Beef and Cheese Chimichangas Recipe
These Beef and Cheese Chimichangas are crispy, flavorful rolled tortillas filled with seasoned ground beef, refried beans, and melted cheese. Perfect for a satisfying Mexican-inspired meal, you can either bake or pan-fry them to your preferred crispiness.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 6 chimichangas 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Mexican
Ingredients
Scale
Beef Filling
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 small onion, finely diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 packet (1 oz) taco seasoning (or homemade)
- ½ cup salsa
Assembly
- 1 cup refried beans
- 1 ½ cups shredded cheddar cheese or Mexican blend
- 6 large flour tortillas, burrito-size
Cooking
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil, for brushing or frying
Instructions
- Cook the beef filling: Heat a large skillet over medium heat. Add the ground beef and diced onion, cooking until the beef is browned and the onions become tender. Drain any excess grease. Stir in the minced garlic, taco seasoning, and salsa, then simmer for 3–4 minutes until the mixture is well combined and fragrant.
- Assemble the chimichangas: Lay out each tortilla flat. Spread a spoonful of refried beans down the center of each. Add a generous scoop of the prepared beef mixture on top of the beans, followed by a handful of shredded cheese. Fold in the sides of the tortilla, then roll tightly from one end to the other to enclose the filling completely, forming burrito-like rolls.
- Cook the chimichangas – Oven method (healthier): Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Place the chimichangas seam-side down on a baking sheet. Lightly brush each with vegetable oil. Bake for 18–20 minutes, flipping them once halfway through, until they are golden brown and crispy on all sides.
- Cook the chimichangas – Skillet method (crispier): Heat 2-3 tablespoons of vegetable oil in a skillet over medium heat. Place the chimichangas seam-side down in the hot oil and fry for 2–3 minutes per side until they develop a golden and crispy exterior.
- Serve: Remove the chimichangas from heat and allow them to rest for 2 minutes. Serve with your favorite toppings such as sour cream, guacamole, shredded lettuce, or extra salsa to enhance flavor.
Notes
- For a gluten-free option, use gluten-free tortillas.
- Adjust taco seasoning amount to taste or use low-sodium for a healthier option.
- Leftover chimichangas can be reheated in the oven or air fryer to retain crispiness.
- Adding jalapeños or hot sauce can give an extra spicy kick.
- Substitute ground turkey or chicken for a leaner protein alternative.
Keywords: beef chimichangas, Mexican chimichangas, beef and cheese chimichangas, baked chimichangas, crispy chimichangas, easy Mexican dinner
Find it online: https://dinewithdylan.com/beef-and-cheese-chimichangas-recipe/
