Sizzling Beef and Cheese Chimichangas Recipe for Taco Night

Crispy golden beef and cheese chimichangas promise a mouthwatering adventure straight from mexican cuisine’s vibrant heart.

Deep-fried tortillas cradle savory seasoned meat and melted cheese in a delightful package.

Spices dance across your palate with every incredible bite.

Mexican restaurants might charge premium prices, but you can craft these delectable treats right in your kitchen.

Simple ingredients combine to create something magical and irresistible.

Layers of flavor will make you the star of any gathering.

Roll up your sleeves and get ready to impress everyone with this crowd-pleasing recipe that turns ordinary dinner into an extraordinary feast.

Why You’ll Love Beef and Cheese Chimichangas Anytime

• Boost Flavor Complexity: Packed with bold taco seasoning, green chilies, and rich cheddar cheese, this recipe delivers an explosive taste experience that transforms simple ingredients into a mouthwatering meal.
• Master Quick Cooking Skills: Straightforward steps make this recipe perfect for home cooks wanting to develop their culinary techniques without complicated preparations or advanced skills.
• Create Crowd-Pleasing Comfort Food: Crispy exterior, melted cheese, and seasoned beef combine to produce a universally loved dish that satisfies everyone from kids to adults at family gatherings or casual dinner parties.
• Customize with Ease: Flexible recipe allows personalization by adding different toppings like jalapeños, switching cheese varieties, or incorporating additional spices to match individual taste preferences.

Ingredients You’ll Need for Beef and Cheese Chimichangas

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

• Flour Tortillas: Soft, flexible wrappers that hold the filling and become crispy when fried.
• Cheddar Cheese: A sharp and melty cheese that adds richness and creates a creamy texture inside the chimichanga.

• Taco Seasoning, Salt, Pepper, Garlic Powder: A blend of spices that adds depth and zest to the beef mixture.
• Onions, Green Chilies: Fresh vegetables that provide additional flavor and texture to the filling.

• Vegetable Oil: Used for deep frying to create a golden and crispy exterior of the chimichangas.
• Sour Cream, Salsa: Classic accompaniments that offer cool and tangy contrast to the hot and crispy chimichangas.

Easy Steps to Make Beef and Cheese Chimichangas

Step 1: Brown the Beef

In a large skillet over medium-high heat, cook ground beef until it’s completely browned. Break the meat into tiny crumbles while cooking to ensure even browning and delicious texture.

Step 2: Season the Meat

Drain excess fat from the beef and return to skillet. Sprinkle taco seasoning, salt, pepper, and garlic powder over the meat. Stir thoroughly to distribute spices evenly throughout the beef.

Step 3: Add Flavor Boosters

• Diced onions
• Chopped green chilies

Cook for 2-3 minutes until vegetables soften and blend seamlessly with the meat mixture.

Step 4: Cool the Filling

Remove beef mixture from heat and let it cool slightly to make handling easier during assembly.

Step 5: Prepare Tortillas

Warm flour tortillas in the microwave for 15-20 seconds to increase their flexibility and prevent cracking.

Step 6: Build the Chimichangas

Place a generous handful of shredded cheddar cheese in the center of each tortilla. Top with the seasoned beef mixture.

Step 7: Wrap Perfectly

Fold tortilla sides inward, then roll tightly to create sealed chimichangas. Ensure the filling remains compact and secure.

Step 8: Heat the Oil

Fill a deep skillet or fryer with vegetable oil and heat to 375°F. Maintain a consistent temperature for perfect frying.

Step 9: Fry to Golden Perfection

Carefully place chimichangas seam-side down into hot oil. Fry 2-3 minutes per side until they turn a beautiful golden brown and become wonderfully crispy.

Step 10: Drain and Prep

Remove chimichangas with tongs and let excess oil drain on a paper towel-lined plate.

Step 11: Serve and Enjoy

Serve immediately with sour cream and salsa on the side for delicious dipping. Enjoy your homemade crispy chimichangas!

Chimichanga Tips for Golden, Crispy Goodness

• Prevent Tortilla Tears: Warm tortillas gently in microwave to make them more pliable and reduce chances of cracking during rolling.
• Control Oil Temperature: Use a cooking thermometer to maintain precise 375°F oil heat, ensuring crispy exterior without greasy absorption.
• Seal Edges Tightly: Press chimichanga edges firmly when folding to prevent filling from leaking during frying and maintain structural integrity.
• Drain Excess Fat: Let fried chimichangas rest on paper towels to absorb extra oil and keep the texture light and crisp.
• Choose Quality Cheese: Select freshly shredded cheddar for better melting and richer flavor compared to pre-packaged alternatives.

Tasty Twists on Beef and Cheese Chimichangas

• Chicken Chimichangas: Replace ground beef with shredded, seasoned chicken breast for a lighter protein option. Mix chicken with same spices and cooking method.
• Vegetarian Black Bean Chimichangas: Swap beef with spiced black beans and roasted vegetables like bell peppers and corn. Keep cheese and seasoning techniques identical.
• Breakfast Chimichangas: Fill tortillas with scrambled eggs, crispy bacon bits, and pepper jack cheese. Use similar folding and frying techniques from original recipe.
• Seafood Chimichangas: Use seasoned, flaky white fish like cod or tilapia instead of beef. Season fish with similar spice blend and add chopped cilantro for extra flavor.

