Oh, let me tell you about the joy of crispy beef and cheese chimichangas! They’re not just a meal; they’re a celebration on a plate. Growing up, we’d have family gatherings where my mom would whip up a big batch of these golden beauties. The moment I bit into one, the crunch followed by that savory, cheesy goodness was just pure bliss! Seriously, there’s something so comforting about them, right? Whether you’re enjoying a cozy night in or hosting friends, beef and cheese chimichangas are always a crowd-pleaser. Trust me, once you try making them at home, you’ll never want to go back to takeout again!
Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need to whip up these delicious beef and cheese chimichangas. Don’t worry; it’s super simple!
- 1 lb ground beef: Choose your favorite lean ground beef for a juicy filling.
- 1 cup shredded cheese: I love a mix of cheddar and Monterey Jack for that melty goodness.
- 4 large flour tortillas: Go for the big ones—trust me, they’ll hold all that filling perfectly!
- 1 cup refried beans: Adds creaminess and helps keep everything together.
- 1 tsp chili powder: For a little kick of flavor.
- 1 tsp cumin: This spice brings warmth and depth to the beef.
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder: Because garlic makes everything better!
- Salt and pepper to taste: Essential for seasoning.
- Oil for frying: You’ll need enough for deep frying to get that perfect crispy texture.
Gather these up, and you’re all set to make some magic happen in the kitchen!
How to Prepare Beef and Cheese Chimichangas
Making beef and cheese chimichangas is a delicious adventure, and I promise it’s easier than you might think! Just follow these steps, and you’ll have crispy, cheesy delights in no time.
Step 1: Brown the Beef
First things first, grab a skillet and heat it over medium heat. Add your ground beef and let it sizzle! As it cooks, use a spatula to break it up into smaller chunks. This step is crucial because it builds the base flavor for your chimichangas. You want that beef to be nicely browned and flavorful, so don’t rush it—give it about 5-7 minutes.
Step 2: Seasoning
Now, it’s time to add the magic! Sprinkle in the chili powder, cumin, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Stir everything together and let those spices work their wonders. I always taste the mixture at this point—feel free to adjust the seasoning to your liking. Trust me, a little extra spice can take these chimichangas to the next level!
Step 3: Prepare Tortillas
Next, let’s get those tortillas ready. Warm them up in a dry pan for a minute or two on each side. This makes them pliable and helps prevent tearing when you fill them. If you’re in a hurry, you can also wrap them in a damp paper towel and microwave them for about 20 seconds—just be careful not to overdo it!
Step 4: Assemble Chimichangas
Now, the fun part! Lay a tortilla flat, and spread a generous spoonful of refried beans across the center. Next, add a scoop of that delicious beef mixture and a handful of shredded cheese. Then, fold the sides of the tortilla over the filling, followed by the top and bottom, creating a tight packet. This helps keep all that tasty goodness inside while frying!
Step 5: Frying Process
Heat up some oil in a deep pan over medium-high heat—about an inch deep should do it. To check if it’s hot enough, drop in a small piece of tortilla; if it sizzles, you’re ready! Carefully place your chimichangas in the oil, a few at a time, and fry until they’re golden brown on all sides—about 3-4 minutes per side. Once they’re perfectly crispy, use tongs to remove them and let them drain on paper towels. Oh, the aroma will be irresistible!
Tips for Success
To make sure your beef and cheese chimichangas come out perfectly every time, here are some handy tips! First, don’t overfill your tortillas; a little goes a long way, and too much filling can lead to messy frying. Also, be sure to seal the edges tightly to prevent any leaks during cooking. If you’re frying, keep an eye on the oil temperature; if it’s too hot, the outside will burn before the inside cooks. On the other hand, if it’s not hot enough, you’ll end up with greasy chimichangas. Finally, don’t skip the draining step—letting them sit on paper towels will keep them crispy and delicious!
