Cheesy Beef Chimichangas– Easy Dinner Recipe

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By Maria

Daily Culinary Pleasures

Cheesy Beef Chimichanga – Easy Dinner Recipe
Welcome to Your New Favorite Dinner Recipe!

If you love crispy, cheesy, and flavor-packed meals, then you’re in for a treat! These Beef and Cheese Chimichangas are the perfect blend of Mexican and Tex-Mex flavors, featuring seasoned ground beef, melted cheese, and a golden, crispy tortilla.

Whether you’re making a quick weeknight dinner, meal-prepping for the week, or hosting a casual gathering, this restaurant-style chimichanga recipe is easy to follow and always a crowd-pleaser. Let’s get started!

Why You’ll Love This Cheesy Beef Chimichangas Recipe

Golden & Crispy – Deep-fried perfection with a crunchy shell.
Savory & Cheesy – A mouthwatering mix of seasoned beef and gooey cheese.Easy to Customize – Swap the beef for chicken, turkey, or a veggie filling.
Great for Leftovers – Store and reheat for a quick meal later.

 Ingredients for Cheesy Beef Chimichangas

For the Beef Filling:

  • 1 lb ground beef (80/20 for flavor)
  • 1 small onion, finely chopped
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 tsp ground cumin
  • 1 tsp chili powder
  • ½ tsp smoked paprika
  • ½ tsp salt
  • ¼ tsp black pepper
  • ½ cup tomato sauce
  • 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
  • 1 cup shredded Monterey Jack cheese

For the Chimichangas:

  • 8 large flour tortillas (burrito-sized)
  • Vegetable oil (for frying)

Optional Toppings:

  • Shredded lettuce
  • Diced tomatoes
  • Sour cream
  • Guacamole
  • Salsa or pico de gallo
Cheesy Beef Chimichanga – Easy Dinner Recipe
Cheesy Beef Chimichanga – Optimalrecipes.com

How to Make Cheesy Beef Chimichangas

Step1: Cook the Beef Filling

  1. Heat a large skillet over medium heat and cook the ground beef until browned.
  2. Add onions and garlic, cooking for about 5 minutes until soft.
  3. Stir in cumin, chili powder, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper. Let the spices toast for 1 minute to enhance the flavor.
  4. Pour in tomato sauce and let simmer for 5 minutes until thickened.
  5. Remove from heat and mix in cheddar and Monterey Jack cheese. Let the filling cool slightly.

Step2: Assemble the Chimichangas

  1. Warm the tortillas in the microwave for 10-15 seconds to make them more flexible.
  2. Place ⅓ cup of the beef mixture in the center of each tortilla.
  3. Fold in the sides and roll tightly to seal in the filling.

Step3: Fry Until Golden & Crispy

  1. Heat 1 inch of vegetable oil in a deep skillet to 350°F (175°C).
  2. Carefully place the chimichangas seam-side down in the hot oil.
  3. Fry for 3-4 minutes per side, flipping until they are golden brown.
  4. Remove with tongs and drain on paper towels.

Step4: Serve & Enjoy!

Serve the chimichangas hot with your favorite toppings like sour cream, guacamole, and salsa. Pair with Mexican rice or refried beans for a complete meal!

 Pro Tips for Perfect Cheesy Beef Chimichangas

Use high-quality tortillas – They roll better and won’t break.
Fry at the right temperature – Keep oil at 350°F (175°C) for the perfect crisp.
Don’t overfill – Overstuffed chimichangas may burst while frying.
Secure with toothpicks – If needed, prevent them from opening in the oil.

What to Serve with Cheesy Beef Chimichangas

 Best Side Dishes

  • Mexican Rice – A classic side.
  • Refried Beans – Creamy and flavorful.
  • Corn Salsa – A fresh and zesty contrast.
  • Avocado Lime Crema – A cool dipping sauce.

Drinks That Pair Well

  • Horchata – A sweet cinnamon rice drink.
  • Iced Tea – A light, refreshing option.

 Nutrition Information Per Serving

NutrientAmount
Calories450 kcal
Total Fat25g
Saturated Fat10g
Cholesterol80mg
Sodium700mg
Carbohydrates30g
Protein25g

 How to Store & Reheat Cheesy Beef Chimichangas

Refrigeration:

  • Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days.

