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Savory Beef and Cheese Chimichangas

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Crispy fried tortillas filled with a savory blend of seasoned ground beef and melted cheddar and Monterey Jack cheeses, perfect for quick and comforting meals.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 lb ground beef (80/20 lean-to-fat ratio)
  • 1 small onion, finely chopped
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 tsp ground cumin
  • 1 tsp chili powder
  • 1/2 tsp smoked paprika (optional)
  • Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
  • 1/4 cup fresh cilantro, chopped
  • 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
  • 1 cup shredded Monterey Jack cheese
  • 6–8 large flour tortillas (10-inch size)
  • Vegetable oil or canola oil for frying (enough for shallow frying, about 1-2 inches deep)
  • Optional toppings: sour cream, fresh salsa or pico de gallo, guacamole or sliced avocado, chopped green onions or extra cilantro

Instructions

  1. Heat a large skillet over medium heat and add the ground beef. Break it up with a spatula as it cooks.
  2. Once it starts to brown, add the chopped onion and minced garlic. Cook until the beef is fully browned and the onion is translucent, about 5-7 minutes.
  3. Sprinkle in the cumin, chili powder, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. Stir well to coat the meat evenly with spices. Cook for another 2-3 minutes to let the flavors meld.
  4. Remove from heat and stir in the chopped cilantro.
  5. Allow the beef mixture to cool slightly, then fold in the shredded cheddar and Monterey Jack cheeses.
  6. Warm the tortillas briefly in the microwave or on a dry skillet to make them pliable (about 15 seconds).
  7. Spoon about 1/3 cup of the beef and cheese filling onto the center of each tortilla. Fold in the sides, then roll tightly to enclose the filling completely, making sure no gaps are left.
  8. Pour vegetable oil into a deep frying pan or pot to a depth of about 1-2 inches. Heat to 350°F (175°C).
  9. Carefully place 2-3 chimichangas in the hot oil (don’t overcrowd). Fry until golden and crispy, about 2 minutes per side, turning gently with tongs.
  10. Use a slotted spoon to transfer them to a paper towel-lined plate or wire rack to drain excess oil. Repeat with remaining chimichangas.
  11. Let them cool for a minute or two and serve with your favorite toppings like sour cream, salsa, or guacamole.

Notes

Warm tortillas before rolling to prevent cracking. Maintain oil temperature at 350°F for crispy, non-greasy chimichangas. Drain excess fat from beef before seasoning. Can bake chimichangas at 400°F for 20-25 minutes as a healthier alternative.

Nutrition

Keywords: chimichangas, beef chimichangas, cheese chimichangas, crispy chimichangas, comfort food, fried tortillas, easy dinner, Mexican-American recipe

Find it online: https://cooltastes.com/savory-beef-and-cheese-chimichangas-recipe-easy-crispy-comfort-food/