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Two beef and cheese chimichangas on a white plate, topped with melted cheddar and mozzarella cheese, with the filling slightly visible at the ends, on a colorful floral background.

Beef and Cheese Chimichangas

Crispy, cheesy, and packed with flavor, these beef and cheese chimichangas are perfect for weeknight dinners or feeding a crowd.
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Frying Time 5 minutes
Total Time 40 minutes
Servings: 10 chimichangas
Course: Dinner, Main Course
Cuisine: Mexican, Tex-Mex
Calories: 365
Ingredients Method Nutrition Notes

Ingredients
  

  • 1½ lbs ground beef lean, for filling
  • 1 can refried beans approx. 16 oz; smooth texture preferred
  • ½ medium onion chopped (for flavor)
  • 2 teaspoon minced garlic fresh, for depth
  • 2 teaspoon chili powder adjust to taste
  • 1 teaspoon ground cumin warm, earthy flavor
  • ½ teaspoon dried oregano for seasoning
  • 10 large 10-inch flour tortillas soft and pliable
  • 24 oz tomato sauce divided; ½ cup for filling, rest for sauce
  • 4 oz diced green chilis canned (mild or hot)
  • 4 oz chopped jalapeños canned (adjust for spice)
  • 1½ cups shredded taco blend cheese or cheddar/Monterey Jack mix
  • Salt and black pepper to taste
  • Vegetable or canola oil for frying enough for shallow fry

Method
 

  1. Add ground beef to a skillet over medium-high heat. Cook until fully browned, breaking it up with a spatula. Drain excess liquid.
  2. Add refried beans, chopped onion, minced garlic, ½ cup tomato sauce, chili powder, cumin, oregano, and salt and pepper. Stir and cook 5 minutes until heated through.
  3. Warm tortillas in the microwave for 20–30 seconds until soft and pliable.
  4. Heat about 1 inch of oil in a deep skillet over medium-high heat.
  5. Divide filling evenly among the tortillas. Fold one end over, tuck in the sides, and roll to form a sealed packet. Secure with a toothpick.
  6. Fry the chimichangas in the hot oil until golden and crispy on all sides, about 2–3 minutes per side. Remove and drain on a paper towel-lined plate.
  7. Combine remaining tomato sauce, green chilis, and jalapeños in a saucepan. Heat over medium until warm, adding salt and pepper to taste.
  8. Ladle sauce over fried chimichangas, sprinkle with shredded cheese, and serve immediately.

Nutrition

Serving: 1 ServingCalories: 365kcalCarbohydrates: 22gProtein: 26gFat: 19gSaturated Fat: 7gPolyunsaturated Fat: 10gMonounsaturated Fat: 2gTrans Fat: 1gCholesterol: 72mgSodium: 853mgPotassium: 300mgFiber: 5gSugar: 5gVitamin A: 2IUVitamin C: 4mgCalcium: 15mgIron: 18mg

Notes

These chimichangas are crispy on the outside, cheesy and flavorful inside. Serve with a warm tomato-chili sauce and sprinkle extra cheese for a fun weeknight treat!

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