Description
Crispy Beef Cheese Chimichangas are golden-fried or oven-baked flour tortillas stuffed with seasoned beef, refried beans, and melted cheddar cheese. This Tex-Mex favorite delivers comfort and flavor in every bite.
Ingredients
- 500 g (1.1 lb) lean ground beef
- 1 medium onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon chili powder
- ½ teaspoon ground cumin
- ½ teaspoon dried oregano
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 can (420 g) refried beans
- 8 large (10-inch) flour tortillas
- 200 g (2 cups) shredded cheddar cheese
- Vegetable oil for frying or cooking spray/olive oil for baking
- Optional toppings: salsa, chopped coriander (cilantro), shredded lettuce, sour cream substitute
Instructions
- In a skillet over medium heat, sauté onion until soft. Add garlic and cook for 30 seconds.
- Add ground beef and cook until browned. Drain excess fat.
- Stir in chili powder, cumin, oregano, salt, and pepper. Mix in refried beans. Remove from heat.
- Warm tortillas until pliable. Spoon ½ to ⅔ cup beef mixture into the center of each tortilla. Top with shredded cheese.
- Fold the tortilla over the filling, fold in sides, and roll tightly. Use toothpicks to secure if frying.
- For frying: Heat 2 cm of vegetable oil to 175°C (350°F). Fry chimichangas 2–3 minutes per side until golden. Drain on paper towels.
- For baking: Preheat oven to 200°C (400°F). Place seam-side down on a baking sheet. Lightly brush or spray with oil and bake 15–20 minutes until golden.
- Serve hot with optional toppings.
Notes
- Use shredded beef or ground turkey as alternatives to ground beef.
- Add rice, corn, or black beans for extra texture and nutrition.
- Air-fry at 200°C (400°F) for 8–10 minutes for a lighter version.
- To prevent opening while frying, warm tortillas and avoid overfilling.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Frying or Baking
- Cuisine: Tex-Mex
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 chimichanga
- Calories: 480
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 640mg
- Fat: 26g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 14g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 36g
- Fiber: 4g
- Protein: 26g
- Cholesterol: 65mg
