Why you’ll love this dish

There’s something truly satisfying about sinking your teeth into a crispy, golden chimichanga stuffed with savory beef and melted cheese. This dish isn’t just about flavor; it’s about nostalgia too. I can still remember my first taste during a friends’ gathering, where the chimichangas disappeared before I could even grab a second. They are the epitome of comfort food—crispy on the outside and comforting on the inside.

Whether you’re looking for a quick weeknight dinner, hosting a casual get-together, or simply craving a delicious, homemade treat, these chimichangas fit the bill perfectly. They are budget-friendly, making them an ideal choice for families, and are easily customizable.

“These chimichangas were the highlight of our Taco Tuesday! They were so easy to make, and everyone loved them!”

The cooking process explained

Making these beef and cheese-filled delights is both straightforward and rewarding. This recipe walks you through simple steps to create a lunch or dinner that feels special. You’ll start by browning ground beef and onions, then combine it with flavorful seasoning and a creamy layer of refried beans and cheese. After rolling them up in tortillas, you can choose either to fry them for crunch or bake them for a slightly lighter option. It’s a win-win either way!

What you’ll need

To make these delicious chimichangas, gather the following ingredients:

1 lb ground beef
1 small onion, finely diced
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 packet (1 oz) taco seasoning
½ cup salsa
1 cup refried beans
1 ½ cups shredded cheddar cheese or Mexican blend
6 large flour tortillas (burrito-size)
2 tbsp vegetable oil

Feel free to swap out the ground beef for turkey or chicken to lighten up the dish. You can also replace the refried beans with black beans for a bit of a twist.

Directions to follow

Heat a large skillet over medium heat. Add ground beef and diced onion. Cook until the beef is browned and the onion is tender, about 6-8 minutes. Drain any excess grease.
Stir in minced garlic, taco seasoning, and salsa. Allow the mixture to simmer for 3-4 minutes until thickened.
Lay a tortilla flat. Spread a layer of refried beans, followed by the beef mixture. Top with cheese. Fold in the sides and roll it up tightly.
For the oven method, preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Place chimichangas seam-side down on a baking sheet, brush with oil, and bake for 18-20 minutes until golden.
For the skillet method, heat oil in a skillet. Cook each chimichanga for 2-3 minutes on each side until they are golden brown.
Let the chimichangas rest for 2 minutes before serving. Consider pairing with toppings like sour cream, guacamole, or additional salsa.

Best ways to enjoy it

These chimichangas can truly shine when paired with a variety of toppings and sides. Consider serving them with a zesty cilantro-lime rice or a fresh corn salad to balance out the richness. Garnish with a dollop of sour cream, a sprinkle of fresh cilantro, or a side of guacamole for an extra flavor boost. You could even serve them with fresh salsa to add a refreshing kick!

How to store

Once you’ve enjoyed these delicious chimichangas, you can keep leftovers safely. Allow them to cool completely, then store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. For longer storage, you can freeze them for up to 2 months. To reheat, bake them in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until heated through. Avoid microwaving for the best texture—nothing beats a crispy chimichanga!

Helpful cooking tips

Browning the beef well will enhance the flavor. Take your time during this step.
For an extra crispy exterior, brush the chimichangas lightly with oil before baking.
Add chopped jalapeños or peppers to the beef mixture for a spicy kick.

Creative twists

Feel free to get creative! You can add different protein options, such as shredded chicken or even grilled vegetables for a vegetarian version. Try incorporating different spices like cumin or smoked paprika for an added depth of flavor. Additionally, swapping out the cheese for pepper jack can add a delightful warmth!

Common questions

Can I prep these chimichangas ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can assemble them ahead of time and store them in the refrigerator for up to a day. Just remember to bake them just before serving.

What can I substitute for refried beans?
Black beans or pinto beans can be great alternatives. You can even use hummus for a lighter, creamy option.

How do I make them gluten-free?
Simply use gluten-free tortillas to accommodate those with gluten intolerances, and enjoy!

This beef and cheese chimichanga recipe is sure to become a family favorite, bringing comfort and satisfaction to your table! Enjoy the process and the delicious results.

Beef and Cheese Chimichangas

Crispy and golden chimichangas stuffed with savory beef, melted cheese, and flavorful beans, perfect for a comforting meal or casual gathering.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 15

Cook Time 25

Total Time 40

Course Dinner, Main Course

Cuisine Mexican

Servings 6 servings

Calories 400 kcal

Ingredients

Main Ingredients

1 lb ground beef Can substitute with turkey or chicken.
1 small onion, finely diced
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 oz taco seasoning 1 packet
½ cup salsa
1 cup refried beans Can be replaced with black beans.
1 ½ cups shredded cheddar cheese or Mexican blend Pepper jack can be used for added warmth.
6 large flour tortillas (burrito-size) Use gluten-free tortillas for a gluten-free version.
2 tbsp vegetable oil For frying or brushing on chimichangas.

Instructions

Preparation

Heat a large skillet over medium heat. Add ground beef and diced onion. Cook until the beef is browned and the onion is tender, about 6-8 minutes. Drain any excess grease.
Stir in minced garlic, taco seasoning, and salsa. Allow the mixture to simmer for 3-4 minutes until thickened.

Assembly

Lay a tortilla flat. Spread a layer of refried beans, followed by the beef mixture. Top with cheese. Fold in the sides and roll it up tightly.

Cooking

For the oven method, preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Place chimichangas seam-side down on a baking sheet, brush with oil, and bake for 18-20 minutes until golden.
For the skillet method, heat oil in a skillet. Cook each chimichanga for 2-3 minutes on each side until they are golden brown.

Serving

Let the chimichangas rest for 2 minutes before serving. Consider pairing with toppings like sour cream, guacamole, or additional salsa.

Notes

Browning the beef well will enhance the flavor. For extra crispy exterior, brush the chimichangas lightly with oil before baking. You can assemble them ahead of time and store them in the refrigerator for up to a day.

Keyword Beef, Cheese, Chimichangas, Comfort Food, Taco Tuesday