Freezing:

  • Wrap in foil or plastic wrap and freeze for up to 3 months.

Reheating Methods:

  • Oven: Bake at 375°F (190°C) for 15 minutes.
  • Air Fryer: Heat at 350°F (175°C) for 7 minutes.
  • Microwave: Heat for 1-2 minutes, but the texture won’t be as crispy.

 Frequently Asked Questions For Cheesy Beef Chimichangas (FAQs)

Q: Can I make chimichangas in the air fryer?

Yes! Brush them with oil and air fry at 375°F (190°C) for 8-10 minutes.

Q: Can I bake chimichangas instead of frying?

Absolutely! Bake at 400°F (200°C) for 20 minutes, flipping halfway.

Q: What’s the difference between a burrito and a chimichanga?

A burrito is soft, while a chimichanga is deep-fried and crispy.

Q: How do I keep my chimichangas from opening while frying?

Secure the seam face-down in oil first, and use toothpicks if needed.

 More Tex-Mex Recipes to Try!

Here are some delicious Mexican recipes to enjoy next:

 Conclusion: Make These Cheesy Beef Chimichangas Tonight!

These crispy, cheesy Beef and Cheese Chimichangas are the perfect Tex-Mex dinner. Whether you fry, bake, or air-fry, they’ll always turn out golden and delicious.

Have you tried this recipe? Let me know in the comments!

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Cheesy Beef Chimichanga – Easy Dinner Recipe

Cheesy Beef Chimichangas– Easy Dinner Recipe


Description

If you love Mexican food, this crispy, cheesy, and flavor-packed Beef and Cheese Chimichanga recipe is perfect for your next dinner. This dish is a deep-fried burrito filled with seasoned ground beef, melted cheese, and bold spices, making it an irresistible Tex-Mex classic.

Whether you’re looking for an easy weeknight dinner, a family-friendly meal, or something to satisfy your craving for Mexican flavors, this authentic chimichanga recipe has you covered.


Ingredients

Scale

For the Beef Filling:

  • 1 lb ground beef (80/20 for flavor)
  • 1 small onion, finely chopped
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 tsp ground cumin
  • 1 tsp chili powder
  • 1/2 tsp smoked paprika
  • 1/2 tsp salt
  • 1/4 tsp black pepper
  • 1/2 cup tomato sauce
  • 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
  • 1 cup shredded Monterey Jack cheese

For the Chimichangas:

  • 8 large flour tortillas (burrito-sized)
  • Vegetable oil (for deep frying)

Toppings for Serving:

  • Shredded lettuce
  • Diced tomatoes
  • Sour cream
  • Guacamole
  • Salsa or Pico de Gallo

Instructions

Step 1: Cook the Ground Beef Filling

  1. Heat a large skillet over medium heat and cook ground beef until browned.
  2. Add chopped onions and minced garlic, stirring for 5 minutes.
  3. Mix in cumin, chili powder, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. Cook for 1 minute.
  4. Pour in tomato sauce and simmer for 5 minutes until thickened.
  5. Remove from heat and stir in cheddar and Monterey Jack cheese.

Step 2: Assemble the Chimichangas

  1. Warm the flour tortillas in a microwave for 10-15 seconds to make them flexible.
  2. Place 1/3 cup of the beef mixture in the center of each tortilla.
  3. Fold in the sides, then roll tightly, ensuring the filling is enclosed.

Step 3: Fry the Chimichangas Until Golden and Crispy

  1. Heat 1 inch of vegetable oil in a deep skillet to 350°F (175°C).
  2. Fry the chimichangas seam-side down, cooking for 3-4 minutes per side until crispy.
  3. Remove with tongs and drain on paper towels.

Step 4: Serve and Enjoy!

Serve your golden brown chimichangas with toppings like guacamole, sour cream, and salsa. Pair with Mexican rice or refried beans for the perfect meal!

Notes

Use high-quality tortillas – Soft, pliable tortillas roll better and don’t break.
Fry at the right temperature – Keep oil at 350°F (175°C) for crispy results.
Don’t overfill – Overstuffed chimichangas may burst while frying.

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