There’s something undeniably comforting about the aroma of Cheesy Beef Chimichangas wafting through your kitchen. Picture this: golden, crispy tortillas filled with seasoned beef, oozing with gooey cheese, and topped with a drizzle of salsa. Taco stuffed shells recipe It’s a flavor explosion that gets your taste buds dancing and your stomach rumbling in anticipation. The crunch of the tortilla gives way to savory beef and melted cheese, creating a delightful experience that’s hard to resist.
I remember the first time I made these chimichangas for my family; it was an impromptu dinner after a long day. As soon as they took their first bite, their eyes lit up like Christmas morning. Comforting shepherd’s pie These chimichangas quickly became our go-to comfort food. Perfect for game nights, movie marathons, or just when you need a little pick-me-up, they promise an amazing flavor experience.
Why You'll Love This Recipe
- The Cheesy Beef Chimichangas are incredibly easy to prepare, making them perfect for busy weeknights
- The combination of flavors creates a deliciously satisfying meal everyone will love
- They look fantastic on the plate, adding visual appeal to any dinner table
- Plus, you can customize your fillings based on what ingredients you have at home
Every time I whip up these chimichangas, my friends rave about how delicious they are and ask for the recipe. Garlic butter steak and potatoes. For more inspiration, check out this Delicious Garlic Butter Green Beans recipe.
Essential Ingredients
For more inspiration, check out this Thick and Chewy Caramel Coconut Cookies recipe.
Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:
- Ground Beef: Use lean ground beef for a healthier option without sacrificing flavor.
- Cheddar Cheese: Shredded sharp cheddar provides that classic cheesy goodness we all love.
- Tortillas: Flour tortillas work best for wrapping around the filling; choose larger ones for easier handling.
- Black Beans: Canned black beans add fiber and protein; rinse them before using for better texture.
- Salsa: Your favorite salsa adds both flavor and moisture; feel free to choose mild or spicy based on your preference.
- Spices: A mix of cumin and chili powder enhances the beef’s flavor profile beautifully.
- Vegetable Oil: For frying; use enough to submerge half of the chimichanga for crispy perfection.
The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.
Let’s Make it together
Prepare the Beef Filling: In a skillet over medium heat, brown one pound of ground beef until fully cooked. Drain excess fat and stir in black beans along with spices until fragrant.
Add Cheese and Salsa: Mix in shredded cheddar cheese and salsa into the beef mixture. Allow it to melt slightly while stirring gently until everything is well combined and oozy.
Assemble the Chimichangas: Lay out each tortilla flat on a clean surface. Spoon about two tablespoons of the filling onto each tortilla’s center. Fold in sides and roll tightly to enclose the filling completely.
Fry Until Golden Brown: Heat vegetable oil in a deep pan over medium-high heat. Carefully place chimichangas seam-side down into hot oil and fry until golden brown on all sides—about 3-4 minutes per side.
Drain Excess Oil: Once golden brown, remove chimichangas from oil and place them on paper towels to drain excess oil. Allow them to cool slightly before serving—they’re hot!
These Cheesy Beef Chimichangas are sure to impress anyone who takes a bite! Enjoy with additional salsa or sour cream on top—just as indulgent as they sound!
You Must Know
- Cheesy beef chimichangas are a crowd-pleaser, and they freeze beautifully for quick meals later
- The golden crunch of the tortilla paired with cheesy goodness is simply irresistible
- Make sure to serve them fresh out of the fryer for maximum flavor and texture!
Perfecting the Cooking Process
To make your cheesy beef chimichangas shine, first brown the beef and onions together. Then, warm tortillas while assembling to keep everything fresh and pliable for rolling.
Add Your Touch
Feel free to swap ground beef for shredded chicken or add jalapeños for heat. Experiment with different cheeses like pepper jack or mozzarella for a unique twist on this classic dish.
Storing & Reheating
Store leftover chimichangas in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. Reheat in the oven at 350°F until crispy again—microwaving will result in soggy sadness.
Chef's Helpful Tips
- When making your chimichangas, ensure the filling isn’t too wet; excess moisture can lead to leaks
- If frying, maintain oil temperature—too low leads to greasy chimichangas
- Lastly, let them cool slightly before biting; melted cheese can be dangerously hot!
The first time I made these cheesy beef chimichangas, my friends devoured them in minutes. Their praise was music to my ears, especially when one declared it “the best thing ever!” One-pot cheesy pasta meal.
FAQ
Can I make cheesy beef chimichangas ahead of time?
Yes, you can assemble them and refrigerate before frying or baking later.
What dipping sauces pair well with chimichangas?
Sour cream, guacamole, or salsa enhance the flavors wonderfully!
How do I get a crispier texture on my chimichangas?
Ensure your oil is hot enough before frying for that perfect crunch!
Cheesy Beef Chimichangas
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: Serves 4
Description
Cheesy Beef Chimichangas are a delightful comfort food that will bring your family to the dinner table with their irresistible aroma. These golden, crispy tortillas are generously filled with seasoned ground beef, melted cheddar cheese, and topped with your favorite salsa. Perfect for any occasion, whether it’s game night or a cozy movie marathon, these chimichangas promise a satisfying flavor explosion that’s hard to resist. Easy to prepare and customizable, they’re a guaranteed hit!
Ingredients
- 1 lb lean ground beef
- 1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese
- 4 large flour tortillas
- 1 can (15 oz) black beans, rinsed
- ½ cup salsa (mild or spicy)
- 2 tsp cumin
- 2 tsp chili powder
- Vegetable oil (for frying)
Instructions
- In a skillet over medium heat, brown the ground beef until fully cooked; drain excess fat.
- Stir in black beans, cumin, and chili powder; cook until fragrant.
- Mix in the cheddar cheese and salsa until melted and well combined.
- Lay out each tortilla and spoon about two tablespoons of filling onto the center; fold in sides and roll tightly.
- Heat vegetable oil in a deep pan over medium-high heat. Fry chimichangas seam-side down for about 3-4 minutes on each side until golden brown.
- Drain excess oil on paper towels and let cool slightly before serving.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: Mexican
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 chimichanga (approximately 140g)
- Calories: 380
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 560mg
- Fat: 22g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 11g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 27g
- Fiber: 5g
- Protein: 20g
- Cholesterol: 70mg
Keywords: Customize fillings by swapping ground beef for shredded chicken or adding jalapeños for extra heat. Ensure the filling is not too wet to prevent leaks during frying. Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days; reheat in the oven at 350°F for best results.
