Description
Crispy on the outside and gooey on the inside, these beef and cheese chimichangas are a weeknight-friendly comfort food treat.
Ingredients
- 1 lb ground beef (80/20 recommended)
- 1 small onion, finely diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 packet (1 oz) taco seasoning or 2 tbsp homemade taco seasoning
- 1/2 cup salsa (chunky or smooth)
- 1 cup refried beans (canned or homemade)
- 1 1/2 cups shredded cheddar or Mexican blend cheese
- 6 large flour tortillas (10–12 inch)
- 2 tbsp vegetable oil (for brushing if baking, or for a light shallow-fry)
- 2–3 tbsp more vegetable oil if pan-frying
Instructions
- Heat a large skillet over medium. Add the ground beef and diced onion. Cook, breaking up the meat, until beef is browned and onion is tender, about 6–8 minutes. Drain excess grease and return the beef to the pan.
- Stir in the minced garlic, taco seasoning, and salsa. Simmer 3–4 minutes until the mixture thickens and flavors meld. Taste and adjust salt if needed.
- Lay a tortilla flat. Spread about 2 tablespoons refried beans down the center, top with a generous scoop of the beef mixture and sprinkle 2–3 tablespoons shredded cheese. Leave a 1-inch border at the edges.
- Fold the short sides in, then roll tightly from one long edge to form a neat chimichanga. Place seam-side down on a tray while you finish the rest.
- Preheat oven to 400°F (if baking). Place chimichangas seam-side down on a baking sheet. Brush each with a light coat of vegetable oil. Bake 18–20 minutes until golden and crisp.
- Heat 2–3 tbsp vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium-high (if frying). Fry chimichangas seam-side down first, 2–3 minutes per side, turning carefully until all sides are golden and blistered.
- Transfer to a paper towel-lined plate to drain briefly. Let rest 1–2 minutes before serving.
Notes
For a lighter option, bake the chimichangas instead of frying. You can swap ground turkey or chicken for leaner meat and use black beans instead of refried beans for variation.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking, Pan-Frying
- Cuisine: Mexican