Craving a delicious and satisfying meal that’s bursting with flavor? Look no further than these mouthwatering Beef and Cheese Chimichangas! Packed with seasoned ground beef, gooey melted cheese, and creamy refried beans, these chimichangas are sure to become a family favorite. Plus, they’re easy to make and perfect for a cozy night in or a festive dinner with friends. Let’s dive into the recipe and get cooking!
Ingredients:
- 6 large flour tortillas
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 cup water (to add to cooked and seasoned beef)
- 2 cups shredded cheese
- 1 can refried pinto beans
- 2 cups vegetable oil (to fry chimichangas)
Seasoning for Ground Beef:
- 1 tablespoon chili powder
- 1/2 tablespoon seasoned salt
- 1/2 tablespoon ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon garlic salt (or garlic powder)
- 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1/2-1 cup water
Topping Ideas:
- Sour cream
- Shredded lettuce
- Salsa
- Chopped tomatoes
Instructions:
- Prepare the Seasoned Ground Beef:
- Brown the ground beef in a skillet over medium heat until fully cooked. Drain any excess grease.
- Return the cooked beef to the skillet and add all the seasonings along with water. Mix thoroughly and simmer until the water is absorbed.
- Assemble the Chimichangas:
- Heat the vegetable oil in a separate skillet over medium heat for frying.
- Lay out the flour tortillas and spread a tablespoon of refried beans on one side of each tortilla, followed by a portion of the seasoned ground beef and a sprinkle of shredded cheese.
- Roll up the tortillas, folding in the sides towards the middle as you roll to create a tight seal.
- Fry the Chimichangas:
- Carefully place the rolled chimichangas seam side down into the hot oil.
- Fry each side for 1-2 minutes or until golden brown, ensuring to fry the sides as well.
- Once golden brown, remove the chimichangas from the oil and drain on a baking sheet or paper towels.
- Serve and Enjoy:
- Top the crispy chimichangas with your favorite garnishes such as sour cream, shredded lettuce, salsa, and chopped tomatoes.
- Serve hot and enjoy the irresistible flavors of these Beef and Cheese Chimichangas!
Serving and Storage Tips:
Serving Suggestions:
- Serve your Beef and Cheese Chimichangas hot and fresh from the fryer for the best flavor and texture.
- Garnish with a dollop of sour cream, a sprinkle of chopped lettuce, diced tomatoes, and a side of salsa for a delicious finishing touch.
- Pair with Mexican rice, guacamole, or a fresh green salad for a complete and satisfying meal.
Storage Tips:
- If you have leftover chimichangas, allow them to cool completely before storing.
- Place any leftover chimichangas in an airtight container or wrap them tightly in aluminum foil.
- Refrigerate leftover chimichangas for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10-15 minutes or until heated through.
- For longer storage, chimichangas can be frozen. Wrap each chimichanga individually in plastic wrap and then aluminum foil before placing them in a freezer-safe bag or container. Frozen chimichangas can be stored for up to 3 months. To reheat, thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating in the oven.
Variations:
1. Chicken Chimichangas:
- Substitute ground beef with shredded cooked chicken for a lighter option. Season the chicken with taco seasoning or your favorite spices for added flavor.
2. Vegetarian Chimichangas:
- Omit the ground beef and add extra refried beans or cooked vegetables such as bell peppers, onions, and corn for a meatless version.
3. Breakfast Chimichangas:
- Fill tortillas with scrambled eggs, cooked breakfast sausage or bacon, diced potatoes, and cheese for a delicious breakfast twist. Serve with salsa and sour cream.
4. Seafood Chimichangas:
- Use cooked shrimp, crabmeat, or fish as a filling for a seafood-inspired chimichanga. Add diced bell peppers, onions, and a sprinkle of cheese for a flavorful combination.
5. Green Chile Chimichangas:
- Add diced green chilies to the filling mixture for a mild, tangy flavor. Top with green enchilada sauce and melted cheese for a delicious variation.
6. Bean and Cheese Chimichangas:
- For a simple and budget-friendly option, fill tortillas with refried beans and shredded cheese. Serve with salsa, guacamole, and sour cream for dipping.
7. Beef and Bean Chimichangas:
- Combine cooked ground beef with refried beans for a hearty and satisfying filling. Add cheese, diced onions, and jalapeños for extra flavor.
8. Pork Chimichangas:
- Use shredded cooked pork, such as carnitas or pulled pork, as a filling for a flavorful variation. Add your favorite toppings and serve with salsa verde.
9. Spicy Chimichangas:
- Increase the heat by adding chopped jalapeños, green chilies, or a dash of hot sauce to the filling mixture. Serve with extra salsa or hot sauce for those who like it spicy.
10. Loaded Chimichangas:
- Load up your chimichangas with additional toppings such as diced avocado, sliced olives, chopped cilantro, and a squeeze of lime juice for a burst of freshness and flavor.
Experiment with these serving and storage tips, as well as variations, to create your perfect Beef and Cheese Chimichangas tailored to your taste preferences. Whether you stick to the classic recipe or get creative with different fillings, toppings, and accompaniments, you’re sure to enjoy every delicious bite!
FAQs:
- Can I use a different type of meat for the filling?
- Absolutely! While this recipe uses ground beef, you can substitute it with ground chicken, turkey, or even shredded cooked meats like chicken, pork, or beef.
- Can I make these chimichangas ahead of time?
- Yes, you can assemble the chimichangas ahead of time and refrigerate them until you’re ready to fry. Just make sure to fry them right before serving for the best texture.
- Can I bake these chimichangas instead of frying them?
- Yes, if you prefer a healthier option, you can bake the chimichangas in a preheated oven at 375°F (190°C) for about 20-25 minutes until golden brown and crispy.
- Can I freeze leftover chimichangas?
- Absolutely! Once cooled, wrap the chimichangas individually in plastic wrap and aluminum foil before placing them in a freezer-safe bag or container. They can be frozen for up to 3 months.
- How do I reheat frozen chimichangas?
- To reheat frozen chimichangas, thaw them overnight in the refrigerator, then reheat them in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10-15 minutes until heated through.
- Can I customize the fillings to suit my taste preferences?
- Of course! Feel free to customize the fillings by adding your favorite ingredients such as bell peppers, onions, beans, or different types of cheese.
- What toppings go well with chimichangas?
- Chimichangas pair well with toppings like sour cream, shredded lettuce, salsa, chopped tomatoes, guacamole, and sliced jalapeños.
- Are chimichangas spicy?
- The level of spiciness can be adjusted based on your preference. This recipe uses mild seasonings, but you can add extra heat with ingredients like jalapeños or hot sauce.
- Can I make chimichangas for a vegetarian diet?
- Absolutely! You can make vegetarian chimichangas by omitting the ground beef and using ingredients like beans, vegetables, and cheese as the filling.
- What’s the difference between chimichangas and burritos?
- While both chimichangas and burritos are made with tortillas and fillings, chimichangas are typically deep-fried, resulting in a crispy texture, whereas burritos are usually grilled or toasted.
Whether you’re hosting a casual dinner or simply craving a hearty and satisfying meal, these Beef and Cheese Chimichangas are guaranteed to hit the spot. Easy to customize with your favorite toppings and perfect for sharing, they’re sure to become a staple in your recipe repertoire. Give them a try and indulge in a taste sensation that’s simply irresistible!
