Description
Beef and Cheese Chimichangas are crispy, golden-brown Mexican-inspired delights filled with seasoned beef and melty cheese. Fried or baked to perfection, these chimichangas offer bold flavors and satisfying crunch. Perfect for a restaurant-quality meal at home!
Ingredients
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 small onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 packet taco seasoning (or homemade blend)
- ½ cup tomato sauce
- 1 ½ cups shredded cheese (cheddar, Monterey Jack, or Mexican blend)
- 4 large flour tortillas
- Vegetable oil (for frying) or cooking spray (for baking)
- Optional toppings: sour cream, guacamole, salsa, chopped cilantro
Instructions
- Cook the Beef: In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef with diced onion until browned. Drain excess grease.
- Season and Simmer: Stir in garlic, taco seasoning, and tomato sauce. Let simmer for 5 minutes.
- Assemble Chimichangas: Place the beef mixture in the center of each tortilla, top with shredded cheese, fold the sides in, and roll tightly.
- Cook the Chimichangas:
- Frying: Heat oil in a pan and fry chimichangas until golden brown and crispy. Drain on paper towels.
- Baking: Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Place chimichangas seam-side down on a baking sheet, spray with cooking spray, and bake for 20 minutes, flipping halfway.
- Air Frying: Air fry at 375°F (190°C) for 10-12 minutes, flipping halfway.
- Serve: Top with sour cream, guacamole, salsa, and fresh cilantro.
Notes
- Tortilla Choice: Large flour tortillas work best as they hold the filling and crisp up well.
- Prevent Unrolling: Secure chimichangas tightly and cook seam-side down first.
- Make It Spicy: Add chopped jalapeños or hot sauce to the beef mixture.
- Shredded Beef Option: Swap ground beef for slow-cooked shredded beef for a richer texture.
- Vegetarian Version: Substitute beef with black beans and sautéed bell peppers.
- Best Cheese Options: A blend of cheddar and Monterey Jack melts beautifully for a gooey filling.
- Reheating Tips: Reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for 15 minutes or air fry at 375°F (190°C) for 5-7 minutes.
- Perfect Pairings: Serve with Spanish rice, refried beans, or a fresh avocado salad for a complete meal.
