Crispy Beef And Cheese Chimichangas Recipe: A Fiesta Favorite

Crispy, golden beef and cheese chimichangas promise a mouthwatering adventure straight from mexican cuisine.

Savory meat nestles inside warm tortillas, creating a delightful crunch with every bite.

Melted cheese adds rich layers of flavor that dance across your palate.

Spices weave through the filling, bringing warmth and depth to each delectable morsel.

Home kitchens can easily replicate this restaurant-style favorite with simple ingredients and straightforward techniques.

Weekend dinner plans just got incredibly exciting with this crowd-pleasing dish.

Dive into this recipe and watch everyone request seconds!

Why Beef And Cheese Chimichangas Are So Satisfying

• Crush Flavor Complexity: Packed with bold taco seasoning and rich cream cheese blend, this recipe delivers a mouth-watering explosion of taste that will satisfy serious comfort food cravings.
• Master Quick Assembly: Simple step-by-step process allows even beginner cooks to create restaurant-quality chimichangas without intimidating kitchen skills or complicated techniques.
• Customize Your Feast: Flexible recipe welcomes personal tweaks like adding jalapeños, switching cheese types, or incorporating different protein options to match individual preferences and dietary needs.
• Crowd-Pleasing Party Starter: Perfect for casual gatherings, game nights, or family dinners where everyone craves a delicious handheld meal that brings instant smiles and satisfies hearty appetites.

What You Need For Beef And Cheese Chimichangas

• Ground Beef: A hearty and flavorful base that provides the main protein for the chimichangas.

• Onions, Garlic: Add depth and aromatic flavor to the beef mixture.

• Cream Cheese, Sour Cream: Create a rich and smooth filling that adds creaminess to the chimichangas.
• Cheddar Cheese: Provides a sharp and melty cheese layer for extra flavor.

• Flour Tortillas: Serve as the wrapper for the filling and become crispy when fried.
• Vegetable Oil: Used for deep-frying to achieve a golden and crispy exterior.

• Taco Seasoning: Adds a classic Mexican-inspired flavor profile to the beef.
• Salt, Black Pepper: Enhance and balance the overall taste of the dish.

• Cilantro, Tomatoes: Fresh toppings that add color, brightness, and additional flavor to the finished chimichangas.

How To Make Beef And Cheese Chimichangas

Step 1: Brown Ground Beef

Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Cook ground beef, breaking it into small, crumbly pieces while stirring occasionally.

Step 2: Add Aromatic Vegetables

• Diced onions
• Minced garlic

Sauté until vegetables become soft and release their fragrant aroma.

Step 3: Season the Meat

• Taco seasoning
• Salt
• Black pepper

Stir thoroughly to ensure even distribution of flavors.

Step 4: Prepare Creamy Filling

• Cream cheese
• Sour cream

Mix until the mixture becomes smooth and fully integrated.

Step 5: Assemble Chimichangas

Lay out flour tortillas and spread a thin layer of cream cheese mixture in the center of each tortilla. Distribute cooked beef evenly across tortillas, leaving space around the edges for folding.

Step 6: Add Cheese

Generously sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese over the beef mixture.

Step 7: Fold and Seal

Carefully fold tortilla edges inward, creating a sealed packet to prevent filling from leaking during frying.

Step 8: Prepare for Frying

Heat vegetable oil in a deep skillet or fryer to 375°F, ensuring the oil is hot enough for crispy results.

Step 9: Fry Chimichangas

Gently place folded chimichangas into hot oil, frying 2-3 at a time. Cook until golden brown and crispy, approximately 2-3 minutes per side.

Step 10: Drain and Finish

Remove chimichangas with tongs, letting excess oil drain on paper towels.

Step 11: Garnish and Serve

• Fresh chopped cilantro
• Diced tomatoes

Serve hot and enjoy immediately.

Tips For Crispy Beef And Cheese Chimichangas

• Select Fresh Ingredients: Use high-quality ground beef and crisp vegetables for maximum flavor and texture in your chimichangas.
• Seal Edges Tightly: Ensure tortilla edges are completely sealed to prevent oil from seeping inside during frying and maintain a crispy exterior.
• Control Oil Temperature: Maintain consistent 375°F oil temperature for perfectly golden, crispy chimichangas without absorbing excess grease.
• Drain Excess Oil: Place fried chimichangas on paper towels to remove additional oil and keep the wrapper crisp and light.
• Experiment with Protein: Substitute ground beef with shredded chicken, pulled pork, or vegetarian alternatives like black beans for diverse meal options.

Beef And Cheese Chimichangas Fun Twists

• Vegetarian Protein Swap: Replace ground beef with black beans, lentils, or crumbled tofu for a plant-based version that maintains rich flavor and protein content.
• Gluten-Free Option: Use corn tortillas instead of flour tortillas and swap regular taco seasoning for a certified gluten-free blend to accommodate dietary restrictions.
• Spicy Southwest Remix: Add diced jalapeños, green chiles, or a dash of cayenne pepper to the meat mixture for an extra kick of heat and intense southwestern flavor.
• Low-Carb Alternative: Substitute tortillas with large lettuce leaves or use cauliflower tortillas to create a lighter, carbohydrate-reduced chimichanga that still delivers satisfying taste.

