Beef and Cheese Chimichangas 🌯🧀
Beef and Cheese Chimichangas are a delicious and satisfying meal that everyone will love. These crispy, golden burritos are filled with savory ground beef and melted cheese, bringing together the comforting flavors of classic Mexican cuisine. They are perfect for a family dinner or a weekend gathering with friends, making them a versatile choice for any occasion.
Why Make This Recipe
Making Beef and Cheese Chimichangas at home is both easy and rewarding. You can customize the filling to your liking while enjoying the crunch of frying. Plus, serving these chimichangas with salsa, sour cream, and guacamole elevates the dish and makes it even more delectable. This recipe allows you to bring a taste of Mexico to your kitchen without the need for special ingredients or complicated techniques.
How to Make Beef and Cheese Chimichangas
Ingredients:
- 6 large flour tortillas
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tsp cumin
- 1 tsp chili powder
- ½ tsp salt
- ½ tsp black pepper
- 1 cup cheddar cheese, shredded
- ½ cup Monterey Jack cheese, shredded
- Vegetable oil, for frying
- Salsa, sour cream, and guacamole, for serving
Directions:
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Cook the Beef Mixture: In a large skillet, cook the ground beef, chopped onion, and minced garlic over medium heat. Cook until the beef is browned and the onions are soft. This should take about 5-7 minutes.
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Add Spices and Cheese: Once the beef is cooked, add the cumin, chili powder, salt, and black pepper. Stir to combine and cook for another 2 minutes. Remove from heat and stir in the shredded cheddar and Monterey Jack cheeses until melted.
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Prepare the Tortillas: To make the tortillas easier to roll, warm them in the microwave for about 30 seconds. This will help them become pliable, so they don’t crack when you fold them.
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Assemble Chimichangas: Spoon the beef and cheese mixture onto the center of each tortilla. Fold in the sides and roll up tightly to enclose the filling. Make sure the seam is on the bottom to keep them closed while frying.
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Fry the Chimichangas: Heat about 1 inch of vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Once the oil is hot, carefully place the chimichangas seam-side down. Fry them until golden brown and crispy on all sides, turning as needed. This should take about 4-5 minutes.
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Serve: Remove the chimichangas from oil and drain them on paper towels. Serve hot with salsa, sour cream, and guacamole.
How to Serve Beef and Cheese Chimichangas
Enjoy your Beef and Cheese Chimichangas immediately after frying for the best crispiness. A side of salsa, sour cream, and guacamole makes for perfect dipping options. You can also serve them with a fresh salad or some Mexican rice for a complete meal.
How to Store Beef and Cheese Chimichangas
If you have leftovers, store the chimichangas in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place them in an oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 15 minutes, or until heated through. Avoid microwaving them, as that can make them soggy.
Tips to Make Beef and Cheese Chimichangas
- Make sure not to overfill the tortillas, as this can make them difficult to roll.
- Fry the chimichangas in batches to avoid overcrowding the pan, which can cause them to cook unevenly.
- For a healthy alternative, you can use ground turkey or chicken instead of beef.
Variation
Feel free to switch up the filling! You can include beans, vegetables, or different types of cheese to suit your taste. If you want a spicy kick, add some diced jalapeños or hot sauce to the beef mixture.
FAQs
Can I bake the chimichangas instead of frying them?
Yes, you can brush them with oil and bake at 400°F (200°C) for about 20-25 minutes until they are crispy.
How can I make these vegetarian?
Use black beans or lentils as a filling instead of meat, and keep the cheese to add flavor.
Can I freeze the chimichangas?
Yes, you can freeze them before or after frying. Just make sure to wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and store in a freezer-safe bag. Thaw before reheating.
Now you can enjoy delicious homemade Beef and Cheese Chimichangas that are sure to impress!
