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If your household loves bold Tex-Mex flavors and crowd-pleasing comfort food this cheesy beef chimichanga recipe will have everyone asking for seconds. Crispy golden tortillas wrapped around seasoned ground beef and melted cheddar make for an easy dinner that never fails to impress. Grab your favorite toppings and get ready for a taste of fiesta any night of the week.
The first time I made these for a game day the whole tray vanished before halftime. Now we double the recipe because no one can stop at just one.
Ingredients
- Lean ground beef: delivers satisfying flavor and protein try to choose beef around 90 percent lean for less grease
- Shredded sharp cheddar cheese: brings gooey melt factor and depth of flavor choosing extra sharp cheddar gives the richest taste
- Large flour tortillas: become crispy and golden when fried make sure they are pliable and soft for easy rolling
- Medium onion diced: adds sweet savory notes to the filling look for onions without bruises or green sprouts
- Garlic minced: brings a warm aroma fresh cloves provide the best punch
- Cumin and chili powder: infuse classic Tex-Mex flavor select fresh spices for a bolder seasoning
- Salt and pepper: pulls all the flavors together season to taste using kosher salt if possible
- Vegetable oil for frying: has a neutral flavor and high smoke point use fresh oil for the crispest finish
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Prep the Aromatics:
- Dice the medium onion finely so it softens evenly during cooking Mince fresh garlic so it disperses its aroma throughout the filling
- Sauté the Onions:
- Pour a thin layer of oil into a large skillet and heat over medium Once shimmering add the diced onion and cook for about eight minutes Stir often so bits do not brown too quickly you want the onion tender and golden
- Cook the Beef Filling:
- Add the minced garlic and lean ground beef to the skillet With a spatula break up the beef into small crumbles Fry until all the meat has lost its pink color and there is no liquid left in the pan
- Season the Filling:
- Sprinkle cumin and chili powder over the cooked beef mixture Season with salt and pepper Taste and adjust so every bite has zesty warmth
- Add the Cheese:
- Turn off the heat and sprinkle in the shredded cheddar Stir gently so the cheese melts into the beef forming a cohesive savory filling
- Fill and Roll the Chimichangas:
- Lay each tortilla flat and spoon the filling in a line down the center Fold the sides over the filling then roll up tightly to seal everything inside
- Fry to Crispiness:
- Heat more oil in a clean skillet over moderate high heat Place each chimichanga seam side down into the hot oil and fry Undisturbed for three to four minutes per side until every surface is crisp and golden brown
- Drain and Serve:
- Transfer each batch to a plate lined with paper towels so excess oil can drain Serve the chimichangas hot with your favorite toppings
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Sharp cheddar cheese always reminds me of my grandmother’s kitchen where she insisted on grating it by hand for the best melt and taste That extra step makes every bite feel special
Storage Tips
Store any leftover chimichangas in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days For longer storage wrap them individually and freeze Thaw overnight and re crisp in the oven at three seventy five degrees for about ten minutes
Ingredient Substitutions
Try ground turkey or shredded rotisserie chicken in place of the beef for a lighter version For a vegetarian option use black beans and sautéed bell peppers instead of meat Monterey jack cheese or pepper jack will switch up the flavor and spice level
Serving Suggestions
Serve the chimichangas with cool sour cream fresh salsa or zesty guacamole Pico de gallo and diced tomatoes also add brightness and crunch A squeeze of lime over the top really brings all the flavors together
Chimichangas in the Tex Mex World
These crispy stuffed tortillas are believed to have originated in the American Southwest as an accidental spin on the burrito Frying transforms an everyday burrito into a celebration dish with an inviting crunch The tradition of topping with salsa sour cream and guacamole makes it feel festive
Frequently Asked Questions
- → How can I prevent chimichangas from bursting while frying?
Don’t overfill tortillas and ensure they’re tightly rolled with seams down. Seal edges well before frying.
- → What oil temperature is best for frying?
Heat oil to around 350°F to achieve a crispy, golden exterior while keeping the filling warm and melty.
- → Can I make a lighter version?
Yes! Try baking or air frying chimichangas for a lighter option and still get great crispiness.
- → What filling variations work well?
Swap ground beef with shredded chicken or turkey, and experiment with cheeses like pepper jack or Monterey Jack.
- → Which toppings pair best with chimichangas?
Salsa, sour cream, guacamole, and pico de gallo complement the flavors and add freshness to each bite.