Oh my goodness, let me tell you about these savory beef and cheese chimichangas! They are the ultimate comfort food—crunchy, cheesy, and packed with flavor. I remember the first time I made them for my family; the kitchen was filled with the most mouthwatering aroma, and everyone just couldn’t wait to dig in. It’s become a staple in our household, especially on busy weeknights when we need something hearty and satisfying. Trust me, the moment you take that first bite, with the crispy exterior giving way to the gooey, cheesy filling, you’ll understand why this dish has my heart. It’s a family favorite that never disappoints!
Ingredients
Gather these simple yet essential ingredients to whip up your savory beef and cheese chimichangas:
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 cup shredded cheese (I love using a mix of cheddar and Monterey Jack for extra flavor!)
- 4 large flour tortillas (make sure they’re soft and pliable for easy rolling)
- 1 small onion, diced (this adds a lovely sweetness)
- 2 cloves garlic, minced (because garlic makes everything better!)
- 1 teaspoon chili powder (for that warm kick)
- 1 teaspoon cumin (adds a nice earthy flavor)
- Salt and pepper to taste (don’t skimp on seasoning!)
- Oil for frying (vegetable or canola oil works great)
Once you have these on hand, you’re all set to create something delicious!
How to Prepare Savory Beef and Cheese Chimichanga
Now let’s dive into the fun part—making these delicious savory beef and cheese chimichangas! It’s a pretty straightforward process, and I promise you’ll feel like a kitchen rockstar by the end. Follow these steps, and you’ll have a plateful of crispy goodness in no time!
Cooking the Beef Mixture
Start by heating a large skillet over medium heat. Add the ground beef and let it cook, breaking it apart with a spatula, for about 5 minutes or until it starts to brown. Toss in the diced onion and minced garlic, and keep cooking for another 3-4 minutes. You want the onions to soften and the beef to be fully browned. Make sure to sprinkle in that chili powder, cumin, salt, and pepper while it cooks to let those flavors meld together beautifully. Once everything is cooked through, set the mixture aside to cool slightly.
Assembling the Chimichangas
Grab your tortillas and lay one flat on a clean surface. Spoon a generous portion of the beef mixture in the center, then sprinkle a good handful of shredded cheese on top—don’t be shy! Now, fold the sides of the tortilla over the filling, tucking it in tightly, and then roll it up from the bottom to the top. Make sure it’s sealed well; you can use a bit of water on the edges to help it stick if needed. Repeat this with the remaining tortillas, and voilà, you’re ready to fry!
Frying the Chimichangas
In the same skillet, heat about an inch of oil over medium-high heat until it shimmers (a good test is to drop in a small piece of tortilla—if it sizzles, you’re ready!). Carefully place the rolled chimichangas in the hot oil, seam side down. Fry them for about 3-4 minutes on each side, or until they turn a gorgeous golden brown. Keep an eye on them to prevent burning; you want that perfect crispy texture! Once done, transfer them to a plate lined with paper towels to drain off any excess oil, and prepare for the deliciousness!
Tips for Success
To make sure your savory beef and cheese chimichangas turn out perfectly every time, here are a few tips that I swear by! First, when working with tortillas, it’s best to warm them slightly in the microwave for about 10-15 seconds. This makes them more pliable and less likely to tear when you’re rolling them up. Second, don’t overfill your chimichangas; a little goes a long way, and you’ll avoid messy leaks while frying. Speaking of frying, keep the oil at the right temperature—medium-high is ideal. If it’s too hot, they’ll burn on the outside but stay cold inside. If it’s too cool, they’ll soak up too much oil. Just watch for that lovely golden color, and you’ll be golden too!
Nutritional Information
These savory beef and cheese chimichangas are not just delicious, but they also pack a satisfying nutritional punch! Each chimichanga is estimated to contain around 350 calories, with 20 grams of fat and 15 grams of protein. You’ll also get about 30 grams of carbohydrates and 2 grams of fiber. Keep in mind that these numbers can vary based on your specific ingredients and portion sizes, but it’s a tasty meal you can feel good about enjoying!
FAQ Section
Got questions about these savory beef and cheese chimichangas? Don’t worry, I’ve got you covered! Here are some of the most common queries I hear:
Can I make these ahead of time? Absolutely! You can prepare the chimichangas and then store them in the refrigerator for up to a day before frying. Just make sure to cover them with plastic wrap to keep them fresh.
How do I store leftovers? If you have any leftovers (which is rare, trust me!), store them in an airtight container in the fridge. They’ll stay good for about 2-3 days. Just reheat them in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10-15 minutes to get that crisp back!
Can I use different fillings? Yes, definitely! Feel free to substitute the beef with shredded chicken, beans, or even veggies for a meatless version. The possibilities are endless, and you can customize them to fit your cravings!
What’s the best way to reheat them? For the best texture, I recommend reheating in the oven rather than the microwave. It helps keep them crispy rather than soggy.
Can I freeze chimichangas? You can! Just make sure to wrap them tightly in foil or plastic wrap before freezing. Thaw in the fridge overnight when you’re ready to enjoy them again.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick and Easy: With just a handful of ingredients and simple steps, you can whip up these chimichangas in no time!
- Flavor Explosion: Each bite is bursting with savory beef, melted cheese, and a hint of spice that will have your taste buds dancing.
- Customizable: Feel free to switch up the fillings—chicken, beans, or even veggies work beautifully!
- Perfect for Meal Prep: Make a batch ahead of time and freeze them for quick meals on busy days!
- Family-Friendly: Kids and adults alike will love these crispy delights, making them a hit at the dinner table.
- Impressive Presentation: Serve them with a side of salsa or guacamole, and you’ve got a meal that looks as good as it tastes!
Trust me, once you try these savory beef and cheese chimichangas, they’ll quickly become a staple in your home!
Serving Suggestions
To elevate your savory beef and cheese chimichangas, I love serving them with a side of fresh salsa or zesty guacamole. The coolness of the guacamole perfectly balances the warm, crispy chimichangas. You can also add a dollop of sour cream for that creamy texture or sprinkle some chopped cilantro on top for a fresh burst of flavor. For an extra kick, try serving them with pickled jalapeños or a side of Mexican rice. Trust me, these little additions will take your meal to the next level and make for a truly delightful dining experience!
Print
Savory Beef and Cheese Chimichanga: 5 Reasons to Indulge
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
Savory beef and cheese chimichanga filled with seasoned beef and melted cheese, rolled and fried to a golden crisp.
Ingredients
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 cup shredded cheese
- 4 large flour tortillas
- 1 small onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon chili powder
- 1 teaspoon cumin
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Oil for frying
Instructions
- In a skillet, cook the ground beef with onion and garlic until browned.
- Add chili powder, cumin, salt, and pepper. Mix well.
- Lay a tortilla flat and place a portion of the beef mixture and cheese in the center.
- Fold the sides of the tortilla over the filling and roll tightly.
- Heat oil in a pan over medium heat.
- Fry the rolled chimichangas until golden brown on all sides.
- Drain on paper towels and serve hot.
Notes
- Serve with salsa or guacamole.
- You can use chicken or beans as a filling alternative.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: Mexican
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 chimichanga
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 1g
- Sodium: 600mg
- Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 8g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 15g
- Cholesterol: 50mg
Keywords: savory beef and cheese chimichanga
