Nothing quite compares to the crispy, golden crunch of a freshly fried chimichanga, bursting with savory beef, melted cheese, and bold Mexican spices. It’s the kind of dish that instantly brings people together, filling the air with mouthwatering aromas and the promise of a flavorful meal. If you’re in the mood for a little fiesta at home, these crispy beef and cheese chimichangas are your ticket to a flavor-packed celebration!
Whether you’re preparing them for a cozy weeknight dinner, a weekend gathering, or just to treat yourself to a crunchy, cheesy delight, chimichangas always deliver. With each bite, you get a wonderful combination of textures: the crispy exterior gives way to a warm, cheesy, and seasoned filling that makes you crave more. It’s the perfect balance of spice, savory, and indulgent satisfaction.
The origins of chimichangas can be traced back to Southwestern United States, particularly Arizona, where the recipe was inspired by the deep-fried burritos from Mexican cuisine. Over the years, this dish has become a beloved comfort food, and every family has its own twist. Some may stuff their chimichangas with chicken, while others prefer beef, like in this recipe. Whatever the filling, one thing is certain: these golden beauties are always a hit.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe:
The combination of ground beef, zesty seasonings, and two types of cheese makes this dish a perfect choice for anyone craving a hearty meal with a bit of a crunch. The ability to customize it with toppings like sour cream, salsa, and avocado only elevates the experience. Plus, they’re incredibly easy to make, so even if you’re a beginner in the kitchen, you’ll feel like a pro.
These crispy beef and cheese chimichangas are an ideal dish for any occasion. They’re perfect for Taco Tuesdays, game day snacks, or just when you’re in the mood for something indulgent yet satisfying. Don’t be surprised if these become a regular part of your cooking repertoire—once you try them, they’re bound to become a favorite!
These Crispy Beef and Cheese Chimichangas are a must-try for anyone craving a hearty, flavorful meal! Perfect for lunch, dinner, or even as a snack, these chimichangas are filled with seasoned beef, melty cheese, and wrapped in a golden, crispy shell. Easy to make and totally satisfying, they’re a favorite in Mexican cuisine, bringing you the ultimate combination of crispy, cheesy, and savory all in one bite! Whether you’re looking for a delicious dinner idea or a satisfying snack, these chimichangas have you covered.
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 small onion, finely diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tsp chili powder
- 1 tsp cumin
- 1/2 tsp paprika
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/2 cup tomato sauce
- 1/2 cup refried beans (optional)
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 cup shredded Monterey Jack cheese
- 8 large flour tortillas
- Vegetable oil (for frying)
For Garnish:
- Sour cream
- Salsa
- Chopped fresh cilantro
- Diced avocado
How to Make Crispy Beef and Cheese Chimichangas:
Step-by-Step Instructions:
- Prepare the Beef Filling:
- Start by heating a skillet over medium heat. Add the ground beef and cook until browned, breaking it up with a wooden spoon as it cooks. This should take about 5-7 minutes.
- Once the beef is browned, add the finely diced onion and minced garlic to the pan. Cook for another 3-4 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the onion becomes soft and translucent.
- Sprinkle in the chili powder, cumin, paprika, salt, and pepper, stirring well to coat the beef mixture with the spices. These seasonings will create a fragrant base that adds depth of flavor.
- Pour in the tomato sauce and stir to combine. Let the mixture simmer for about 5 minutes, allowing the sauce to thicken and the flavors to meld together. Once done, remove the skillet from the heat and set it aside.
- Assemble the Chimichangas:
- Take one flour tortilla and lay it flat on a clean surface. If you like, spread about 1 tablespoon of refried beans in the center of the tortilla to add an extra creamy layer (this is optional but highly recommended for a little extra richness).
- Spoon a generous portion of the beef mixture over the beans (if using), and top it with a mixture of shredded cheddar and Monterey Jack cheese. The cheese will melt beautifully as the chimichangas fry, creating that perfect gooey texture inside.
