Oh wow, let me tell you about my absolute favorite comfort food: beef and cheese chimichangas! These little bundles of joy are crispy on the outside and packed with savory beef and gooey cheese on the inside. I still remember the very first time I made them—my kitchen smelled like a Mexican fiesta, and I could hardly wait for them to cool down before diving in. Seriously, there’s something magical about taking that first bite and hearing that satisfying crunch while the warm, flavorful filling just bursts in your mouth.
What I love most about these beef and cheese chimichangas is how easily they come together. You don’t need any fancy ingredients to whip them up, just some good ol’ ground beef, cheese, and tortillas. Plus, they’re so versatile! You can customize them by adding your favorite spices or even some veggies if you’re feeling adventurous. Trust me, once you try these, they’ll become a staple in your home. So, let’s roll up our sleeves and get cooking!
Ingredients for Beef and Cheese Chimichangas
Gather these simple ingredients to make your delicious beef and cheese chimichangas:
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 cup shredded cheese (I love using a mix of cheddar and Monterey Jack for that melty goodness!)
- 4 large flour tortillas (make sure they’re nice and soft for easy rolling)
- 1 cup refried beans (these add such a creamy texture)
- 1 tsp cumin (for that warm, earthy flavor)
- 1 tsp chili powder (this is where the magic happens—add more if you like it spicy!)
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder (because garlic makes everything better!)
- Salt to taste (don’t forget to season your beef!)
- Oil for frying (I usually use vegetable oil, but canola works too)
How to Prepare Beef and Cheese Chimichangas
Alright, let’s get into the nitty-gritty of making these mouthwatering beef and cheese chimichangas! I promise you, it’s easier than it sounds, and your taste buds will thank you for it. Follow along, and you’ll have crispy, golden chimichangas in no time!
Step-by-Step Instructions
- First things first, heat a large skillet over medium heat. Once it’s nice and warm, add the ground beef. You’ll want to cook it until it’s browned, which should take about 5-7 minutes. Don’t forget to break it up with a spatula as it cooks—nobody likes big chunks of beef!
- After the beef is browned, it’s time to spice things up! Add in the cumin, chili powder, garlic powder, and a sprinkle of salt. Stir it all together and let those flavors mingle for about 2 minutes. Wow, just wait until you smell that!
- Now, grab your tortillas! On each one, spread a generous layer of refried beans—this adds such a wonderful creaminess. Then, pile on a good spoonful of that beef mixture and sprinkle some shredded cheese on top. I mean, who can resist melty cheese?
- Next, it’s rolling time! Fold in the sides of the tortilla and then roll it up tightly from the bottom. Make sure it’s snug so that nothing spills out while frying. You might want to secure it with a toothpick if you’re feeling cautious.
- In another skillet, pour in enough oil for frying—about an inch deep should do it. Heat the oil over medium heat until it shimmers. Test it by dropping in a small piece of tortilla; if it sizzles, you’re good to go!
- Carefully place the chimichangas in the hot oil, seam-side down. Fry them for about 3-4 minutes on each side or until they’re golden brown and crispy. Oops, don’t walk away! You’ll want to keep an eye on them to avoid any burning!
- Once they’re perfectly golden, remove them from the oil and let them drain on paper towels. This will help keep them from getting soggy.
And just like that, you’re ready to dig in! I usually serve mine with a side of salsa or guacamole for dipping. Enjoy the crunch and all that cheesy goodness!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick and easy to prepare—perfect for busy weeknights!
- Deliciously crispy on the outside while being cheesy and flavorful on the inside.
- Simple ingredients that you likely already have in your pantry.
- Customizable to suit your taste—add extra spices or veggies if you like!
- Great for meal prep—make a batch and enjoy them throughout the week.
- Kid-friendly and sure to please the whole family!
- Perfect for serving at gatherings or parties—everyone loves a good chimichanga!
Tips for Success
Now that you’re ready to make your beef and cheese chimichangas, here are some tips to ensure they turn out perfectly every time!
- Don’t rush the browning: Make sure to thoroughly brown the ground beef. This not only enhances the flavor but also makes sure you have a nice texture in the filling. Plus, that sizzle you hear? It’s music to my ears!
- Mind the oil temperature: It’s crucial to get the oil hot enough before frying your chimichangas. If it’s too cool, they’ll soak up too much oil and become greasy. If it’s too hot, they’ll burn before the inside is done. Aim for that perfect shimmer—trust me, you’ll know when you see it!
- Seal them well: When you roll up the chimichangas, make sure they’re tightly sealed to prevent any filling from leaking out while frying. If you’re worried, you can use a toothpick to hold them together.
