Irresistible Beef and Cheese Chimichanga Recipe for Taco Night

Crispy, golden beef and cheese chimichanga promises a mouthwatering adventure straight from southwest kitchens.

Mexican cuisine sparks culinary excitement with this delectable handheld treat.

Layers of seasoned ground beef nestle inside warm tortillas, creating a perfect blend of textures.

Melted cheese adds rich, creamy goodness that makes every bite irresistible.

Crunchy exterior gives way to a tender, flavorful interior that satisfies deep hunger.

Home cooks can easily master this crowd-pleasing dish with simple ingredients and straightforward techniques.

You’ll fall in love with this ultimate comfort food that brings zesty southwestern spirit to your dinner table.

Dare to indulge in a recipe that transforms an ordinary meal into an extraordinary experience.

What Makes Beef And Cheese Chimichanga So Good

• Spice Up Family Dinner: A Crowd-Pleasing Mexican Feast transforms ordinary ingredients into an exciting meal everyone will love.
• Mastering Mexican Flavors: The recipe allows home cooks to create restaurant-quality chimichangas with simple techniques that build confidence in the kitchen.
• Quick and Satisfying Meal Solution: Packed with protein and bold spices, this dish delivers a hearty dinner that comes together faster than ordering takeout.
• Customize Your Culinary Adventure: Easily adaptable recipe lets you adjust ingredients to suit different taste preferences, making it perfect for families with varied palates.

What You’ll Need For Beef And Cheese Chimichanga

• Beef: A hearty and flavorful meat that forms the core of the chimichanga filling.
• Beans: A protein-rich addition that adds texture and nutritional value to the mixture.

• Onion, Chili Powder, Garlic, Cumin: A blend of aromatic spices and vegetables that create a rich and complex flavor profile for the beef mixture.
• Tomato Sauce: A savory liquid that helps bind the ingredients and adds moisture to the filling.

• Tortillas: Soft flour tortillas that will be folded and fried to create the classic chimichanga shape.
• Cheese: A melty topping that adds creaminess and richness to the final dish.
• Chilies, Peppers: Fresh ingredients used to create a complementary sauce for serving.
• Oil: Used for deep frying to achieve a crispy golden exterior.

Step-By-Step Beef And Cheese Chimichanga Guide

Step 1: Brown Ground Beef

Heat a large skillet over medium heat. Cook beef, breaking it into small pieces while stirring.

Continue cooking until the meat loses its pink color and becomes fully browned. Drain any excess fat from the skillet.

Step 2: Create Savory Filling

• Beans
• Chopped onion
• Tomato sauce
• Chili powder
• Minced garlic
• Ground cumin

Stir everything together until well combined and heated through.

Step 3: Wrap Delicious Chimichangas

Place a tortilla on a clean surface.

Scoop beef mixture slightly off-center of the tortilla. Fold the bottom edge up over the filling.

Fold both side edges inward. Roll the tortilla tightly into a compact bundle.

Secure with toothpicks to keep the wrap intact.

Step 4: Prepare Zesty Sauce

• Green chilies
• Peppers
• Remaining tomato sauce

Warm the sauce gently over medium heat, stirring occasionally.

Step 5: Fry Crispy Chimichangas

Heat oil in an electric skillet or deep fryer to 375°F. Carefully place wrapped chimichangas into hot oil.

Fry each side for 1-2 minutes until golden brown and crispy. Remove and drain on paper towels to remove excess oil.

Step 6: Finish and Serve

Sprinkle shredded cheese over hot chimichangas. Serve immediately with prepared sauce on the side.

Tips To Master Beef And Cheese Chimichanga

• Drain beef thoroughly to prevent excess grease and ensure a crispy chimichanga texture.
• Use flour tortillas at room temperature for easier folding and better sealing during frying.
• Secure chimichangas tightly with toothpicks to prevent filling from spilling during deep-frying.
• Lower oil temperature slightly if tortillas brown too quickly, ensuring even cooking and golden exterior.
• Opt for lean ground beef to reduce overall fat content and create a healthier version of the dish.

Fun Ways To Switch Up Beef And Cheese Chimichanga

• Chicken Chimichanga: Replace beef with shredded rotisserie chicken, add green chiles for extra flavor and lighter protein option.
• Vegetarian Chimichanga: Swap beef with black beans, roasted vegetables like bell peppers and zucchini, use plant-based cheese for meat-free version.
• Seafood Chimichanga: Use sautéed shrimp or white fish instead of beef, incorporate cilantro and lime for fresh coastal taste.
• Green Chile Chimichanga: Add more roasted green chiles to filling, increase cumin and garlic, top with green chile sauce for southwestern kick.

