Oh, let me tell you about these beef and cheese chimichangas! They’re like a warm hug on a plate—crispy on the outside and bursting with savory goodness inside. I remember the first time I made them; it was a family gathering, and everyone was just raving about how delicious they were. We sat around the table, dipping them in salsa and sour cream, and the laughter just flowed as we shared stories. Honestly, it felt like a fiesta right in my kitchen! The best part is how easy they are to whip up, and the flavors just meld together perfectly. Trust me, once you take that first bite, you’ll be hooked! Perfect for a cozy dinner or a fun get-together with friends, these chimichangas are sure to impress!
Ingredients List
Here’s what you’ll need to create these delicious beef and cheese chimichangas. I promise, they’re simple ingredients that come together beautifully!
- 1 lb ground beef – You can use lean or regular, depending on your preference!
- 1 cup shredded cheese – I love using a blend of Monterey Jack and cheddar for that perfect melty goodness.
- 4 large flour tortillas – Make sure they’re soft and pliable for easy rolling.
- 1/2 cup refried beans – These add a lovely creaminess and extra flavor to the filling.
- 1/2 cup diced onions – Freshly diced; they caramelize beautifully in the mix.
- 1 tsp garlic powder – For that extra kick of flavor!
- 1 tsp cumin – This adds a warm, earthy depth to your filling.
- Vegetable oil for frying – You’ll need enough to submerge the chimichangas for that crispy texture.
Gather these ingredients, and you’re ready to dive into a tasty adventure!
How to Prepare Beef and Cheese Chimichangas
Alright, let’s get down to the nitty-gritty of making these delicious beef and cheese chimichangas! I promise, you’re going to feel like a kitchen pro by the time you’re done. Just follow these steps, and you’ll have a plateful of crispy goodness in no time!
Step-by-Step Instructions
- First things first, grab a skillet and heat it over medium heat. Once it’s nice and warm, add the ground beef. Brown it for about 5-7 minutes, breaking it apart with a spatula as it cooks. You want it cooked through and nicely browned.
- Next, toss in the diced onions, garlic powder, and cumin. Stir everything together and let it cook for another 3-4 minutes until the onions are soft and fragrant. Oh, the smell is already heavenly!
- Now, it’s time to add the refried beans and shredded cheese. Mix it all together until the cheese melts and everything is well combined. This step is where the magic happens—it becomes a creamy, savory filling!
- Take a flour tortilla and lay it flat on a clean surface. Spoon a generous amount of that delicious beef mixture into the center of the tortilla. Don’t overstuff it; you want to be able to roll it up without things spilling out!
- Fold the sides of the tortilla over the filling and then roll it up tightly from the bottom to the top. Make sure it’s secure, so nothing escapes during frying!
- In a deep pan, heat up enough vegetable oil over medium heat. You want about 2 inches of oil; this helps achieve that perfect crispy texture. Once it’s hot (you can test it by dropping a small piece of tortilla in—if it sizzles, you’re good to go!), carefully place the chimichangas in the oil.
- Fry the chimichangas for about 3-4 minutes on each side, or until they’re golden brown and crispy all around. Turn them gently to avoid splashing oil!
- Once they’re beautifully golden, remove them from the oil and let them drain on paper towels for a minute before serving. This helps get rid of any excess oil and keeps them crispy.
And there you have it! A batch of scrumptious beef and cheese chimichangas ready to be enjoyed. Don’t forget to serve them with your favorite salsa or a dollop of sour cream for dipping—yum!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick and Easy: With just a few simple steps, you can whip up these delicious chimichangas in about 35 minutes. Perfect for a busy weeknight dinner!
- Crispy Perfection: The deep-frying method gives you that irresistible crunchy exterior that contrasts beautifully with the savory filling.
- Customizable: Feel free to mix and match your favorite ingredients! Swap out the beef for chicken, add some veggies, or try different cheeses—make it your own!
- Kid-Friendly: These chimichangas are always a hit with kids (and adults too!). They can help with rolling them up, making it a fun family activity.
- Great Leftovers: If you happen to have any leftover (which is rare!), they reheat beautifully in the oven and still taste amazing!
- Perfect for Parties: Serve them as a crowd-pleasing appetizer or main dish at your next gathering. Everyone will love them!
Tips for Success
Now that you’re ready to dive into making these beef and cheese chimichangas, let me share some of my best tips to ensure they turn out absolutely perfect!
- Don’t Skip the Browning: Make sure to brown the ground beef well. This step not only adds flavor but also ensures your filling is nice and savory. Trust me, you’ll taste the difference!
- Use Enough Oil: When frying, be generous with the oil! You want your chimichangas to be fully submerged to get that lovely crispy exterior. If the oil isn’t hot enough, they may absorb too much oil and become greasy.
