Beef and Cheese Chimichangas

Beef and Cheese Chimichangas

Beef and Cheese Chimichangas! This delightful dish is a culinary marvel that brings together the rich flavors of seasoned beef, gooey cheese, and crispy tortillas, all enveloped in a golden-fried coating. Imagine sinking your teeth into one of these indulgent treats, the crunch giving way to warm, savory fillings that dance on your palate. This recipe provides a step-by-step guide to create these mouthwatering treasures, perfect for dinner or a special gathering. The beauty of this dish lies in its versatility and comforting appeal, making it an enticing option for any occasion.

Crispy on the outside and bursting with flavor on the inside, these chimichangas are bound to become a favorite in your household. Easy to prepare and a joy to eat, they are perfect for both busy weeknights and casual gatherings. The combination of ground beef, creamy cheese, and rich refried beans creates a feast that will have everyone asking for seconds. Let’s dive into why you’ll love making these delectable Beef and Cheese Chimichangas!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This Beef and Cheese Chimichangas recipe has so much to offer! First and foremost, the preparation is simple, allowing you to whip up a delicious meal without extensive culinary skills. With minimal ingredients, you can gather everything you need quickly, making it a fantastic choice for busy evenings when time is of the essence.

Family-friendly and ripe for customization, you can easily adjust the flavor profile by including your favorite spices or veggies. Additionally, if you’re pressed for time, making these chimichangas is a breeze and can be completed in under an hour. The joy of sharing these golden delights with loved ones ensures that they will remain a staple in your meal rotation.

Ingredients for Beef and Cheese Chimichangas

Let’s gather our ingredients to create this savory delight. This dish’s vibrant flavors and textures are achieved with just a few simple items:

• 1 pound ground beef: Rich and flavorful, providing the meatiness that defines the dish.
• 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese: Melty and gooey, adding a creamy richness to every bite.
• 1 cup refried beans: Creamy and hearty, they enhance the chimichangas’ substance and flavor.
• 1 small onion, diced: Sweet and aromatic, infusing the filling with depth.
• 2 cloves garlic, minced: Bold and aromatic, giving the dish a savory punch.
• 1 teaspoon chili powder: Adding a touch of warmth and a hint of spice.
• 1/2 teaspoon cumin: Earthy and fragrant, enhancing the overall flavor profile.
• 1/2 teaspoon salt: Bringing all the flavors to life.
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper: A mild heat to complement the spice blend.
• 4 large flour tortillas: Soft and pliable, perfectly enveloping the filling.
• Oil for frying: To achieve that irresistible golden-brown exterior.
• Sour cream and salsa (for serving): Adding a refreshing contrast when drizzled or dipped.

Step-by-Step Directions for Beef and Cheese Chimichangas

1. Cook the Beef: In a large skillet over medium heat, add the ground beef. Cook until browned, breaking it up with a spatula as it cooks. Drain any excess fat to keep the filling light.

2. Sauté Aromatics: Add the diced onion and minced garlic to the skillet, sautéing until the onion becomes translucent and fragrant, about 5 minutes.

3. Mix in Filling Ingredients: Stir in the refried beans, chili powder, cumin, salt, and black pepper. Cook, stirring occasionally until heated through, allowing all the flavors to meld. Remove the skillet from heat and mix in the shredded cheddar cheese, stirring until melted and combined.

4. Prepare the Tortillas: Lay a flour tortilla flat on a clean surface. Spoon about 1/4 of the beef mixture in the center, ensuring it’s not overstuffed.

5. Roll and Fold: Fold the sides of the tortilla inward, then roll it up tightly from the bottom to enclose the filling. Repeat this process for the remaining tortillas and filling.

6. Heat the Oil: In a deep skillet, heat oil over medium-high heat. Ensure the oil is hot enough for frying, as this will create the perfect crispy exterior.

7. Fry the Chimichangas: Carefully place the chimichangas seam side down in the hot oil. Fry for 3-4 minutes per side or until golden brown. Monitor closely to avoid burning.

8. Drain and Serve: Remove the chimichangas from the oil and drain on paper towels to eliminate excess grease. Serve warm with sour cream and salsa for dipping.

Tips & Tricks

To elevate your chimichangas, consider adding chopped bell peppers or jalapeños to the beef mixture for an extra kick. If you’re looking for a healthier alternative, try baking them in the oven instead of frying by brushing them lightly with oil and baking at 400°F (200°C) until golden brown – about 25-30 minutes. Additionally, if you have any leftover fillings, they can be utilized as a topping for nachos or in a breakfast scramble for a delicious next-day meal.

Serving Suggestions & Pairings

These Beef and Cheese Chimichangas shine when served with a variety of accompaniments! Pair them with fresh guacamole, a crisp salad, or cilantro-lime rice for a well-rounded experience. Consider placing them on a vibrant platter garnished with chopped fresh cilantro and diced tomatoes to impress your guests. For an added crunch, serve alongside tortilla chips and your favorite salsa.

