Crispy Beef and Cheese Chimichangas Recipe: A Family Favorite

Beef and cheese chimichangas represent a mouthwatering culinary adventure that revolutionizes classic Mexican-inspired flavors into a crispy, indulgent experience.

These golden-brown delights combine hearty ingredients within a perfectly crunchy wrapper, creating a sensational contrast of textures.

Skilled home cooks can easily master this delectable dish that elevates comfort food to new heights.

Rich, seasoned ground beef melds seamlessly with melted cheese, delivering robust flavors in every single bite.

Each chimichanga promises a delightful explosion of taste that tantalizes the palate with its complex spice profile.

The versatile nature of this recipe allows for endless customization, making it a crowd-pleasing option for diverse dining preferences.

Prepare to impress friends and family with a meal that balances authenticity and innovation.

Tips for the Best Chimichanga Texture

• Seal Edges Securely: Tuck in tortilla sides tightly to prevent filling from leaking during frying, ensuring a crispy and intact chimichanga.
• Control Oil Temperature: Maintain medium-high heat around 350°F to achieve a golden, crispy exterior without burning the tortilla.
• Pat Meat Dry: Remove excess moisture from ground beef before seasoning to help achieve a more concentrated flavor and better browning.
• Choose Fresh Tortillas: Use soft, pliable flour tortillas that won't crack when rolling to guarantee a smooth, tight wrap.
• Drain Excess Oil: Let chimichangas rest on paper towels to absorb extra grease, keeping the texture light and preventing sogginess.

Storing and Reheating Beef and Cheese Chimichangas

• Refrigeration: Store leftover chimichangas in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking. Wrap each chimichanga individually in aluminum foil to prevent moisture loss and maintain crispiness. Refrigerated chimichangas stay fresh for 3-4 days.
• Freezing: Place cooled chimichangas in freezer-safe containers or freezer bags. Separate layers with parchment paper to prevent sticking. Frozen chimichangas can last up to 2 months for optimal taste and texture.
• Reheating: Restore crispiness by using an oven or air fryer instead of a microwave. Preheat oven to 375°F, place foil-wrapped chimichangas on a baking sheet, and heat for 10-15 minutes.

Pairing Chimichangas with These Side Dishes

• Spice Up with Margaritas: The zesty, crispy chimichangas perfectly match the tangy, refreshing citrus notes of a classic margarita, cutting through the richness of the beef and cheese.
• Cool Down with Salsa Verde: A bright, herbaceous salsa verde complements the deep, savory flavors of the chimichangas, adding a fresh counterpoint to the crispy, golden-brown exterior.
• Pair with Mexican Lager: A cold, light Mexican beer like Modelo or Corona provides a crisp, clean backdrop that balances the heavy, indulgent texture of the deep-fried dish.
• Refresh with Cucumber Agua Fresca: This light, hydrating drink offers a cool contrast to the hot, crunchy chimichangas, cleansing the palate between each delicious bite.

Play Around with New Ingredients in Chimichangas

• Spicy Southwest: Add diced jalapeños and chipotle powder to the beef for a fiery kick. Replace regular cheese with pepper jack for extra heat.
• Chicken Swap: Substitute ground beef with shredded rotisserie chicken seasoned with cumin and chili powder. Use monterey jack cheese for a lighter protein option.
• Vegetarian Fusion: Replace beef with black beans and roasted corn. Mix in quinoa for protein and use a blend of cheddar and cotija cheese for rich flavor.
• Green Chile Edition: Incorporate diced green chiles into the meat mixture. Top with salsa verde instead of traditional salsa and sprinkle with queso fresco for authentic southwestern flair.

Beef and Cheese Chimichangas: A Crispy and Flavorful Meal

• Craft Crispy Flavor Bombs: These chimichangas deliver an irresistible crunch with golden-brown exteriors that crack perfectly with each bite, revealing a molten cheese and seasoned beef interior.
• Quick Weeknight Dinner Hero: Packed with protein and ready in under 30 minutes, this recipe transforms simple ingredients into a restaurant-style meal that satisfies hungry families without complicated techniques.
• Customizable Crowd-Pleaser: Easily adaptable with optional toppings like sour cream, salsa, or guacamole, these chimichangas become a personalized feast that lets everyone create their perfect plate.
• Tex-Mex Comfort Classic: Combining the richness of melted cheese, spiced ground beef, and crispy tortilla wrappers, this dish delivers a nostalgic taste of traditional southwestern comfort food that feels like a warm culinary hug.

What You Need to Make Beef and Cheese Chimichangas

• Ground Beef: Lean beef with good flavor for the main filling, choose 80/20 or 85/15 for best taste and moisture.
• Refried Beans: Creamy base for chimichangas, adds richness and helps hold filling together.

• Large Flour Tortillas: Soft tortillas that provide structure, select fresh tortillas for easier rolling.

• Shredded Cheese: Melts beautifully and adds creamy texture, cheddar or Mexican blend work best.

