Beef and Cheese Chimichanga Recipe

Why Make This Recipe

Beef and Cheese Chimichangas are a delicious and satisfying dish perfect for any occasion. They’re crispy on the outside, filled with tasty beef, beans, and cheese, making them great for family dinners or gatherings. Plus, they can be baked for a healthier version or fried for extra crispiness. Making chimichangas at home allows you to customize the filling and toppings to your liking, making every bite flavorful and fun!

How to Make Beef and Cheese Chimichangas

Ingredients:

• 1 lb ground beef
• 1 small onion (finely diced)
• 2 cloves garlic (minced)
• 1 packet (1 oz) taco seasoning (or homemade)
• ½ cup salsa
• 1 cup refried beans
• 1 ½ cups shredded cheddar cheese (or Mexican blend)
• 6 large flour tortillas (burrito-size)
• 2 tbsp vegetable oil (for brushing/frying)

Directions:

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 garlic, taco seasoning, and salsa. Simmer for 3–4 minutes until well combined.

2. Assemble the Chimichangas: Spread a spoonful of refried beans down the center of each tortilla. Top with a generous scoop of the beef mixture and a handful of shredded cheese. Fold in the sides and roll up tightly like a burrito.

3. Cook the Chimichangas:

   • Oven Method (Healthier): Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C). Place chimichangas seam-side down on a baking sheet. Brush lightly with vegetable oil and bake for 18–20 minutes, flipping once, until golden and crispy.
   • Skillet Method (Crispier): Heat 2–3 tablespoons of oil in a skillet over medium heat. Place chimichangas seam-side down and cook for 2–3 minutes per side until golden and crisp.

4. Serve: Remove from heat and let rest for 2 minutes before serving. Add toppings such as sour cream, guacamole, lettuce, or salsa if desired.

How to Serve Beef and Cheese Chimichangas

Serve Beef and Cheese Chimichangas hot with your favorite toppings. You can lay them on a platter and let everyone add their toppings, or you can serve them on individual plates for a more formal setting. They are great as a main dish, paired with a side of Mexican rice or a fresh salad.

How to Store Beef and Cheese Chimichangas

If you have leftovers, let the chimichangas cool completely before storing. Place them in an airtight container and keep them in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. You can also freeze uncooked chimichangas for up to 3 months. Just wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and foil.

Tips to Make Beef and Cheese Chimichangas

• To make a healthier version, use lean ground beef or ground turkey.
• Feel free to add extra vegetables, such as bell peppers or corn, to the beef mixture for added flavor and nutrition.
• For a spicy kick, add jalapeños or swap the salsa for a spicier version.

Variation

You can change the protein or the cheese used in this recipe. Shredded chicken or beans can replace the beef, and different cheese blends can add unique flavors.

FAQs

1. Can I bake chimichangas instead of frying them?
Yes! Baking chimichangas is a healthier option. Just brush them with oil and bake until crispy.

2. What can I use instead of refried beans?
You can use black beans, pinto beans, or even hummus as a spread.

3. How do I reheat leftover chimichangas?
You can reheat them in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10-15 minutes or in a skillet over medium heat until heated through.

Beef and Cheese Chimichangas

Delicious and crispy beef and cheese-filled tortillas that can be baked or fried, perfect for any occasion.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 15 minutes mins

Cook Time 30 minutes mins

Total Time 45 minutes mins

Course Dinner, Main Dish

Cuisine Mexican

Servings 6 servings

Calories 350 kcal

Ingredients

  

Beef Filling

• 1 lb ground beef Use lean for a healthier option.
• 1 small onion (finely diced)
• 2 cloves garlic (minced)
• 1 packet (1 oz) taco seasoning (or homemade)
• ½ cup salsa Use your favorite brand.

Chimichanga Assembly

• 1 cup refried beans
• 1½ cups shredded cheddar cheese (or Mexican blend) Feel free to swap with other cheese blends.
• 6 large flour tortillas (burrito-size)
• 2 tbsp vegetable oil (for brushing/frying)

Instructions

 

Prepare the 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 garlic, taco seasoning, and salsa. Simmer for 3-4 minutes until well combined.

Assemble the Chimichangas

• Spread a spoonful of refried beans down the center of each tortilla.
• Top with a generous scoop of the beef mixture and a handful of shredded cheese.
• Fold in the sides and roll up tightly like a burrito.

Cook the Chimichangas

• Oven Method: Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C). Place chimichangas seam-side down on a baking sheet. Brush lightly with vegetable oil and bake for 18-20 minutes, flipping once, until golden and crispy.
• Skillet Method: Heat 2-3 tablespoons of oil in a skillet over medium heat. Place chimichangas seam-side down and cook for 2-3 minutes per side until golden and crisp.

Serve

• Remove from heat and let rest for 2 minutes before serving. Add toppings such as sour cream, guacamole, lettuce, or salsa if desired.

Notes

For a healthier version, use lean ground beef or ground turkey. Feel free to add extra vegetables, such as bell peppers or corn, to the filling. For a spicy kick, add jalapeños or swap the salsa for a spicier version.

Keyword Beef and Cheese Chimichangas, Chimichangas, Comfort Food, Crispy Tortillas, Mexican Recipe