Sizzling Beef and Cheese Chimichangas Recipe: Crispy Tex-Mex Magic

Sizzling and golden, these mouthwatering beef and cheese chimichangas deliver a punch of flavor that’ll make your taste buds dance.

Crispy tortillas wrapped around spicy ground beef and melted cheese create a Mexican-inspired comfort dish that screams deliciousness.

The rich, savory filling promises a delightful crunch with every single bite.

Packed with bold seasonings and tender meat, these chimichangas are the ultimate crowd-pleaser for any gathering.

The perfect balance of textures and robust flavors makes this recipe a true standout in your home cooking repertoire.

Let’s find out this irresistible meal that transforms simple ingredients into an extraordinary culinary experience.

You’ll want to bookmark this recipe for your next dinner adventure.

Best Storage for Reheating Chimichangas Later

• Refrigerator Storage: Keep leftover chimichangas in an airtight container for up to 3-4 days. The crispy texture might soften slightly, but the flavors remain delicious.
• Freezer Friendly: Wrap individual chimichangas in aluminum foil, then place in freezer bags. They'll stay great for 2-3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
• Reheating Trick: Restore crispiness by using an air fryer or oven at 375°F for 10-12 minutes. Avoid microwave, which can make the tortilla soggy and compromise the delightful crunch.
• Meal Prep Strategy: Prepare beef mixture and assemble chimichangas in advance. Store unfried rolled tortillas in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours. Fry just before serving to maintain maximum freshness and texture.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 20 minutes

Cook Time: 10 minutes

Total Time: 30 minutes

Calories: 500 kcal

Servings: 7

What Goes Into Beef and Cheese Chimichangas

• Flour Tortillas: Soft, pliable wrappers perfect for holding the delicious filling and creating crispy exterior when fried.
• Ground Beef: Protein-rich meat that provides hearty flavor and substantial texture for the chimichangas.
• Refried Pinto Beans: Creamy, traditional Mexican-style beans that add rich, earthy undertones and help bind the filling.
• Vegetable Oil: Essential for achieving that golden, crispy exterior when deep-frying the chimichangas.
• Water: Helps cook and season the beef, ensuring moisture and flavor penetration.

• Chili Powder, Ground Cumin, Seasoned Salt, Black Pepper, Garlic Powder, Dried Oregano: Robust spice combination that creates a complex, authentic southwestern flavor profile with warm, smoky, and zesty notes.

• Shredded Cheese: Melty, creamy ingredient that adds richness and helps bind the filling.
• Sour Cream, Shredded Lettuce, Fresh Salsa, Chopped Tomatoes: Fresh, vibrant toppings that add cool crunch, brightness, and additional layers of flavor and texture to the finished dish.

Tools for Rolling and Crisping Chimichangas

• Large skillet: Essential for browning ground beef and cooking the meat mixture.
• Colander or strainer: Perfect for draining excess grease from the beef.
• Spatula or wooden spoon: Helps mix and stir ingredients while cooking.
• Deep frying pan or cast-iron skillet: Ideal for frying chimichangas to golden perfection.
• Tongs: Great for safely turning and removing chimichangas from hot oil.
• Paper towels: Necessary for draining excess oil after frying.
• Cutting board: Useful for preparing ingredients and rolling tortillas.
• Chef's knife: Helps with any chopping or slicing needed during preparation.

How to Fry or Bake Chimichangas with Ease

• Sizzling Meat Preparation

Brown the ground beef in a skillet, letting the meat develop rich, deep flavors. Break it into small crumbles and cook until no trace of pink remains. Drain away excess fat to keep the filling light and delicious.

• Seasoning Magic

Infuse the beef with bold spices, creating a mouthwatering filling that’ll make taste buds dance. Let the mixture simmer gently, allowing the seasonings to meld together into a harmonious blend.

• Tortilla Transformation

Layer soft tortillas with creamy beans, then generously pile on the spiced meat. Sprinkle cheese to add a luxurious, melty dimension that brings everything together in delicious harmony.

• Crispy Golden Technique

Carefully roll the tortillas into tight parcels, tucking in the edges to seal in all the incredible flavors. Fry in hot oil until each chimichanga turns a gorgeous golden brown, creating a crispy exterior that crackles with every bite.

• Serving Sensation

Drain excess oil on paper towels to keep the texture perfect. Plate these golden treasures and add your favorite toppings for a meal that’ll make everyone at the table cheer.