Tasty Matches For Beef And Cheese Chimichanga

• Pair Perfect Zesty Mexican Beer: A crisp Mexican lager like Corona or Modelo Especial cuts through the rich, deep-fried chimichanga, complementing its spicy beef and cheese flavors with refreshing brightness.
• Complement with Cool Sour Cream Salsa: Homemade fresh salsa with tangy sour cream balances the chimichanga's crispy exterior, adding bright acidity and creamy texture that enhances the overall eating experience.
• Serve Alongside Bright Citrus Margarita: A classic lime margarita with tequila provides a zesty counterpoint to the hearty beef, its citrusy notes cleansing the palate between each crispy, cheesy bite.

How To Store Beef And Cheese Chimichanga Right

• Refrigerate: Store leftover chimichangas in an airtight container for up to 3-4 days. Separate layers with parchment paper to prevent sticking.
• Freeze: Wrap individual chimichangas tightly in plastic wrap, then aluminum foil. Freeze for up to 2 months. Label with date for easy tracking.
• Oven Reheat: Preheat oven to 350°F. Place chimichangas on baking sheet, cover with foil to prevent drying. Warm for 10-15 minutes until heated through. Remove foil last 3 minutes for crispy exterior.
• Microwave Option: Place chimichanga on microwave-safe plate. Heat in 30-second intervals, rotating midway. Check internal temperature reaches 165°F to ensure food safety.

Beef And Cheese Chimichanga Questions Answered

• What are the key ingredients for Beef and Cheese Chimichanga?

The key ingredients include ground beef, beans, tortillas, tomato sauce, chili powder, garlic, cumin, chilies, peppers, and cheese.

• Is this recipe spicy?

The recipe has mild spices like chili powder and cumin, which add flavor without making it extremely hot. You can adjust the spice level by reducing or increasing chili powder.

• Can I use a different type of meat?

Yes, you can substitute ground beef with ground turkey, shredded chicken, or even plant-based meat alternatives for a different protein option.

• Do I need special equipment to make this recipe?

You’ll need an electric skillet or deep-fat fryer to fry the chimichangas, but a regular skillet can work with careful temperature monitoring.

Beef and Cheese Chimichanga Recipe

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4.9 from 40 reviews

• Total Time: 30 minutes
• Yield: 6 1x

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Description

Sizzling Mexican magic happens when our beef and cheese chimichanga brings crispy, golden perfection to your plate. Deep-fried tortillas packed with seasoned beef and melted cheese create a mouthwatering fiesta you’ll crave again and again.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Beef and Meat:

• 1 pound ground beef

Beans and Vegetables:

• 1 can (16 ounces / 454 grams) refried beans
• 1/2 cup finely chopped onion
• 1 can (4 ounces / 113 grams) chopped green chilies
• 1 can (4 ounces / 113 grams) chopped jalapeno peppers
• 1 teaspoon minced garlic

Seasonings and Sauce:

• 3 cans (8 ounces / 227 grams each) tomato sauce
• 2 teaspoons chili powder
• 1/2 teaspoon ground cumin

Additional Ingredients:

• 12 flour tortillas (10 inches)
• Oil for deep-fat frying
• 1–1/2 cups shredded cheddar cheese

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Instructions

1. Brown ground beef in a skillet over medium heat until fully cooked, carefully draining excess fat.
2. Incorporate black beans, diced onions, tomato sauce, chili powder, minced garlic, and ground cumin into the meat mixture, stirring until well combined.
3. Position beef mixture slightly off-center on each tortilla, creating a strategic filling placement.
4. Fold tortilla edges inward, first covering the filling, then sealing sides and rolling into a compact bundle, securing with toothpicks to prevent unraveling.
5. Prepare sauce by simmering green chilies, peppers, and remaining tomato sauce in a saucepan until heated through.
6. Heat oil in an electric skillet or deep fryer to 375°F, ensuring precise temperature for optimal frying.
7. Carefully submerge chimichangas in hot oil, frying each side for 1.5-2 minutes until achieving a golden-brown, crispy exterior.
8. Transfer fried chimichangas to paper towels, allowing excess oil to drain.
9. Sprinkle generously with shredded cheese while still hot.
10. Serve immediately with prepared sauce, creating a delightful Tex-Mex dining experience.

Notes

• Ensure ground beef is thoroughly cooked and drained to prevent excess grease in the chimichanga.
• Use fresh tortillas at room temperature for easier folding and better sealing to avoid filling leakage during frying.
• Secure chimichangas tightly with toothpicks to prevent unraveling in hot oil and maintain a crispy, compact shape.
• Consider baking as a healthier alternative: brush with olive oil and bake at 425°F for 20-25 minutes until golden brown, reducing total fat content.

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 10 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner, Appetizer, Snacks
• Method: Frying
• Cuisine: Mexican

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 6
• Calories: 550
• Sugar: 3g
• Sodium: 850mg
• Fat: 30g
• Saturated Fat: 12g
• Unsaturated Fat: 15g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 45g
• Fiber: 6g
• Protein: 30g
• Cholesterol: 80mg