What to Serve with Beef and Cheese Chimichangas

• Pair Zesty Margaritas: Citrusy tequila-based cocktail complements the spicy beef and crispy tortilla, cutting through rich flavors with bright lime and salt notes.
• Boost with Mexican Lager: Light, crisp beer like Corona or Modelo perfectly balances the deep-fried chimichangas, refreshing the palate between bites.
• Create Tangy Salsa Verde Dip: Homemade green salsa with tomatillos, jalapeños, and cilantro adds bright acidity and herbal complexity to enhance the meat's seasoned profile.
• Select Crisp Cabbage Slaw: Fresh, crunchy coleslaw with lime and cilantro dressing provides a cool, zesty counterpoint to the hot, crispy chimichangas.

Store and Reheat Chimichangas Like a Pro

• Wrap individual chimichangas tightly in aluminum foil or plastic wrap, placing them in an airtight container to maintain freshness for up to 3 days.
• Stack cooled chimichangas between sheets of parchment paper, transfer to freezer-safe zip-lock bags, and store for maximum 2 months; label with date for tracking.
• Thaw frozen chimichangas in refrigerator overnight, then bake in preheated oven at 350°F for 15-20 minutes to restore crispy texture and prevent sogginess.
• Keep raw and cooked chimichangas in separate containers to prevent cross-contamination and preserve individual flavor profiles.

Chimichanga FAQ Roundup

• How do I prevent my chimichangas from unraveling during frying?

Use toothpicks to secure the tortilla edges before frying. Insert toothpicks through the folded edges to keep the chimichanga tightly sealed and prevent filling from spilling out during cooking.

• Can I bake these chimichangas instead of frying?

Yes, preheat oven to 425°F and brush chimichangas with oil. Bake for 20-25 minutes, turning once halfway through, until golden and crispy. This method reduces oil content and provides a healthier alternative.

• What type of ground beef works best for this recipe?

Choose ground beef with 80/20 or 85/15 lean-to-fat ratio. The slight fat content helps keep the meat moist and flavorful while providing good texture for the chimichanga filling.

Tex-Mex Beef and Cheese Chimichangas Recipe

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4.6 from 27 reviews

• Total Time: 35 minutes
• Yield: 6 1x

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Description

Sizzling beef and cheese chimichangas bring Mexican street food magic right to your kitchen. Crispy tortillas packed with savory beef and melted cheese promise a delightful culinary journey you’ll savor with every golden, crunchy bite.

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Ingredients

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Main Ingredients:

• 1 lb ground beef
• 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
• 6 large flour tortillas

Seasoning and Spices:

• 1 packet taco seasoning
• 1/2 tsp salt
• 1/4 tsp black pepper
• 1 tsp garlic powder

Filling and Additional Ingredients:

• 1/2 cup diced onions
• 1/4 cup chopped green chilies
• 2 tbsp vegetable oil (for frying)
• 1/4 cup sour cream (for serving)
• 1/4 cup salsa (for serving)

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Instructions

1. Thoroughly brown ground beef in a large skillet over medium-high heat, breaking meat into small crumbles for even cooking.
2. Drain excess fat from beef and return to skillet, then sprinkle taco seasoning, salt, pepper, and garlic powder over meat, stirring to distribute spices evenly.
3. Add diced onions and chopped green chilies to seasoned beef, cooking for 2-3 minutes until vegetables soften and blend with meat mixture.
4. Remove beef mixture from heat and let cool slightly for easier handling.
5. Warm flour tortillas in microwave for 15-20 seconds to increase flexibility.
6. Place a generous portion of shredded cheddar cheese in center of each tortilla, then top with seasoned beef mixture.
7. Fold tortilla sides inward, then roll tightly to create sealed chimichangas, ensuring filling remains compact.
8. Heat vegetable oil in deep skillet or fryer to 375°F, maintaining consistent temperature.
9. Carefully place chimichangas seam-side down into hot oil, frying 2-3 minutes per side until golden brown and crispy.
10. Remove chimichangas with tongs, letting excess oil drain on paper towel-lined plate.
11. Serve immediately with sour cream and salsa on the side for dipping.

Notes

• Customize meat by substituting ground beef with ground turkey or plant-based crumbles for leaner, healthier options.
• Control spice levels by adjusting taco seasoning quantity or using mild versions for sensitive palates.
• Prevent tortillas from tearing during rolling by ensuring they’re warm and pliable, and avoid overfilling.
• Reduce oil absorption during frying by maintaining consistent oil temperature and not overcrowding the pan.

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

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 6
• Calories: 550
• Sugar: 2 g
• Sodium: 700 mg
• Fat: 30 g
• Saturated Fat: 12 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 18 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 44 g
• Fiber: 3 g
• Protein: 28 g
• Cholesterol: 80 mg