Oh my goodness, let me tell you about my absolute favorite treat—savory beef and cheese chimichangas! These delightful little bundles of joy are not just any ordinary burrito; they’re deep-fried to golden perfection, wrapping up a mouthwatering filling of seasoned ground beef and gooey melted cheese. Trust me, the moment you take a bite, you’ll be met with a crispy exterior that gives way to that warm, cheesy goodness inside. I love making these for family gatherings or just a cozy night in, and they always leave everyone raving about them. It’s the kind of dish that brings comfort and joy, and honestly, once you try making them yourself, you’ll never want to stop! Get ready to indulge in a flavor explosion that will have you craving more!
Ingredients List
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/2 cup chopped onion
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tsp chili powder
- 1/2 tsp cumin
- 4 large flour tortillas
- Vegetable oil for frying
- Sour cream for serving
- Guacamole for serving
How to Prepare Savory Beef and Cheese Chimichanga
Alright, let’s dive into making these scrumptious savory beef and cheese chimichangas! I promise it’s easier than it sounds, and you’ll be munching on these crispy delights in no time.
Step 1: Brown the Beef
First, grab a large skillet and heat it over medium heat. Toss in the ground beef, chopped onion, and minced garlic. You’ll want to break up the beef with a spatula and cook it for about 5 to 7 minutes until it’s nicely browned and the onions are soft. Oh, the smell of that sizzling beef is heavenly, isn’t it?
Step 2: Season the Mixture
Once your beef is browned, stir in the chili powder and cumin, letting those spices mingle for another 5 minutes. This step really amps up the flavor! Make sure everything’s well combined before removing it from the heat. You want the mixture to be beautifully fragrant—trust me, it makes a world of difference.
Step 3: Assemble the Chimichangas
Now for the fun part! Take one of your flour tortillas and place a generous portion of that delicious beef mixture right in the center. Don’t be shy, but don’t overfill it either! Fold the sides over the filling and roll it up tightly, like you’re giving it a cozy little burrito hug. Repeat this with the remaining tortillas—it’s a bit of a labor of love, but so worth it!
Step 4: Fry the Chimichangas
Heat vegetable oil in a deep pan over medium-high heat—aim for about 350°F (175°C) if you have a thermometer. Carefully place each chimichanga in the hot oil, frying them for about 3 to 4 minutes on each side until they turn golden brown and crispy. Oops, don’t forget to drain them on paper towels afterward to soak up that excess oil. You’ll see why everyone loves these crispy treasures!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick and easy to prepare, perfect for weeknight dinners or last-minute gatherings.
- Deliciously seasoned beef paired with gooey melted cheese creates a flavor explosion in every bite.
- Customizable! Feel free to swap in your favorite cheeses or add extra spices to suit your taste.
- Deep-fried to crispy perfection, making them a crowd-pleasing favorite.
- Serve with sour cream and guacamole for an added layer of creaminess and flavor.
Tips for Success
To make sure your savory beef and cheese chimichangas turn out perfectly every time, here are a few of my favorite tips! First off, make sure to use lean ground beef to keep the filling flavorful without being too greasy. If you want to add a little kick, throw in some diced jalapeños or even a splash of hot sauce into the beef mixture! And don’t skip the step of letting your chimichangas drain on paper towels after frying; it really helps keep them crispy.
Also, if you’re feeling adventurous, try swapping out the cheddar for pepper jack or a Mexican blend for some extra flavor! And remember, the key to a perfect roll is to keep them tight; this will help prevent any filling from escaping during frying. Trust me, these little tips will make all the difference!
Nutritional Information
Each savory beef and cheese chimichanga is a delightful indulgence, packing in roughly 400 calories. You’ll find about 25g of fat, with 10g being saturated, and a hearty 20g of protein to keep you satisfied. Additionally, they contain about 30g of carbohydrates and 2g of fiber. Keep in mind, these values are estimates and can vary based on ingredient choices and portion sizes. Enjoy responsibly!
