Beef and Cheese Chimichangas Recipe | getcakerecipes (2024)

Beef and cheese chimichangas are a delicious and satisfying Mexican dish that is perfect for a hearty meal. This recipe combines seasoned ground beef with melted cheese, all wrapped up in a crispy tortilla. Whether you’re cooking for a crowd or just craving some comfort food, beef and cheese chimichangas are sure to hit the spot.

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History of Beef and Cheese Chimichangas

The exact origins of chimichangas are unclear, but they are believed to have originated in the southwestern United States or northern Mexico. Some sources suggest that chimichangas were invented by accident when a burrito was dropped into a deep fryer, while others claim that they were created intentionally. Regardless of their origins, chimichangas have become a popular dish in Mexican-American cuisine, known for their crispy exterior and flavorful filling.

Why Choose Beef and Cheese Chimichangas

Beef and cheese chimichangas are a great choice for a meal because they are easy to make and incredibly versatile. You can customize the filling to suit your taste, adding vegetables, beans, or rice for a more filling meal. Plus, chimichangas are a great way to use up leftovers, making them a practical and budget-friendly option for busy weeknights.

What are Beef and Cheese Chimichangas Made of?

Beef and cheese chimichangas are made from simple ingredients that you may already have on hand. The main components of this dish are ground beef, cheese, tortillas, and seasonings. You can also add other ingredients such as onions, peppers, or beans to customize the filling to your liking.

What to Have with Beef and Cheese Chimichangas

Beef and cheese chimichangas can be served with a variety of side dishes to complete the meal. Some popular options include rice, beans, salsa, guacamole, or sour cream. You can also serve chimichangas with a side salad or Mexican-style corn for a more balanced meal.

Are Beef and Cheese Chimichangas Healthy?

While beef and cheese chimichangas are delicious, they are not the healthiest option due to their high fat and calorie content. However, you can make them healthier by using lean ground beef, whole wheat tortillas, and low-fat cheese. Additionally, you can serve chimichangas with a side of vegetables or salad to increase the nutritional value of the meal.

Kitchen Equipment

  • Skillet
  • Wooden spoon
  • Baking sheet
  • Aluminum foil

Ingredients

  • 1 pound ground beef
  • 1 onion, diced
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 teaspoon chili powder
  • 1 teaspoon cumin
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • 1 cup shredded cheese
  • 4 large flour tortillas
  • Vegetable oil, for frying
Beef and Cheese Chimichangas Recipe | getcakerecipes (1)

Directions:

  • In a skillet, cook the ground beef over medium heat until browned. Add the diced onion, garlic, chili powder, cumin, salt, and pepper, and cook for an additional 5 minutes.
  • Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with aluminum foil.
  • Place a tortilla on a flat surface. Spoon some of the beef mixture onto the center of the tortilla, then sprinkle with shredded cheese. Fold the sides of the tortilla over the filling, then roll up tightly.
  • Heat the vegetable oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Carefully place the chimichangas seam-side down in the skillet and cook until golden brown on all sides, about 2-3 minutes per side.
  • Transfer the chimichangas to the prepared baking sheet and bake in the preheated oven for 10-15 minutes or until crispy and heated through.
  • Serve the chimichangas with your favorite toppings, such as salsa, guacamole, and sour cream.

Tips

  • To make this recipe healthier, you can bake the chimichangas instead of frying them. Simply place them seam-side down on a baking sheet lined with aluminum foil and bake at 400°F (200°C) for 15-20 minutes, or until crispy.
  • You can customize the filling by adding vegetables such as bell peppers, corn, or black beans.

Conclusion

Beef and cheese chimichangas are a delicious and versatile dish that is perfect for a family dinner or a casual meal with friends. Whether you fry them or bake them, chimichangas are sure to be a hit with everyone at the table. So why not give this recipe a try tonight?

MORE RECIPES

Beef and Cheese Chimichangas Recipe | getcakerecipes (2)

Beef and Cheese Chimichangas Recipe

Beef and Cheese Chimichangas Recipe | getcakerecipes (3)getcakerecipes

Beef and cheese chimichangas are a delicious and satisfying Mexican dish that is perfect for a hearty meal. This recipe combines seasoned ground beef with melted cheese, all wrapped up in a crispy tortilla. Whether you're cooking for a crowd or just craving some comfort food, beef and cheese chimichangas are sure to hit the spot.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 20 minutes mins

Cook Time 20 minutes mins

Total Time 40 minutes mins

Course Beef

Servings 4

Equipment

  • Skillet

  • Wooden spoon

  • Baking Sheet

  • Aluminum foil

Ingredients

  • 1 pound ground beef
  • 1 onion, diced
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 teaspoon chili powder
  • 1 teaspoon cumin
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • 1 cup shredded cheese
  • 4 large flour tortillas
  • Vegetable oil, for frying

Instructions

  • In a skillet, cook the ground beef over medium heat until browned. Add the diced onion, garlic, chili powder, cumin, salt, and pepper, and cook for an additional 5 minutes.

  • Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with aluminum foil.

  • Place a tortilla on a flat surface. Spoon some of the beef mixture onto the center of the tortilla, then sprinkle with shredded cheese. Fold the sides of the tortilla over the filling, then roll up tightly.

  • Heat the vegetable oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Carefully place the chimichangas seam-side down in the skillet and cook until golden brown on all sides, about 2-3 minutes per side.

