Beef and Cheese Chimichanga

 

Beef and Cheese Chimichangas: Crispy, Cheesy, and Packed with Flavor

When you're craving something hearty, cheesy, and unapologetically satisfying, there’s one dish that never fails to deliver: the Beef and Cheese Chimichanga.

Golden and crispy on the outside, gooey and savory on the inside — chimichangas are like burritos that decided to level up. And when you stuff them with seasoned ground beef and melted cheese, then fry (or bake!) them to perfection, you’ve got a meal that’s practically impossible to resist.

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A Tex-Mex Favorite with Big Flavor

The chimichanga has roots in Southwestern and Mexican-American cuisine, and it’s been winning hearts one crunchy bite at a time. Traditionally deep-fried, chimichangas take everything we love about burritos and add that irresistible crispiness — perfect for dipping in salsa, guacamole, or sour cream.

This beef and cheese version is a classic — simple, filling, and family-approved.

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Ingredients You’ll Need

• 1 lb ground beef

• 1 small onion, diced

• 2 cloves garlic, minced

• 1 packet taco seasoning (or homemade)

• 1/4 cup water

• 1 1/2 cups shredded cheddar or Mexican blend cheese

• 6 large flour tortillas (burrito size)

• Oil for frying (or baking alternative)

Optional toppings: sour cream, salsa, guacamole, chopped lettuce, diced tomatoes, jalapeños

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How to Make Beef and Cheese Chimichangas

1. Cook the Beef Filling

In a skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef until browned. Add onion and garlic, sautéing until soft. Drain any excess grease. Stir in taco seasoning and water, then simmer for 5–7 minutes until thickened.

2. Assemble the Chimichangas

Lay a tortilla flat and spoon a generous amount of beef mixture in the center. Top with cheese. Fold the sides in, then roll up tightly like a burrito — keeping the ends tucked so the filling stays inside.

3. Fry or Bake

• To fry: Heat oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Fry each chimichanga seam-side down until golden brown and crispy on all sides (about 2–3 minutes per side). Drain on paper towels.

• To bake: Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Brush chimichangas lightly with oil or melted butter and bake for 20–25 minutes, flipping halfway through, until golden and crisp.

4. Serve with Toppings

Top with your favorite garnishes and dig in!

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Why This Recipe Works

• ✅ Easy to make with pantry staples

• ✅ Customizable — add beans, rice, jalapeños, or hot sauce

• ✅ Perfectly crispy with melty cheese in every bite

• ✅ Great for meal prep — make a batch and freeze extras for later

Whether you’re serving these up on taco night, game day, or just because you need a comfort food fix, chimichangas bring that perfect combination of crunch, spice, and cheesy goodness.

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Tips for the Best Chimichangas

• Don’t overfill — it’s tempting, but too much filling can cause them to burst.

• Seal well — tuck and roll tightly to keep everything secure.

• Want it healthier? Try air frying or baking for a lighter take.

• Add a side of Mexican rice and refried beans for a complete meal.

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Final Thoughts

If you’ve never made chimichangas at home, now’s the time to start. They’re crowd-pleasers, comfort-food heroes, and surprisingly easy to pull off. Once you take that first bite of crispy tortilla and gooey beef and cheese filling, you’ll understand why this recipe is an all-time favorite.

One bite, and you're hooked.