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Beef and Cheese Chimichanga

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  • Author: Lily Carter
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 15-20 minutes
  • Total Time: 25-30 minutes
  • Yield: 5 servings (increased by 2 servings) 1x
  • Category: Main Dish, Tex-Mex
  • Method: Fried (alternative: air-fried or baked)
  • Cuisine: Mexican

Description

These Beef and Cheese Chimichangas are crispy, golden, and packed with flavorful seasoned beef and gooey melted cheese. Wrapped in a flour tortilla and fried to perfection, they’re a delicious Tex-Mex favorite that’s easy to make at home in under 30 minutes!


Ingredients

Units Scale

Ingredients:

  • 1 lb ground beef
  • 4 large flour tortillas
  • 1 cup shredded cheddar or Monterey Jack cheese
  • 1 small onion, chopped
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 packet taco seasoning
  • 2 tablespoons vegetable oil (for frying)
  • 1/4 cup water (for taco seasoning)

Substitutions:

  • Swap ground beef for shredded chicken or pork.
  • Use a blend of cheeses like pepper jack for extra spice.
  • Make it healthier by air-frying or baking instead of deep frying.

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Beef Filling: Heat a skillet over medium heat and cook the ground beef until browned. Drain excess fat, then add chopped onion and garlic, cooking until softened. Stir in taco seasoning and a splash of water, simmering until well combined. Remove from heat and mix in shredded cheese until melted.
  2. Assemble the Chimichangas: Lay out tortillas and spoon beef and cheese mixture into the center. Fold in the sides, then roll tightly to form a secure burrito shape. Place seam-side down to prevent unraveling while frying.
  3. Fry to Perfection: Heat about 1 inch of oil in a deep skillet to 350°F. Carefully place chimichangas seam-side down and fry for 2-3 minutes per side until golden brown. Remove and drain on paper towels.

Notes

  • Seal the chimichangas well: Use a bit of water or cheese to keep the edges secure.
  • Fry at the right temperature: Too hot, and they burn; too cool, and they absorb too much oil.
  • For a lighter version: Brush with oil and bake at 400°F for 20 minutes or air-fry at 375°F for 10 minutes.

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 chimichanga
  • Calories: 450-500
  • Sugar: 2g
  • Sodium: 800mg
  • Fat: 28g
  • Saturated Fat: 10g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 17g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Carbohydrates: 25g
  • Fiber: 2g
  • Protein: 25g
  • Cholesterol: 50mg