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

Crafting a mouthwatering beef and cheese chimichangas recipe brings pure culinary excitement to your kitchen adventure.

Mexican cuisine offers incredible depth with these crispy delights.

Generous portions of seasoned ground beef blend perfectly with melted cheese inside warm tortillas.

Crisp golden exteriors promise a satisfying crunch that surprises with each bite.

Every family gathering becomes more special when these chimichangas arrive at the table.

Simple ingredients and straightforward techniques make this dish accessible for home cooks of all skill levels.

You’ll feel like a restaurant chef after mastering this delectable Mexican classic that promises to impress everyone around you.

Why Beef and Cheese Chimichangas Are Irresistible Treats

• Conquer Weeknight Dinners: These chimichangas transform ordinary ground beef into a delicious meal that comes together quickly with minimal kitchen effort.
• Create Family-Friendly Feast: Kids and adults alike will love the crispy tortilla exterior and cheesy beef filling, making it a crowd-pleasing dinner option that sparks excitement at the table.
• Master Simple Mexican-Inspired Cooking: No complex techniques required – just basic skillet skills and an oven can produce restaurant-quality chimichangas that taste like they're from a specialty kitchen.
• Customize with Ease: Swap ground beef for shredded chicken, add extra spices, or experiment with different cheese varieties to make this recipe perfectly suited to your taste preferences.

Ingredients Needed for Beef and Cheese Chimichangas

• Ground Beef: A hearty and flavorful meat that forms the core of the chimichangas.
• Onion: Adds depth and sweetness to the beef mixture.

• Cheddar Cheese: Provides a rich, melty texture and sharp flavor to the filling.
• Sour Cream: A cool, tangy topping that complements the crispy chimichangas.

• Tortillas: Soft flour wraps that hold the beef mixture and become crispy when baked.
• Taco Seasoning: A blend of spices that adds zesty Mexican-inspired flavor to the beef.
• Olive Oil: Helps create a golden, crispy exterior when baking the chimichangas.

• Salsa: A fresh, zesty condiment that adds extra flavor and moisture to the dish.

How to Make Crispy Beef and Cheese Chimichangas

Step 1: Brown the Beef

In a large skillet, combine ground beef and chopped onions. Cook over medium heat, breaking the meat into small pieces until it’s completely browned and no pink remains. Carefully drain away any excess fat from the skillet.

Step 2: Season the Meat

Sprinkle taco seasoning over the browned beef and onion mixture. Stir and cook for an additional 2 minutes to allow the flavors to blend together perfectly.

Step 3: Add Cheesy Goodness

Remove the skillet from heat and fold in shredded cheddar cheese until it’s evenly distributed throughout the beef mixture.

Step 4: Wrap the Chimichangas

Take your tortillas and spoon the beef and cheese mixture into the center of each one. Fold in the sides and roll tightly, creating a neat little package that will hold all the delicious filling inside.

Step 5: Prepare for Baking

Gently brush the outside of each wrapped chimichanga with olive oil. Place them seam-side down on a baking sheet, ensuring they’re not touching each other.

Step 6: Bake to Crispy Perfection

Slide the baking sheet into a preheated oven at 400°F (200°C). Bake for 20 minutes, watching for a golden-brown and crispy exterior.

Step 7: Serve and Enjoy

Transfer the hot chimichangas to serving plates. Offer sour cream and salsa on the side for dipping, letting everyone customize their meal to taste.

Expert Tips for Perfect Beef and Cheese Chimichangas

• Use lean ground beef to reduce excess fat and create a healthier version of the dish.
• Warm tortillas slightly before filling to prevent cracking and make rolling easier.
• Add a sprinkle of extra cheese on top before baking for a crispy, golden cheese crust.
• Experiment with different cheese varieties like pepper jack or monterey jack for varied flavor profiles.
• Freeze unbaked chimichangas individually for quick future meals by wrapping tightly in plastic wrap before storing.

Variations to Customize Beef and Cheese Chimichangas

• Chicken Chimichanga Swap: Replace ground beef with shredded chicken for a lighter protein option. Season with similar spices for consistent flavor profile.
• Vegetarian Black Bean Version: Substitute beef with black beans and add diced bell peppers for hearty texture. Use pepper jack cheese for extra kick.
• Spicy Southwest Remix: Incorporate jalapeños and green chiles into beef mixture. Top with pepper jack cheese and hot sauce before baking for intense heat.
• Breakfast Chimichanga Style: Fill tortillas with scrambled eggs, chorizo, and cheddar cheese. Serve with salsa verde for morning excitement.

