Beef and Cheese Chimichangas Recipe
If you’re in the mood for a crispy, cheesy delight with a bold, savory filling, this Beef and Cheese Chimichangas Recipe is going to be your new comfort food favorite! Imagine golden-fried tortillas with a hearty blend of seasoned beef, creamy refried beans, and loads of melty cheese—all tucked into a warm, handheld parcel perfect for dipping and devouring. This recipe delivers serious flavor, plenty of texture, and the kind of satisfying bite that will have everyone at the table clamoring for seconds. Guaranteed to impress for family dinners or casual get-togethers, these chimichangas are easier than you think and impossible to resist.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Great meals start with simple yet carefully chosen ingredients, and every component in this Beef and Cheese Chimichangas Recipe plays an important role. From juicy ground beef to the gooey cheese, these elements combine for a seriously crave-worthy meal that’s as fun to make as it is to eat.
- Ground Beef: Opt for 80/20 ground beef for the perfect juicy, flavorful filling without too much excess fat.
- Onion: Finely chopped onion adds sweetness and a mellow depth to the filling.
- Garlic: Freshly minced garlic gives your beef mixture a punch of aromatic flavor.
- Chili Powder: This essential spice brings warming undertones and mild heat.
- Ground Cumin: Cumin adds earthiness and a touch of smokiness, elevating the overall taste.
- Paprika: A dash of paprika deepens the color and lends a gentle sweetness.
- Salt: Just enough salt enhances all the other flavors and balances the dish.
- Black Pepper: A hint of black pepper adds subtle heat and savoriness.
- Refried Beans: Creamy refried beans not only stretch the filling but also help everything stick together.
- Shredded Cheddar Cheese: Cheddar gives a sharp, classic melt that pairs perfectly with the beef.
- Shredded Monterey Jack Cheese: Monterey Jack provides a smooth, creamy melt with mild flavor.
- Large Flour Tortillas: Sturdy tortillas are perfect for wrapping and crisp up beautifully when fried.
- Vegetable Oil: Choose a neutral oil for frying that doesn’t overpower the dish’s vibrant flavors.
- Sour Cream: Cool, tangy sour cream is a must for serving.
- Salsa: Your favorite salsa adds a bright, zesty contrast to the rich filling.
- Guacamole: Creamy guac ties it all together with a pop of color and taste.
How to Make Beef and Cheese Chimichangas Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Beef and Onion
Start by heating a large skillet over medium heat. Add your ground beef and finely chopped onion, cooking together for about 5 to 6 minutes. You’ll want the beef browned and crumbly, and the onion soft and translucent. Be sure to drain off any extra fat so your chimichangas don’t end up greasy!
Step 2: Build the Flavor Base
Sprinkle in the minced garlic, chili powder, cumin, paprika, salt, and black pepper. Stir these fragrant spices into the beef mixture and let them bloom for about a minute. This step transforms ordinary ground beef into the irresistible heart of the Beef and Cheese Chimichangas Recipe.
Step 3: Add Refried Beans and Cheese
Stir the refried beans into your beef mixture and let everything heat through, gently mixing until you have a thick, cohesive filling. Remove the pan from the heat and immediately add both the cheddar and Monterey Jack cheeses, stirring until the cheeses are fully melted and blended for sheer creamy goodness.
Step 4: Fill and Roll the Tortillas
Spoon about half a cup of the cheesy beef filling into the center of each large flour tortilla. Fold the sides in tightly, then roll them up snug—just like you’re wrapping a present! Making sure the seams are secure keeps all that deliciousness inside while frying.
Step 5: Fry Until Golden and Crisp
In a deep skillet, heat 1–2 inches of vegetable oil to 350°F (a thermometer is handy here). Working in batches, carefully place your rolled chimichangas seam-side down in the hot oil. Fry each one for 2–3 minutes per side until gorgeously golden and crispy. Drain them briefly on paper towels to soak up any excess oil.
Step 6: Serve with Your Favorite Toppings
Serve your hot Beef and Cheese Chimichangas Recipe straight away. Pile on generous scoops of sour cream, your favorite salsa, and plenty of guacamole for the ultimate finishing touch. Each bite is pure bliss!
How to Serve Beef and Cheese Chimichangas Recipe
Garnishes
A finishing flourish can turn this meal into an occasion. Top each chimichanga with a dollop of sour cream, a scoop of salsa, and a generous spoonful of guacamole. For a fresh touch and gorgeous color, sprinkle with chopped cilantro or finely diced tomatoes—and don’t forget an extra wedge of lime for an irresistible, zesty squeeze over the top.