- Now, fold in the sides of the tortilla, then roll it up tightly, like a burrito, ensuring the filling stays securely inside. Repeat the process for the remaining tortillas.
- Fry the Chimichangas:
- Heat vegetable oil in a deep skillet over medium heat. You’ll need enough oil to submerge the chimichangas about halfway, but not completely.
- Once the oil is hot (you can test it by dropping a small piece of tortilla into the oil—if it sizzles, it’s ready), carefully place each chimichanga in the oil, seam-side down.
- Fry each chimichanga for about 2-3 minutes per side or until they are golden brown and crispy. Use tongs to flip them gently to ensure even frying on both sides. Once golden and crispy, remove the chimichangas from the oil and place them on a plate lined with paper towels to drain any excess oil.
- Serve and Garnish:
- Serve the chimichangas hot, and garnish with your favorite toppings: a dollop of sour cream, a scoop of fresh salsa, a sprinkle of chopped cilantro, and a few chunks of creamy avocado. These garnishes add a fresh contrast to the crispy, warm chimichangas and bring an extra pop of flavor.
Helpful Tips
- For a lighter version: If you’re trying to cut down on the frying, you can bake the chimichangas instead. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C), brush the chimichangas with a little oil to help them crisp up, and bake them on a parchment-lined baking sheet for about 20 minutes or until golden and crispy.
- Customize the filling: Feel free to play with the fillings! You can add sautéed bell peppers, jalapeños, or even black beans for added flavor and texture.
- Make them ahead of time: You can assemble the chimichangas in advance and store them in the fridge, wrapped tightly in plastic wrap. Just fry them up when you’re ready to eat!
Details:
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 8 chimichangas
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: Mexican
- Diet: Can be adapted to gluten-free (use gluten-free tortillas)
Notes:
These crispy beef and cheese chimichangas are not only a treat for the taste buds but also a great way to bring a little fiesta to your kitchen. They’re perfect for customizing, so you can easily make them your own based on your personal taste preferences. Whether you go with a mild filling or spice things up with extra jalapeños, you’ll find that the combination of savory beef, melted cheese, and the crispy tortilla is simply irresistible.
Nutritional Information (Per Chimichanga):
- Calories: ~420 kcal
- Protein: 25g
- Fat: 25g
- Carbohydrates: 28g
- Fiber: 2g
- Sugar: 2g
Frequently Asked Questions:
Can I make these ahead of time? Absolutely! You can assemble the chimichangas up to a day in advance and store them in the fridge. When you’re ready to eat, just fry them up as directed.
Can I bake these instead of frying? Yes! Baking works great as a healthier alternative. Brush the chimichangas with a little oil and bake at 400°F for about 20 minutes or until golden brown and crispy.
What can I use instead of beef? Feel free to swap out the ground beef for chicken, turkey, or even a vegetarian option like black beans or lentils. The seasonings will complement any filling perfectly.
Storage Instructions:
To store leftover chimichangas, let them cool completely and place them in an airtight container in the fridge. They’ll stay fresh for up to 3 days. To reheat, place them in a 375°F oven for about 10-12 minutes, or until heated through and crispy again.
Related Recipes:
If you liked this recipe, you’ll definitely enjoy these other cheesy delights:
Conclusion:
These crispy beef and cheese chimichangas are the perfect combination of texture and flavor, and they’re sure to become a household favorite. Whether you’re serving them for a casual dinner, a party snack, or just as a treat for yourself, they offer a satisfying meal that’s both delicious and fun to eat. So gather your ingredients, roll up your sleeves, and get ready to enjoy a fiesta in every bite!
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Crispy Beef and Cheese Chimichangas – A Flavor-Packed Fiesta!
Description
Nothing quite compares to the crispy, golden crunch of a freshly fried chimichanga, bursting with savory beef, melted cheese, and bold Mexican spices. It’s the kind of dish that instantly brings people together, filling the air with mouthwatering aromas and the promise of a flavorful meal. If you’re in the mood for a little fiesta at home, these crispy beef and cheese chimichangas are your ticket to a flavor-packed celebration!
