Get ready to embark on a mouthwatering Mexican culinary adventure that will transform your ordinary dinner into an extraordinary feast! These beef and cheese chimichangas are not just a meal; they're a crispy, golden-brown experience that combines the rich flavors of seasoned ground beef, melted cheese, and perfectly fried tortillas. Whether you're craving a weekend treat or looking to impress your family and friends, these chimichangas are guaranteed to become your new favorite go-to recipe that brings the authentic taste of Mexican street food right to your kitchen.
Prep Time: 15 mins
Cook Time: 20 mins
Total Time: 35 mins
Cuisine: Mexican
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 cup shredded cheese
- 4 large flour tortillas
- 1 can refried beans
- 1 tablespoon taco seasoning
- Oil for frying
- Guacamole and salsa for serving
Instructions
- Begin by gathering all your ingredients: 1 lb of ground beef, 1 cup of shredded cheese, 4 large flour tortillas, 1 can of refried beans, 1 tablespoon of taco seasoning, and oil for frying. Also, prepare guacamole and salsa for serving.
- In a large skillet, heat a small amount of oil over medium heat. Once the oil is hot, add the ground beef. Cook the beef, breaking it apart with a spatula, until it is browned and fully cooked, about 5-7 minutes.
- Once the beef is cooked, drain any excess fat from the skillet. Add the taco seasoning to the beef and stir well to combine. Follow the instructions on the seasoning packet for any additional liquid requirements, if necessary. Cook for another 2-3 minutes until the seasoning is well incorporated.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the seasoned ground beef with the refried beans and half of the shredded cheese. Mix until everything is evenly distributed.
- To assemble the chimichangas, lay a flour tortilla flat on a clean surface. Spoon about 1/4 of the beef and bean mixture onto the center of the tortilla. Sprinkle a little more cheese on top of the filling.
- Fold the sides of the tortilla over the filling, then roll it up from the bottom to the top, ensuring the filling is securely enclosed. Repeat this process for the remaining tortillas and filling.
- In a large frying pan or deep fryer, heat oil over medium-high heat. You’ll need enough oil to submerge at least half of the chimichangas. To test if the oil is ready, drop a small piece of tortilla into the oil; if it sizzles, the oil is hot enough.
- Carefully place the chimichangas seam side down in the hot oil, cooking them in batches if necessary to avoid overcrowding the pan. Fry for about 3-4 minutes on each side, or until they are golden brown and crispy.
- Once cooked, remove the chimichangas from the oil and place them on a plate lined with paper towels to absorb excess oil.
- Serve the chimichangas hot, garnished with the remaining shredded cheese, alongside guacamole and salsa for dipping. Enjoy your delicious beef and cheese chimichangas!
Tips
- Oil Temperature is Key: Use a cooking thermometer to ensure your oil is consistently around 375°F for the perfect golden-brown crispiness.
- Prevent Filling Leaks: Seal your chimichangas tightly by folding the sides first, then rolling to prevent filling from escaping during frying.
- Drain Excess Fat: Always drain your ground beef thoroughly to prevent soggy chimichangas and reduce excess grease.
- Batch Frying: Don't overcrowd the pan. Fry in small batches to maintain oil temperature and ensure even cooking.
- Make Ahead Option: You can prepare and assemble chimichangas in advance, then refrigerate and fry just before serving.
- Alternative Cooking Methods: For a healthier version, you can bake chimichangas at 400°F for 20-25 minutes or air fry at 370°F for 10-12 minutes.
- Customize Your Filling: Experiment with different proteins like shredded chicken or add additional spices to suit your taste preferences.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 520kcal
Carbohydrates: 35g
Protein: 28g
Fat: 32g
Saturated Fat: 12g
Cholesterol: 95mg
