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Beef and Cheese Chimichangas Recipe

4.5 from 71 reviews

This Beef and Cheese Chimichangas recipe features a flavorful ground beef filling seasoned with taco spices, salsa, and refried beans, all wrapped in large flour tortillas and cooked to golden perfection either by baking or skillet frying. Crispy on the outside and cheesy inside, these chimichangas make a delicious Mexican-inspired meal perfect for any occasion.

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

Other Ingredients

  • 1 cup refried beans
  • 1 ½ cups shredded cheddar cheese or Mexican blend cheese
  • 6 large flour tortillas, burrito-size
  • 2 tablespoons vegetable oil (for brushing or frying)

Instructions

  1. Cook the beef filling: In a large skillet over medium heat, cook ground beef and diced onion together until the beef is fully browned and the onion becomes tender. Drain any excess grease from the skillet. Stir in minced garlic, taco seasoning, and salsa, then simmer for 3 to 4 minutes to combine flavors well.
  2. Assemble the chimichangas: Spread a spoonful of refried beans down the center of each flour tortilla. Layer a generous scoop of the cooked beef mixture on top, followed by a handful of shredded cheese. Fold in the sides of the tortilla and roll it up tightly like a burrito to enclose the filling completely.
  3. Cook the chimichangas: Oven method (healthier): Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Place the rolled chimichangas seam-side down on a baking sheet. Lightly brush them with vegetable oil and bake for 18 to 20 minutes, flipping once midway through, until they are golden brown and crispy. Skillet method (crispier): Heat 2 to 3 tablespoons of vegetable oil in a skillet over medium heat. Place chimichangas seam-side down and cook for 2 to 3 minutes on each side until golden and crisp on all sides.
  4. Serve: Remove the chimichangas from heat and let them rest for 2 minutes before serving. Top with optional garnishes like sour cream, guacamole, fresh lettuce, or extra salsa to enhance the flavors.

Notes

  • You can customize the cheese used to suit your taste; a Mexican blend offers a slightly different flavor than cheddar.
  • For a healthier alternative, the oven-baked method reduces added oil compared to frying.
  • Be careful when handling chimichangas during skillet cooking as hot oil can splatter.
  • Leftover chimichangas can be stored in the refrigerator and reheated in the oven for best crispness.

Keywords: beef chimichangas, cheese chimichangas, Mexican recipes, skillet chimichangas, baked chimichangas, ground beef recipe