FAQ Section
Can I bake savory beef and cheese chimichangas instead of frying them?
Absolutely! If you prefer a lighter option, you can bake them. Just brush the assembled chimichangas with a bit of oil and place them seam-side down on a baking sheet. Bake at 400°F (200°C) for about 20-25 minutes, or until they’re golden brown. They won’t be quite as crispy as the fried version, but they’ll still be delicious!
Can I freeze these chimichangas?
Yes, you can! Assemble the chimichangas, but don’t fry them first. Instead, place them on a baking sheet and freeze until firm, then transfer them to a freezer bag. When you’re ready to enjoy, fry them straight from the freezer, adding a couple of extra minutes to the cooking time.
What can I use instead of ground beef?
If you’re looking for a different protein, ground turkey or shredded chicken work wonderfully! You could even go vegetarian by using black beans or lentils mixed with your favorite veggies and spices. The flavor will still shine through, making it a great alternative!
How can I make them spicier?
For a kick, mix in diced jalapeños or a dash of your favorite hot sauce into the beef mixture. You could also serve them with a spicy salsa or drizzle a bit of sriracha on top before digging in!
What sides pair well with chimichangas?
I love serving these savory beef and cheese chimichangas with a fresh side salad, Mexican rice, or some crispy tortilla chips with salsa. You can’t go wrong with a side of refried beans either—everything just tastes better together!
Serving Suggestions
When it comes to serving your savory beef and cheese chimichangas, the possibilities are endless! I love pairing them with a fresh side salad—think crisp lettuce, juicy tomatoes, and a zesty lime vinaigrette. It adds such a refreshing contrast! You can also serve them alongside some Mexican rice or flavorful black beans for a hearty meal. And don’t forget the dips! A big bowl of guacamole and some tangy salsa will elevate your dish to a whole new level. For drinks, a chilled margarita or a light Mexican beer complements the flavors beautifully. Enjoy!
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Got leftovers? No problem! To store your savory beef and cheese chimichangas, let them cool completely first. Then, wrap each chimichanga tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil to keep them fresh. Place them in an airtight container and pop them in the fridge where they’ll last for about 3 to 4 days. If you want to keep them longer, you can freeze them! Just make sure they’re well-wrapped to avoid freezer burn, and they should be good for up to 2 months.
When it’s time to enjoy your leftovers, the best way to reheat them is in the oven. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C), place the chimichangas on a baking sheet, and warm them up for about 15-20 minutes until they’re heated through and crispy again. If you’re in a hurry, you can use the microwave, but be warned—they might lose some of that delightful crunch! So, if you can, go for the oven. Enjoy every last bite!
Print
Savory Beef and Cheese Chimichanga: 5 Crispy Delights
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: None
Description
A savory beef and cheese chimichanga is a delicious deep-fried burrito filled with seasoned beef and melted cheese.
Ingredients
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/2 cup chopped onion
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tsp chili powder
- 1/2 tsp cumin
- 4 large flour tortillas
- Vegetable oil for frying
- Sour cream for serving
- Guacamole for serving
Instructions
- In a skillet, brown the ground beef with onion and garlic over medium heat.
- Stir in chili powder and cumin. Cook for 5 minutes.
- Remove from heat and mix in shredded cheese.
- Place a portion of the beef mixture in the center of each tortilla.
- Fold the sides of the tortilla over the filling and roll it up tightly.
- In a deep pan, heat oil over medium-high heat.
- Fry each chimichanga until golden brown, about 3-4 minutes per side.
- Drain on paper towels.
- Serve with sour cream and guacamole.
Notes
- Use lean ground beef for a healthier option.
- Experiment with different types of cheese.
- For a spicier flavor, add jalapeños to the filling.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: Mexican
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 chimichanga
- Calories: 400
- Sugar: 1g
- Sodium: 600mg
- Fat: 25g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 15g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 20g
- Cholesterol: 70mg
Keywords: savory beef and cheese chimichanga