• Taco Seasoning: Provides bold southwestern flavor, adds depth to beef mixture.
• Water: Helps distribute seasoning and create moist meat filling.

• Vegetable Oil: Used for deep frying, creates crispy golden exterior of chimichangas.
• Paper Towels: Helps drain excess oil after frying.

• Sour Cream: Cool, tangy topping that complements the crispy chimichangas.
• Salsa: Fresh, zesty condiment for added flavor.
• Chopped Cilantro: Fresh herb for brightness and color.
• Guacamole: Creamy avocado-based topping for extra richness.

How to Make Crispy Beef and Cheese Chimichangas

Step 1: Sizzle the Beef

Brown ground beef in a skillet over medium heat until fully cooked with no pink remaining. Carefully drain excess grease from the pan.

Step 2: Spice Up the Meat

• Seasonings
• Water

Mix thoroughly and let simmer until liquid is completely absorbed.

Step 3: Prepare the Tortilla Base

Spread a layer of beans on one side of each tortilla. Top with the seasoned meat mixture and sprinkle generously with cheese.

Step 4: Create Perfect Rolls

Carefully roll tortillas into tight bundles, tucking in the sides to seal the filling completely.

Step 5: Fry to Golden Perfection

Heat vegetable oil in a skillet. Gently place rolled chimichangas seam-side down and fry until each side turns a beautiful golden brown.

Step 6: Finish and Serve

Remove chimichangas from oil and drain on paper towels to remove excess oil. Add your favorite garnishes like sour cream, salsa, or chopped cilantro. Serve immediately while hot and crispy.

Beef and Cheese Chimichangas Recipe

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4.7 from 37 reviews

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

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Description

Beef and Cheese Chimichangas deliver a delightful Mexican-inspired feast with crispy tortillas packed with savory ground beef and melted cheese. Sizzling golden exteriors give way to a rich, spicy filling that promises pure comfort and satisfaction for hungry diners seeking a classic southwestern comfort meal.

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Ingredients

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Protein and Main Components:

• 1 pound ground beef
• 2 cups shredded cheese
• 1 can refried pinto beans

Base and Wrapper:

• 6 large flour tortillas
• 2 cups vegetable oil (for frying chimichangas)

Seasonings and Liquids:

• 1 tablespoon (15 milliliters) chili powder
• 1 teaspoon (5 milliliters) garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon (5 milliliters) black pepper
• ½ tablespoon (7.5 milliliters) seasoned salt
• ½ tablespoon (7.5 milliliters) ground cumin
• ½ teaspoon (2.5 milliliters) dried oregano
• 1 cup (237 milliliters) water (for cooking and seasoning beef)

Toppings:

• Sour cream
• Shredded lettuce
• Fresh salsa
• Chopped tomatoes

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Instructions

1. Preheat a large skillet over medium heat and thoroughly cook ground beef, ensuring no pink remains visible, then carefully drain excess fat using a colander.
2. Return the beef to the skillet, generously incorporate selected seasonings and measured water, stirring consistently until liquid completely absorbs and creates a rich, flavorful meat mixture.
3. Prepare a separate skillet with vegetable oil, heating to an appropriate temperature for frying.
4. Lay out soft tortillas and spread a uniform layer of refried beans across one half of each tortilla, leaving a small border around the edges.
5. Distribute the seasoned beef mixture evenly over the beans, ensuring consistent coverage.
6. Sprinkle shredded cheese across the beef, creating a melty layer that will bind the filling together.
7. Carefully fold the tortilla sides inward, then roll tightly from the bottom, creating a compact chimichanga that will prevent filling from escaping during frying.
8. Gently place the rolled chimichangas seam-side down into the hot oil, frying until each side achieves a golden-brown, crispy exterior (approximately 2-3 minutes per side).
9. Remove chimichangas using tongs and drain excess oil on layers of paper towels to absorb remaining grease.
10. Serve immediately, optionally garnishing with sour cream, chopped cilantro, or salsa for additional flavor and presentation.

Notes

• Fold tortillas tightly to prevent filling from spilling during frying, creating a crispy, compact chimichanga.
• Customize seasoning blend with chili powder, cumin, and garlic for a personalized flavor profile that elevates the beef.
• Select large flour tortillas to ensure easier rolling and better containment of savory meat and cheese mixture.
• Drain excess grease thoroughly from beef to maintain a lighter, less greasy final dish that’s more appetizing.
• Use a deep skillet with high sides to safely fry chimichangas without oil splattering, ensuring even golden-brown coloration.

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 10 minutes
• Category: Dinner
• Method: Frying
• Cuisine: Mexican

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 6
• Calories: 490 kcal
• Sugar: 5g
• Sodium: 740mg
• Fat: 28g
• Saturated Fat: 12g
• Carbohydrates: 36g
• Fiber: 3g
• Protein: 22g
• Cholesterol: 65mg