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Crispy Beef and Cheese Chimichangas

Crispy Beef and Cheese Chimichangas

Crispy Beef and Cheese Chimichangas are golden, crunchy pockets filled with a savory blend of tender ground beef and melted cheese. Perfectly balanced with a crispy exterior and gooey warm inside, these chimichangas make a delicious, quick-to-prepare appetizer or party finger food that is customizable to suit any taste.

Ingredients

Scale

Filling

  • 1 lb ground beef (lean or regular)
  • 1 small onion, diced
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 tsp chili powder
  • 1 tsp ground cumin
  • Salt and pepper, to taste
  • 1 ½ cups shredded cheese (cheddar and Monterey Jack blend)

Assembly & Frying

  • 6 large flour tortillas
  • 1 to 2 cups vegetable or canola oil (for frying)

Optional Toppings

  • Sour cream
  • Guacamole
  • Salsa (e.g., salsa roja)
  • Chopped cilantro

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Beef Filling: Heat a skillet over medium heat. Add diced onions and minced garlic, cooking until softened and fragrant. Add the ground beef and cook, breaking it apart, until browned evenly. Season with chili powder, cumin, salt, and pepper, stirring well to combine the flavors throughout the meat.
  2. Add Cheese and Combine: Turn off the heat and stir in the shredded cheese. The residual warmth will gently melt the cheese into a gooey, savory mixture ready for stuffing.
  3. Assemble the Chimichangas: Lay a flour tortilla flat on a clean surface. Spoon a generous amount of the beef and cheese mixture into the center. Fold the tortilla sides tightly over the filling and firmly roll it up from one end to the other. Tuck the seam underneath to seal the chimichanga securely.
  4. Fry Until Golden and Crispy: Heat enough oil in a deep frying pan to cover half the chimichanga. Carefully place the rolled tortillas seam side down in the hot oil. Fry each side for 2-3 minutes or until a golden-brown crust forms. Remove and drain on paper towels to remove excess oil.
  5. Serve Hot and Enjoy: Serve the chimichangas hot, garnished with your favorite toppings such as sour cream, fresh salsa, guacamole, or chopped cilantro for added flavor and freshness.

Notes

  • Pat dry the tortillas before assembling to prevent sogginess and to maintain crispiness when frying.
  • Do not overfill the tortillas to avoid breaking or bursting during frying.
  • Use medium heat for frying to ensure the tortilla crisps without burning and the inside is heated through.
  • Drain excess oil on paper towels after frying to keep chimichangas crunchy and less greasy.
  • For extra security, double fold the seam or secure with a toothpick so chimichangas do not open while frying.

Nutrition

Keywords: chimichangas, beef chimichangas, crispy beef chimichangas, cheese chimichangas, Mexican appetizers, fried chimichangas