Name: Beef and Cheese Chimichangas
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 40 min
Cuisine: Mexican
Ingredients: 1 lb ground beef; 1/2 cup diced onion; 2 cloves garlic, crushed; 1 packet taco seasoning mix; 1/2 cup water; 1 cup grated cheddar cheese; 1 cup grated Monterey Jack cheese; 6 large flour tortillas; 1/4 cup melted butter or cooking oil; Sour cream (for dipping); Salsa (for topping); Fresh chopped cilantro (for garnish)

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These Beef and Cheese Chimichangas are a perfect blend of seasoned ground beef, melted cheese, and a crispy golden exterior, making them a mouthwatering Mexican favorite. Filled with a flavorful beef mixture, these chimichangas are baked to perfection, so you can enjoy all the crispy goodness with less oil. Whether you’re serving them for dinner or a fun family meal, they’re sure to be a hit!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

These Beef and Cheese Chimichangas are a crowd-pleaser for many reasons:

Crispy Perfection: Baked until golden and crispy, they offer the perfect crunch without deep frying.
Cheesy and Flavorful: The combination of cheddar and Monterey Jack cheeses with seasoned beef makes every bite rich and satisfying.
Easy to Make: With just a few simple ingredients and a quick bake, these chimichangas come together effortlessly.
Customizable: Add your favorite toppings like guacamole, jalapeños, or shredded lettuce for extra flavor.

Beef and Cheese Chimichangas

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Main Ingredients:

1 lb ground beef
1/2 cup diced onion
2 cloves garlic, crushed
1 packet taco seasoning mix
1/2 cup water
1 cup grated cheddar cheese
1 cup grated Monterey Jack cheese
6 large flour tortillas

For Coating and Garnish:

1/4 cup melted butter or cooking oil
Sour cream, for dipping
Salsa, for topping
Fresh chopped cilantro, for garnish

Directions

Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking tray with parchment paper or lightly grease it for easy cleanup.
Cook the Beef: In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef, diced onion, and crushed garlic. Stir occasionally and cook until the beef is browned and no pink remains. Drain any excess fat.
Add Seasoning and Cheese: Stir in the taco seasoning mix and water. Cook for 2-3 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the mixture thickens. Remove from heat and let cool slightly. Add the grated cheddar and Monterey Jack cheeses to the beef mixture and stir until well combined.
Prepare the Tortillas: Warm the tortillas briefly in the microwave or on a skillet to prevent them from cracking during assembly.
Assemble the Chimichangas: Place approximately 1/2 cup of the beef and cheese mixture in the center of each tortilla. Fold in the sides, then roll tightly, burrito-style, to form a sealed wrap.
Bake the Chimichangas: Arrange the rolled chimichangas seam-side down on the prepared tray. Brush each with melted butter or oil to help them crisp up. Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, flipping once halfway through, until golden and crispy.
Serve: Serve the chimichangas hot, topped with salsa and fresh chopped cilantro. Add a side of sour cream for dipping, and enjoy!

Servings and Timing

Servings: 6 servings (1 chimichanga per serving)
Prep time: 15 minutes
Cook time: 25 minutes
Total time: 40 minutes

Tips

Warm the tortillas: Warming the tortillas before assembly helps prevent cracking when rolling them up.
Use lean beef: To reduce excess fat, you can use lean ground beef or even ground turkey as an alternative.
Extra toppings: Feel free to customize your chimichangas with toppings like guacamole, shredded lettuce, or diced tomatoes.
Make it spicy: Add chopped jalapeños or a dash of hot sauce to the beef mixture for extra heat.

Storage/Reheating

Storage: Store leftover chimichangas in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Reheating: Reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10 minutes to crisp up the shell again.

FAQs

Can I use a different type of meat?

Yes, you can substitute the ground beef with ground chicken, turkey, or even a vegetarian protein like black beans or tofu for a meatless version.

Can I freeze these chimichangas?

Yes, you can freeze the assembled, unbaked chimichangas. Wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and store in a freezer-safe bag. When ready to bake, simply place them directly in the oven from frozen and bake for 25-30 minutes.

Can I use a different cheese?

Feel free to swap the cheddar and Monterey Jack for your favorite cheeses, such as pepper jack for a spicier twist or a blend of Mexican cheeses.

How can I make them less greasy?

Instead of frying, these chimichangas are baked for a healthier option. You can also use a light coating of olive oil or a cooking spray for less fat.

Can I add vegetables to the filling?

Yes, you can add sautéed bell peppers, corn, or zucchini to the beef mixture for extra flavor and texture.

Conclusion

These Beef and Cheese Chimichangas are the perfect blend of crispy, cheesy, and flavorful goodness. With their easy assembly and quick bake time, they’re ideal for busy weeknights or casual get-togethers. Whether you’re serving them with salsa, sour cream, or your favorite toppings, these chimichangas are sure to be a hit every time. Enjoy!