Beef Cheese Chimichangas

Featured in main-dishes.

Hey there! You've got to try these crispy beef and cheese chimichangas! Just look at that golden-brown exterior giving way to seasoned ground beef and gooey melted cheese inside. The fresh cilantro adds the perfect pop of color and freshness. These aren't just any ordinary burritos - they're fried to crispy perfection while keeping the inside moist and flavorful. Trust me, once you make these, they'll become a family favorite! The contrast between the crunchy shell and the savory filling is absolutely irresistible.

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Updated on Sat, 17 May 2025 10:05:40 GMT
Golden-brown chimichangas filled with seasoned beef and melted cheese, garnished with fresh cilantro pin it
Golden-brown chimichangas filled with seasoned beef and melted cheese, garnished with fresh cilantro | lonerecipes.com

I first encountered chimichangas during a road trip through the American Southwest. I was immediately captivated by the contrast between the crispy exterior and the flavorful filling. When I make these at home, I focus on getting the beef filling just right—seasoned generously but not overpowering the other flavors. I prefer to shallow-fry rather than deep-fry them, which gives plenty of crispiness without being too heavy. The key is to fold them tightly so the filling doesn't escape during cooking. I love watching the tortilla turn golden brown and hearing that distinctive sizzle as it hits the hot oil. The aroma that fills the kitchen is incredible—spicy, savory, and guaranteed to make everyone ask when dinner will be ready.

Why I love this recipe

I love this chimichanga recipe because it combines the best elements of comfort food—crispy exterior, savory meat, and melty cheese—in one satisfying package. These chimichangas remind me of festive family gatherings where everyone shares food and stories around the table. The recipe is incredibly versatile; I can adjust the spice level to please everyone and customize the fillings based on what's in my refrigerator. There's something magical about the transformation from a simple tortilla wrap to a golden-fried delight. I also appreciate that while they look and taste impressive, they're actually quite simple to make. When I serve these to guests, they always ask for the recipe, which is the ultimate compliment. Even my children, who can be picky eaters, clear their plates when I make these chimichangas.

What You Need From Your Kitchen

  • Ground beef: Use 80/20 lean-to-fat ratio for best flavor
  • Flour tortillas: Choose large 10-inch burrito-size for proper wrapping
  • Cheese: Opt for a good melting cheese like Monterey Jack or cheddar
  • Onion and garlic: Provides aromatic base for the filling
  • Spices: A blend of chili powder, cumin, and oregano creates authentic flavor
  • Vegetable oil: Used for frying to achieve crispy exterior

Let's Make These Together

Prepare the filling
Brown ground beef with onions until fully cooked, then add garlic and seasonings. The meat should be well-seasoned but not overly spicy unless you prefer it that way.
Assemble chimichangas
Warm tortillas briefly to make them pliable. Place beef filling and a generous amount of cheese in the center, then fold sides in and roll tightly to form a secure packet.
Secure properly
If your chimichangas seem likely to unfold, secure them with toothpicks before cooking. Just remember to remove them before serving!
Fry until golden
Heat oil in a skillet and fry seam-side down first to seal the edges. Turn carefully until all sides are crispy and golden brown. If baking instead, brush with oil first.
Garnish and serve
Let chimichangas drain briefly on paper towels, then top with fresh cilantro and serve with your favorite accompaniments while still hot and crispy.
Recipe picture pin it
Authentic Mexican-inspired chimichangas with beef filling and gooey cheese, served hot and crispy | lonerecipes.com

Switch Things Up

One evening when I was craving something with a bit of crunch, I decided to experiment with these chimichangas. Instead of deep-frying, I brushed them with oil and baked them at 425°F for about 15 minutes until crispy. The result was just as delicious but a bit lighter! I've also tried adding a layer of refried beans before the beef for extra flavor and texture. My kids actually prefer them with a milder cheese blend, while my partner and I love them with a spicy pepper jack mixed in.

Perfect Pairings

These crispy chimichangas pair wonderfully with a side of Mexican rice and refried beans for a complete meal. For toppings, serve with fresh guacamole, sour cream, pico de gallo, and your favorite hot sauce. A light and tangy cabbage slaw makes the perfect accompaniment to balance the richness of the chimichangas. For beverages, try a classic margarita, horchata, or even a cold Mexican beer with a lime wedge.

