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Beef and Cheese Chimichangas

Beef and Cheese Chimichangas

These Beef and Cheese Chimichangas combine perfectly seasoned ground beef with melty cheddar or Monterey Jack cheese, wrapped in crispy fried flour tortillas. This quick and flavorful Mexican-inspired comfort food is ideal for family dinners or casual gatherings, featuring a satisfying contrast of textures and delicious toppings like sour cream and salsa.

Ingredients

Scale

Filling

  • 1 lb ground beef (lean)
  • 1 small onion, finely chopped
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 tsp ground cumin
  • 1 tsp chili powder
  • 1 tsp paprika
  • Salt and pepper, to taste

Others

  • 1 cup shredded cheddar or Monterey Jack cheese
  • 6 large flour tortillas
  • Vegetable oil, for frying (about 2 cups)
  • Sour cream, for serving
  • Salsa, for serving

Instructions

  1. Prepare the beef filling: Start by heating a pan over medium heat and cook finely chopped onions and garlic until translucent. Add the ground beef, breaking it apart as it cooks. Season with cumin, chili powder, paprika, salt, and pepper. Cook until the beef is browned and fully cooked through, then remove from heat and let it cool slightly.
  2. Assemble the chimichangas: Lay out a flour tortilla flat and spoon a generous amount of the beef mixture down the center. Sprinkle shredded cheese over the beef. Fold in the sides of the tortilla and then roll it tightly from one end to the other, making sure the filling is sealed inside.
  3. Fry the chimichangas: In a deep skillet, heat vegetable oil to about 350°F (175°C). Carefully place each rolled chimichanga seam-side down into the hot oil. Fry until golden brown and crisp on all sides, about 2 to 3 minutes per side. Remove and drain on paper towels to soak up excess oil.
  4. Serve immediately: Plate the chimichangas while hot and crunchy, adding sour cream, salsa, or guacamole as desired for a perfect balance of flavors.

Notes

  • Use warm tortillas softened slightly in the microwave to make folding easier without cracking.
  • Do not overfill the tortillas to prevent bursting while frying.
  • Maintain oil temperature around 350°F (175°C) to ensure crispy chimichangas and avoid greasy texture.
  • Seal edges tightly using a little water or beaten egg to keep the roll closed during frying.
  • Drain fried chimichangas on paper towels or a wire rack to keep them crispy.

Nutrition

Keywords: beef chimichangas, cheese chimichangas, Mexican comfort food, fried chimichangas, easy chimichangas recipe