Description
Crispy Beef and Cheese Chimichangas are golden tortillas stuffed with seasoned ground beef, melty cheese, and bold Mexican-inspired flavors. Baked or fried, they deliver the perfect crunch and gooey inside, making them a comforting, hearty meal for any occasion.
Ingredients
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2–3 tbsp taco seasoning (or homemade blend)
- 2 tbsp tomato paste or salsa
- 1 1/2 cups shredded cheddar or Mexican blend cheese
- 6 large flour tortillas
- Oil for frying or brushing (vegetable, canola, or olive oil)
- Optional: 1/2 cup refried beans or black beans
- Optional: chopped jalapeños, green chiles, or hot sauce
Instructions
- In a skillet, brown ground beef over medium heat, breaking it apart as it cooks.
- Add onion and garlic, cooking until softened and fragrant.
- Stir in taco seasoning and tomato paste or salsa, simmering until thickened. Remove from heat.
- Mix in shredded cheese until slightly melted.
- Spoon filling into center of each tortilla. Fold in sides and roll tightly like a burrito.
- For frying: Heat oil in a skillet. Place chimichangas seam-side down and fry until golden and crispy on all sides.
- For baking: Place seam-side down on a baking sheet, brush with oil, and bake at 400°F (200°C) for 20–25 minutes until golden and crisp.
- Serve hot with sour cream, guacamole, salsa, or toppings of choice.
Notes
- Add beans for extra texture and protein.
- Mix cream cheese into filling for a creamier version.
- Use chicken, pork, or turkey as a variation.
- Freeze uncooked chimichangas for an easy make-ahead meal.
- Reheat in oven or air fryer to restore crispiness.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 chimichanga
- Calories: 480
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 820mg
- Fat: 24g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 39g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 26g
- Cholesterol: 75mg