Crispy flour tortillas wrapped around savory ground beef and stretchy cheese, perfectly fried until golden pin it
Crispy flour tortillas wrapped around savory ground beef and stretchy cheese, perfectly fried until golden | lonerecipes.com

Frequently Asked Questions

→ Can I make these ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the beef filling up to 2 days ahead and store it in the refrigerator. You can also assemble the chimichangas and refrigerate them (uncooked) for a few hours before frying. For best results, fry them just before serving to maintain the crispy texture.

→ How do I prevent the chimichangas from falling apart while cooking?

Make sure to roll them tightly and place them seam-side down first when frying to seal the edge. If they're still opening up, secure them with toothpicks during cooking (just remember to remove before serving).

→ Can I freeze these chimichangas?

Yes, you can freeze them before or after cooking. To freeze uncooked chimichangas, wrap individually in plastic wrap and store in a freezer bag for up to 3 months. For cooked chimichangas, let cool completely before freezing. Reheat frozen cooked chimichangas in a 375°F oven until heated through.

→ What can I substitute for ground beef?

Ground turkey, chicken, or pork work well as substitutes. For a vegetarian option, you can use refried beans, black beans, or plant-based meat alternatives along with sautéed vegetables.

→ What's the difference between a chimichanga and a burrito?

The main difference is that chimichangas are deep-fried, while burritos are typically served soft. Chimichangas originated when a burrito was accidentally dropped into a deep fryer, creating a crispy exterior that became popular in its own right.

Conclusion

These Crispy Beef and Cheese Chimichangas offer the perfect balance of textures and flavors in every bite. The golden-brown exterior gives way to seasoned beef and melty cheese that will satisfy even the pickiest eaters. They're impressive enough for guests but simple enough for a weeknight dinner. Serve them with your favorite toppings for a meal everyone will love!

Beef Cheese Chimichangas

Golden-fried tortillas stuffed with seasoned ground beef and melty cheese, topped with fresh herbs for a delicious Mexican-inspired meal.

Prep Time
25 Minutes
Cook Time
15 Minutes
Total Time
40 Minutes
By: chris

Category: main-dishes

Difficulty: intermediate

Cuisine: Mexican-American

Yield: 4 Servings (4 balls)

Dietary: Meat, High-protein, Dairy

Ingredients

011 pound ground beef
021 small onion, finely chopped
032 cloves garlic, minced
041 tablespoon chili powder
051 teaspoon ground cumin
061/2 teaspoon dried oregano
071/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional)
08Salt and pepper to taste
094 large flour tortillas
102 cups shredded cheddar or Mexican blend cheese
112 tablespoons vegetable oil for frying
12Fresh cilantro for garnish

Instructions

Step 01

In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef and chopped onion until the beef is browned and the onion is translucent, about 5-7 minutes. Drain excess fat if necessary.

Step 02

Add minced garlic, chili powder, cumin, oregano, cayenne (if using), salt, and pepper to the beef mixture. Cook for another 2 minutes until fragrant. Remove from heat and let cool slightly.

Step 03

Warm the flour tortillas slightly to make them more pliable. Place about 1/4 of the beef mixture in the center of each tortilla, then top with about 1/2 cup of shredded cheese.

Step 04

Fold the sides of the tortilla in, then fold the bottom up and roll tightly to form a secure packet. Secure with toothpicks if necessary to prevent unfolding during cooking.

Step 05

Heat vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Place the chimichangas seam-side down in the hot oil and cook for 2-3 minutes per side until golden brown and crispy.

Step 06

Remove toothpicks if used. Transfer to paper towels to drain excess oil, then garnish with fresh cilantro. Serve immediately with your favorite toppings like sour cream, guacamole, or salsa.

Notes

  1. For a healthier version, brush the chimichangas with oil and bake at 425°F for 15-20 minutes instead of frying.
  2. Make sure to drain excess fat from the beef to prevent soggy chimichangas.
  3. You can prepare the beef filling a day ahead and refrigerate to save time.
  4. For extra flavor, add 1/4 cup of your favorite salsa to the beef mixture.

Tools You'll Need

  • Large skillet
  • Mixing spoon
  • Measuring spoons
  • Paper towels
  • Toothpicks (optional)
  • Cheese grater
  • Cutting board
  • Sharp knife

Allergy Information

Please check ingredients for potential allergens and consult a health professional if in doubt.
  • Wheat (flour tortillas)
  • Dairy (cheese)
  • Beef

Nutrition Facts (Per Serving)

It is important to consider this information as approximate and not to use it as definitive health advice.
  • Calories: 485
  • Total Fat: 26 g
  • Total Carbohydrate: 38 g
  • Protein: 24 g

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