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Beef and Cheese Chimichangas Recipe

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4 from 60 reviews

This Beef and Cheese Chimichangas recipe offers a delightful combination of seasoned ground beef, refried beans, and melted cheddar cheese wrapped in large flour tortillas and cooked to crispy perfection. Choose between baking for a healthier option or skillet frying for an extra crispy texture. Perfect for a satisfying Mexican-inspired meal served with your favorite toppings like sour cream or guacamole.

  • Total Time: 35 minutes
  • Yield: 6 chimichangas

Ingredients

Beef Filling

  • 1 lb ground beef
  • 1 small onion, finely diced
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 packet (1 oz) taco seasoning or homemade equivalent
  • ½ cup salsa

Assembly

  • 1 cup refried beans
  • 1 ½ cups shredded cheddar cheese or Mexican blend cheese
  • 6 large flour tortillas, burrito-size

Cooking

  • 2 tablespoons vegetable oil for brushing or frying

Instructions

  1. Cook the beef filling: In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef and diced onion until the meat is browned and the onion is tender. Drain any excess grease. Stir in the minced garlic, taco seasoning, and salsa. Let the mixture simmer for 3 to 4 minutes until well combined and flavorful.
  2. Assemble the chimichangas: Lay out each flour tortilla and spread a spoonful of refried beans down the center. Add a generous scoop of the beef mixture followed by a handful of shredded cheese. Fold in the sides of the tortilla and then roll it tightly like a burrito to encase the filling.
  3. Cook the chimichangas: For the oven method (healthier), preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Place the chimichangas seam-side down on a baking sheet, brush lightly with vegetable oil, and bake for 18 to 20 minutes, flipping once midway through, until they are golden and crispy. For the skillet method (crispiest), heat 2 to 3 tablespoons of vegetable oil in a skillet over medium heat. Place each chimichanga seam-side down and cook for 2 to 3 minutes per side until golden brown and crisp.
  4. Serve: Remove the chimichangas from heat and let them rest for 2 minutes. Serve with desired toppings such as sour cream, guacamole, lettuce, or extra salsa for a delicious finish.

Notes

  • For a spicier kick, add chopped jalapeños or a dash of hot sauce to the beef mixture.
  • Make sure to tightly roll the chimichangas to prevent the filling from spilling during cooking.
  • Use oil sparingly when frying to avoid excess greasiness.
  • If using the oven method, placing the chimichangas on a wire rack on the baking sheet can help them stay crisp all around.
  • Leftover chimichangas can be refrigerated and reheated in the oven for best texture retention.
  • Author: Adeline
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 20 minutes
  • Category: Main Course
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: Mexican