Chimichangas are a delicious Mexican-American fusion dish, typically deep-fried burritos filled with savory meats, cheeses, and other flavorful ingredients. Beef and cheese chimichangas, in particular, offer a tantalizing combination of seasoned ground beef and melted cheese, all encased in a crispy, golden tortilla. Whether you’re looking for a hearty dinner or a crowd-pleasing party dish, this recipe will guide you through creating mouthwatering beef and cheese chimichangas that everyone will love.
Ingredients
For the Filling:
- 1 lb (450g) ground beef
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon chili powder
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 cup salsa (your favorite kind)
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 cup shredded Monterey Jack cheese
For the Chimichangas:
- 8 large flour tortillas
- 1/4 cup melted butter or vegetable oil (for brushing)
- Toothpicks (for securing)
Optional Toppings:
- Sour cream
- Guacamole
- Pico de gallo
- Shredded lettuce
- Chopped tomatoes
- Chopped fresh cilantro
Steps
Prepare the Filling:
- Cook the Beef: In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef until it’s browned and cooked through, breaking it up with a spoon as it cooks. Drain any excess fat.
- Add Onions and Garlic: Add the finely chopped onion and minced garlic to the skillet. Cook for 2-3 minutes, or until the onion becomes translucent and fragrant.
- Season the Beef: Stir in the chili powder, ground cumin, paprika, salt, and pepper. Cook for another minute to let the spices bloom.
- Add Salsa: Pour in the salsa, stirring to combine. Reduce the heat and let it simmer for 5-10 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together.
- Incorporate Cheese: Remove the skillet from heat and stir in the shredded cheddar and Monterey Jack cheeses until they are melted and evenly distributed.
Assemble the Chimichangas:
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Fill Tortillas: Lay a tortilla flat on a clean surface. Spoon about 1/4 cup of the beef and cheese mixture onto the center of the tortilla.
- Fold Tortillas: Fold the sides of the tortilla over the filling, then fold the bottom up and roll it tightly to form a burrito shape. Secure the seam with toothpicks if needed.
- Brush with Butter or Oil: Place the chimichangas seam-side down on the prepared baking sheet. Brush the tops and sides with melted butter or vegetable oil for a crispy finish.
Bake the Chimichangas:
- Bake: Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until the chimichangas are golden brown and crispy. If you prefer a deeper golden color, you can broil them for the last 1-2 minutes, keeping a close eye on them to prevent burning.
- Remove Toothpicks: Carefully remove the toothpicks from the chimichangas before serving.
Serve:
- Top and Enjoy: Serve the chimichangas hot, topped with sour cream, guacamole, pico de gallo, shredded lettuce, chopped tomatoes, and fresh cilantro as desired.
Tips
- Frying Option: For a more traditional chimichanga, you can deep-fry the filled tortillas instead of baking them. Heat oil in a deep fryer or large pot to 350°F (175°C) and fry each chimichanga for 3-4 minutes until golden brown and crispy. Drain on paper towels.
- Cheese Variations: Feel free to experiment with different types of cheese, such as pepper jack for a spicier kick or queso fresco for a more authentic Mexican flavor.
- Make-Ahead: You can prepare the beef filling ahead of time and refrigerate it for up to 2 days. Assemble and bake the chimichangas when you’re ready to serve.
- Leftovers: Store any leftover chimichangas in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat them in the oven to retain their crispy texture.
Variations
- Chicken Chimichangas: Substitute the ground beef with shredded cooked chicken and use the same seasonings and cheese.
- Vegetarian Chimichangas: Replace the beef with a mixture of black beans, corn, and diced bell peppers. Season and cook as directed for the beef filling.
Beef and cheese chimichangas are a crispy, cheesy delight that brings a taste of Mexican cuisine to your home kitchen. With their savory beef filling, gooey cheese, and crunchy tortilla shell, they are sure to become a favorite for family dinners and casual gatherings alike. Enjoy the process of making these delicious chimichangas and delight in the satisfying flavors they bring to your table.
