Craving a dish that’s crispy, flavorful, and satisfying? These Beef and Cheese Chimichangas are a perfect blend of savory beef, creamy beans, and gooey cheese, wrapped in a golden, crunchy tortilla. They’re ideal for family dinners, parties, or just a treat-yourself moment. Let’s dive into this easy-to-make and irresistible recipe!
Ingredients
For the Filling:
- 1 ½ lbs. ground beef
- 1 can (16 oz.) refried beans
- ½ medium onion, finely chopped
- 2 tsp minced garlic
- 2 tsp chili powder
- 1 tsp ground cumin
- ½ tsp dried oregano
- Salt and pepper to taste
For the Chimichangas:
- 10 (10-inch) flour tortillas
- Oil for frying
For the Sauce and Toppings:
- 1 can (24 oz.) tomato sauce
- 1 can (4 oz.) diced green chilies
- 1 can (4 oz.) chopped jalapeños
- 1 ½ cups shredded taco blend cheese
Instructions
1. Prepare the Filling
- Heat a skillet over medium-high heat and cook the ground beef until browned. Drain any excess grease.
- Add refried beans, onion, garlic, chili powder, cumin, oregano, salt, and pepper. Mix well and cook for 5 minutes.
2. Warm the Tortillas
- Heat tortillas in the microwave for 20-30 seconds to make them pliable.
3. Assemble the Chimichangas
- Spoon about ½ cup of the filling into the center of each tortilla.
- Fold one end over the filling, tuck in the sides, and roll tightly. Secure with a toothpick if necessary.
4. Fry the Chimichangas
- Heat 1 inch of oil in a skillet over medium-high heat.
- Fry each chimichanga until golden brown, about 2-3 minutes per side. Drain on paper towels.
5. Prepare the Sauce
- Combine tomato sauce, diced chilies, and jalapeños in a saucepan. Simmer over medium heat for 5-7 minutes, seasoning with salt and pepper.
6. Serve and Enjoy
- Ladle the warm sauce over the chimichangas, sprinkle with shredded cheese, and serve hot with your favorite sides.
FAQs
1. Can I bake instead of frying?
Yes! Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Place the chimichangas on a baking sheet, brush lightly with oil, and bake for 20-25 minutes until golden and crispy.
2. How can I prevent soggy chimichangas?
Ensure the oil is hot enough before frying, avoid overfilling tortillas, and drain fried chimichangas on paper towels.
3. Can I freeze chimichangas?
Yes. Wrap assembled, uncooked chimichangas tightly in plastic wrap and foil. Freeze for up to 2 months. Fry or bake directly from frozen, adding a few extra minutes to the cooking time.
4. What toppings can I use?
Options include sour cream, guacamole, salsa, diced tomatoes, or fresh cilantro. Customize to your liking!
5. How should I reheat leftovers?
For best results, reheat in the oven at 375°F (190°C) for 10-15 minutes to maintain crispiness. Avoid microwaving, as it may make the tortillas soggy.
Conclusion
Beef and Cheese Chimichangas are a crowd-pleasing dish that’s crispy on the outside, savory on the inside, and loaded with bold flavors. With plenty of customizable options, this recipe is perfect for both weeknight dinners and special occasions. Serve them hot, garnish generously, and enjoy every bite of this Mexican-inspired favorite!