The Best Beef and Cheese Chimichangas Recipe You’ll Ever Try

Crispy, golden-brown beef and cheese chimichangas dance on the plate with a promise of deliciousness.

These Mexican-inspired delights burst with savory flavors that instantly spark hunger.

Packed with seasoned ground beef and melted cheese, the chimichangas offer a perfect blend of textures and tastes.

Deep-fried to crunchy perfection, they create a mouthwatering experience that satisfies even the most demanding appetites.

The combination of tender meat, gooey cheese, and crisp tortilla shells makes these chimichangas an irresistible meal.

Topped with fresh salsa or sour cream, they transform an ordinary dinner into a festive celebration of bold, zesty flavors.

FAQs

• Are chimichangas traditionally from Mexico?

No, chimichangas actually originated in Arizona, United States, and are considered a Tex-Mex dish rather than an authentic Mexican recipe.

• Can I bake these chimichangas instead of frying?

Yes, you can bake them at 400°F for about 20-25 minutes until golden and crispy, which is a healthier alternative to deep-frying.

• What type of tortillas work best for chimichangas?

Large flour tortillas are ideal because they’re flexible, hold the filling well, and crisp up nicely when fried.

• How do I prevent my chimichangas from falling apart during frying?

Ensure you fold the tortillas tightly and seal the edges with a bit of water or egg wash before frying to keep the filling secure.

What Makes Beef Chimichangas Delicious

• Spice Up Your Meal: Dive into a flavor explosion with bold spices like chili powder, cumin, and paprika that transform ordinary ground beef into a mouthwatering filling.
• Master Quick Cooking: Whip up this restaurant-style dish in under an hour, with simple steps that make you feel like a pro chef right in your own kitchen.
• Family Crowd-Pleaser: Kids and adults will love these crispy, cheesy chimichangas that offer a perfect blend of crunchy exterior and gooey, savory interior.
• Customize with Ease: Top with sour cream, salsa, or guacamole to create a personalized meal that suits everyone's taste preferences.

Beef and Cheese Chimichanga Ingredients

• Ground Beef: Rich protein source that creates the hearty foundation of the chimichangas.

• Cheddar Cheese, Monterey Jack Cheese: Creamy cheeses that add melty texture and sharp flavor.

• Onion, Garlic: Aromatic vegetables that provide depth and savory undertones.
• Chili Powder, Cumin, Paprika: Warm spices that deliver authentic Mexican-inspired flavor.
• Salt, Black Pepper: Essential seasonings that balance and enhance overall taste.

• Flour Tortillas: Soft, flexible wrappers that hold the beef mixture and become crispy when fried.
• Vegetable Oil: Neutral cooking oil used for deep frying to achieve golden brown exterior.

• Tomato Sauce: Moisture-rich ingredient that helps bind the beef mixture and adds slight tanginess.

Steps to Crispy Chimichangas

Step 1: Brown The Beef

In a skillet over medium heat, cook ground beef until it turns a rich, deep brown color.

Make sure to break up the meat into small, even pieces while cooking.

Once browned, carefully drain away any excess fat to keep the filling light and delicious.

Step 2: Sauté Aromatic Vegetables

• Diced onion
• Minced garlic

Sauté the vegetables until they become soft and translucent, releasing their wonderful fragrant aroma throughout the kitchen.

Step 3: Spice Up The Mixture

• Chili powder
• Cumin
• Paprika
• Salt
• Black pepper

Stir the spices thoroughly to coat the beef and vegetables, creating a rich and zesty flavor profile.

Step 4: Create Savory Sauce

Pour in tomato sauce and let the mixture simmer for 5 minutes.

This allows the flavors to meld together and develop a deep, robust taste.

Remove the skillet from heat once the sauce has slightly thickened.

Step 5: Melt In The Cheese

Stir in shredded cheese until completely melted and integrated with the beef mixture.

The cheese will add a creamy, luxurious texture to the filling.

Step 6: Wrap The Chimichangas

Place a generous portion of the beef and cheese mixture onto a tortilla.

Carefully fold the tortilla into a tight, compact burrito shape, ensuring the filling is completely enclosed.

Step 7: Prepare For Frying

Heat oil in a deep pan until it reaches 350°F.

Use a cooking thermometer to ensure the precise temperature for perfect frying.

Step 8: Crisp And Golden Frying

Gently place the wrapped chimichangas into the hot oil.

Fry each side for 2-3 minutes until they turn a beautiful golden brown and develop a crispy exterior.

Step 9: Serve And Enjoy

Remove the chimichangas from the oil and let them drain on paper towels to remove excess oil.

Serve hot with your favorite toppings like sour cream, salsa, or guacamole.

Tips for Chimichanga Success at Home

• Remove as much fat as possible to prevent greasy chimichangas and ensure a crisp, light texture.
• Fold and press edges firmly to prevent filling from leaking during frying, creating a perfect golden-brown exterior.
• Maintain consistent 350°F heat for even cooking and crispy results without absorbing excess oil.
• Mix different cheeses like cheddar, monterey jack, or pepper jack for complex, rich flavor profiles.
• Let chimichangas drain on paper towels for a few minutes to remove excess oil and maintain crispiness.

