Beef and Cheese Chimichangas
My husband couldn’t stop raving about these Beef and Cheese Chimichangas at our family dinner last night! The crunchy exterior paired with the gooey cheese and savory beef filling had everyone’s taste buds singing with delight. It was such a hit that I’ll definitely be making it again for our next special occasion!
Ingredients:
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 can refried beans
- 1 tsp cumin
- 1 tsp chili powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 8 large flour tortillas
- Vegetable oil for frying
Instructions:
- In a large skillet, cook the ground beef, onion, and garlic until the beef is browned and the onion is translucent.
- Stir in the cumin, chili powder, salt, and pepper.
- Remove from heat and stir in the refried beans and cheddar cheese.
- Spoon the beef mixture onto the center of each tortilla and fold in the sides, then roll up tightly.
- Heat the vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
- Fry the chimichangas until golden brown and crispy on all sides.
- Remove from the skillet and place on a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess oil.
- Serve hot with your favorite toppings like salsa, sour cream, and guacamole.
Nutrition Information:
Calories: 450
Fat: 22g
Carbohydrates: 35g
Protein: 28g
Popular questions:
- Q: Can I use ground turkey instead of beef? A: Yes, you can substitute ground turkey for the ground beef for a lighter option.
- Q: Can I freeze the chimichangas before frying? A: Yes, you can freeze them before frying, just ensure they are well wrapped to prevent freezer burn.
- Q: Can I use different types of cheese? A: Feel free to experiment with different cheeses like pepper jack or mozzarella for a twist on the classic recipe.
- Q: What can I serve with the chimichangas? A: These chimichangas pair well with rice, beans, or a side salad for a complete meal.
- Q: Can I make these ahead of time? A: You can assemble the chimichangas ahead of time and fry them just before serving for a convenient meal prep option.
Helpful tips:
- Try adding some diced green chilies or jalapenos to the beef mixture for an extra kick of heat.
- For a crispy exterior, you can bake the chimichangas in the oven instead of frying them.
- Top the chimichangas with fresh cilantro, diced tomatoes, or sliced avocado for a burst of freshness.
- Experiment with different seasonings like paprika, oregano, or cayenne pepper to customize the flavor to your liking.
Expert Secrets:
- To prevent the chimichangas from unraveling during frying, secure them with toothpicks before cooking.
- For a healthier option, you can use whole wheat tortillas and lean ground beef.
- Make a double batch of the beef mixture and freeze it for future use to save time on busy weeknights.
- Serve the chimichangas with a side of Mexican rice and black beans for a complete and satisfying meal.
