Beef and Cheese Chimichangas Recipe

Introduction

Beef and Cheese Chimichangas are crispy, flavorful rolled tortillas filled with seasoned ground beef, refried beans, and melted cheese. This dish is perfect for a satisfying meal that’s easy to make and sure to please the whole family.

Ingredients

• 1 lb ground beef
• 1 small onion, finely diced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 packet (1 oz) taco seasoning (or homemade)
• ½ cup salsa
• 1 cup refried beans
• 1 ½ cups shredded cheddar cheese or Mexican blend
• 6 large flour tortillas, burrito-size
• 2 tablespoons vegetable oil for brushing or frying

Instructions

1. Step 1: In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef and diced onion until the meat is browned and the onion is tender. Drain any excess grease.
2. Step 2: Stir in the minced garlic, taco seasoning, and salsa. Let the mixture simmer for 3–4 minutes until the flavors combine well.
3. Step 3: Lay out each tortilla and spread a spoonful of refried beans down the center.
4. Step 4: Add a generous scoop of the beef mixture on top of the beans, then sprinkle with shredded cheese.
5. Step 5: Fold in the sides of each tortilla and roll it up tightly like a burrito, making sure it’s sealed well.
6. Step 6: For the oven method (healthier), preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Place the chimichangas seam-side down on a baking sheet, brush lightly with vegetable oil, and bake for 18–20 minutes, flipping once halfway through until golden and crispy.
7. Step 7: For a crispier result, heat 2–3 tablespoons of vegetable oil in a skillet over medium heat. Cook each chimichanga seam-side down for 2–3 minutes per side until golden and crisp.
8. Step 8: Remove from heat and let the chimichangas rest for 2 minutes before serving. Add your favorite toppings like sour cream, guacamole, lettuce, or extra salsa.

Tips & Variations

• Use homemade taco seasoning to control the salt and spice levels.
• Try adding chopped jalapeños or hot sauce for extra heat.
• Substitute ground turkey or chicken for a lighter protein option.
• Serve with a side of Mexican rice or a fresh salad for a complete meal.

Storage

Store leftover chimichangas in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, bake in a 350°F (175°C) oven for 10–12 minutes or heat in a skillet until warmed through and crispy again.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I make chimichangas ahead of time?

Yes, you can assemble chimichangas and refrigerate them for a few hours before cooking. Just keep them tightly wrapped and cook fresh when ready to eat.

What can I use instead of refried beans?

You can substitute black beans or pinto beans, either whole or mashed, depending on your preference. They add a similar creamy texture and flavor.

Beef and Cheese Chimichangas Recipe

Print Recipe

★★★★★

5 from 97 reviews

These Beef and Cheese Chimichangas are crispy, flavorful rolled tortillas filled with a savory mixture of seasoned ground beef, refried beans, and melted cheese. Perfect for a satisfying Mexican-inspired meal, they can be baked for a healthier option or pan-fried for extra crispiness.

• Author: Nora
• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 25 minutes
• Total Time: 40 minutes
• Yield: 6 chimichangas 1x
• Category: Main Dish
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: Mexican

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Filling Ingredients

• 1 lb ground beef
• 1 small onion, finely diced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 packet (1 oz) taco seasoning (or homemade)
• ½ cup salsa
• 1 cup refried beans
• 1 ½ cups shredded cheddar cheese or Mexican blend

Additional Ingredients

• 6 large flour tortillas (burrito-size)
• 2 tablespoons vegetable oil for brushing and frying

Instructions

1. Cook the beef filling: In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef and diced onion until the beef is browned and the onion is tender. Drain any excess grease from the pan. Stir in the minced garlic, taco seasoning, and salsa, then simmer the mixture for 3 to 4 minutes until well combined and heated through.
2. Assemble the chimichangas: Lay out each tortilla and spread a spoonful of refried beans down the center. Add a generous scoop of the beef mixture over the beans, then sprinkle with shredded cheese. Fold in the sides of the tortilla and roll it up tightly like a burrito to enclose the filling.
3. Cook the chimichangas: Oven method (healthier): Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Place the chimichangas seam-side down on a baking sheet and brush them lightly with vegetable oil. Bake for 18 to 20 minutes, flipping once halfway through, until they are golden brown and crispy. Skillet method (crispier): Heat 2 to 3 tablespoons of vegetable oil in a skillet over medium heat. Fry the chimichangas seam-side down for 2 to 3 minutes on each side, or until they are golden and crisp.
4. Serve: Remove the chimichangas from the heat and let them rest for 2 minutes. Serve with your favorite toppings such as sour cream, guacamole, lettuce, or additional salsa, if desired.

Notes

• For a healthier version, opt for baking instead of frying.
• Ensure the chimichangas are rolled tightly to prevent filling from leaking out during cooking.
• Leftover chimichangas can be refrigerated and reheated in an oven for best texture retention.
• Customize toppings to your preference to add freshness and extra flavor.

Keywords: chimichangas, beef chimichangas, Mexican recipe, baked chimichangas, easy Mexican dinner