Easy Beef and Cheese Chimichangas
Quick and satisfying chimichangas filled with flavorful beef, cheese, and refried beans, perfect for easy weeknight dinners.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 1 lb ground beef Use 85/15 for good flavor and juiciness.
- 1 small onion, finely diced Sweetens as it cooks.
- 2 cloves garlic, minced Don’t overcook to avoid bitterness.
- 1 packet taco seasoning Store-bought or homemade mix.
- 1/2 cup salsa Choose medium salsa for brightness.
- 1 cup refried beans (lard-free) Crucial for creaminess and structure.
- 1 1/2 cups shredded cheddar cheese For gooey, melty consistency.
- 6 large flour tortillas Warm briefly to prevent cracking.
- 2 tbsp vegetable oil For brushing/frying.
Optional Toppings
- sour cream
- guacamole
- shredded lettuce
- extra salsa
- pico de gallo
- chopped cilantro
- lime wedges
Instructions
Preparation
- Gather ingredients, preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C), and line a baking sheet with foil.
Cooking the Filling
- Heat a large skillet over medium heat and add ground beef and diced onion. Brown the beef until cooked through, breaking it apart as it cooks.
- Drain excess grease, then add minced garlic and cook for 30 seconds.
- Stir in taco seasoning and salsa; let simmer for 3-4 minutes.
Assembling chimichangas
- Spread refried beans down the center of each tortilla.
- Add the beef mixture on top of the beans, then sprinkle with cheese.
- Fold sides of tortilla over the filling and roll tightly. Place seam-side down in the baking dish or skillet.
Cooking Options
- For baking, brush chimichangas lightly with oil and bake for 18-20 minutes until golden, flipping halfway.
- For skillet-frying, heat 2-3 tablespoons of oil and fry chimichangas for 2-3 minutes per side until crisp.
Serving
- Let chimichangas rest for 2 minutes before serving with chosen toppings.
Notes
Store cooled chimichangas in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, use an oven or toaster oven for best results.
Nutrition
Serving: 1gCalories: 320kcalCarbohydrates: 35gProtein: 20gFat: 15gSaturated Fat: 7gSodium: 600mgFiber: 3gSugar: 2g
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