If you are craving something irresistibly crispy, cheesy, and packed with hearty flavors, this Beef and Cheese Chimichangas Recipe will quickly become your new favorite comfort food. Each golden, fried tortilla is bursting with a savory blend of seasoned ground beef and melted cheddar cheese, creating a delightful contrast of textures and tastes with every bite. Whether for a weeknight dinner or a casual get-together, these chimichangas offer an easy yet impressive way to bring bold, satisfying Mexican-inspired flavors to your table.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering the right ingredients is the key to making these chimichangas stand out. Each one plays an important role in delivering a balanced mix of texture, taste, and vibrant color that’ll have everyone asking for seconds.
- 1 lb ground beef: The hearty base that carries all the flavorful spices through the filling.
- 1 small onion, finely chopped: Adds a gentle sweetness and a slight crunch once cooked down.
- 2 cloves garlic, minced: Brings a savory depth that complements the beef beautifully.
- 1 packet taco seasoning mix: Provides that classic Mexican spice kick, but you can swap with homemade seasoning if you prefer.
- 1/4 cup water: Helps to bind the seasoning and ingredients while simmering the filling.
- 1 can (4 oz) diced green chilies (optional): Adds a subtle heat and brightness that livens up the mixture.
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese (or Mexican blend): Melts smoothly into the beef for gooey, irresistible pockets of cheesy goodness.
- 6-8 large flour tortillas: Soft and sturdy enough to hold the filling and crisp up deliciously when fried.
- Vegetable oil (for frying): Essential for achieving the signature crispy exterior that defines a chimichanga.
How to Make Beef and Cheese Chimichangas Recipe
Step 1: Cook the Beef and Onions
Start by heating a large skillet over medium heat. Add the ground beef and chopped onions, cooking them together until the beef turns a beautiful brown and the onions become soft and translucent. This combination forms the flavorful foundation of your chimichangas. Don’t forget to drain any excess fat for a perfect texture and flavor balance.
Step 2: Add Seasoning and Simmer
Next, toss in the minced garlic and taco seasoning mix, ensuring every bit of beef is coated with those zesty spices. Pour in the water and stir in the diced green chilies if you’re using them. Let this mixture simmer gently for around 3 to 4 minutes; this allows all the flavors to mingle and intensify, making each bite of your Beef and Cheese Chimichangas Recipe truly irresistible.
Step 3: Melt in the Cheese
Once the beef mixture is perfectly seasoned, take the skillet off the heat and stir in the shredded cheddar cheese. The residual warmth from the pan will melt the cheese into creamy ribbons that weave beautifully throughout the savory filling—this step ensures your chimichangas are rich, gooey, and utterly satisfying.
Step 4: Fill and Roll the Tortillas
Lay a large flour tortilla flat on your workspace. Spoon approximately one-third cup of the beef and cheese filling right into the center. This amount is just right to keep the chimichanga packed but not overstuffed. Then fold the sides inward and roll the tortilla tightly like a burrito, securing all that goodness inside for frying.
Step 5: Fry to Golden Crispy Perfection
Heat vegetable oil in a large skillet until it reaches about half an inch deep and is hot enough to sizzle when a drop of water hits it. Carefully place your rolled chimichangas seam-side down into the oil. Fry them for 2 to 3 minutes per side, turning gently to develop a deep golden-brown crust. This frying step creates the perfect combination of crispy exterior and warm, melty interior that defines the magic of chimichangas.
Step 6: Drain and Serve Warm
When your chimichangas are gorgeously crisp and golden, transfer them to a plate lined with paper towels to soak up any excess oil. Serve these beauties warm, ready to be topped and enjoyed however you like!
How to Serve Beef and Cheese Chimichangas Recipe
Garnishes
To elevate your chimichangas, pile on fresh garnishes such as dollops of cool sour cream, finely chopped cilantro, zesty pico de gallo, or slices of ripe avocado. Each addition adds refreshing notes or creamy textures that complement the hearty, fried filling perfectly.
Side Dishes
Pair your chimichangas with a side of Mexican rice or refried beans to complete the meal. A crisp green salad or pickled jalapeños can also add a refreshing balance to all that indulgent richness.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, cut your chimichangas in half diagonally and arrange them on a platter with a variety of dipping sauces like salsa verde, chipotle mayo, or guacamole. This makes your Beef and Cheese Chimichangas Recipe a crowd-pleaser at parties or casual family dinners.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you find yourself with leftovers, wrap each chimichanga tightly in plastic wrap or store them in an airtight container. They will keep well in the fridge for up to 3 days while maintaining most of their flavor and texture.
