Description: These Beef and Cheese Chimichangas are a crispy, cheesy, and flavorful delight, perfect for a satisfying weeknight dinner or a fun weekend gathering. Filled with seasoned ground beef and a generous blend of cheddar and Monterey Jack cheeses, these chimichangas are fried to golden perfection and served with your favorite toppings like salsa, sour cream, and guacamole. Get ready for a fiesta in your mouth with every bite!
Ingredients:
- 6 large flour tortillas (burrito size)
- 1 pound ground beef (80/20 blend recommended)
- 1 medium onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon chili powder
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- 1 cup cheddar cheese, shredded
- ½ cup Monterey Jack cheese, shredded
- Vegetable oil, for frying (approximately 2-3 cups)
- Salsa, sour cream, and guacamole, for serving (optional)
- Optional: Diced tomatoes, shredded lettuce, chopped cilantro, jalapeños
Preparation:
Step 1: Prepare the Beef Filling
In a large skillet or frying pan, place the ground beef and cook over medium heat, breaking it apart with a spoon as it cooks. Add the finely chopped onion and minced garlic to the skillet. Continue cooking until the ground beef is browned and the onion is softened and translucent. This usually takes about 5-7 minutes.
Step 2: Drain Excess Fat
Carefully drain any excess fat from the skillet. You can do this by tilting the skillet and spooning the fat out, or by transferring the beef mixture to a colander lined with paper towels to drain. Removing the excess fat will help keep the chimichangas from becoming too greasy.
Step 3: Season the Beef
Return the ground beef mixture to the skillet. Stir in the ground cumin, chili powder, salt, and black pepper. Mix well to ensure the spices are evenly distributed throughout the beef. Cook for an additional 2 minutes, allowing the spices to toast slightly and release their flavors.
Step 4: Add the Cheese
Remove the skillet from the heat. Add the shredded cheddar cheese and Monterey Jack cheese to the beef mixture. Stir until the cheese is melted and well combined with the beef. The mixture should be thick and gooey. Allow the mixture to cool slightly before assembling the chimichangas. This will prevent the tortillas from becoming soggy.
Step 5: Assemble the Chimichangas
Lay a large flour tortilla flat on a clean work surface. Spoon about 1/6 of the beef and cheese mixture onto the center of the tortilla. Be careful not to overfill the tortilla, as this can make it difficult to roll and seal.
Fold in the sides of the tortilla towards the center, covering the edges of the filling. Then, tightly roll the tortilla from the bottom up, enclosing the filling completely. The chimichanga should be snug and secure. Repeat this process with the remaining tortillas and beef and cheese mixture.
Step 6: Fry the Chimichangas
Pour enough vegetable oil into a large, deep skillet or Dutch oven to reach a depth of about 1-2 inches. Heat the oil over medium-high heat until it reaches a temperature of 350-375°F (175-190°C). You can test the oil temperature by dropping a small piece of tortilla into the oil. If it sizzles and turns golden brown in about 30 seconds, the oil is ready.
Carefully place the chimichangas into the hot oil, seam-side down. Do not overcrowd the skillet; fry the chimichangas in batches if necessary. Fry for about 2-3 minutes per side, or until golden brown and crispy on all sides. Use tongs to turn the chimichangas gently.
Step 7: Drain and Serve
Remove the fried chimichangas from the skillet and place them on a plate lined with paper towels to drain any excess oil. Serve the chimichangas hot, with your favorite toppings such as salsa, sour cream, and guacamole.
Why You Will Love This Recipe:
- Crispy and Cheesy: The combination of the crispy fried tortilla and the gooey, melted cheese is simply irresistible.
- Flavorful and Satisfying: The seasoned ground beef filling is packed with flavor and hearty enough to satisfy even the biggest appetites.
- Customizable: You can easily customize the filling with your favorite ingredients, such as black beans, corn, or different types of cheese.
- Easy to Make: This recipe is relatively simple to make, even for beginner cooks.
- Perfect for a Crowd: Chimichangas are a great option for feeding a crowd, as they can be made ahead of time and fried just before serving.
- Versatile: Serve as a main course, appetizer, or party snack.
Serving Suggestions:
- Serve hot with salsa, sour cream, and guacamole on the side.
- Top with shredded lettuce, diced tomatoes, and chopped cilantro.
- Add a dollop of your favorite hot sauce for extra heat.
- Serve with a side of Mexican rice and refried beans for a complete meal.
- Pair with a refreshing margarita or a cold Mexican beer.
Tips:
- Use high-quality flour tortillas for the best results.
- Don’t overfill the tortillas, or they will be difficult to roll and seal.
- Make sure the oil is hot enough before frying the chimichangas, or they will absorb too much oil.
- Fry the chimichangas in batches to avoid overcrowding the skillet.
- Keep the fried chimichangas warm in a preheated oven until ready to serve.
- For a healthier option, bake the chimichangas instead of frying them. Simply brush them with oil and bake in a preheated oven at 375°F (190°C) for about 15-20 minutes, or until golden brown and crispy.
- To make ahead, assemble the chimichangas and store them in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours before frying.
- You can also freeze the assembled chimichangas for longer storage. Wrap them individually in plastic wrap and then place them in a freezer bag. Thaw completely before frying.
Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 30 minutes
Total Time: 50 minutes
Cooking Rating: Easy to Medium
Nutritional Information: (Approximate values per chimichanga, without toppings)
- Calories: 650 kcal
- Protein: 30 g
- Sodium: 800 mg
Conclusion
These Beef and Cheese Chimichangas are a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. With their crispy exterior, cheesy filling, and customizable toppings, they’re a fun and flavorful dish that’s perfect for any occasion. So gather your friends and family, and get ready to enjoy a delicious and satisfying meal!
Questions and Answers:
- Can I use a different type of meat? Yes, you can definitely use a different type of meat. Ground turkey or ground chicken would be great alternatives to ground beef. You could also use shredded chicken or pork. Just make sure to adjust the cooking time accordingly.
- Can I make these vegetarian? Absolutely! To make these chimichangas vegetarian, you can substitute the ground beef with black beans, pinto beans, or a combination of both. You can also add some cooked vegetables like corn, bell peppers, and zucchini.
- Can I bake these instead of frying? Yes, you can bake the chimichangas for a healthier option. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Brush the assembled chimichangas with oil or cooking spray and bake for 15-20 minutes, or until golden brown and crispy.
- Can I make these ahead of time? Yes, you can assemble the chimichangas ahead of time and store them in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours before frying or baking. You can also freeze them for longer storage. Just make sure to wrap them individually in plastic wrap and then place them in a freezer bag. Thaw completely before cooking.
- What kind of toppings can I use? The possibilities are endless when it comes to toppings! Some popular choices include salsa, sour cream, guacamole, shredded lettuce, diced tomatoes, chopped cilantro, jalapeños, and hot sauce. Feel free to get creative and use your favorite toppings.