Adjustments to Spice Up Your Filling

• Elevate the beef's taste by adding diced onions and minced garlic during browning for extra depth and aroma.
• Experiment with different cheese types like pepper jack, sharp cheddar, or Mexican blend to create unique flavor profiles that match your preference.
• Prepare the beef filling and assemble chimichangas earlier in the day, then refrigerate and fry just before serving to save time during meal preparation.
• For a lighter version, bake the chimichangas in a preheated 400°F oven for 20-25 minutes instead of deep-frying, spraying with cooking spray to help achieve a crispy exterior.
• Adjust the heat by selecting mild, medium, or hot taco seasoning, or add crushed red pepper flakes and diced jalapeños for those who love extra kick.

Serving Chimichangas That Are Restaurant-Style

• Flavor Fiesta Plating: Arrange chimichangas on a vibrant ceramic plate with a sprinkle of fresh chopped cilantro and a wedge of lime for a pop of color and zesty freshness.
• Creamy Companion Dips: Serve with cool sour cream, homemade salsa, or smooth guacamole to complement the crispy exterior and rich beef filling.
• Mexican Restaurant-Style Presentation: Drizzle a light enchilada sauce over the chimichangas and garnish with sliced jalapeños for an authentic restaurant-inspired look that adds extra flavor and heat.
• Side Dish Delight: Pair with Mexican-style rice, refried beans, or a crisp side salad to create a complete and satisfying meal that balances the richness of the chimichangas.

Crispy Beef and Cheese Chimichangas Recipe

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4.6 from 21 reviews

• Total Time: 30 minutes
• Yield: 7 1x

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Description

Mexican-inspired beef and cheese chimichangas deliver crispy, golden perfection with rich filling and melted cheese. Hungry diners will savor these deep-fried delights packed with spicy, hearty flavors.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 1 lb (454 g) ground beef
• 2 cups shredded cheese
• 1 can refried pinto beans
• 6 large flour tortillas
• 2 cups (473 ml) vegetable oil (for frying chimichangas)
• 1 tbsp (15 ml) chili powder
• 1 tsp (5 ml) garlic powder
• 1 tsp (5 ml) black pepper
• ½ tbsp (7.5 ml) seasoned salt
• ½ tbsp (7.5 ml) ground cumin
• ½ tsp (2.5 ml) dried oregano
• 1 cup (237 ml) water (for cooking and seasoning beef)
• Sour cream
• Shredded lettuce
• Fresh salsa
• Chopped tomatoes

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Instructions

1. Meat Preparation: Brown ground beef in a skillet over medium heat until fully cooked, then drain excess fat completely.
2. Seasoning Blend: Return beef to skillet, mix in seasonings and water, simmering until liquid reduces and creates a robust, well-integrated meat filling.
3. Tortilla Assembly: Spread refried beans across half of each tortilla, leaving a small margin around the edges for secure wrapping.
4. Filling Configuration: Layer seasoned beef evenly over beans, then generously distribute shredded cheese to create a molten binding element.
5. Rolling Technique: Fold tortilla sides inward, then roll tightly from the bottom to create a compact package that seals in the filling.
6. Frying Process: Heat vegetable oil in a skillet to an optimal temperature, carefully place chimichangas seam-side down, and fry until each side turns a rich golden-brown and develops a crisp exterior (about 2-3 minutes per side).
7. Finishing Touch: Transfer chimichangas to paper towels to absorb excess oil, then plate immediately with optional garnishes like sour cream, fresh cilantro, or zesty salsa.

Notes

• Control Oil Temperature: Maintain a steady 350-375°F for perfect golden-brown crispiness without burning the tortilla or leaving it undercooked.
• Seal Edges Tightly: Press tortilla edges firmly to prevent filling from leaking during frying, ensuring a clean and intact chimichanga.
• Drain Excess Grease: Use paper towels immediately after frying to remove surplus oil, keeping the exterior crisp and preventing sogginess.
• Choose Tortilla Wisely: Select fresh, soft flour tortillas that are pliable and won’t crack when folding, guaranteeing a smooth rolling process.

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 10 minutes
• Category: Dinner
• Method: Frying
• Cuisine: Mexican

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 7
• Calories: 500
• Sugar: 2 g
• Sodium: 800 mg
• Fat: 30 g
• Saturated Fat: 12 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 18 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 40 g
• Fiber: 4 g
• Protein: 25 g
• Cholesterol: 80 mg