Description
Crispy, golden chimichangas filled with savory seasoned beef and melting cheddar cheese, perfect for any occasion.
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 small onion (finely diced)
- 2 cloves garlic (minced)
- 1 packet (1 oz) taco seasoning (or homemade blend)
- ½ cup salsa
- 1 cup refried beans
- 1 ½ cups shredded cheddar cheese (or Mexican blend)
- 6 large flour tortillas (burrito-size)
- 2 tbsp vegetable oil (for brushing or frying)
Instructions
- Cook the beef filling: In a large skillet over medium heat, add the ground beef and diced onion. Cook until the meat is browned and the onion is tender. Drain any excess grease. Stir in the minced garlic, taco seasoning, and salsa. Let it simmer for about 3-4 minutes to marry the flavors.
- Assemble the chimichangas: Lay out each tortilla on a flat surface. Spread a spoonful of refried beans in the center of each one. Top with a generous scoop of the beef mixture and sprinkle on a handful of shredded cheese.
- Roll and secure: Fold in the sides of each tortilla and then roll up tightly, just like a burrito.
- Cook the chimichangas using your preferred method:
- Oven Method: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Place chimichangas seam-side down on a baking sheet. Brush lightly with vegetable oil and bake for 18-20 minutes, flipping halfway through, until golden and crispy.
- Skillet Method: Heat 2-3 tablespoons of oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add chimichangas seam-side down and pan-fry for 2-3 minutes per side until golden and crisp.
- Serve: Once cooked, let the chimichangas cool for 2 minutes. Serve with toppings like sour cream, guacamole, salsa, or chopped lettuce.
Notes
For a healthier option, brush the chimichangas with olive oil instead of deep-frying.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Frying/Baking
- Cuisine: Mexican
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 400mg
- Fat: 12g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 45g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 15g
- Cholesterol: 30mg
Keywords: chimichangas, beef, cheese, Mexican, easy dinner, comfort food