Beef Cheese Chimichangas are crispy, cheesy, and packed with bold Tex-Mex flavor. They are quick enough for a weeknight dinner and indulgent enough for a weekend treat. These delightful treats are filled with juicy, seasoned ground beef and melty cheddar, all wrapped in a golden tortilla. When you fry them to perfection, they deliver that satisfying crunch along with a comforting, cheesy interior. Whether you’re looking for easy dinner ideas or a fun dish for a gathering, these chimichangas are sure to impress!
Why You’ll Love This Beef Cheese Chimichangas
Here are a few reasons why you’ll adore these beef and cheese chimichangas. First, they are incredibly quick to prepare, making them a perfect choice for busy weeknights. They feature a hearty filling of seasoned ground beef, which makes them quite filling and satisfying. The combination of crispy exterior and gooey cheese creates a delightful contrast in texture. You can easily customize these beef-filled chimichangas with your favorite toppings, such as salsa, guacamole, or sour cream. Plus, they are great for feeding a crowd, as you can make several at once. This recipe falls under the Tex-Mex cuisine category and is gluten-free, making it suitable for various dietary preferences.
Ingredients for Beef Cheese Chimichangas
Gather these items:
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 4 large flour tortillas
- 1 small onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tablespoons taco seasoning
- 1 tablespoon tomato paste
- 1/4 cup water or beef broth
- 1/2 cup vegetable oil (for frying)
How to Make Beef Cheese Chimichangas Step-by-Step
- Step 1: In a large skillet, cook ground beef over medium-high heat until fully browned. Drain any excess fat.
- Step 2: Add diced onion to the skillet and cook for 3–4 minutes until softened.
- Step 3: Stir in minced garlic and cook for an additional minute.
- Step 4: Mix in taco seasoning and tomato paste, then add water or broth. Stir well and let it simmer until thickened.
- Step 5: Warm the flour tortillas slightly to make them pliable.
- Step 6: Spoon beef filling into the center of each tortilla, top with shredded cheddar, and roll tightly.
- Step 7: Heat oil in a skillet over medium heat.
- Step 8: Fry chimichangas seam-side down for 2–3 minutes per side until golden and crispy.
- Step 9: Remove and drain on paper towels or a wire rack.
- Step 10: Serve hot with your favorite toppings like sour cream or salsa.
Pro Tips for the Perfect Beef Cheese Chimichangas
Keep these in mind:
- Serve with guacamole, rice, or beans.
- This dish is perfect for easy dinner ideas and fun food for a crowd.
- Ensure the oil is hot enough before frying to achieve a crispy exterior.
- For added flavor, consider using a mix of cheeses or adding some jalapeños for heat.
Best Ways to Serve Beef Cheese Chimichangas
These cheese chimichangas with beef can be served in various ways. Pair them with a fresh salad or some Mexican rice for a complete meal. You can also serve them alongside beans or a homemade salsa for a burst of flavor. For a more indulgent option, top your chimichangas with sour cream and avocado slices before serving!
How to Store and Reheat Beef Cheese Chimichangas
After frying, let the chimichangas cool completely before storing them. You can keep them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place them in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10–15 minutes or until heated through. This method will help maintain their crispy texture.
Frequently Asked Questions About Beef Cheese Chimichangas
What’s the secret to perfect Beef Cheese Chimichangas?
The secret to perfect homemade beef cheese chimichangas lies in ensuring the tortillas are warm and pliable before filling. This prevents them from cracking when rolled. Additionally, frying them in hot oil ensures a crispy texture.
Can I make Beef Cheese Chimichangas ahead of time?
Yes! You can prepare the filling ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator. When you’re ready, simply assemble and fry the chimichangas for a quick and delicious meal.
How do I avoid common mistakes with Beef Cheese Chimichangas?
Common mistakes include using cold tortillas that crack while rolling. Also, avoid overfilling them, as this can lead to bursting during frying. Use the right oil temperature for frying to achieve that perfect crunch!
Variations of Beef Cheese Chimichangas You Can Try
There are plenty of delicious variations to explore! You can try beef cheese burritos chimichanga style by using rice and beans in the filling. For a vegetarian option, consider using black beans or lentils instead of beef. Another idea is to bake them for a lighter twist, making them even healthier while retaining that great Tex-Mex flavor.
For more information about Tex-Mex cuisine, check out this article. If you’re interested in learning more about the health benefits of beef, visit Healthline. You can also find out more about my cooking journey.
PrintCrispy Beef Cheese Chimichangas for Ultimate Comfort
Beef and Cheese Chimichangas are crispy, cheesy, and packed with bold Tex-Mex flavor. They are quick enough for a weeknight dinner and indulgent enough for a weekend treat.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: Tex-Mex
- Diet: Gluten Free
Ingredients
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 4 large flour tortillas
- 1 small onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tablespoons taco seasoning
- 1 tablespoon tomato paste
- 1/4 cup water or beef broth
- 1/2 cup vegetable oil (for frying)
Instructions
- In a large skillet, cook ground beef over medium-high heat until fully browned. Drain any excess fat.
- Add diced onion to the skillet and cook for 3–4 minutes until softened.
- Stir in minced garlic and cook for an additional minute.
- Mix in taco seasoning and tomato paste, then add water or broth. Stir well and let it simmer until thickened.
- Warm the flour tortillas slightly to make them pliable.
- Spoon beef filling into the center of each tortilla, top with shredded cheddar, and roll tightly.
- Heat oil in a skillet over medium heat.
- Fry chimichangas seam-side down for 2–3 minutes per side until golden and crispy.
- Remove and drain on paper towels or a wire rack.
- Serve hot with your favorite toppings like sour cream or salsa.
Notes
- Serve with guacamole, rice, or beans.
- This dish is perfect for easy dinner ideas and fun food for a crowd.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 chimichanga
- Calories: 520
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 680mg
- Fat: 32g
- Saturated Fat: 12g
- Unsaturated Fat: 16g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 31g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 27g
- Cholesterol: 80mg
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