Freezing
You can freeze uncooked chimichangas by wrapping them individually and placing them in a freezer-safe bag or container. This way, you have a handy meal ready to fry and enjoy whenever the craving hits. Frozen chimichangas are best used within 1 month for optimal taste.
Reheating
To reheat, toss the leftover or frozen chimichangas in a hot oven at 375°F for about 10-15 minutes or until heated through and crispy again. Avoid microwaving if possible, as it tends to make the tortilla soggy instead of delightfully crisp.
FAQs
Can I use other types of cheese in this Beef and Cheese Chimichangas Recipe?
Absolutely! While cheddar or a Mexican blend works beautifully, you can experiment with Monterey Jack, Pepper Jack, or even a combination of different cheeses to suit your taste and give your chimichangas a unique flavor.
Is it necessary to fry chimichangas, or can I bake them?
Frying is traditional and gives that famous crunchy texture, but if you want a lighter version, baking is an option. Brush the rolled chimichangas with oil and bake at 400°F for about 15-20 minutes until golden and crispy.
How spicy are these chimichangas with the green chilies?
The diced green chilies add just a mild heat and subtle tang. If you prefer less spice, simply omit them. For more heat, you could add chopped jalapeños or a pinch of cayenne pepper to the beef mixture.
Can I prepare the beef filling in advance?
Yes! The beef and cheese filling can be made a day ahead and refrigerated. When ready, warm it up slightly before assembling the chimichangas to make rolling much easier and faster.
What’s the best type of tortillas to use for chimichangas?
Large flour tortillas are ideal because they are pliable for rolling and sturdy enough to hold the filling during frying. Corn tortillas tend to be more fragile and can break apart during cooking.
Final Thoughts
There’s something truly comforting and celebratory about biting into a crispy, cheesy chimichanga filled with seasoned beef. This Beef and Cheese Chimichangas Recipe is simple, satisfying, and packed with flavor that brings people together. Once you try it, it’s sure to be a dish you want to make again and again, sharing the joy of homemade Mexican-inspired goodness with friends and family.
Print
Beef and Cheese Chimichangas Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 6-8 chimichangas
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: Mexican
Description
These Beef and Cheese Chimichangas are crispy, golden-fried tortillas filled with a savory mixture of seasoned ground beef, onions, green chilies, and melted cheddar cheese. Perfect for a satisfying meal, they combine easy stovetop cooking with rich Tex-Mex flavors, making them ideal for lunch or dinner.
Ingredients
Beef Mixture
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 packet taco seasoning mix (or homemade seasoning)
- 1/4 cup water
- 1 can (4 oz) diced green chilies (optional)
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese (or Mexican blend)
Assembly
- 6–8 large flour tortillas
Frying
- Vegetable oil (for frying)
Instructions
- Cook Beef and Onions: In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef and chopped onions until the beef is browned and the onions are softened, about 5-7 minutes. Drain any excess fat to reduce grease.
- Add Seasoning and Chilies: Stir in the minced garlic and taco seasoning. Add water and diced green chilies, if using. Let the mixture simmer for 3-4 minutes until flavors meld and it is heated through.
- Melt Cheese into Mixture: Remove skillet from heat and stir in the shredded cheddar cheese until it melts evenly into the beef mixture, creating a creamy filling.
- Fill Tortillas: Lay a large flour tortilla flat on a clean surface and spoon about 1/3 cup of the beef and cheese mixture into the center of it.
- Roll Chimichangas: Fold in the sides of the tortilla, then roll it tightly into a burrito shape to enclose the filling securely.
- Heat Oil: Pour about 1/2 inch of vegetable oil into a large skillet and heat over medium heat until hot but not smoking.
- Fry Chimichangas: Carefully place the rolled chimichangas seam-side down in the hot oil. Fry each side for 2-3 minutes until they turn golden brown and crispy, turning gently to avoid oil splashes.
- Drain and Serve: Remove the chimichangas from oil and drain on paper towels to remove excess oil. Serve warm with your favorite toppings like salsa, sour cream, or guacamole.
Notes
- For a milder flavor, omit the green chilies.
- Use a splatter guard to prevent oil splashes when frying.
- Make sure oil is hot enough before frying to avoid greasy chimichangas.
- Substitute ground turkey or chicken for a leaner option.
- Leftover chimichangas reheat well in an oven or air fryer for crispiness.
