Beef and Cheese Chimichangas
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There’s a special kind of joy in biting into a golden, crackling chimichanga—its shell giving way to tender beef and gooey, melted cheese. For me, it’s more than just a meal; it’s the soundtrack to family movie nights. I still remember those Friday evenings, the scent of seasoned beef drifting through the kitchen as everyone waited for the first bite. Once the platter hit the table, it was a race to grab one before they disappeared.
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Chimichangas are essentially burritos that got a little wild—deep-fried (or oven-baked) until crisp, they’re a Tex-Mex favorite that feels indulgent but is surprisingly easy to whip up on a weeknight. What makes them shine is their flexibility: swap the fillings, dial up the spice, or prep them ahead for a stress-free dinner. With just a few humble ingredients—ground beef, cheese, tortillas—you can serve up something that tastes straight out of a restaurant.
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They’re also a hit with all ages. Kids adore the cheesy center, adults savor the bold flavors, and everyone gets to top theirs with salsa, guac, or sour cream. It’s not just dinner—it’s a build-your-own flavor adventure.
Whether you’re cooking for a cozy night in, hosting friends, or feeding a hungry crowd on game day, these Beef and Cheese Chimichangas are guaranteed to please. Crispy on the outside, melty on the inside, and made with pantry staples—what’s not to love?
🧂 Ingredients
| Ingredient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Ground beef | 1 lb / 450 g |
| Small onion, finely chopped | 1 |
| Garlic cloves, minced | 2 |
| Chili powder | 1 tsp |
| Ground cumin | 1 tsp |
| Smoked paprika | ½ tsp |
| Salt | ½ tsp or to taste |
| Black pepper | ¼ tsp |
| Diced green chilies (optional) | 1 can (4 oz) |
| Refried beans (optional) | 1 cup |
| Shredded cheddar or cheese blend | 1½ cups |
| Large flour tortillas (10-inch) | 6 |
| Oil for frying (vegetable/canola) | As needed |
🔥 Instructions
1. Prepare the Filling
- Heat a skillet over medium heat.
- Brown the ground beef, breaking it apart as it cooks. Drain excess fat.
- Add onion and garlic; sauté until softened (about 2 minutes).
- Stir in chili powder, cumin, paprika, salt, and pepper.
- Mix in green chilies and refried beans (if using). Cook until well combined.
- Remove from heat and let cool slightly.
2. Assemble the Chimichangas
- Warm tortillas to make them pliable.
- Spoon 2–3 tablespoons of beef mixture into the center of each tortilla.
- Top generously with shredded cheese.
- Fold in the sides and roll tightly like a burrito.
3. Fry to Perfection
- Heat 1 inch of oil in a skillet to 350°F / 175°C.
- Place chimichangas seam-side down in the hot oil.
- Fry 2–3 at a time, turning until golden and crispy (2–3 minutes per side).
- Remove and drain on paper towels.
4. Serve & Customize
- Serve hot with your favorite toppings: sour cream, salsa, guacamole, or jalapeños.
- Let everyone dress theirs up—because dinner should be delicious and fun.
