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Beef and Cheese Chimichangas

Crispy, golden-fried flour tortillas stuffed tightly with savory seasoned ground beef and an ultra-gooey blend of melted cheddar and Monterey Jack cheese.
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 15 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Servings: 6 chimichangas
Course: Dinner, Main Course
Cuisine: Mexican-American, Tex-Mex
Calories: 650

Ingredients
  

The Filling
  • 1 lb ground beef 80/20 preferred
  • 1 medium yellow onion finely diced
  • 3 cloves garlic minced
  • 2 tbsp taco seasoning
  • 0.33 cup beef broth
  • 1.5 cups sharp cheddar cheese freshly grated
  • 1.5 cups Monterey Jack cheese freshly grated
The Wrapper & Frying
  • 6 large flour tortillas burrito sized
  • 1 cup vegetable oil for shallow frying
  • 1 batch sour cream, diced tomatoes, cilantro optional toppings

Equipment

  • Large Skillet
  • Deep skillet or Dutch oven
  • Tongs
  • Wire cooling rack

Method
 

  1. In a large skillet over medium-high heat, brown the ground beef and diced onions until meat is cooked through and onions are soft. Drain excess grease.
  2. Reduce heat to medium-low. Add minced garlic and cook for 1 minute. Stir in taco seasoning and beef broth. Simmer for 3-5 minutes until the liquid thickens and coats the meat.
  3. Wrap the tortillas in a damp paper towel and microwave for 30-40 seconds until warm and pliable.
  4. Place about 1/3 cup of the beef mixture and 1/2 cup of the mixed cheeses slightly below the center of each warm tortilla.
  5. Fold the bottom over the filling, fold in the sides, and tightly roll it up like a burrito. Secure with a toothpick if necessary.
  6. Heat about 1 inch of oil in a deep skillet to 350°F-375°F. Carefully place the chimichangas seam-side down into the hot oil.
  7. Fry for 1-2 minutes per side until golden brown and crispy. Remove and drain on a wire rack or paper towels.
  8. Top with sour cream, fresh tomatoes, and cilantro. Serve hot.

Notes

Always fry seam-side down first to seal the chimichanga shut. Do not overstuff the tortillas, or they will burst in the hot oil.