Beef and cheese chimichangas are a delicious and satisfying Mexican dish that is perfect for a hearty meal. This recipe combines seasoned ground beef with melted cheese, all wrapped up in a crispy tortilla. Whether you’re cooking for a crowd or just craving some comfort food, beef and cheese chimichangas are sure to hit the spot.
| Servings | Total |
| 4 | 40mins |
History of Beef and Cheese Chimichangas
The exact origins of chimichangas are unclear, but they are believed to have originated in the southwestern United States or northern Mexico. Some sources suggest that chimichangas were invented by accident when a burrito was dropped into a deep fryer, while others claim that they were created intentionally. Regardless of their origins, chimichangas have become a popular dish in Mexican-American cuisine, known for their crispy exterior and flavorful filling.
Why Choose Beef and Cheese Chimichangas
Beef and cheese chimichangas are a great choice for a meal because they are easy to make and incredibly versatile. You can customize the filling to suit your taste, adding vegetables, beans, or rice for a more filling meal. Plus, chimichangas are a great way to use up leftovers, making them a practical and budget-friendly option for busy weeknights.
What are Beef and Cheese Chimichangas Made of?
Beef and cheese chimichangas are made from simple ingredients that you may already have on hand. The main components of this dish are ground beef, cheese, tortillas, and seasonings. You can also add other ingredients such as onions, peppers, or beans to customize the filling to your liking.
What to Have with Beef and Cheese Chimichangas
Beef and cheese chimichangas can be served with a variety of side dishes to complete the meal. Some popular options include rice, beans, salsa, guacamole, or sour cream. You can also serve chimichangas with a side salad or Mexican-style corn for a more balanced meal.
Are Beef and Cheese Chimichangas Healthy?
While beef and cheese chimichangas are delicious, they are not the healthiest option due to their high fat and calorie content. However, you can make them healthier by using lean ground beef, whole wheat tortillas, and low-fat cheese. Additionally, you can serve chimichangas with a side of vegetables or salad to increase the nutritional value of the meal.
Kitchen Equipment
- Skillet
- Wooden spoon
- Baking sheet
- Aluminum foil
Ingredients
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon chili powder
- 1 teaspoon cumin
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 cup shredded cheese
- 4 large flour tortillas
- Vegetable oil, for frying
Directions:
- In a skillet, cook the ground beef over medium heat until browned. Add the diced onion, garlic, chili powder, cumin, salt, and pepper, and cook for an additional 5 minutes.
- Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with aluminum foil.
- Place a tortilla on a flat surface. Spoon some of the beef mixture onto the center of the tortilla, then sprinkle with shredded cheese. Fold the sides of the tortilla over the filling, then roll up tightly.
- Heat the vegetable oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Carefully place the chimichangas seam-side down in the skillet and cook until golden brown on all sides, about 2-3 minutes per side.
- Transfer the chimichangas to the prepared baking sheet and bake in the preheated oven for 10-15 minutes or until crispy and heated through.
- Serve the chimichangas with your favorite toppings, such as salsa, guacamole, and sour cream.
Tips
- To make this recipe healthier, you can bake the chimichangas instead of frying them. Simply place them seam-side down on a baking sheet lined with aluminum foil and bake at 400°F (200°C) for 15-20 minutes, or until crispy.
- You can customize the filling by adding vegetables such as bell peppers, corn, or black beans.
Conclusion
Beef and cheese chimichangas are a delicious and versatile dish that is perfect for a family dinner or a casual meal with friends. Whether you fry them or bake them, chimichangas are sure to be a hit with everyone at the table. So why not give this recipe a try tonight?
MORE RECIPES
Beef and Cheese Chimichangas Recipe
Equipment
- Skillet
- Wooden spoon
- Baking Sheet
- Aluminum foil
Ingredients
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon chili powder
- 1 teaspoon cumin
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 cup shredded cheese
- 4 large flour tortillas
- Vegetable oil, for frying
Instructions
- In a skillet, cook the ground beef over medium heat until browned. Add the diced onion, garlic, chili powder, cumin, salt, and pepper, and cook for an additional 5 minutes.
- Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with aluminum foil.
- Place a tortilla on a flat surface. Spoon some of the beef mixture onto the center of the tortilla, then sprinkle with shredded cheese. Fold the sides of the tortilla over the filling, then roll up tightly.
- Heat the vegetable oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Carefully place the chimichangas seam-side down in the skillet and cook until golden brown on all sides, about 2-3 minutes per side.
- Transfer the chimichangas to the prepared baking sheet and bake in the preheated oven for 10-15 minutes or until crispy and heated through.
- Serve the chimichangas with your favorite toppings, such as salsa, guacamole, and sour cream.
FAQs
Q: Can I use ground turkey instead of ground beef? A: Yes, you can substitute ground turkey for ground beef in this recipe.
Q: Can I freeze chimichangas? A: Yes, you can freeze chimichangas before or after frying. Simply wrap them tightly in aluminum foil or plastic wrap and store them in the freezer for up to 3 months.
I hope you find this Recipe informative. If you have any further questions or need any adjustments, please feel free to let me know!
How would you cook them in an air fryer? Time & temp, please. Thank you.
Cook the chimichangas in the air fryer at 400°F (200°C) for about 8-10 minutes or until they are golden brown and crispy, flipping halfway through cooking.