Side Dishes
To make your table truly festive, pair your Beef and Cheese Chimichangas Recipe with sides like Mexican rice, refried beans, street corn, or a simple green salad with a tangy vinaigrette. These options balance out the hearty, cheesy chimichangas and add even more texture and flavor to every bite.
Creative Ways to Present
Chimichangas look absolutely stunning when plated with a vibrant border of salsa, a scattering of colorful bell pepper strips, and a drizzle of crema across the top. For a fun twist, slice each chimichanga in half diagonally and stack the pieces so the melty cheese is on glorious display. Serve them family-style on a big platter and let everyone dig in!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you find yourself with extra chimichangas (lucky you!), let them cool to room temperature first. Wrap each one tightly in foil or plastic wrap and store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. They’ll stay crisp and tasty, ready to be reheated for a quick and delicious meal.
Freezing
You can absolutely freeze Beef and Cheese Chimichangas Recipe for future cravings. To do this, wrap cooled chimichangas individually in foil, then seal them in a freezer bag. They’ll keep well for up to 2 months, and you can reheat them straight from the freezer when you’re ready for a treat.
Reheating
For best results, reheat chimichangas in a 375°F oven or air fryer until hot and crisp, about 10–15 minutes. If you’re short on time, microwaving works too—though you’ll lose a bit of that signature crunch. For an extra crispy finish, give them a quick turn under the broiler or in a hot pan.
FAQs
Can I bake the chimichangas instead of frying them?
Absolutely! Simply brush the assembled chimichangas with vegetable oil, arrange them seam-side down on a baking sheet, and bake at 400°F for 18–20 minutes, flipping halfway through. They’ll still get golden and delicious, with less mess and fewer calories.
What’s the best cheese to use for this recipe?
A blend of sharp cheddar and Monterey Jack provides both a bold flavor and an irresistibly gooey melt. Feel free to try pepper jack if you want a little extra kick, or mix in some mozzarella for extra stretchiness.
Can I make this Beef and Cheese Chimichangas Recipe vegetarian?
Sure! Swap out the ground beef for your favorite meatless crumbles or black beans, and follow the recipe as written. The combination of spices and melty cheese will ensure that every bite is still packed with flavor.
What’s the secret to preventing chimichangas from unrolling while frying?
Wrap your chimichangas tightly and always place them seam-side down in the skillet first. If you’re worried about them opening, you can secure them with a toothpick (just remember to remove it before serving!).
How can I make these chimichangas spicier?
Go big on bold flavors by adding canned green chiles, diced jalapeños, or even a bit of chipotle to the filling. A splash of hot sauce mixed into the beef before assembling gives a fiery twist that spice lovers will adore.
Final Thoughts
Once you try this Beef and Cheese Chimichangas Recipe, it’s sure to become one of those unforgettable go-to meals that everyone requests on repeat. Gather your family or friends, roll up your sleeves, and make it a fiesta kind of night—you’ll be amazed at just how fun (and delicious) homemade chimichangas can be!
Print
Beef and Cheese Chimichangas Recipe
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 6 chimichangas 1x
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
These Beef and Cheese Chimichangas are a delicious Mexican-American dish that combines seasoned ground beef, refried beans, and melted cheeses, all wrapped up in a crispy tortilla. Perfect for a flavorful and satisfying meal.
Ingredients
For the beef mixture:
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon chili powder
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
Additional ingredients:
- 1 cup refried beans
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/2 cup shredded Monterey Jack cheese
- 6 large flour tortillas
- Vegetable oil for frying
- Sour cream, salsa, and guacamole for serving
Instructions
- Cook the beef mixture: In a skillet, cook ground beef and onion until browned. Add garlic, chili powder, cumin, paprika, salt, and pepper. Mix in refried beans and cheeses until melted.
- Assemble the chimichangas: Spoon beef mixture onto tortillas, fold in sides, and roll up tightly.
- Fry the chimichangas: Fry in oil until golden and crispy.
- Serve: Drain on paper towels and serve hot with sour cream, salsa, and guacamole.
Notes
- For a baked version, brush chimichangas with oil and bake at 400°F for 18–20 minutes, flipping halfway through.
- You can also add green chiles or jalapeños for extra heat.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: Mexican-American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 chimichanga
- Calories: 480
- Sugar: 2 g
- Sodium: 780 mg
- Fat: 26 g
- Saturated Fat: 11 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 14 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 36 g
- Fiber: 3 g
- Protein: 25 g
- Cholesterol: 70 mg
