Name: Beef and Cheese Chimichanga Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 30 min
Yield: 6
Ingredients: Sour cream; Shredded lettuce; Salsa; Chopped tomatoes; 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; 6 large Flour tortillas; 1 pound Ground beef; 1 cup Water (to add to cooked and seasoned beef); 2 cups Cheese, shredded; 1 can Refried pinto beans; 2 cups Vegetable oil (to fry chimichangas)

Beef and cheese chimichangas are large tortillas filled with savory beef, beans, and cheese, then fried to a golden perfection. The perfect quick and easy dinner solution, and even great to make ahead and freeze.

While you are here, you gotta check out these Cheesy Bacon Loaded Breakfast Burritos. Also, be sure to drizzle them with some of this Creamy Jalapeno Salsa, or this amazing Chipotle Salsa.

close up of beef and cheese chimichanga on a cutting board

After living in Texas for such a great period of my life, I was privy to some of the greatest Mexican and Tex-mex food that this nation has to offer! Having lived in so many different states in the USA, I can definitely stand behind that statement too.

It is only right that I learned how to recreate some of my favorite dishes at home. These are up there with my top five favorite dishes.

What is a chimichanga?

A chimichanga is a large tortillas, stuffed with various proteins and starches, and deep fried until they are golden brown. You will usually find them in the "Tex-mex" style dishes versus traditional Mexican food dishes.

What is the difference between a burrito and a chimichanga?

In essence, both of these are made the same. Use a large tortilla, and roll different fillings inside of it. The biggest difference however, is that the chimichanga is fried! Even more, often times a burrito will be served wrapped in foil or parchment paper, and eaten by hand.

Since the chimichangas are deep fried, they are often served on a platter, and topped with various sauces or chilis. This makes it necessary to eat them with a fork and knife versus picking them up and eating them with your hands.

Ideas for the filling:

Most of the time you will find some sort of protein, and starch, along with a cheese of some sort. Protein ideas include ground beef (like this recipe calls for), shredded or diced chicken, fajita meat, or make it vegetarian by substituting all vegetables.

How to make a vegetarian chimichanga:

There are so many options to make these "meatless." Instead of adding beef, you can simply add rice and beans. Pinto beans, black beans, or any other type of bean that you prefer. This Mexican Rice is also a super delicious addition.

Chop-up some bell peppers and onions, maybe even some mushrooms, and add them as a filling as well. Top the "meatless" mixture with some cheese, and roll them up as directed. Next, you can fry them until they are perfectly golden!

Make ahead and freeze:

If you are interested in making them ahead of time and freezing, follow the instructions all the way up until the deep frying part. Simply fill the tortillas, roll them, and instead of frying, wrap them with aluminum foil. Wrap them as tight as possible, label them, and place them in a freezer safe gallon bag.

When you are ready to them- remove as many as you desire from the freezer, and gently place them in oil that is preheated to 375 degrees. You can fry them from frozen, but be extra careful not to burn yourself with popping oil from the ice crystals.

Fry each side for seven to ten minutes, flip them over and fry an additional seven to ten minutes. Cooking times may vary based on the temperature of the oil. The most important thing is to make sure the inside is thoroughly heated.

pan frying chimichangas in cast iron skillet with oil

Making them in the oven or air fryer:

If you want to avoid deep frying the burritos, baking them is another option. Trust me when I say, frying them in oil does taste better! For a healthier option though, baking them is the way to go.

Follow all of the instructions up until the deep frying part. Instead of frying them, you should place them on a non-stick baking sheet, or in the air fryer, seam side down. Spray them with a canola oil spray (spray them liberally, and directly over the top).

Bake them on 350 degrees for ten minutes, flip them over, and bake an additional seven to ten minutes. Once the chimichangas are golden brown- remove them from the oven or air fryer.

What to serve with the chimichangas:

If you want to keep it traditional (like dining out at a Mexican restaurant), serve them with a nice helping of rice and beans! Another great side or even topping, would be some homemade guacamole, or a quick and delicious pico de gallo.

Yield: 6 chimichangas