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Beef and Cheese Chimichangas


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  • Author: sara
  • Total Time: 35 minutes
  • Yield: 4 servings

Description

Master delicious Beef and Cheese Chimichangas! Our recipe combines lean ground beef, vibrant onion, fresh garlic, and rich beef broth into a hearty, savory filling.


Ingredients

  • Ground BeefOpt for lean ground beef, about 80/20, to ensure a flavorful yet not overly greasy filling for your chimichangas. This forms the hearty base, providing substantial texture and rich savory notes.
  • Yellow OnionFinely diced, a yellow onion provides a foundational sweetness and aromatic depth that complements the savory beef beautifully, creating a complex flavor base.
  • Garlic ClovesFreshly minced garlic adds a pungent, irresistible aroma and sharp flavor that elevates the entire beef mixture, crucial for a truly delicious filling.
  • Tomato PasteA small amount of tomato paste deepens the savoriness of the beef filling, adding a rich umami note without making it tomato-heavy, balancing the spices.
  • Beef BrothUse a good quality beef broth to moisten the filling and infuse it with additional savory notes, ensuring a juicy and tender consistency that prevents dryness.
  • CuminGround cumin is essential for that classic, warm, earthy flavor profile, giving your chimichangas an authentic touch that hints at their Tex-Mex inspiration.
  • Chili PowderA blend of spices including chili powder adds a mild heat and a complex, smoky undertone that defines the savory filling, providing depth without overwhelming spice.
  • Smoked PaprikaSmoked paprika contributes a beautiful color and a distinct smoky aroma, enhancing the overall depth of flavor in the beef and adding visual appeal.
  • Salt and Black PepperThese fundamental seasonings are crucial for balancing and enhancing all the other flavors in the chimichanga filling, bringing everything into perfect harmony.
  • Large Flour TortillasLarge, soft flour tortillas are the vessel for all the deliciousness, strong enough to hold the filling and crisp up beautifully, typically 10-inch size works best.
  • Shredded Cheese BlendA mix of cheddar and Monterey Jack cheese offers the perfect melt, creating that irresistible gooey, stretchy texture inside each chimichanga. You can also use pepper jack for a little kick.
  • Vegetable OilFor frying, a neutral oil like vegetable oil or canola oil is ideal, providing an even cook and a perfectly golden, crispy exterior. Alternatively, a non-stick cooking spray can be used for baking.

Instructions

  1. Step 1:Prepare the Savory Beef Filling
  2. Step 2:Assemble Your Chimichangas Like a Pro
  3. Step 3:Cook to Crispy Perfection: Fry or Bake
  4. Step 4:Serve with Delightful Toppings and Enjoy

Notes

  • For future meals, assemble your chimichangas and freeze them uncooked on a baking sheet, then transfer to a freezer bag; cook directly from frozen, adding a few extra minutes to the cooking time.
  • To revive that delicious crispy texture, reheat chilled chimichangas in an air fryer at 350°F (175°C) for 8-10 minutes or in a preheated oven at 375°F (190°C) until golden and heated through.
  • Elevate your chimichangas with a generous dollop of cool sour cream or vibrant guacamole, a side of fresh pico de gallo, and a sprinkle of chopped cilantro for a true Tex-Mex feast.
  • To guarantee a perfectly crispy chimichanga, make sure your beef filling is well-reduced and not overly wet before wrapping, as excess moisture can prevent the tortilla from achieving that ideal golden crunch.
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 20 minutes
  • Method: Stovetop
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 large chimichanga (approx. 350g)
  • Calories: 780
  • Sodium: 1400mg
  • Fat: 52g
  • Saturated Fat: 20g
  • Trans Fat: 0.5g
  • Protein: 4g