Tasty Pairings With Beef And Cheese Chimichangas

• Pair Zesty Mexican Lager with Spicy Chimichangas: Crisp, light Mexican beers like Corona or Modelo cut through the rich, deep-fried flavors and complement the beef's spiciness.
• Create Fresh Salsa Verde Dipping Sauce: Blend tomatillos, jalapeños, cilantro, and lime juice to provide a tangy, bright counterpoint that enhances the chimichanga's robust meat filling.
• Serve Alongside Cooling Guacamole: Creamy avocado dip balances the crispy, hot texture while adding refreshing elements that neutralize the dish's intense spice and deep-fried richness.

How To Store Beef And Cheese Chimichangas

• Transfer leftover chimichangas to an airtight container, placing wax paper between layers to prevent sticking. Seal tightly and refrigerate for up to 3-4 days.
• Wrap each chimichanga individually in plastic wrap, then place in a freezer-safe bag. Remove excess air and freeze for up to 2-3 months.
• Preheat oven to 350°F. Place chimichangas on a baking sheet, cover loosely with foil to prevent drying. Warm for 10-15 minutes until heated through and crispy.
• Set air fryer to 350°F.

FAQs About Beef And Cheese Chimichangas

• What are the key ingredients for these chimichangas?

Ground beef, flour tortillas, cream cheese, sour cream, cheddar cheese, taco seasoning, and vegetable oil are the primary ingredients that create these delicious chimichangas.

• How do I ensure my chimichangas stay sealed while frying?

Carefully fold the tortilla edges inward, creating tight packets and pressing the edges firmly to prevent the filling from leaking during frying.

• What temperature should the oil be for perfect frying?

Heat the vegetable oil to 375°F to achieve golden brown, crispy chimichangas without burning the tortillas.

• Can I prepare the beef mixture in advance?

Yes, you can cook the ground beef mixture ahead of time and refrigerate it for up to 2 days before assembling and frying the chimichangas.

Molten Beef And Cheese Chimichangas Recipe

---

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

4.6 from 9 reviews

• Total Time: 35 minutes
• Yield: 8 1x

Print Recipe

Pin Recipe

Description

Mexican culinary magic shines through these beef and cheese chimichangas, a crispy delight packed with savory goodness. Hungry diners will savor each golden-brown bite, experiencing a perfect blend of tender meat and melted cheese that promises pure satisfaction.

---

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Meat:

• 1 lb ground beef
• 1/2 cup diced onions
• 2 cloves garlic, minced

Cheese and Dairy:

• 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
• 1/2 cup sour cream
• 1/4 cup cream cheese

Wrapper and Seasonings:

• 8 large flour tortillas
• 2 tbsp taco seasoning
• 1 tsp salt
• 1/2 tsp black pepper
• 2 cups vegetable oil (for frying)

Optional Garnish:

• 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro
• 1 diced tomato

Cook Mode Prevent your screen from going dark

---

Instructions

1. Preheat a large skillet over medium-high heat and brown the ground beef, breaking it into crumbly pieces while cooking.
2. Add diced onions and minced garlic to the beef, sautéing until vegetables become translucent and fragrant.
3. Sprinkle taco seasoning, salt, and black pepper into the meat mixture, stirring thoroughly to distribute seasonings evenly.
4. Remove meat mixture from heat and let cool slightly for 5-7 minutes, allowing flavors to meld together.
5. Mix cream cheese and sour cream in a separate bowl until smooth and well-combined.
6. Lay out flour tortillas and spread a thin layer of cream cheese mixture in the center of each tortilla.
7. Distribute cooked beef mixture evenly across tortillas, leaving space around the edges for folding.
8. Generously sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese over the beef mixture.
9. Carefully fold tortilla edges inward, creating a sealed packet to prevent filling from leaking during frying.
10. Heat vegetable oil in a deep skillet or fryer to 375°F, ensuring oil is hot enough for crispy chimichangas.
11. Gently place folded chimichangas into hot oil, frying 2-3 at a time until golden brown and crispy, approximately 2-3 minutes per side.
12. Remove chimichangas with tongs, letting excess oil drain on paper towels.
13. Garnish with fresh chopped cilantro and diced tomatoes before serving hot.

Notes

• Customize spice levels by adjusting taco seasoning or adding hot sauce for heat-seeking food lovers.
• Swap ground beef with shredded chicken or plant-based protein for versatile dietary options.
• Pat tortillas dry before filling to prevent excess moisture and ensure crispy golden exterior during frying.
• Use a thermometer to maintain consistent oil temperature, preventing soggy or burnt chimichangas.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 20 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner, Appetizer, Snacks
• Method: Frying
• Cuisine: Mexican

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 8
• Calories: 610
• Sugar: 2 g
• Sodium: 850 mg
• Fat: 38 g
• Saturated Fat: 18 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 20 g
• Trans Fat: 0.5 g
• Carbohydrates: 40 g
• Fiber: 2 g
• Protein: 25 g
• Cholesterol: 90 mg