Pairing Suggestions to Serve with Beef and Cheese Chimichangas

• Pair with Zesty Margarita: Blend fresh lime juice, tequila, and a touch of agave nectar to complement the rich, spicy beef chimichangas with a bright, citrusy cocktail.
• Cool Down with Mexican Coleslaw: Toss crisp cabbage, cilantro, and lime dressing to provide a refreshing crunch that balances the hot, cheesy chimichangas.
• Enhance with Smoky Salsa Verde: Create a tangy green salsa using roasted tomatillos and jalapeños to add a vibrant, spicy kick that elevates the beef's flavor profile.
• Refresh with Mexican Lager: Serve a crisp, light beer like Modelo or Corona to cut through the richness of the cheese and ground beef, cleansing the palate between bites.

How to Store Beef and Cheese Chimichangas Properly

• Seal leftover chimichangas in an airtight container and store in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Wrap each chimichanga individually in aluminum foil to maintain texture and prevent moisture buildup.
• Wrap cooled chimichangas tightly in plastic wrap, then place in a freezer-safe bag. Freeze for up to 2-3 months. Label the bag with the date to track freshness.
• Preheat oven to 350F. Remove frozen chimichangas from plastic wrap, place on a baking sheet, and heat for 15-20 minutes until crispy and heated through. For refrigerated chimichangas, reheat for 10-15 minutes.

FAQs About Beef and Cheese Chimichangas Explained

• What are chimichangas?

Chimichangas are deep-fried or baked tortillas filled with meat, typically beef or chicken, and cheese, originating from Mexican-American cuisine.

• Can I use different types of meat?

Yes, you can substitute ground beef with shredded chicken, ground turkey, or pulled pork for variety in the recipe.

• Is this recipe considered healthy?

While delicious, this dish is relatively high in calories and fat. Consider using lean ground beef and whole wheat tortillas to make it slightly healthier.

• How can I prevent the chimichangas from opening while baking?

Ensure you roll the tortillas tightly and tuck in the sides firmly before placing them seam-side down on the baking sheet to keep the filling secure.

Beef and Cheese Chimichangas Recipe

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4.5 from 12 reviews

• Total Time: 32 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Sizzling beef and cheese chimichangas promise a Mexican-inspired culinary adventure that dances with bold flavors and crispy textures. Hearty filling wrapped in golden tortillas delivers a mouthwatering experience you’ll crave again and again.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Protein:

• 1 pound (1 lb) ground beef
• 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese

Vegetables and Seasonings:

• 1 small onion, chopped
• 1 packet taco seasoning

Wrapper and Cooking Ingredients:

• 4 large flour tortillas
• 1 tablespoon (1 tbsp) olive oil

Optional Toppings:

• 1/4 cup sour cream
• 1/4 cup salsa

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Instructions

1. Warm the oven to 400F (200C) to prepare for baking the chimichangas.
2. Sauté ground beef with diced onions in a skillet over medium heat, cooking until the meat turns completely brown and loses its raw appearance.
3. Drain away any excess fat from the meat mixture to ensure a crisp final texture.
4. Sprinkle taco seasoning into the beef and continue cooking for an additional 2 minutes to develop robust flavors.
5. Remove the skillet from heat and gently fold shredded cheddar cheese into the warm meat mixture.
6. Lay out tortillas and distribute the beef and cheese filling evenly, carefully rolling each tortilla into a tight cylinder while folding in the edges to prevent filling from escaping.
7. Lightly coat the exterior of each chimichanga with olive oil, which will help create a crispy golden exterior during baking.
8. Arrange the rolled chimichangas seam-side down on a clean baking sheet to prevent unraveling.
9. Slide the baking sheet into the preheated oven and bake for 20 minutes until the tortillas turn crisp and develop a beautiful golden-brown color.
10. Present the hot chimichangas immediately, offering sour cream and salsa as optional accompaniments for enhanced flavor.

Notes

• Choose lean ground beef to reduce excess fat and create a healthier version of the dish.
• Warm tortillas slightly before filling to prevent cracking and make them more pliable for rolling.
• Seal the edges of chimichangas carefully to prevent filling from leaking during baking.
• For a gluten-free option, use corn tortillas instead of flour tortillas and ensure taco seasoning is gluten-free.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 22 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner, Appetizer, Snacks
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: Mexican

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 605 kcal
• Sugar: 3 g
• Sodium: 720 mg
• Fat: 40 g
• Saturated Fat: 15 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 22 g
• Trans Fat: 1 g
• Carbohydrates: 30 g
• Fiber: 3 g
• Protein: 33 g
• Cholesterol: 95 mg