Variations
One of the best things about beef and cheese chimichangas is how adaptable they are! If you’re feeling adventurous, try swapping out the beef for shredded chicken or even pulled pork for a different flavor profile. Want to sneak in some veggies? Add finely chopped bell peppers, onions, or even spinach to the beef mixture for extra nutrition. You can also switch up the cheese—pepper jack adds a nice kick, while queso fresco gives a delightful tang. And if you’re looking for a healthier option, bake them instead of frying! Just brush the chimichangas with a little olive oil and bake at 400°F (200°C) for about 20 minutes until golden. The possibilities are endless, so get creative!
Nutritional Information
Let’s talk about what you’re getting when you indulge in these tasty beef and cheese chimichangas! Each chimichanga packs a satisfying punch with approximately 350 calories. You’ll find 22g of fat, including 10g of saturated fat, which adds to that deliciously crispy texture. They also provide a hearty 20g of protein, making them a filling option for any meal. Carbohydrate lovers will enjoy 30g of carbs, along with 3g of fiber to keep things balanced. Just a heads up, there’s about 600mg of sodium, so keep that in mind if you’re watching your salt intake. Remember, these numbers are estimates, but they give you a good idea of what to expect!
FAQ Section
Got questions about making beef and cheese chimichangas? I’ve got you covered! Here are some of the most common queries I hear:
Can I freeze chimichangas?
Absolutely! To freeze, let them cool completely, then wrap each chimichanga tightly in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer bag. They can last about 2-3 months. Just thaw them in the fridge overnight before reheating!
What’s the best way to reheat them?
The oven is your best friend here! Preheat it to 350°F (175°C) and bake the chimichangas for about 15-20 minutes until heated through and crispy again. You can also microwave them, but they won’t be as crispy.
Can I make these ahead of time?
Yes! You can prepare the chimichangas, fill and fold them, then keep them covered in the fridge for up to a day before frying. Just fry them fresh when you’re ready to serve!
What if I don’t want to fry them?
No problem! You can bake them instead. Just brush the assembled chimichangas with a bit of oil and bake at 400°F (200°C) for about 20 minutes until golden. They come out crispy and delicious!
If you have any more questions, feel free to reach out—I’m here to help you create the best beef and cheese chimichangas!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick and Easy: With just a few simple steps, you can have these delicious beef and cheese chimichangas on the table in about 35 minutes!
- Flavorful: The combination of seasoned beef and melted cheese wrapped in a crispy tortilla is a flavor explosion in every bite.
- Customizable: Feel free to switch up the fillings or spices to match your taste preferences—there’s no wrong way to enjoy them!
- Perfect for Any Occasion: Whether it’s a casual family dinner or a fun party, these chimichangas are always a hit.
- Comfort Food: They’re the ultimate comforting treat that brings back memories of family gatherings and cozy nights in.
Beef and Cheese Chimichangas: 5 Steps to Pure Bliss
- Gesamtzeit: 35 minutes
- Ertrag: 4 servings 1x
- Ernährung: Glutenfrei
Beschreibung
Beef and cheese chimichangas are crispy, fried burritos filled with seasoned beef and melted cheese.
Zutaten
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 cup shredded cheese
- 4 large flour tortillas
- 1 cup refried beans
- 1 tsp chili powder
- 1 tsp cumin
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Oil for frying
Anweisungen
- In a skillet, brown the ground beef over medium heat.
- Add chili powder, cumin, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Stir well.
- Warm tortillas in a pan to make them pliable.
- Spread refried beans on each tortilla.
- Add beef mixture and shredded cheese.
- Fold the tortillas tightly to form chimichangas.
- Heat oil in a deep pan over medium-high heat.
- Fry chimichangas until golden brown on all sides.
- Remove and drain on paper towels.
- Serve hot with your favorite toppings.
Notes
- Use any cheese of your choice.
- For a healthier option, bake instead of frying.
- Serve with salsa or guacamole.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Kochen Zeit: 20 minutes
- Kategorie: Main Dish
- Methode: Frying
- Küche: Mexican
Ernährung
- Portionsgröße: 1 chimichanga
- Kalorien: 350
- Zucker: 2g
- Natrium: 600mg
- Fett: 22g
- Gesättigte Fettsäuren: 10g
- Ungesättigte Fette: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Kohlenhydrate: 30g
- Faser: 3g
- Protein: 20g
- Cholesterin: 70mg
Keywords: beef and cheese chimichangas
