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Beef and Cheese Chimichangas

Crispy, golden-brown fried flour tortillas packed with savory seasoned ground beef and gooey melted cheese, topped with fresh garnishes.
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 35 minutes
Servings: 6 servings
Course: Dinner, Main Course
Cuisine: Mexican-American, Tex-Mex
Calories: 520

Ingredients
  

Beef Filling
  • 1 lb lean ground beef 80/20 or 90/10 blend
  • 1 medium yellow onion finely diced
  • 2 cloves garlic minced
  • 2 tbsp taco seasoning 1 packet
  • 0.25 cup beef broth or water
  • 4 oz diced green chiles canned
Assembly & Frying
  • 6 large flour tortillas burrito size, warmed
  • 2 cups cheddar and Monterey Jack cheese shredded
  • 1 cup vegetable oil or enough for 1 inch depth, for frying
Garnishes
  • 0.5 cup sour cream for topping
  • 1 medium tomato diced
  • 0.25 cup fresh cilantro chopped

Equipment

  • Deep skillet or Dutch oven
  • Large frying pan
  • Metal tongs
  • Wire cooling rack

Method
 

  1. In a large skillet over medium-high heat, brown the ground beef and diced onion until meat is cooked through (about 6-8 minutes). Drain excess grease.
  2. Reduce heat to medium-low. Add minced garlic and cook for 30 seconds. Stir in taco seasoning, green chiles, and beef broth. Simmer for 3-5 minutes until liquid absorbs. Remove from heat.
  3. Warm the flour tortillas in the microwave for 20-30 seconds under a damp paper towel to make them pliable.
  4. Place about 1/2 cup of the beef mixture and 1/3 cup of shredded cheese near the bottom center of a tortilla.
  5. Fold the bottom over the filling, fold in the sides, and roll tightly to form a sealed cylinder. Secure with a toothpick if necessary. Repeat for remaining tortillas.
  6. Heat 1 inch of oil in a deep skillet to 350-375°F (175-190°C).
  7. Carefully place chimichangas seam-side down in the hot oil. Fry for 1-2 minutes until golden, then flip and fry for another 1-2 minutes until all sides are crispy.
  8. Remove from oil and drain on a wire rack or paper towels. Top with sour cream, diced tomatoes, and cilantro before serving.

Notes

To bake instead of fry: Brush assembled chimichangas with oil and bake at 400°F for 20-25 minutes, flipping halfway. To air fry: Spray with oil and air fry at 380°F for 8-10 minutes, flipping halfway.