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Beef and Cheese Chimichangas

Beef and Cheese Chimichangas

Easy Beef and Cheese Chimichangas are crispy, deep-fried burritos filled with savory seasoned ground beef and melty sharp cheddar cheese. Ready in under 30 minutes, this indulgent and flavorful dish offers a perfect balance of crunch and creaminess, ideal for family dinners, game nights, or casual meals. Customizable with your choice of spices, cheese, and extras, these chimichangas quickly become a beloved comfort food classic.

  • Total Time: 25 minutes
  • Yield: 4 chimichangas 1x

Ingredients

Scale

Beef Filling

  • 1 lb ground beef (85% lean)
  • 1 medium onion, chopped
  • 1 tsp garlic powder
  • 1 tsp ground cumin
  • 1 tsp chili powder
  • Salt and pepper, to taste

Other Ingredients

  • 2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese
  • 4 large flour tortillas
  • Vegetable oil, for frying (about 2 cups)

Optional Garnishes

  • Fresh chopped cilantro
  • Diced green onions
  • Sour cream
  • Guacamole
  • Diced green chilies

Instructions

  1. Prepare the beef filling: Heat a skillet over medium heat and cook 1 lb ground beef with 1 chopped medium onion until browned and fragrant. Add 1 tsp garlic powder, 1 tsp cumin, 1 tsp chili powder, salt, and pepper to taste. Stir well to evenly combine the spices. Cook through and then set aside to cool slightly.
  2. Assemble the chimichangas: Lay one large flour tortilla flat on a clean surface. Spoon a generous amount of beef mixture in the center, then sprinkle about 1/2 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese on top. Fold the sides of the tortilla over the filling and roll tightly into a burrito shape, ensuring no filling escapes.
  3. Fry to perfection: Heat vegetable oil in a deep skillet or frying pan over medium-high heat to about 350°F. Place each chimichanga seam-side down in the hot oil. Fry until the tortilla is golden brown and crispy on all sides, about 2-3 minutes per side, turning carefully.
  4. Drain and serve: Remove the chimichangas from oil and drain on paper towels to remove excess grease. Serve hot with your favorite toppings like cilantro, green onions, sour cream, or guacamole.

Notes

  • Don’t overfill the chimichangas to prevent bursting during frying.
  • Ensure oil temperature is around 350°F before frying for optimal crispiness.
  • Brush tortilla edges lightly with water or beaten egg to help them seal.
  • Let the beef filling cool slightly before assembling to avoid soggy tortillas.
  • Drain fried chimichangas well on paper towels immediately after frying to keep them crispy.
  • Author: Lina
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 15 minutes
  • Category: Appetizers
  • Method: Frying
  • Cuisine: Southwestern / Mexican-inspired
  • Diet: Gluten Free (with gluten-free tortilla substitution)

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 chimichanga
  • Calories: 450
  • Sugar: 2g
  • Sodium: 580mg
  • Fat: 28g
  • Saturated Fat: 10g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 15g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Carbohydrates: 30g
  • Fiber: 2g
  • Protein: 22g
  • Cholesterol: 75mg

Keywords: Beef chimichangas, crispy, cheesy chimichangas, deep-fried burritos, easy beef recipe, southwestern cuisine, cheesy beef burritos