Print

Crispy Beef and Cheese Chimichangas

crispy beef and cheese chimichangas - featured image
Print Recipe

Golden, crispy chimichangas filled with seasoned ground beef and a gooey blend of sharp cheddar and mozzarella cheese. A quick and easy comfort food perfect for busy weeknights or casual gatherings.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 lb ground beef (80/20 blend recommended)
  • 1 small onion, finely chopped
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 tsp ground cumin
  • 1 tsp smoked paprika
  • ½ tsp chili powder
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • 2 tbsp tomato paste
  • ¼ cup beef broth or water
  • ½ cup sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
  • ½ cup mozzarella cheese, shredded
  • 6 large flour tortillas (10-inch size)
  • Vegetable oil or canola oil for frying (about 2 cups)
  • Optional: sour cream, salsa, or guacamole for serving

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Beef Filling (10-15 minutes): Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef and cook, breaking it up with a spatula, until it starts to brown (about 5 minutes). Drain excess fat if needed.
  2. Add the chopped onion and garlic to the skillet with the beef. Cook until the onion softens and becomes translucent, about 3 minutes.
  3. Stir in the cumin, smoked paprika, chili powder, salt, and pepper. Cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
  4. Mix in the tomato paste and beef broth. Reduce heat to low and simmer for 5 more minutes, stirring occasionally. The mixture should be thick but moist. Remove from heat and let cool slightly.
  5. Assemble the Chimichangas (10 minutes): Lay a tortilla flat on a clean surface. Spoon about ⅓ cup (80 ml) of the beef mixture down the center.
  6. Sprinkle an even layer of shredded cheddar and mozzarella cheeses over the beef.
  7. Fold the sides of the tortilla inward, then roll tightly from the bottom up to enclose the filling. Keep the seam side down to help it stay closed during frying.
  8. Repeat with remaining tortillas and filling.
  9. Fry the Chimichangas (8-10 minutes): Pour oil into a large skillet to a depth of about 1 inch and heat over medium heat until it reaches 350°F (175°C).
  10. Carefully place 2-3 chimichangas seam side down in the oil. Fry for about 3-4 minutes per side, turning gently with tongs, until golden brown and crispy.
  11. Remove from oil and place on paper towels to drain excess oil.
  12. Serve: Let cool for a minute or two, then serve with sour cream, salsa, or guacamole.

Notes

Warm tortillas before assembling to prevent cracking. Maintain oil temperature at 350°F for best crispness. Do not overfill tortillas to avoid leaks. For a lighter option, bake at 400°F for 20 minutes, flipping halfway through. Chimichangas can be assembled and frozen before frying.

Nutrition

Keywords: chimichangas, beef chimichangas, crispy chimichangas, cheese chimichangas, fried burrito, comfort food, quick dinner, easy recipe

Find it online: https://larameals.com/crispy-beef-and-cheese-chimichangas-recipe-easy-gooey-melted-cheese-delight/