Cheesy Beef Chimichangas

Cheesy Beef Chimichangas: A Fun and Flavorful Delight!

Are you ready to dive into a plateful of cheesy, beefy goodness? Cheesy Beef Chimichangas are the perfect blend of crispy tortillas and seasoned beef, all wrapped up in a golden-brown package that’s sure to please. These delicious handheld treats are so satisfying, they’ll have your whole family rushing to the dinner table! Not only are they bursting with flavor, but they also come together in record time—who doesn’t love quick, easy meals? Did you know the word “chimichanga” comes from the Spanish word for “thingamajig”? Well, it might just feel that way because you’ll want to make these tasty “things” again and again!

If you’ve enjoyed our Oven-Baked Chicken Taquitos, you’re going to love these chimichangas! They share the same delightful flavors, but offer a little extra crunch and extra cheesy appeal. So, roll up your sleeves and let’s get cooking, because you’re about to discover one of your new favorite recipes!

What Are Cheesy Beef Chimichangas?

So, what’s the deal with these tasty Cheesy Beef Chimichangas? It’s a bit of a tongue twister, isn’t it? In fact, some say that saying it too many times will lead to a loss of words! These delightful creations stem from Mexican cuisine and are basically tortillas filled to the brim with seasoned beef and cheese, then deep-fried to perfect crispy perfection. Think of them as the fun cousin to your ordinary burrito! And as the saying goes, “the way to a man’s heart is through his stomach,” and trust me, these chimichangas will do just that! So why not give this recipe a try and impress your family and friends with your culinary skills?

Why You’ll Love These Cheesy Beef Chimichangas

There’s a lot to love about Cheesy Beef Chimichangas! First, let’s talk about that oozy, melty cheese. It’s the star of the show. Picture biting into that crispy shell and savoring the creamy goodness inside—it’s like a burst of flavor with every bite! Another reason to whip these up at home? You’ll save a chunk of cash compared to dining out. Homemade is always cheaper, and nothing beats the taste of freshly made food. Not to mention, you can customize the fillings to suit your tastes. Add some jalapeños if you like it spicy or throw in black beans for a heartier option! If you’re a fan of enchiladas, you’ll definitely want to give these chimichangas a spin, too!

How to Make Cheesy Beef Chimichangas

Quick Overview

Don’t let the idea of making chimichangas intimidate you—they’re surprisingly simple, delicious, and immensely satisfying! This recipe requires less than 30 minutes of your time, so you’ll have these golden treats on your table in no time.

Key Ingredients for Cheesy Beef Chimichangas

To get started on your journey to chimichanga bliss, you’ll need the following ingredients:

• 1 lb ground beef
• 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
• 1 cup refried beans
• 1 teaspoon taco seasoning
• 4 large flour tortillas
• Vegetable oil (for frying)
• Optional toppings: sour cream, salsa, or guacamole

Step-by-Step Instructions

Now, let’s jump into the step-by-step cooking process. Your chimichanga adventure is about to commence, so roll up your sleeves and follow these easy instructions:

1. Cook the Beef: In a large skillet over medium heat, brown the ground beef for about 5-7 minutes until fully cooked. Drain excess grease.
2. Mix the Filling: Stir in the refried beans and taco seasoning with the cooked beef until everything is well combined. Remove from heat and allow to cool slightly.
3. Assemble the Chimichangas: Place about a quarter of the beef and bean mixture in the center of each tortilla. Top with a generous sprinkle of shredded cheddar cheese. Fold the sides in and then roll the tortilla tightly into a rectangle, securing the filling.
4. Fry the Chimichangas: In a deep skillet or saucepan, heat about 1-2 inches of vegetable oil over medium-high heat. Carefully place the chimichangas seam side down into the oil. Fry for about 4-5 minutes per side until golden brown and crispy.
5. Drain and Serve: Remove the chimichangas from the oil and let them drain on paper towels. Serve hot with your favorite toppings like sour cream, salsa, or guacamole.

What to Serve Cheesy Beef Chimichangas With

These chimichangas are delicious on their own, but pairing them with the right sides can really take your meal to the next level. Consider serving them alongside a fresh garden salad, seasoned rice, or corn on the cob. Don’t forget the drinks—how about a refreshing margarita or a zesty limeade? These complements will enhance the flavors and make for a well-rounded meal that everyone will rave about.

Top Tips for Perfecting Cheesy Beef Chimichangas

To ensure your chimichangas turn out perfectly, here are some helpful tips:

• Don’t overfill: Be careful not to overcrowd the tortillas, as this can result in bursting during frying.
• Use tongs: When frying, use tongs to help flip the chimichangas safely and avoid splashing hot oil.
• Baked Option: If you prefer a healthier version, bake the chimichangas in the oven at 375°F (190°C) for 20-25 minutes until crispy, brushing the tops with a little oil first.

Storing and Reheating Tips

Got leftovers? No problem! Store your Cheesy Beef Chimichangas in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, you can easily pop them in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for around 10-15 minutes until warmed through and crispy again. If you want to prep ahead of time, you can freeze un-fried chimichangas by wrapping them tightly in plastic wrap. Just defrost and fry when you’re ready to enjoy!

Now that you have all the insights into making Cheesy Beef Chimichangas, it’s time to gather your ingredients and get cooking! You won’t regret diving into this mound of cheesy delight that’s sure to become a family favorite. Enjoy!

Cheesy Beef Chimichangas

Crispy tortillas filled with seasoned beef and melted cheese, these Cheesy Beef Chimichangas are a deliciously satisfying handheld treat.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 10 minutes mins

Cook Time 15 minutes mins

Total Time 25 minutes mins

Servings: 4 servings

Course: Dinner, Main Course

Cuisine: Mexican

Calories: 450

Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients

  

For the Filling

• 1 lb ground beef Use lean ground beef for best results.
• 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese Feel free to use a blend of cheeses.
• 1 cup refried beans Canned or homemade refried beans work.
• 1 teaspoon taco seasoning Adjust to taste.

For the Chimichangas

• 4 large flour tortillas Bigger tortillas allow for more filling.
• Vegetable oil for frying Vegetable oil Use enough oil to submerge the chimichangas.

Optional Toppings

• sour cream For serving.
• salsa For serving.
• guacamole For serving.

Method

 

Preparation

1. In a large skillet over medium heat, brown the ground beef for about 5-7 minutes until fully cooked. Drain excess grease.
2. Stir in the refried beans and taco seasoning with the cooked beef until everything is well combined. Remove from heat and allow to cool slightly.

Assembly & Cooking

1. Place about a quarter of the beef and bean mixture in the center of each tortilla. Top with a generous sprinkle of shredded cheddar cheese.
2. Fold the sides in and then roll the tortilla tightly into a rectangle, securing the filling.
3. In a deep skillet or saucepan, heat about 1-2 inches of vegetable oil over medium-high heat. Carefully place the chimichangas seam side down into the oil.
4. Fry for about 4-5 minutes per side until golden brown and crispy.
5. Remove the chimichangas from the oil and let them drain on paper towels. Serve hot with your favorite toppings like sour cream, salsa, or guacamole.

Notes

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. For reheating, bake at 350°F (175°C) for 10-15 minutes.