- Keep the Heat Steady: Maintain medium heat while frying. If it’s too hot, the outside will burn before the inside is heated through. If it’s too low, they may turn soggy. A steady temperature is key!
- Add Extra Seasoning: Feel free to adjust the spices to your liking! A little smoked paprika or chili powder can add a wonderful kick. Taste the beef mixture before rolling it up—don’t be afraid to tweak it!
- Seal Them Well: When you roll up the chimichangas, make sure to tuck in the sides tightly. This will help prevent any of that delicious filling from escaping during frying!
- Let Them Drain: After frying, let the chimichangas drain on paper towels for a few minutes. This helps keep them crispy and prevents any excess oil from weighing them down.
With these tips in your back pocket, you’ll be well on your way to creating the best beef and cheese chimichangas ever. Happy cooking!
Storage & Reheating Instructions
So, you’ve made a batch of these tasty beef and cheese chimichangas, and now you’ve got some leftovers—lucky you! Here’s how to store them and reheat them so they taste just as amazing as when they first came out of the fryer.
First, let the chimichangas cool down completely after frying. This is super important because if you store them while they’re still warm, they’ll get soggy. Once they’ve cooled, you can wrap each chimichanga individually in plastic wrap or aluminum foil. Alternatively, place them in an airtight container—it helps keep them fresh!
Now, you can store them in the fridge for up to 3 days. If you want to keep them longer, they freeze wonderfully! Just make sure they’re well-wrapped to prevent freezer burn, and they’ll last for about 2 months in the freezer.
When it’s time to enjoy those leftover chimichangas, I recommend reheating them in the oven for the best results. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C), and place the chimichangas on a baking sheet. Bake for about 15-20 minutes, or until they’re heated through and the exterior is crispy again. You can also pop them in the air fryer if you have one—it’s a quick way to bring back that crunch!
If you’re in a hurry, you can reheat them in the microwave, but be warned: they won’t be as crispy. Just place them on a microwave-safe plate and heat for about 1-2 minutes, checking to make sure they’re heated evenly. Enjoy your delicious leftovers!
Nutritional Information Disclaimer
Hey there! Just a quick note about the nutritional information for these beef and cheese chimichangas. Keep in mind that nutrition can vary quite a bit depending on the specific ingredients and brands you use. So, while I’ve provided some approximate data, it’s always a good idea to check the labels on your ingredients for the most accurate information. Enjoy cooking and savoring these delicious chimichangas, and remember, it’s all about balance and enjoying your food!
FAQ Section
Can I use different meats in my chimichangas?
Absolutely! While I love the classic beef and cheese chimichangas, you can easily swap out the ground beef for shredded chicken, turkey, or even a plant-based meat substitute. Just make sure to season it well for that same savory goodness!
What should I serve with chimichangas?
These delicious beef and cheese chimichangas are fantastic on their own, but pairing them with sides like guacamole, salsa, or a fresh salad elevates the meal even more. You can’t go wrong with a dollop of sour cream on the side, too!
Can I bake these instead of frying?
Yes, you can bake them for a slightly healthier option! Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C), brush the chimichangas with a bit of oil, and place them on a baking sheet. Bake for about 20-25 minutes or until they’re golden brown. They won’t be quite as crispy as the fried version, but still super tasty!
How do I make them spicier?
If you’re a fan of heat, consider adding some diced jalapeños or a dash of hot sauce to the beef mixture. You could also sprinkle some cayenne pepper or chili powder into the filling for that extra kick. Adjust it to your taste, and enjoy the fiery goodness!
Can I prepare the filling ahead of time?
Definitely! You can make the beef filling in advance and store it in the fridge for up to 2 days. Just make sure it’s cooled down completely before storing. When you’re ready to make your chimichangas, simply roll them up and fry or bake as directed!
Beef and Cheese Chimichangas: 7 Ways to Savor Happiness
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: None
Description
Delicious beef and cheese chimichangas, crispy on the outside and filled with savory goodness.
Ingredients
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 cup shredded cheese
- 4 large flour tortillas
- 1/2 cup refried beans
- 1/2 cup diced onions
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp cumin
- Vegetable oil for frying
Instructions
- In a skillet, brown the ground beef over medium heat.
- Add onions, garlic powder, and cumin; cook until onions are soft.
- Mix in refried beans and cheese. Stir until well combined.
- Lay a tortilla flat and spoon beef mixture onto the center.
- Fold sides of the tortilla over the filling and roll tightly.
- Heat oil in a deep pan over medium heat.
- Fry chimichangas until golden brown on all sides.
- Drain on paper towels before serving.
Notes
- Serve with salsa or sour cream.
- You can customize fillings as desired.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: Mexican
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 chimichanga
- Calories: 450
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 800mg
- Fat: 25g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 15g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 35g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 20g
- Cholesterol: 60mg
Keywords: beef and cheese chimichangas, chimichangas, Mexican food