- Fry in batches: Depending on the size of your skillet, you may need to fry them in batches to avoid overcrowding. This helps ensure they get that beautiful, even golden color all around.
- Experiment with fillings: Feel free to get creative! You can add sautéed peppers, onions, or even black beans for added flavor and texture. The sky’s the limit, and it’s a great way to use up leftovers!
- Let them drain: After frying, place the chimichangas on paper towels to drain excess oil. This little step helps maintain that crispy exterior, which is what we all want!
- Serve fresh: For the best experience, serve them right after frying. The crunch is part of the magic, so don’t wait too long to enjoy them!
With these tips in your back pocket, you’ll be well on your way to making the most irresistible beef and cheese chimichangas. Happy cooking!
Nutritional Information
Alright, let’s talk about the numbers! Here’s the estimated nutritional breakdown for each beef and cheese chimichanga. Keep in mind that these values can vary based on your specific ingredients and portion sizes, but this will give you a good idea:
- Calories: 350
- Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 8g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Cholesterol: 50mg
- Sodium: 600mg
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 3g
- Sugar: 1g
- Protein: 15g
This hearty meal is not only satisfying but also gives you a good boost of protein! Just remember, if you’re keeping an eye on your diet, it’s always smart to enjoy these delicious chimichangas in moderation. Happy munching!
FAQ Section
Common Questions About Beef and Cheese Chimichangas
Can I bake these chimichangas instead of frying?
Absolutely! If you prefer a healthier option, you can bake them. Just preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C), place the chimichangas seam-side down on a baking sheet, and spray them lightly with cooking spray. Bake for about 20-25 minutes, or until golden brown and crispy.
What can I use instead of ground beef?
If you’re looking for a different protein, ground turkey or chicken works beautifully! You can even use black beans or lentils for a vegetarian twist, just make sure to adjust the seasonings to your taste.
How do I store leftovers?
To keep your leftover chimichangas fresh, place them in an airtight container in the fridge. They’ll last for about 3-4 days. Just reheat in the oven or an air fryer to bring back that crispy texture!
Can I freeze beef and cheese chimichangas?
Yes! These chimichangas freeze well. Just wrap each one in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer-safe bag. They can be frozen for up to 2 months. When you’re ready to enjoy them, thaw in the fridge overnight and bake or fry until heated through.
What are some good dipping sauces?
Salsa and guacamole are classic choices, but you can also try sour cream, queso dip, or even a spicy chipotle sauce for an extra kick. Get creative and find your favorite!
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Once you’ve enjoyed your delicious beef and cheese chimichangas, you might have some leftovers (if you’re lucky!). Let’s talk about how to store them properly so they stay tasty for your next meal!
To store your chimichangas, simply place them in an airtight container. If you’ve got multiple chimichangas, make sure to separate them with parchment paper to prevent them from sticking together. They’ll last in the fridge for about 3-4 days, so you can enjoy them throughout the week—if they last that long!
Now, when it comes to reheating, I recommend using an oven or an air fryer to bring back that crispy texture. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C), and place the chimichangas on a baking sheet. Heat them for about 10-15 minutes, or until they’re warmed through and crispy again. If you’re using an air fryer, set it to 350°F (175°C) and cook for around 5-8 minutes. Just keep an eye on them, so they don’t overcook!
Avoid the microwave if you can. While it’s quick, it tends to make them soggy, and nobody wants that! Trust me, taking the extra time to reheat them in the oven or air fryer is totally worth it to keep that delightful crunch intact.
And there you have it! Easy storage and reheating tips to ensure your beef and cheese chimichangas taste just as good the second time around. Enjoy your leftovers!
Print
Beef and Cheese Chimichangas: 7 Crispy Joys to Savor
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: None
Description
Delicious beef and cheese chimichangas fried to perfection.
Ingredients
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 cup shredded cheese
- 4 large flour tortillas
- 1 cup refried beans
- 1 tsp cumin
- 1 tsp chili powder
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder
- Salt to taste
- Oil for frying
Instructions
- Brown the ground beef in a skillet over medium heat.
- Add cumin, chili powder, garlic powder, and salt. Stir well.
- Spread refried beans on each tortilla.
- Add beef mixture and cheese on top of the beans.
- Fold the sides of the tortilla and roll it up tightly.
- Heat oil in a deep skillet over medium heat.
- Fry chimichangas until golden brown on all sides.
- Remove and drain on paper towels.
Notes
- Serve with salsa or guacamole.
- Can be baked instead of fried for a healthier option.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: Mexican
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 chimichanga
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 1g
- Sodium: 600mg
- Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 8g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 15g
- Cholesterol: 50mg
Keywords: beef and cheese chimichangas
