How To Make Cheesy Beef Chimichangas
This post may contain affiliate links, which means I might earn a small commission (at no extra cost to you) if you decide to make a purchase through one of these links. I only recommend products I actually use or genuinely believe will bring value. Thanks for the support!
TAP HERE TO GET ACCESS TO YOUR NONSTICK FRY PAN
Crispy, cheesy, and bursting with flavor—these easy beef chimichangas are the ultimate comfort food you can make at home!
>>>🙋VISITBOUR WEBSITE FOR MORE RECIPES<<<
If you’re craving a bold and cheesy Tex-Mex dish that’s satisfying, quick, and irresistibly crunchy, then cheesy beef chimichangas are your answer. Whether it’s a weeknight dinner, a family gathering, or a special party snack, these golden-fried burrito-style wraps bring restaurant-quality flavor right to your kitchen.
In this post, I’ll walk you through step-by-step how to make cheesy beef chimichangas at home—with simple ingredients and expert tips to make them extra delicious!
What Is a Chimichanga?
Let’s break it down—a chimichanga is essentially a deep-fried burrito. While burritos are usually soft and rolled, chimichangas take it to the next level with a crispy golden shell. Popular in Tex-Mex cuisine, they’re usually stuffed with seasoned meat, cheese, and other tasty fillings.
You can make them in a skillet, deep fryer, or even an air fryer—so there’s something for every comfort level in the kitchen.
Why You’ll Love This Cheesy Beef Chimichanga Recipe
• Super cheesy and savory
• Crispy outside, tender inside
• Family-friendly and freezer-friendly
• Customizable with your favorite toppings
• Tastes like takeout but healthier and homemade
If you’re craving a bold and cheesy Tex-Mex dish that’s satisfying, quick, and irresistibly crunchy, then cheesy beef chimichangas are your answer. Whether it’s a weeknight dinner, a family gathering, or a special party snack, these golden-fried burrito-style wraps bring restaurant-quality flavor right to your kitchen.
In this post, I’ll walk you through step-by-step how to make cheesy beef chimichangas at home—with simple ingredients and expert tips to make them extra delicious!
What Is a Chimichanga?
Let’s break it down—a chimichanga is essentially a deep-fried burrito. While burritos are usually soft and rolled, chimichangas take it to the next level with a crispy golden shell. Popular in Tex-Mex cuisine, they’re usually stuffed with seasoned meat, cheese, and other tasty fillings.
You can make them in a skillet, deep fryer, or even an air fryer—so there’s something for every comfort level in the kitchen.
Why You’ll Love This Cheesy Beef Chimichanga Recipe
• Super cheesy and savory
• Crispy outside, tender inside
• Family-friendly and freezer-friendly
• Customizable with your favorite toppings
• Tastes like takeout but healthier and homemade
TAP HERE TO GET ACCESS TO YOUR NONSTICK FRY PAN
Ingredients You’ll Need
Here’s what you’ll need for the ultimate cheesy beef chimichangas:
• 1 lb ground beef (lean is best)
• 1 small onion, finely chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 packet taco seasoning (or homemade)
• ½ cup tomato sauce or salsa
• 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
• 1 cup shredded Monterey Jack cheese
• 6 large flour tortillas
• Oil for frying (vegetable or canola)
• Optional: refried beans or cooked rice for extra filling
Optional Toppings
• Sour cream
• Guacamole
• Fresh chopped cilantro
• Salsa or pico de gallo
• Sliced jalapeños
• Shredded lettuce
How To Make Cheesy Beef Chimichangas – Step-by-Step
1. Cook the Beef Mixture
In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef until browned. Drain excess fat. Add the chopped onion and garlic, cooking until softened (about 3-4 minutes). Stir in taco seasoning and tomato sauce. Simmer for 5 minutes. Remove from heat.
2. Add the Cheese
Mix in the shredded cheddar and Monterey Jack cheese. Stir until melted and creamy. You want the beef mixture to be thick and cheesy—this helps it stay inside the tortilla when frying.