Nutritional Information

These Beef and Cheese Chimichangas come packed with flavor, yet it’s wise to indulge in moderation. Each serving offers roughly 350-450 calories, depending on the size and amount of filling. The dish provides essential protein from beef and beans, along with the comforting carbs from tortillas. Keep in mind that adding sour cream and salsa will slightly alter the calorie count and nutritional breakdown, so opt for light toppings to keep things balanced.

Storing Tips & Variations for Beef and Cheese Chimichangas

Should you find yourself with leftovers, they can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. Reheat them in the oven or air fryer for that crispy texture, ensuring they’re heated through. For those seeking to try something new, experiment with different proteins like shredded chicken or beans for a vegetarian option. Adding finely chopped spinach or other vegetables can also boost the nutritional profile without sacrificing flavor.

Conclusion for Beef and Cheese Chimichangas

Don’t wait any longer – give these Beef and Cheese Chimichangas a try today! With their irresistible combination of juicy beef, creamy cheese, and crispy tortillas, they are sure to become a household favorite. Perfect for both casual family dinners and festive gatherings, you’ll find countless reasons to serve them again and again.

FAQs

1. Can I make Beef and Cheese Chimichangas ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the filling beforehand and assemble the chimichangas just before frying them for the best texture.

2. What can I serve with chimichangas?
Chimichangas pair well with sour cream, salsa, guacamole, or a fresh salad to balance the richness of the dish.

3. Are there vegetarian options for this recipe?
Absolutely! You can swap ground beef for cooked black beans, lentils, or chopped vegetables, maintaining the same delicious flavor profile.

4. How do I prevent the tortillas from breaking while rolling?
Make sure your tortillas are pliable. Warming them slightly in the microwave (covered) can help soften them, making them easier to roll without tearing.

5. Can I freeze the chimichangas?
Yes, you can freeze them before frying. Place assembled chimichangas on a baking sheet until firm, then transfer them to a freezer-safe bag. They can be fried directly from frozen; just extend the cooking time!

Beef and Cheese Chimichangas

Delightful chimichangas filled with seasoned beef, gooey cheese, and crispy tortillas, perfect for dinner or gatherings.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 15 minutes mins

Cook Time 20 minutes mins

Total Time 35 minutes mins

Servings: 4 servings

Course: Dinner, Main Course

Cuisine: Mexican

Calories: 400

Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients

  

For the Filling

• 1 pound ground beef Rich and flavorful, providing the meatiness that defines the dish.
• 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese Melty and gooey, adding a creamy richness to every bite.
• 1 cup refried beans Creamy and hearty, they enhance the chimichangas' substance and flavor.
• 1 small onion, diced Sweet and aromatic, infusing the filling with depth.
• 2 cloves garlic, minced Bold and aromatic, giving the dish a savory punch.
• 1 teaspoon chili powder Adding a touch of warmth and a hint of spice.
• 1/2 teaspoon cumin Earthy and fragrant, enhancing the overall flavor profile.
• 1/2 teaspoon salt Bringing all the flavors to life.
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper A mild heat to complement the spice blend.

For Assembly

• 4 large flour tortillas Soft and pliable, perfectly enveloping the filling.
• Oil for frying To achieve that irresistible golden-brown exterior.

For Serving

• Sour cream Adding a refreshing contrast when drizzled or dipped.
• Salsa Adding a refreshing contrast when drizzled or dipped.

Method

 

Cooking the Beef

1. In a large skillet over medium heat, add the ground beef. Cook until browned, breaking it up with a spatula as it cooks. Drain any excess fat.

Sautéing Aromatics

1. Add the diced onion and minced garlic to the skillet, sautéing until the onion becomes translucent and fragrant, about 5 minutes.

Mixing the Filling

1. Stir in the refried beans, chili powder, cumin, salt, and black pepper. Cook, stirring occasionally until heated through. Remove from heat and mix in the shredded cheddar cheese, stirring until melted.

Preparing Tortillas

1. Lay a flour tortilla flat on a clean surface. Spoon about 1/4 of the beef mixture in the center.

Rolling Chimichangas

1. Fold the sides of the tortilla inward, then roll it up tightly from the bottom to enclose the filling. Repeat this process for remaining tortillas and filling.

Frying Chimichangas

1. In a deep skillet, heat oil over medium-high heat. Carefully place chimichangas seam side down in the hot oil. Fry for 3-4 minutes per side or until golden brown.

Serving

1. Remove chimichangas from oil and drain on paper towels. Serve warm with sour cream and salsa.

Notes

To elevate your chimichangas, consider adding chopped bell peppers or jalapeños for an extra kick. If looking for a healthier alternative, try baking them in the oven instead of frying by brushing them lightly with oil and baking at 400°F (200°C) for about 25-30 minutes. Leftover fillings can be utilized as a topping for nachos or in a breakfast scramble.