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Crispy Beef & Cheese Chimichangas

Crispy Beef & Cheese Chimichangas: Your New Favorite Comfort Food

Crispy Beef & Cheese Chimichangas are a delightful comfort food, perfect for busy weeknights and customizable to your taste.
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Servings: 4 chimichangas
Course: Dinner
Cuisine: Mexican
Calories: 330

Ingredients
  

For the Chimichangas
  • 4 large Flour Tortillas Substitute with corn tortillas for gluten-free.
  • 1 pound Ground Beef Can be swapped for shredded chicken or plant-based.
  • 1 cup Cheese (Cheddar/Monterey Jack) Swap for queso quesadilla cheese for authentic flavor.
  • 1 tablespoon Chili Powder Adjust based on your spice tolerance.
  • 1 teaspoon Cumin Adjust based on your spice tolerance.
  • 1 teaspoon Salt
  • 1 teaspoon Pepper
  • Oil Vegetable/Canola Used for frying; peanut oil can add flavor.
For Optional Toppings
  • Salsa Choose your favorite variety.
  • Guacamole Perfect counterpart to balance the crispy chimichangas.
  • Sour Cream Enhances the overall experience.
  • Jalapeños For those who love a little kick.

Equipment

  • skillet
  • deep frying pan
  • Thermometer

Method
 

Step-by-Step Instructions
  1. In a skillet over medium heat, cook 1 pound of ground beef until browned, about 5–7 minutes. Drain excess fat, then stir in spices like chili powder and cumin, cooking for an additional 2 minutes until fragrant. Mix in 1 cup of shredded cheese until melted to create a rich filling.
  2. Warm 4 large flour tortillas in a pan or microwave for about 20 seconds to make them pliable. Spoon about ⅓ cup of the beef and cheese mixture onto the center of each tortilla. Fold the sides over the filling and roll it tightly from the bottom up.
  3. In a deep, heavy-bottomed pan, pour in enough oil to cover the bottom by about an inch. Heat oil over medium-high heat to 350°F–375°F.
  4. Gently place 2–3 assembled chimichangas into the hot oil, frying for about 3–4 minutes on each side or until golden brown and crispy.
  5. Remove the chimichangas from the oil and let them drain on a plate lined with paper towels. Serve hot with your favorite toppings.

Nutrition

Serving: 1chimichangaCalories: 330kcalCarbohydrates: 30gProtein: 16gFat: 18gSaturated Fat: 7gPolyunsaturated Fat: 2gMonounsaturated Fat: 8gCholesterol: 60mgSodium: 600mgPotassium: 300mgFiber: 2gSugar: 1gVitamin A: 10IUVitamin C: 4mgCalcium: 15mgIron: 10mg

Notes

Monitor oil temperature; if it smokes, reduce heat to prevent burning. Enjoy fresh, and for reheating leftovers, use an oven or air fryer.

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