Beef and Cheese Chimichangas Recipe
These Beef and Cheese Chimichangas are crispy, cheesy, and packed with flavorful seasoned ground beef and refried beans, wrapped in large flour tortillas and cooked to golden perfection. Enjoy them baked for a healthier option or skillet-fried for extra crispiness. Perfect for a satisfying Mexican-inspired meal.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 6 chimichangas 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Mexican
Ingredients
Scale
Filling
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 small onion, finely diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 packet (1 oz) taco seasoning (or homemade)
- ½ cup salsa
- 1 cup refried beans
- 1 ½ cups shredded cheddar cheese or Mexican blend cheese
Assembly and Cooking
- 6 large flour tortillas (burrito-size)
- 2 tbsp vegetable oil (for brushing or frying)
Instructions
- Cook the beef filling: In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef along with the finely diced onion until the beef is fully browned and the onion is tender, about 7-8 minutes.
- Drain excess grease and season: Drain off any excess grease from the skillet. Stir in the minced garlic, taco seasoning, and salsa. Simmer the mixture for 3–4 minutes, stirring occasionally, until all ingredients are well combined and heated through.
- Assemble the chimichangas: Lay a large flour tortilla flat. Spread a spoonful of refried beans down the center of each tortilla. Top with a generous scoop of the beef filling, followed by a handful of shredded cheese. Fold in the sides and roll tightly like a burrito to seal the filling inside.
- Choose your cooking method: For the oven method, preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Place the chimichangas seam-side down on a baking sheet, brush lightly with vegetable oil, then bake for 18–20 minutes, flipping once halfway through, until golden and crispy. For the skillet method, heat 2–3 tablespoons of vegetable oil over medium heat in a skillet. Place the chimichangas seam-side down and cook for 2–3 minutes on each side until they are golden brown and crispy.
- Serve: Remove the chimichangas from heat and let them rest for 2 minutes. Serve hot, optionally topped with sour cream, guacamole, shredded lettuce, or extra salsa for added flavor and texture.
Notes
- You can substitute ground turkey or chicken for a leaner protein option.
- For extra crispiness, use the skillet frying method but be mindful of the oil temperature to avoid burning.
- To make this gluten-free, use gluten-free tortillas.
- Leftover chimichangas can be reheated in the oven to restore crispiness.
- Adjust the amount of taco seasoning and salsa based on your spice preference.
Keywords: chimichangas, beef chimichangas, Mexican recipe, crispy chimichangas, cheese chimichangas, ground beef recipe
Find it online: https://ricoloranz.com/beef-and-cheese-chimichangas-recipe/
