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Beef and Cheese Chimichangas

Beef and Cheese Chimichangas
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Beef and Cheese Chimichangas feature crispy fried or baked flour tortillas stuffed with seasoned ground beef, melted cheese, and aromatic spices. This dish offers a perfect balance of bold southwestern flavors, creamy cheese, and a crunchy exterior, making it an ideal comfort food for dinners, parties, or festive occasions. Customizable and approachable, these chimichangas bring cheesy goodness and hearty satisfaction to any meal.

Ingredients

Scale

Main Ingredients

  • 1 lb ground beef (80% lean)
  • 1 cup shredded cheese blend (cheddar and Monterey Jack)
  • 4 large flour tortillas
  • 1 medium onion, diced
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 tsp chili powder
  • 1 tsp ground cumin
  • Salt and pepper, to taste
  • 1/4 cup chopped green chilies or jalapeños (optional)
  • Oil for frying (vegetable or canola oil)

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Beef Filling: In a skillet over medium heat, sauté diced onions and garlic until translucent and fragrant. Add ground beef and cook, breaking it apart with a spatula until browned and no longer pink. Stir in chili powder, cumin, salt, pepper, and optional chopped green chilies, letting the spices meld for about five minutes.
  2. Assemble the Chimichangas: Lay a large flour tortilla flat and spoon a generous amount of the beef mixture in the center. Sprinkle shredded cheese evenly over the beef. Carefully fold the sides in and then roll tightly from one edge to enclose the filling completely, tucking the ends to avoid leakage during cooking.
  3. Fry or Bake: For classic chimichangas, heat about two inches of vegetable oil in a deep skillet over medium-high heat. Fry each chimichanga for 2 to 3 minutes on each side until golden and crisp. For a healthier option, place them seam-side down on a greased baking sheet, brush with oil, and bake at 400°F (200°C) for 20-25 minutes until crispy.
  4. Drain and Serve: Remove chimichangas from oil using tongs and place on paper towels to drain excess grease. Let them cool slightly before slicing and serving with your favorite salsa, sour cream, or guacamole for that perfect finishing touch.

Notes

  • Don’t overfill: Too much filling can cause the chimichangas to burst open during frying.
  • Seal tightly: Use a bit of water or beaten egg on the tortilla edges to help seal them securely.
  • Maintain oil temperature: Keep oil around 350-375°F to ensure a crispy exterior without absorbing too much oil.
  • Drain well: Letting fried chimichangas drain on paper towels prevents sogginess and keeps them crunchy.
  • Custom spice blends: Adjust chili powder and cumin amounts to control heat and flavor depth to your liking.

Nutrition

Keywords: beef chimichangas, cheese chimichangas, fried chimichangas, baked chimichangas, southwestern recipe, easy chimichangas, comfort food, party appetizers

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