Whether you’re preparing them for a cozy weeknight dinner, a weekend gathering, or just to treat yourself to a crunchy, cheesy delight, chimichangas always deliver. With each bite, you get a wonderful combination of textures: the crispy exterior gives way to a warm, cheesy, and seasoned filling that makes you crave more. It’s the perfect balance of spice, savory, and indulgent satisfaction.
The origins of chimichangas can be traced back to Southwestern United States, particularly Arizona, where the recipe was inspired by the deep-fried burritos from Mexican cuisine. Over the years, this dish has become a beloved comfort food, and every family has its own twist. Some may stuff their chimichangas with chicken, while others prefer beef, like in this recipe. Whatever the filling, one thing is certain: these golden beauties are always a hit.
Ingredients
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 small onion, finely diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tsp chili powder
- 1 tsp cumin
- 1/2 tsp paprika
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/2 cup tomato sauce
- 1/2 cup refried beans (optional)
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 cup shredded Monterey Jack cheese
- 8 large flour tortillas
- Vegetable oil (for frying)
For Garnish:
- Sour cream
- Salsa
- Chopped fresh cilantro
- Diced avocado
Instructions
- Prepare the Beef Filling:
- Start by heating a skillet over medium heat. Add the ground beef and cook until browned, breaking it up with a wooden spoon as it cooks. This should take about 5-7 minutes.
- Once the beef is browned, add the finely diced onion and minced garlic to the pan. Cook for another 3-4 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the onion becomes soft and translucent.
- Sprinkle in the chili powder, cumin, paprika, salt, and pepper, stirring well to coat the beef mixture with the spices. These seasonings will create a fragrant base that adds depth of flavor.
- Pour in the tomato sauce and stir to combine. Let the mixture simmer for about 5 minutes, allowing the sauce to thicken and the flavors to meld together. Once done, remove the skillet from the heat and set it aside.
- Assemble the Chimichangas:
- Take one flour tortilla and lay it flat on a clean surface. If you like, spread about 1 tablespoon of refried beans in the center of the tortilla to add an extra creamy layer (this is optional but highly recommended for a little extra richness).
- Spoon a generous portion of the beef mixture over the beans (if using), and top it with a mixture of shredded cheddar and Monterey Jack cheese. The cheese will melt beautifully as the chimichangas fry, creating that perfect gooey texture inside.
- Now, fold in the sides of the tortilla, then roll it up tightly, like a burrito, ensuring the filling stays securely inside. Repeat the process for the remaining tortillas.
- Fry the Chimichangas:
- Heat vegetable oil in a deep skillet over medium heat. You’ll need enough oil to submerge the chimichangas about halfway, but not completely.
- Once the oil is hot (you can test it by dropping a small piece of tortilla into the oil—if it sizzles, it’s ready), carefully place each chimichanga in the oil, seam-side down.
- Fry each chimichanga for about 2-3 minutes per side or until they are golden brown and crispy. Use tongs to flip them gently to ensure even frying on both sides. Once golden and crispy, remove the chimichangas from the oil and place them on a plate lined with paper towels to drain any excess oil.
- Serve and Garnish:
- Serve the chimichangas hot, and garnish with your favorite toppings: a dollop of sour cream, a scoop of fresh salsa, a sprinkle of chopped cilantro, and a few chunks of creamy avocado. These garnishes add a fresh contrast to the crispy, warm chimichangas and bring an extra pop of flavor.
Notes
These crispy beef and cheese chimichangas are not only a treat for the taste buds but also a great way to bring a little fiesta to your kitchen. They’re perfect for customizing, so you can easily make them your own based on your personal taste preferences. Whether you go with a mild filling or spice things up with extra jalapeños, you’ll find that the combination of savory beef, melted cheese, and the crispy tortilla is simply irresistible.
