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Beef and Cheese Chimichangas

Beef and Cheese Chimichangas

These Beef and Cheese Chimichangas are crispy, cheesy, and packed with savory Mexican-inspired flavors. Featuring seasoned ground beef blended with melted cheddar cheese, wrapped in a golden flour tortilla, and fried to perfection, this dish is perfect for a comforting meal or flavorful party snack.

Ingredients

Scale

Main Ingredients

  • 1 lb ground beef (lean or regular)
  • 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
  • 4 large flour tortillas
  • 1 small onion, finely chopped
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 tsp chili powder
  • 1 tsp ground cumin
  • 1 tsp paprika
  • Salt and pepper, to taste
  • Oil for frying (vegetable or canola oil)

Optional for Serving

  • Salsa
  • Sour cream
  • Fresh cilantro, chopped
  • Sliced green onions
  • Lime wedges

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Beef Filling: Heat a skillet over medium heat and cook the ground beef with finely chopped onion and minced garlic until browned and fragrant. Stir in chili powder, cumin, paprika, salt, and pepper to create a savory, classic Mexican flavor.
  2. Add Cheese to the Filling: Remove the skillet from heat and stir in the shredded cheddar cheese while the mixture is still warm so the cheese melts and binds the filling together.
  3. Assemble the Chimichangas: Lay out a large flour tortilla and spoon a generous portion of the beef and cheese filling in the center. Fold the sides over, then roll tightly to fully encase the filling, preventing leaks during cooking.
  4. Fry Until Golden and Crispy: Heat oil in a deep skillet or fryer to medium heat. Fry each chimichanga carefully, turning to brown all sides evenly. Once golden and crisp, transfer to paper towels to drain excess oil.
  5. Serve and Enjoy: Plate the chimichangas with your choice of garnishes such as chopped cilantro, sliced green onions, sour cream, and a squeeze of lime. Serve with salsa or your favorite dips and sides.

Notes

  • Use fresh, pliable tortillas for easier folding and better crisping.
  • Don’t overfill the tortillas to prevent bursting during frying.
  • Maintain medium heat while frying to avoid burning the outside before heating through.
  • Drain chimichangas on paper towels after frying to remove excess oil and keep them light.
  • Try mixing different cheeses for a more flavorful melt.

Nutrition

Keywords: beef chimichangas, cheese chimichangas, Mexican food, crispy chimichangas, party snacks, comfort food, fried tortillas