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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.
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Total Time 45 minutes
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.