These Crispy Beef & Cheese Chimichangas are golden, crunchy, and bursting with bold Tex-Mex flavors. Packed with seasoned ground beef, melty cheese, and fried to perfection, they are the ultimate comfort food that’s easy to prepare and fun to eat. Whether you’re serving them for a weeknight dinner or a casual get-together, these chimichangas are sure to be a hit with the whole family. Don’t forget to serve them with your favorite toppings like salsa, sour cream, or guacamole for the complete experience!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Crispy Beef & Cheese Chimichangas bring together the satisfying crunch of a fried tortilla and the savory goodness of seasoned ground beef and melty cheese. The combination of cumin, chili powder, and smoked paprika infuses the beef with rich, smoky flavor, while the cilantro adds a burst of freshness. Frying the chimichangas results in a golden, crispy exterior that contrasts perfectly with the gooey, cheesy filling. Plus, they’re customizable with your favorite toppings, making them the perfect handheld meal for any occasion.

Crispy Beef & Cheese Chimichangas

Ingredients

8 large flour tortillas (10-inch)
1 lb ground beef (80/20)
1 small onion, finely chopped
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 tsp ground cumin
1 tsp chili powder
½ tsp smoked paprika
Salt and pepper, to taste
1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
1 cup shredded Monterey Jack cheese
2 tbsp chopped fresh cilantro (plus more for garnish)
2 tbsp vegetable oil (for frying)
Sour cream, salsa, and guacamole for serving

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

Directions

Cook the Filling: In a large skillet over medium-high heat, cook the ground beef, chopped onion, and minced garlic until the beef is browned and the onion is softened (about 5–7 minutes). Drain any excess fat.
Season: Stir in cumin, chili powder, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. Cook for another minute until fragrant. Remove from heat and stir in the shredded cheddar and Monterey Jack cheeses, along with the chopped cilantro.
Assemble Chimichangas: Warm the tortillas slightly in the microwave or on a skillet to make them pliable. Spoon about ⅓ cup of the beef-cheese mixture onto the center of each tortilla. Fold in the sides, then roll them up tightly from one edge, keeping the seam on the bottom.
Fry Until Crispy: Heat 2 tbsp of vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Once the oil is shimmering, add the chimichangas seam-side down. Fry for 2–3 minutes per side until golden brown and crispy. Use tongs to carefully turn them.
Drain: Remove the chimichangas and place them on a plate lined with paper towels to absorb excess oil.
Serve: Slice each chimichanga in half or serve them whole. Garnish with extra cilantro and offer sour cream, salsa, and guacamole on the side.

Servings and Timing

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cooking Time: 15 minutes
Total Time: 30 minutes
Servings: 8 chimichangas

Variations

Chicken Chimichangas: Swap the ground beef for shredded chicken or rotisserie chicken for a lighter, equally delicious version.
Vegetarian Version: Use black beans or refried beans as the base and add veggies like corn, bell peppers, and zucchini for a vegetarian take.
Cheese Only: For a simple cheese-filled chimichanga, omit the beef and fill the tortilla with just cheese and seasoning.
Spicy Kick: Add diced jalapeños or hot sauce to the beef mixture for an extra spicy version of these chimichangas.
Baked Version: If you prefer a healthier option, brush the chimichangas with oil and bake them in the oven at 375°F for 20 minutes, flipping halfway through for a crispy exterior.

Storage/Reheating

Storage: Store leftover chimichangas in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Reheating: To reheat, place chimichangas in a preheated oven at 350°F for 10-12 minutes until warmed through and crispy. You can also reheat them in a skillet over medium heat, turning occasionally to crisp up the sides.

FAQs

1. Can I make these chimichangas ahead of time?

You can prepare the filling and assemble the chimichangas ahead of time. Just refrigerate them until you’re ready to fry. You may need to let them sit for a few minutes to come to room temperature before frying.

2. Can I freeze these chimichangas?

Yes, you can freeze the assembled chimichangas before frying. Place them on a baking sheet in the freezer until firm, then transfer them to a freezer bag. To cook, fry them directly from frozen, adding a few extra minutes to the cooking time.

3. Can I bake chimichangas instead of frying them?

Yes! You can bake chimichangas for a healthier version. Brush them with vegetable oil or melted butter and bake at 375°F for about 20 minutes, flipping halfway through.

4. Can I use a different kind of cheese?

Absolutely! You can substitute the cheddar and Monterey Jack cheese with any cheese you prefer, such as pepper jack for a spicier kick or mozzarella for a gooey texture.

5. Can I use flour tortillas of any size?

The recipe calls for 10-inch flour tortillas, but you can use smaller ones for bite-sized chimichangas or larger ones if you want to make them bigger.

6. Can I add other vegetables to the filling?

Yes, you can add bell peppers, corn, or spinach to the beef mixture for added texture and flavor. Just sauté the veggies with the onions and garlic before adding the beef.

7. What other toppings can I serve with chimichangas?

In addition to sour cream, salsa, and guacamole, you can serve chimichangas with diced tomatoes, shredded lettuce, or a drizzle of ranch dressing for extra flavor.

8. How do I prevent the chimichangas from opening while frying?

Be sure to roll the chimichangas tightly and place them seam-side down when frying. You can also use toothpicks to secure them before frying if needed.

9. How do I make these chimichangas spicier?

Add diced jalapeños or a spoonful of hot sauce to the beef mixture for a spicier filling. You can also top the chimichangas with hot salsa or sriracha.

10. Can I use ground turkey instead of beef?

Yes! Ground turkey is a great lean alternative to ground beef. Just make sure to season it well with the same spices to get that rich Tex-Mex flavor.

Conclusion

These Crispy Beef & Cheese Chimichangas are the perfect combination of crunchy, cheesy, and flavorful. Whether you’re serving them as a weeknight dinner or a fun handheld feast for friends, they’re sure to be a hit. With the crispy golden exterior and a flavorful, cheesy filling, these chimichangas will quickly become your go-to Tex-Mex treat!