  • Transfer the chimichangas to the prepared baking sheet and bake in the preheated oven for 10-15 minutes or until crispy and heated through.

  • Serve the chimichangas with your favorite toppings, such as salsa, guacamole, and sour cream.

Keyword Beef and Cheese Chimichangas

FAQs

Q: Can I use ground turkey instead of ground beef? A: Yes, you can substitute ground turkey for ground beef in this recipe.

Q: Can I freeze chimichangas? A: Yes, you can freeze chimichangas before or after frying. Simply wrap them tightly in aluminum foil or plastic wrap and store them in the freezer for up to 3 months.

I hope you find this Recipe informative. If you have any further questions or need any adjustments, please feel free tolet me know!

Beef and Cheese Chimichangas Recipe | getcakerecipes (2024)

FAQs

What is beef chimichanga made of? ›

Beef Chimichangas filled with a ground beef/refried bean mixture seasoned with chili powder, cumin, and oregano, rolled up and fried until crispy, and covered with cheese and jalapeno tomato sauce tastes so much better than restaurant chimichangas. They are sure to be a family favorite.

What does a chimichanga have in it? ›

Traditionally, a chimichanga is filled with a combination of rice, beans, meat and cheese, similar to a burrito. You can opt for seasoned Mexican-style rice or yellow rice or even plain white rice. As for the beans, refried beans, black beans or pinto beans are traditional.

Are chimichangas soft or crunchy? ›

In summary, what makes a chimichanga a chimichanga is the fact that it is a deep-fried burrito with a crispy outer layer, and it often includes a filling of meat, beans, cheese, and vegetables.

What is a traditional chimichanga? ›

A chimichanga is a deep-fried burrito. The Tex-Mex staple usually features a flour tortilla filled with rice, beans, cheese, and meat – but you can get as creative as you want with specific ingredients.

Do Mexicans eat chimichangas? ›

While historians agree that the chimichanga is not an authentic Mexican food, the exact location of its origin is disputed. Both El Charro in Tucson, Arizona, and Macayo's Mexican Kitchen in Phoenix, Arizona, claim to be home to the first chimichanga.

Why are chimichangas unhealthy? ›

A chimichanga can be a rich, occasional treat, rather than a diet staple. Chimichangas are high in calories, saturated fat and trans fats. According to the American Heart Association, eating a diet high in saturated fat puts us at higher risk for type 2 diabetes, high blood pressure and obesity.

Does a chimichanga have to be deep-fried? ›

Deep fry chimichangas until golden brown. (Alternatively, you can skip the deep frying step altogether by arranging the chimichanga packets on a baking sheet and bake until cheese melts and tortillas begin to firm up, about 5 to 10 minutes in a preheated 350 degrees F oven.)

What is a wet chimichanga? ›

Chimichanga conundrum

Chimichangas invariably fall into two basic categories: dry and wet. The former is crisply fried, topped with sour cream and guacamole and perhaps a little cheese. The latter is smothered with a sauce or salsa.

What is chimi mayo made of? ›

Directions. Combine 2 cups fresh parsley, 1 cup fresh cilantro, 1 large jalapeno (seeded and chopped), 3 garlic cloves and 1/2 to 1 tablespoon sherry vinegar in a food processor and pulse until well chopped. Add 1/2 cup mayonnaise and pulse several times to incorporate. Season with salt.

What is the swear word for chimichangas? ›

1922), accidentally dropped a burrito into the deep-fat fryer in the early 1950s. She immediately began to utter a Spanish profanity beginning "chi..." (chingada), but quickly stopped herself and instead exclaimed chimichanga, a Spanish equivalent of "thingamajig".

Are chimichangas healthy to eat? ›

Worst: Chimichanga

The dish has more than 1,500 calories and 93 grams of fat. Factor in toppings like guacamole and sour cream, and you'll get most of your day's calories and sodium in one meal. And research shows that a diet high in fried foods can raise your chances of diabetes and heart disease.

Do you eat chimichangas with your hands? ›

Our Chimichangas can be eaten with a fork and knife for those who want to stay clean but work just as well by hand. In fact, the allure to a Chimichanga is the fact that you can pick one up and eat it without a fork and knife, anywhere you want.

What does chimichanga mean in Spanish? ›

First recorded in 1950–55; from Mexican Spanish (Veracruz, Tabasco) chimichanga, chivichanga “trinket, trifle,” of uncertain origin.

What's the difference between a beef burrito and a chimichanga? ›

Burritos might also have vegetables, eggs, or condiments like guacamole or salsa, whereas a chimichanga won't be filled with any cold ingredients. Instead, a chimichanga parades them on top or to the side of it.

What's the difference between a beef and bean burrito and a chimichanga? ›

How does a burrito differ from a chimichanga? Burritos contain rice and beans and tomatoes in addition to the meat, and they're wrapped but not fried. Chimichangas typically contain only the meat in sauce, and are deep fried, so they are crisp and crunchy on the outside.

What makes a chimichanga different from a burrito? ›

Chimichanga vs burrito: so what's the difference? So, if your burrito is deeply fried, then it's a chimichanga; if it's not deep-fried, then it's a burrito. That's the most fundamental difference between burrito and chimichanga.

What's the difference between a taco burrito and a chimichanga? ›

Burritos vs.

The main difference between these two Mexican favorites is that a chimichanga is deep-fried. Also, chimichangas are usually meat-filled and served with sour cream or cheese on the side, whereas burritos almost always have beans, along with meat, as fillings.

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