3. Assemble the Chimichangas
Lay out your tortillas. Spoon about ½ cup of the beef and cheese mixture into the center of each one. Add refried beans or rice if using. Fold the sides over the filling, then roll tightly like a burrito, tucking in the ends to seal.
4. Fry Until Crispy
Heat ½ inch of oil in a deep skillet over medium heat. Carefully place 2 chimichangas seam-side down and fry for about 2–3 minutes on each side, or until golden brown and crispy. Remove and drain on paper towels.
Tip: Want a healthier version? Spray the chimichangas with oil and air fry at 400°F (200°C) for 8–10 minutes, flipping halfway through.
5. Add Toppings and Serve
Serve hot with your favorite toppings like sour cream, guacamole, salsa, and chopped cilantro. Add a squeeze of lime for an extra burst of flavor!
Ingredients You’ll Need
Here’s what you’ll need for the ultimate cheesy beef chimichangas:
• 1 lb ground beef (lean is best)
• 1 small onion, finely chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 packet taco seasoning (or homemade)
• ½ cup tomato sauce or salsa
• 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
• 1 cup shredded Monterey Jack cheese
• 6 large flour tortillas
• Oil for frying (vegetable or canola)
• Optional: refried beans or cooked rice for extra filling
Optional Toppings
• Sour cream
• Guacamole
• Fresh chopped cilantro
• Salsa or pico de gallo
• Sliced jalapeños
• Shredded lettuce
How To Make Cheesy Beef Chimichangas – Step-by-Step
1. Cook the Beef Mixture
In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef until browned. Drain excess fat. Add the chopped onion and garlic, cooking until softened (about 3-4 minutes). Stir in taco seasoning and tomato sauce. Simmer for 5 minutes. Remove from heat.
2. Add the Cheese
Mix in the shredded cheddar and Monterey Jack cheese. Stir until melted and creamy. You want the beef mixture to be thick and cheesy—this helps it stay inside the tortilla when frying.
3. Assemble the Chimichangas
Lay out your tortillas. Spoon about ½ cup of the beef and cheese mixture into the center of each one. Add refried beans or rice if using. Fold the sides over the filling, then roll tightly like a burrito, tucking in the ends to seal.
4. Fry Until Crispy
Heat ½ inch of oil in a deep skillet over medium heat. Carefully place 2 chimichangas seam-side down and fry for about 2–3 minutes on each side, or until golden brown and crispy. Remove and drain on paper towels.
Tip: Want a healthier version? Spray the chimichangas with oil and air fry at 400°F (200°C) for 8–10 minutes, flipping halfway through.
5. Add Toppings and Serve
Serve hot with your favorite toppings like sour cream, guacamole, salsa, and chopped cilantro. Add a squeeze of lime for an extra burst of flavor!
Make-Ahead & Freezer Tips
Want to save time? You can prep the beef mixture ahead and store it in the fridge for up to 3 days. Or, assemble the chimichangas and freeze them uncooked. When ready to cook, let them thaw slightly and fry or air fry as usual.
What to Serve with Chimichangas
Here are some perfect side dishes to complete your cheesy beef chimichanga meal:
• Mexican rice
• Refried or black beans
• Street corn salad (elote)
• Tortilla chips with salsa or queso
• Fresh limeade or a cold cerveza 🍺
Variations You’ll Love
These are super flexible! Try these variations next time:
• Chicken Chimichangas – Swap ground beef for shredded rotisserie chicken
• Vegetarian – Use sautéed mushrooms, peppers, onions, and black beans
• Spicy Kick – Add hot sauce or chopped jalapeños into the beef mixture
• Breakfast Chimichangas – Use scrambled eggs, sausage, and cheese
Final Thoughts: Make These Tonight!
Cheesy beef chimichangas are one of those rare recipes that feel indulgent yet simple to make at home. They deliver that satisfying crunch and oozy, cheesy goodness with every bite—and once you try them, you’ll want to make them again and again.
Perfect for weeknights, casual dinners, or even parties—chimichangas are a fun twist on Mexican food that your whole family will love.
Comments
Post a Comment