Description
Craving something bold, crispy, and oozing with cheesy goodness? These Crispy Cheesy Beef Chimichangas are the ultimate answer. With a savory beef filling, gooey melted cheese, and that irresistible golden crunch, they deliver everything you love about Tex-Mex in one easy recipe. Whether you’re looking for a quick dinner idea, a fun food idea for gatherings, or simply an easy recipe to satisfy your comfort food cravings, this dish is the perfect pick. Ideal for meal prepping, freezing, or impressing family and friends, it’s a must-have in your rotation of breakfast ideas, dinner ideas, and everything in between.
Ingredients
1 lb ground beef
1 small yellow onion, diced
2 cloves garlic, minced
2 tbsp taco seasoning
1 tbsp tomato paste
1/4 cup water or beef broth
1 1/2 cups shredded cheddar or Mexican blend cheese
4 large flour tortillas
2 cups vegetable oil (for frying)
Optional: diced tomatoes, chopped onions, cilantro, sour cream, guacamole, salsa
Instructions
1. In a skillet over medium heat, brown the ground beef, breaking it up as it cooks. Drain excess fat.
2. Add diced onion and cook until softened, about 3–4 minutes. Stir in minced garlic and cook for another 30 seconds.
3. Sprinkle taco seasoning over the mixture, then add tomato paste and water or broth. Stir to combine and simmer for 5 minutes until thickened.
4. Remove from heat and let cool slightly, then stir in shredded cheese until well incorporated.
5. Lay out tortillas. Spoon equal portions of the beef and cheese mixture into the center of each tortilla.
6. Fold in the sides and roll tightly into burrito shapes, ensuring the ends are sealed.
7. Heat oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Fry chimichangas seam-side down for 3–4 minutes per side until golden and crispy.
8. Remove and drain on paper towels.
9. Top with your choice of fresh toppings and serve immediately.
Notes
Room-temperature tortillas are easier to fold and less likely to tear.
Let the beef mixture cool a bit before adding cheese to avoid greasy separation.
To bake instead of fry, brush with oil and bake at 400°F for 20–25 minutes, flipping once.
- Prep Time: 25 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Frying or Baking
- Cuisine: Tex-Mex
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 chimichanga
- Calories: 520
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 740mg
- Fat: 32g
- Saturated Fat: 14g
- Unsaturated Fat: 14g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 34g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 24g
- Cholesterol: 85mg