Description
Golden and crunchy on the outside, these crispy beef & cheesy chimichangas are stuffed with seasoned beef and melty cheese for the ultimate Tex-Mex comfort.
Ingredients
1 lb ground beef
1 tablespoon olive oil
1 small onion, finely diced
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 teaspoon chili powder
1/2 teaspoon cumin
1/2 teaspoon paprika
Salt and pepper, to taste
1/4 cup salsa or enchilada sauce
1 1/2 cups shredded cheddar or Mexican blend cheese
6 large flour tortillas
Cooking spray or oil (for brushing or frying)
Optional toppings:
Sour cream
Guacamole
Salsa
Chopped cilantro
Lime wedges
Instructions
Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C) or heat oil in a skillet for frying.
In a skillet, heat olive oil and cook onions until softened. Add garlic and ground beef. Cook until browned and fully cooked.
Stir in chili powder, cumin, paprika, salt, pepper, and salsa. Simmer for 2–3 minutes.
Remove from heat and let cool slightly, then stir in shredded cheese.
Warm tortillas slightly, then fill each with about 1/3 cup of beef mixture. Fold sides in, then roll up tightly like a burrito.
For baked version: Place chimichangas seam-side down on a baking sheet. Brush with oil or spray with cooking spray. Bake 20–25 minutes, flipping halfway through until golden and crispy.
For fried version: Heat 1 inch of oil in a skillet. Fry chimichangas seam-side down until golden, about 2–3 minutes per side. Drain on paper towels.
Serve hot with your favorite toppings.
Notes
Use ground turkey or shredded rotisserie chicken for a lighter version.
You can prep and freeze chimichangas before baking or frying for a quick meal later.
Add refried beans or cooked rice to the filling for a heartier dish.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Dinner, Main Course
- Method: Baking or Frying
- Cuisine: Tex-Mex, Mexican-Inspired
