Beef and Cheese Chimichangas

Why make this recipe

Beef and Cheese Chimichangas are a fantastic way to enjoy a warm, crispy, and cheesy meal. They’re fun to make and even more fun to eat. These delicious burritos, filled with seasoned beef and cheese, can be customized with your favorite toppings. Whether you’re making them for a family dinner or a casual gathering with friends, chimichangas are sure to please everyone at the table. Plus, they’re easy to prepare and satisfying, making them a great choice for any day of the week.

How to make Beef and Cheese Chimichangas

Making Beef and Cheese Chimichangas is straightforward and rewarding. Follow these simple steps to bring this tasty dish to life in your kitchen.

Ingredients

• 1 lb ground beef
• 1 small onion (finely diced)
• 2 cloves garlic (minced)
• 1 packet (1 oz) taco seasoning (or homemade)
• ½ cup salsa
• 1 cup refried beans
• 1 ½ cups shredded cheddar cheese (or Mexican blend)
• 6 large flour tortillas (burrito-size)
• 2 tbsp vegetable oil (for brushing/frying)

Directions

1. Cook the beef filling: In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef and diced onion until the meat is browned and the onion is tender. Drain any excess grease. Stir in the garlic, taco seasoning, and salsa. Simmer for 3–4 minutes until well combined.

2. Assemble the chimichangas: Spread a spoonful of refried beans down the center of each tortilla. Top with a generous scoop of the beef mixture and a handful of shredded cheese. Fold in the sides and roll up tightly like a burrito.

3. Cook the chimichangas:

   • Oven method (healthier): Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C). Place chimichangas seam-side down on a baking sheet. Brush lightly with vegetable oil and bake for 18–20 minutes, flipping once, until golden and crispy.
   • Skillet method (crispier): Heat 2–3 tablespoons of oil in a skillet over medium heat. Place chimichangas seam-side down and cook for 2–3 minutes per side until golden and crisp.

4. Serve: Remove from heat and let cool for 2 minutes before serving. Add toppings such as sour cream, guacamole, lettuce, or salsa if desired.

How to serve Beef and Cheese Chimichangas

Beef and Cheese Chimichangas are best served hot. Pair them with sides like Mexican rice or refried beans for a complete meal. Don’t forget the toppings! Serve a selection of sour cream, guacamole, salsa, and shredded lettuce for everyone to customize their chimichangas.

How to store Beef and Cheese Chimichangas

If you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place them in an oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10-15 minutes until warmed through. You can also reheat them in a skillet over medium heat for a few minutes on each side.

Tips to make Beef and Cheese Chimichangas

• Ensure the filling isn’t too watery. Drain any excess liquid from the beef mixture before assembling.
• For an extra crunchy texture, use the skillet method for frying instead of baking.
• Experiment with different cheese types, like pepper jack, for added flavor.
• If you like it spicy, add diced jalapeños to the beef mixture.

Variation

You can easily change the protein in this recipe. Substitute ground turkey, chicken, or even black beans for a vegetarian option. Adding veggies like bell peppers or corn can also enhance the filling.

FAQs

1. Can you freeze chimichangas?
Yes, you can freeze them before or after cooking. Just make sure they cool completely before placing them in a freezer-safe bag. They can be reheated in the oven or microwave later.

2. How long do chimichangas take to cook?
The total cooking time is around 25–30 minutes, depending on your method. Baking takes about 18–20 minutes, while frying in the skillet takes around 6–8 minutes.

3. Can I bake them instead of frying?
Absolutely! Baking is a healthier option and still yields delicious results. Just brush them with oil and bake until golden and crispy.

Beef and Cheese Chimichangas

Enjoy crispy and cheesy Beef and Cheese Chimichangas, filled with seasoned beef and customizable toppings, perfect for family dinners or gatherings.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 15 minutes mins

Cook Time 30 minutes mins

Total Time 45 minutes mins

Servings: 6 servings

Course: Dinner, Main Course

Cuisine: Mexican

Calories: 400

Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients

  

Filling ingredients

• 1 lb ground beef
• 1 small onion (finely diced)
• 2 cloves garlic (minced)
• 1 packet (1 oz) taco seasoning (or homemade)
• ½ cup salsa
• 1 cup refried beans
• 1 ½ cups shredded cheddar cheese (or Mexican blend)

Assembly ingredients

• 6 large flour tortillas (burrito-size)
• 2 tbsp vegetable oil (for brushing/frying)

Method

 

Cook the beef filling

1. In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef and diced onion until the meat is browned and the onion is tender. Drain any excess grease.
2. Stir in the garlic, taco seasoning, and salsa. Simmer for 3–4 minutes until well combined.

Assemble the chimichangas

1. Spread a spoonful of refried beans down the center of each tortilla.
2. Top with a generous scoop of the beef mixture and a handful of shredded cheese.
3. Fold in the sides and roll up tightly like a burrito.

Cook the chimichangas

1. Oven method: Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C). Place chimichangas seam-side down on a baking sheet. Brush lightly with vegetable oil and bake for 18–20 minutes, flipping once, until golden and crispy.
2. Skillet method: Heat 2–3 tablespoons of oil in a skillet over medium heat. Place chimichangas seam-side down and cook for 2–3 minutes per side until golden and crisp.

Serve

1. Remove from heat and let cool for 2 minutes before serving.
2. Add toppings such as sour cream, guacamole, lettuce, or salsa if desired.

Notes

Ensure the filling isn't too watery. Drain any excess liquid from the beef mixture before assembling. For an extra crunchy texture, use the skillet method for frying instead of baking. Experiment with different cheese types, like pepper jack, for added flavor. If you like it spicy, add diced jalapeños to the beef mixture.