Name: Crispy Beef and Cheese Chimichangas: Deliciously Crunchy!
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 35 min
Cuisine: Mexican
Ingredients: 1 lb lean ground beef; 2 cups shredded cheese (cheddar or Monterey Jack); 8 large flour tortillas; Spices: cumin, chili powder, garlic powder, onion powder; Vegetable oil (for frying)

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Crispy and Crunchy: The fried tortillas give a satisfying crunch with each bite, making these chimichangas incredibly addictive.
Customizable: Add your favorite veggies, swap out the cheese, or use lean ground turkey or chicken for a lighter twist.
Quick and Easy: With just a few ingredients, this recipe comes together in under 35 minutes—perfect for a weeknight meal.
Flavorful Filling: The combination of spices and cheese with the beef makes for a flavorful, hearty filling everyone will love.

Ingredients

1 lb lean ground beef
2 cups shredded cheese (cheddar or Monterey Jack)
8 large flour tortillas
Spices: cumin, chili powder, garlic powder, onion powder
Vegetable oil (for frying)

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Instructions

1. Cook the Ground Beef

In a skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef until browned. Drain any excess grease and stir in the spices (cumin, chili powder, garlic powder, and onion powder). Mix well to combine and set aside.

2. Prepare the Tortillas

Warm the flour tortillas slightly to make them pliable. You can do this by placing them in the microwave for about 10-15 seconds or on a dry skillet for a few seconds on each side.

3. Assemble the Chimichangas

Place about 1/4 cup of the beef mixture and 2 tablespoons of cheese on each tortilla. Fold in the sides and roll tightly to form a burrito shape.

4. Fry the Chimichangas

Heat vegetable oil in a heavy pot over medium-high heat. Once the oil is hot, fry the chimichangas seam-side down for about 3-5 minutes per side or until golden brown and crispy.

5. Drain and Serve

Remove the chimichangas from the oil and drain them on paper towels to remove excess oil. Serve hot with your favorite toppings like salsa, guacamole, or sour cream.

Notes

Baked Option: For a healthier alternative, bake the chimichangas in a 375°F (190°C) oven for 20-25 minutes or until golden and crispy, flipping halfway through.
Customize Your Fillings: Add sautéed onions, bell peppers, or even some black beans to the beef mixture for extra flavor and texture. You can also experiment with different types of cheese like pepper jack or Mexican blend.
Make Ahead: You can prepare the filling ahead of time and store it in the fridge for up to 2 days. When ready to cook, assemble and fry as usual.

Serving Suggestions

Salsa: Serve with a side of fresh salsa for added tang and spice.
Guacamole: Creamy guacamole pairs perfectly with the crispy chimichangas.
Sour Cream: A dollop of sour cream adds a cool and creamy contrast to the heat from the spices.

Storage and Reheating

Storage: Leftover chimichangas can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
Reheating: Reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10-15 minutes to restore their crispness. Alternatively, you can reheat in a skillet over medium heat.

FAQs

1. Can I use ground turkey or chicken instead of beef?

Yes, ground turkey or chicken can be used as a leaner alternative to ground beef.

2. Can I make the chimichangas ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare and roll the chimichangas in advance, then store them in the fridge for up to 1 day before frying. When ready, just fry them as instructed.

3. Can I use soft flour tortillas for this recipe?

It’s best to use sturdy flour tortillas so that they hold up during frying. Soft tortillas can tear or become soggy, so opt for thick, large tortillas for better results.

4. Can I add extra toppings inside the chimichangas?

Absolutely! You can add ingredients like sautéed onions, bell peppers, jalapeños, or even a bit of cream cheese for extra creaminess. Be mindful not to overstuff them, as it might affect how well they roll and fry.

5. Can I make this vegetarian?

Yes! You can substitute the ground beef with black beans, or grilled vegetables for a delicious vegetarian option.

6. Can I make the chimichangas without frying?

Yes, you can bake the chimichangas instead. Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C), arrange the assembled chimichangas on a baking sheet, and spray with a bit of cooking oil. Bake for 20-25 minutes, flipping halfway through until crispy.

7. Can I use a different cheese?

Yes, feel free to experiment with different cheeses. Pepper Jack for a spicy kick or Mexican Blend for a richer flavor works wonderfully in this recipe.

8. How spicy will the chimichangas be with the spices?

The spices (cumin, chili powder, garlic powder, and onion powder) provide flavor rather than intense heat. However, if you prefer a spicier dish, you can add chopped jalapeños or hot sauce to the filling or sprinkle them on top for extra heat.

9. Can I make the chimichangas ahead of time and freeze them?

Yes, assemble the chimichangas, but do not fry them. Place them in an airtight container or freezer bag and freeze for up to 2 months. To cook, fry from frozen, adding a few extra minutes to the cooking time.

10. How do I keep my chimichangas crispy after cooking?

To maintain their crispiness, allow the chimichangas to cool slightly on a wire rack, so air circulates around them, preventing them from getting soggy. If you’re storing them, reheat in an oven at 350°F (175°C) for a few minutes to restore their crispness.

Conclusion

These Crispy Beef and Cheese Chimichangas are a wonderful, crowd-pleasing dish perfect for any occasion. Whether you serve them at a party, enjoy them for a weeknight dinner, or just indulge in a quick snack, these chimichangas are sure to satisfy. The crunchy, golden exterior and flavorful, cheesy filling are a winning combination that will have your family and friends coming back for more.

Crispy Beef and Cheese Chimichangas: Deliciously Crunchy!

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Author: Paula
Total Time: 35 minutes
Yield: 8 chimichangas

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Description

Crispy Beef and Cheese Chimichangas are savory, crunchy treats filled with seasoned ground beef, melted cheese, and aromatic spices, all wrapped in a golden-brown tortilla. Whether fried or baked, they are perfect for family dinners or parties, especially when paired with fresh salsa, creamy guacamole, or zesty sour cream.

Ingredients

1 lb lean ground beef

2 cups shredded cheese (cheddar or Monterey Jack)

8 large flour tortillas

Spices: cumin, chili powder, garlic powder, onion powder

Vegetable oil (for frying)

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Instructions

Cook the Ground Beef: In a skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef until browned. Drain excess grease and stir in the spices (cumin, chili powder, garlic powder, and onion powder). Set aside.
Prepare the Tortillas: Warm the flour tortillas slightly by microwaving for 10-15 seconds or on a dry skillet for a few seconds on each side.
Assemble the Chimichangas: Place 1/4 cup of beef mixture and 2 tablespoons of cheese on each tortilla. Fold in the sides and roll tightly to form a burrito shape.
Fry the Chimichangas: Heat vegetable oil in a heavy pot over medium-high heat. Fry the chimichangas seam-side down for 3-5 minutes per side or until golden brown and crispy.
Drain and Serve: Remove the chimichangas from the oil and drain on paper towels. Serve hot with salsa, guacamole, or sour cream.

Notes

Baked Option: For a healthier alternative, bake at 375°F (190°C) for 20-25 minutes or until golden and crispy, flipping halfway through.

Customize Your Fillings: Add sautéed onions, bell peppers, or black beans for extra flavor and texture. You can also try different types of cheese like pepper jack or Mexican blend.

Make Ahead: Prepare the filling ahead of time and store it in the fridge for up to 2 days. Assemble and fry when ready to cook.