.

Ingredients for Beef and Cheese Chimichangas

• Ground Beef: A hearty and flavorful meat that forms the base of the chimichanga filling.

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

• Cheddar Cheese, Monterey Jack Cheese: Melty cheeses that provide richness and a creamy texture to the filling.

• Tortillas: Soft flour tortillas that serve as the crispy outer shell for the chimichanga.
• Vegetable Oil: Used for frying to create a golden and crispy exterior.

• Salsa: A zesty sauce that adds moisture and extra flavor to the beef mixture.
• Sour Cream, Guacamole: Optional toppings that complement the crispy chimichanga.

Directions for Beef and Cheese Chimichangas

Step 1: Brown the Beef

Sizzle ground beef in a skillet over medium heat until it transforms into a rich, golden brown color. Carefully drain away any excess fat to keep your chimichangas light and delicious.

Step 2: Enhance the Flavor

• Chili powder
• Cumin
• Paprika
• Salt
• Black pepper

Stir these spices to create an aromatic blend that will make your taste buds sing.

Step 3: Add Salsa Excitement

Pour in zesty salsa and let it simmer for a couple of minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together. Remove the skillet from heat and let the mixture cool down slightly.

Step 4: Incorporate Cheesy Goodness

• Shredded cheddar cheese
• Monterey Jack cheese

Stir until the cheese begins to melt and blend with the beef mixture.

Step 5: Wrap and Prepare

Place a hearty portion of the beef mixture in the center of each tortilla.

Carefully fold in the sides, then roll tightly to create a perfect chimichanga package.

Step 6: Crisp to Perfection

Heat vegetable oil in a deep pan over medium heat.

Gently lower each chimichanga into the hot oil, frying until they turn a beautiful golden brown and become delightfully crispy. This should take about 2-3 minutes per side.

Step 7: Serve and Enjoy

Lift the chimichangas from the oil and let them rest on paper towels to drain excess oil. Serve piping hot alongside fresh salsa, cool sour cream, or creamy guacamole for a mouth-watering meal that will impress everyone at the table.

Key Insights on Beef and Cheese Chimichangas

• Drain beef thoroughly to prevent soggy chimichangas and ensure a crispy exterior.
• Use fresh, room-temperature tortillas for easier rolling and better sealing without cracking.
• Select a sturdy cheese blend that melts smoothly and adds rich flavor to the filling.
• Pat the fried chimichangas with paper towels to remove excess oil and maintain a light, crisp texture.
• Control oil temperature around 350°F for even browning and preventing greasy results.

Crispy Beef And Cheese Chimichangas Recipe

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4.9 from 8 reviews

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

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Description

Mexican beef and cheese chimichangas combine crispy tortillas with savory ground beef and melted cheese. Spicy fillings and golden-brown exteriors make this dish a crowd-pleasing favorite that you’ll crave again and again.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Main Ingredients:

• 1 pound (454 grams) ground beef
• 6 large flour tortillas
• 1 cup (240 milliliters) shredded cheddar cheese
• 1 cup (240 milliliters) shredded Monterey Jack cheese

Vegetable Base:

• 1 small onion, chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced

Spices and Seasonings:

• 1 teaspoon chili powder
• 1/2 teaspoon cumin
• 1/2 teaspoon paprika
• Salt, to taste
• Pepper, to taste
• 1/2 cup (120 milliliters) salsa

Cooking Ingredient:

• Vegetable oil, for frying

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Instructions

1. Brown ground beef in a skillet over medium heat, eliminating excess fat.
2. Incorporate diced onions and minced garlic, sautéing until translucent and fragrant.
3. Season the meat mixture with chili powder, cumin, paprika, salt, and pepper, ensuring even distribution of spices.
4. Pour salsa into the skillet, simmering for 2 minutes to meld flavors and create a cohesive filling.
5. Allow the beef mixture to cool slightly, then fold in shredded cheddar and Monterey Jack cheeses until well combined.
6. Position a portion of the prepared filling at the center of each tortilla, carefully folding sides inward to create a tight, secure pocket.
7. Heat vegetable oil in a deep pan to 350°F, preparing for frying.
8. Carefully submerge each chimichanga into the hot oil, frying until achieving a crisp, golden-brown exterior, approximately 2-3 minutes per side.
9. Transfer fried chimichangas to a paper towel-lined plate to absorb excess oil and drain.
10. Serve immediately, accompanied by fresh salsa, cool sour cream, or creamy guacamole for dipping.

Notes

• Adjust spice levels by modifying chili powder and cumin for personal heat preference.
• Choose lean ground beef to reduce excess grease and create a healthier version of the dish.
• Experiment with alternative cheese blends like pepper jack or queso fresco for unique flavor profiles.
• Bake chimichangas instead of frying for a lighter, less oily meal by brushing with olive oil and cooking at 400°F for 20-25 minutes until golden brown.

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

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 6
• Calories: 520 kcal
• Sugar: 3 g
• Sodium: 480 mg
• Fat: 32 g
• Saturated Fat: 14 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 16 g
• Trans Fat: 0.5 g
• Carbohydrates: 36 g
• Fiber: 3 g
• Protein: 28 g
• Cholesterol: 75 mg