Chimichanga Recipe Twists to Try

• Vegetarian Chimichangas: Replace ground beef with black beans, lentils, or plant-based meat crumbles for a protein-packed meatless version.
• Chicken Chimichangas: Swap ground beef with shredded rotisserie chicken or seasoned ground chicken for a lighter protein option.
• Gluten-Free Chimichangas: Use corn tortillas instead of flour tortillas and ensure all spices and sauces are certified gluten-free for those with dietary restrictions.
• Low-Carb Chimichangas: Substitute tortillas with large lettuce leaves or low-carb cauliflower tortillas for a keto-friendly alternative.

Serving Up Beef Chimichangas

• Fiesta-Style Plate Presentation: Arrange golden chimichangas on a vibrant platter with colorful garnishes like fresh cilantro, sliced jalapeños, and lime wedges for a festive Mexican restaurant feel.
• Cool and Creamy Dipping Station: Serve alongside sour cream, homemade salsa verde, guacamole, or classic pico de gallo to complement the crispy texture and rich beef filling.
• Fresh Side Companion: Pair with Mexican-style rice, black beans, or a light summer salad with avocado and corn to balance the hearty chimichanga and create a complete meal experience.
• Weekend Gathering Centerpiece: Perfect for game day, family potlucks, or casual dinner parties where guests can customize their plates with optional toppings and enjoy a crowd-pleasing dish.

Storing Leftover Chimichangas with Ease

• Store leftover chimichangas in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3-4 days. Separate layers with parchment paper to prevent sticking.
• Wrap each chimichanga individually in plastic wrap, then place in a freezer bag. Freeze for up to 2-3 months for best quality and taste.
• Preheat oven to 350°F, place chimichangas on a baking sheet, and warm for 10-15 minutes until crispy and heated through. Avoid microwave to maintain crunchiness.
• Set air fryer to 350°F, place chimichangas in basket, and heat for 3-4 minutes until crisp and warm, turning halfway through for even heating.

Beef And Cheese Chimichangas Recipe

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4.7 from 35 reviews

• Total Time: 30 minutes
• Yield: 6 1x

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Description

Crispy, golden beef and cheese chimichangas bring Mexican street food magic right to home kitchens. Savory seasoned beef, melted cheese, and a perfectly fried tortilla wrapper create a mouthwatering meal you’ll crave again and again.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Main Ingredients:

• 1 pound (453 grams) ground beef
• 6 large flour tortillas
• 1 cup (240 milliliters) shredded cheddar cheese
• 1 cup (240 milliliters) shredded Monterey Jack cheese

Spices and Seasonings:

• 1 teaspoon chili powder
• 1/2 teaspoon cumin
• 1/2 teaspoon paprika
• Salt and pepper to taste

Aromatics and Additional Ingredients:

• 1 small onion, diced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1/2 cup (120 milliliters) tomato sauce
• Vegetable oil (for frying)

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Instructions

1. Brown ground beef in a skillet over medium heat, eliminating excess grease.
2. Incorporate diced onion and minced garlic, sautéing until vegetables become translucent and fragrant.
3. Sprinkle chili powder, cumin, paprika, salt, and pepper into the meat mixture, evenly distributing the spices.
4. Pour tomato sauce into the skillet, allowing the mixture to simmer and develop rich flavors for approximately 5 minutes.
5. Remove skillet from heat and fold shredded cheeses into the beef mixture until completely melted and integrated.
6. Carefully spread the seasoned beef and cheese filling onto tortillas, folding edges to create secure, compact bundles.
7. Heat cooking oil in a deep pan to 350°F, ensuring consistent temperature for even frying.
8. Gently lower chimichangas into hot oil, frying each side until achieving a crispy, golden-brown exterior, roughly 2-3 minutes per side.
9. Transfer fried chimichangas to paper towels, allowing excess oil to drain, then serve immediately with preferred garnishes.

Notes

• Choose lean ground beef to reduce excess fat and create a healthier version of the chimichangas.
• Let the beef mixture cool slightly before adding cheese to prevent rapid melting and ensure even distribution.
• Seal tortillas tightly to prevent filling from leaking during frying, using a bit of water or egg wash to help seal the edges.
• Pat the chimichangas dry with paper towels after frying to remove extra oil and maintain a crispy exterior.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 15 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner, Appetizer, Snacks
• Method: Frying
• Cuisine: Mexican

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 6
• Calories: 479 kcal
• Sugar: 2 g
• Sodium: 470 mg
• Fat: 29 g
• Saturated Fat: 13 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 14 g
• Trans Fat: 0.5 g
• Carbohydrates: 31 g
• Fiber: 3 g
• Protein: 26 g
• Cholesterol: 75 mg