Description
Craving something crispy, cheesy, and packed with flavor? These Crispy Cheesy Beef Chimichangas are your ultimate go-to for an indulgent yet easy dinner. Perfect for a weeknight meal, game-day snack, or any Tex-Mex inspired feast, this easy recipe combines seasoned ground beef, melted cheese, and golden fried tortillas into one irresistible bite. Whether you’re exploring new dinner ideas, need a quick weeknight recipe, or just love crispy comfort food, this dish has everything you’re looking for—plus all the toppings you love.
Ingredients
1 lb ground beef
1 small onion, finely chopped
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 tsp ground cumin
1 tsp smoked paprika
1/2 tsp chili powder
1/2 tsp oregano
1/4 tsp cayenne pepper (optional)
Salt and black pepper, to taste
1/4 cup tomato sauce or salsa
1 1/2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
1/2 cup Monterey Jack cheese
1 tbsp cream cheese
6 large flour tortillas
Vegetable oil for frying
Sour cream
Pico de gallo or salsa
Chopped cilantro
Diced tomatoes
Shredded lettuce
Guacamole
Instructions
1. In a large skillet over medium heat, cook ground beef, breaking it apart as it browns.
2. Add chopped onion and cook until soft, about 5–6 minutes. Stir in garlic and spices: cumin, paprika, chili powder, oregano, cayenne, salt, and pepper.
3. Pour in tomato sauce or salsa and simmer for 5 minutes. Remove from heat and let cool slightly.
4. In a bowl, mix shredded cheddar, Monterey Jack, and cream cheese until smooth.
5. Warm tortillas in the microwave wrapped in a damp towel for 30 seconds.
6. Spoon beef mixture into the center of each tortilla, top with cheese, fold sides, and roll tightly. Secure with toothpicks if needed.
7. Heat oil in a skillet to 350°F. Fry chimichangas seam-side down for 2–3 minutes per side until golden and crispy.
8. Drain on a wire rack or paper towels.
9. Top with sour cream, pico de gallo, cilantro, or your favorite toppings.
10. Serve hot and enjoy!
Notes
Always warm the tortillas before rolling to prevent cracking.
Fry in small batches to keep oil temperature consistent and chimichangas crisp.
Use a wire rack instead of just paper towels to keep the exterior perfectly crunchy.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: Tex-Mex
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 chimichanga
- Calories: 490
- Sugar: 2
- Sodium: 620
- Fat: 29
- Saturated Fat: 12
- Carbohydrates: 32
- Fiber: 2
- Protein: 25
- Cholesterol: 75