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Beef and Cheese Chimichangas

Beef and Cheese Chimichangas
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Beef and Cheese Chimichangas are crispy, golden-fried tortillas filled with a juicy, flavorful blend of lean ground beef, sautéed onions and garlic, warm spices, and melty cheddar cheese. Perfect as a satisfying weeknight dinner or a crowd-pleasing party dish, these chimichangas deliver an indulgent yet customizable flavor with a perfect balance of crunchy exterior and cheesy, savory filling.

Ingredients

Scale

Main Ingredients

  • 1 lb lean ground beef
  • 2 cups shredded sharp or mild cheddar cheese
  • 4 large flour tortillas
  • 1 medium onion, chopped
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 tsp chili powder
  • 1 tsp ground cumin
  • 1 tsp smoked paprika
  • Salt and pepper, to taste
  • Vegetable or canola oil, for frying (about 2 cups)

Optional Toppings

  • Fresh cilantro, chopped
  • Sour cream
  • Salsa or pico de gallo
  • Lime wedges

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Beef Filling: Heat a skillet over medium heat. Sauté the chopped onions and minced garlic until soft and fragrant, about 3-5 minutes. Add the lean ground beef, breaking it up with a spatula, and cook until browned and cooked through. Stir in chili powder, cumin, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. Cook for another 2 minutes to blend the flavors.
  2. Add the Cheese: Remove the skillet from heat. While the beef mixture is still warm, fold in the shredded cheddar cheese to allow it to melt and bind the filling together evenly.
  3. Assemble the Chimichangas: Lay a large flour tortilla flat on a clean surface. Spoon an even portion of the beef and cheese mixture into the center, shaping it into a neat mound. Fold in the sides of the tortilla, then roll tightly from one end to the other to enclose the filling. Seal the edge with a dab of water if needed to secure the roll.
  4. Fry to Crispy Perfection: Heat vegetable or canola oil in a deep skillet to medium-high heat, maintaining a temperature between 350°F and 375°F. Carefully place the chimichangas seam side down in the hot oil. Fry for 2-3 minutes per side or until golden brown and crispy. Remove with a slotted spoon and drain on paper towels to absorb excess oil.
  5. Serve Immediately: Serve the chimichangas hot, garnished with your favorite toppings such as chopped cilantro, sour cream, salsa, and a squeeze of lime for added freshness and flavor.

Notes

  • Use freshly shredded cheese for better melting and texture.
  • Maintain oil temperature between 350°F and 375°F to avoid soggy or burnt chimichangas.
  • Seal tortillas securely with water or beaten egg to prevent openings during frying.
  • Don’t overfill the tortillas to avoid breakage and filling spillage.
  • Drain fried chimichangas on paper towels to keep them crispy.

Nutrition

Keywords: chimichangas, beef chimichangas, cheese chimichangas, fried tortillas, comfort food, Mexican appetizers, easy dinner, crispy chimichangas

Find it online: https://marybaking.com/beef-and-cheese-chimichangas/