Name: Beef and Cheese Chimichangas Recipe: A Flavor-Packed Mexican Delight
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 30 min
Ingredients: 1 lb ground beef; 1 small onion, chopped; 2 cloves garlic, minced; 1 tsp chili powder; 1 tsp ground cumin; 1/2 tsp paprika; Salt and pepper to taste; 1/2 cup salsa; 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese; 6 large flour tortillas; Vegetable oil for frying; Optional toppings: sour cream, guacamole, diced tomatoes, shredded lettuce

If you’re craving a crispy, cheesy, and savory dish with a Mexican twist, these Beef and Cheese Chimichangas are the perfect treat! Chimichangas, which are essentially deep-fried burritos, combine the best of both worlds—delicious seasoned beef and melty cheddar cheese wrapped in a golden, crunchy tortilla. This dish is incredibly versatile, allowing you to customize the toppings with sour cream, guacamole, tomatoes, or even shredded lettuce. Whether you’re making a quick weeknight dinner or preparing for a fiesta, this recipe will leave everyone coming back for seconds!

Ingredients:

1 lb ground beef
1 small onion, chopped
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 tsp chili powder
1 tsp ground cumin
1/2 tsp paprika
Salt and pepper to taste
1/2 cup salsa
1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
6 large flour tortillas
Vegetable oil for frying
Optional toppings: sour cream, guacamole, diced tomatoes, shredded lettuce

Preparation:

Step 1:
In a large skillet, cook the ground beef over medium heat until it’s browned and thoroughly cooked. As the beef cooks, make sure to break it into small pieces using a spatula. Once fully browned, drain any excess fat from the skillet to avoid a greasy filling.

Step 2:
Next, add the chopped onion and minced garlic to the skillet. Continue cooking for 3-4 minutes, or until the onions become soft and translucent, and the garlic releases its aromatic fragrance. Stir the mixture occasionally to prevent sticking.

Step 3:
Once the onions are soft, stir in the chili powder, ground cumin, paprika, salt, and pepper. This spice blend gives the beef a warm, smoky flavor that’s key to any good chimichanga. Cook for an additional minute to let the spices bloom and infuse the meat.

Step 4:
Add the salsa to the seasoned beef mixture, giving it a nice, saucy consistency. Remove the skillet from the heat and allow the mixture to cool slightly. This step ensures that the beef filling won’t make the tortillas soggy when you wrap them.

Step 5:
To assemble the chimichangas, lay a flour tortilla flat on a clean surface. Spoon about 1/6th of the beef mixture onto the center of the tortilla, then top with a generous sprinkle of shredded cheddar cheese.

Step 6:
Fold the sides of the tortilla over the filling to secure it, and then roll it up tightly like a burrito. Make sure the edges are tucked in so that the filling won’t spill out during frying.

Step 7:
Heat approximately 1/2 inch of vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. When the oil is hot (you can test by dropping a small piece of tortilla into the oil; it should sizzle immediately), carefully place each chimichanga in the skillet seam-side down. Fry for about 2-3 minutes per side, or until golden brown and crispy all around.

Step 8:
Once fried, transfer the chimichangas to a plate lined with paper towels to drain any excess oil. Serve the chimichangas hot with your favorite optional toppings like sour cream, guacamole, diced tomatoes, or shredded lettuce.

Cooking Note:

For a healthier alternative to frying, you can opt to bake the chimichangas instead. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and place the assembled chimichangas seam-side down on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Brush the tops lightly with oil to help them crisp up in the oven. Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the tortillas are golden and crispy. This method significantly reduces the fat content while still delivering a satisfying crunch.

Serving Suggestions:

Chimichangas are incredibly versatile when it comes to serving. Here are a few ideas:

Top with a dollop of sour cream and a scoop of guacamole for a creamy, tangy complement.
Add a sprinkle of freshly diced tomatoes and shredded lettuce to give it a fresh and cool crunch.
Serve alongside Mexican rice and refried beans for a complete meal.
For a zesty kick, drizzle with hot sauce or a bit of jalapeño slices.

Tips:

To save time, you can prepare the beef filling in advance and refrigerate it until you’re ready to assemble the chimichangas.
If you prefer spicier chimichangas, consider adding some jalapeños or hot sauce to the beef mixture while cooking.
For extra cheesy goodness, you can also sprinkle a bit more cheese on top of the chimichangas after frying, letting it melt over them.
When frying, keep an eye on the oil temperature. If it gets too hot, the chimichangas may burn on the outside before the cheese inside fully melts.
Leftovers can be reheated in an oven or air fryer to regain their crispiness.

Prep Time: 15 minutes

Cooking Time: 15 minutes

Total Time: 30 minutes

Nutritional Information (Per Serving):

Calories: 450 kcal
Protein: 22g
Sodium: 710mg

FAQs:

1. Can I freeze chimichangas?
Yes! You can freeze chimichangas before or after frying them. To freeze before frying, assemble the chimichangas and place them on a baking sheet to freeze individually. Once frozen, transfer them to a freezer-safe bag or container. When ready to eat, fry or bake them straight from the freezer—just add a few extra minutes to the cooking time.

2. How do I prevent the chimichangas from becoming soggy?
Make sure to slightly cool the beef mixture before assembling and frying. This prevents the tortillas from soaking up too much moisture. Additionally, frying at the right oil temperature ensures a crispy exterior.

3. Can I use other types of meat?
Absolutely! You can swap out the ground beef for shredded chicken, ground turkey, or even refried beans for a vegetarian option.

4. How can I make this dish spicier?
To amp up the heat, add some chopped jalapeños or hot sauce to the beef mixture. You can also serve the chimichangas with a spicy salsa on the side.

Conclusion:

Beef and Cheese Chimichangas are a delightful mix of savory beef, gooey cheese, and crispy tortillas, perfect for any occasion. Whether you fry them or opt for a baked version, the results are always flavorful and satisfying. The customizable nature of this dish makes it a hit at any gathering, and with toppings like sour cream and guacamole, you can elevate these chimichangas to restaurant-quality goodness. Make a batch for your next meal, and enjoy the perfect bite of Mexican-inspired flavors!