Name: Beef and Cheese Chimichangas – Easy Recipes with Ground Beef
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 35 min
Ingredients: 1 lb ground beef; 1 small onion, chopped; 1/2 tsp garlic powder; 1 tsp ground cumin; 1 tsp paprika; 1/2 tsp salt; 1/2 tsp black pepper; 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese; 1/2 cup sour cream; 1/4 cup salsa; 6 large flour tortillas; Vegetable oil for frying

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These Beef and Cheese Chimichangas are the ultimate comfort food! Perfect for busy weeknights or casual dinners, this crispy and cheesy Mexican-inspired dish is packed with flavor and simple to make. Whether you’re a fan of easy recipes with ground beef, exploring Thanksgiving recipes side dishes, experimenting with ninja creami keto recipes, or just looking for some Jello pudding inspiration, these chimichangas have got you covered. They’re also a great addition to your collection of easy ground beef recipes with potatoes and extra protein meals. Don’t miss this crowd-pleaser!

1) Key Takeaways
2) Easy Beef and Cheese Chimichangas Recipe
3) Ingredients for Beef and Cheese Chimichangas
4) How to Make Beef and Cheese Chimichangas
5) Tips for Making Beef and Cheese Chimichangas
6) Making Beef and Cheese Chimichangas Ahead of Time
7) Storing Leftover Beef and Cheese Chimichangas
8) Try these Main Course recipes next!
9) Beef and Cheese Chimichangas
10) Nutrition

1) Key Takeaways

Beef and Cheese Chimichangas are a crispy, cheesy delight with bold flavors.
This easy recipe is perfect for busy weeknights or casual gatherings.
Customize your chimichangas with toppings like salsa, guacamole, or sour cream.
Can be made ahead of time and stored for convenient meals throughout the week.
A versatile dish that fits a wide range of tastes and dietary needs.

2) Easy Beef and Cheese Chimichangas Recipe

Looking for a delicious meal that’s both comforting and quick to make? These Beef and Cheese Chimichangas from Elena Cooks are the answer! Using easy recipes with ground beef, this dish brings together the hearty richness of seasoned beef and the creamy texture of melted cheese all wrapped in a perfectly crispy tortilla. The combination of simple ingredients and bold flavors makes it one of the best dishes you can whip up in just over 30 minutes. What makes this recipe even more appealing is its flexibility. It’s a great way to repurpose leftover ingredients, and you can even swap in your favorite cheese or add extra veggies. Whether you’re prepping dinner for the family or cooking a solo comfort meal, this recipe will deliver. Plus, this dish aligns well with other kitchen trends, like Thanksgiving Recipes Side Dishes and extra protein meals, thanks to its hearty, filling profile and easy-to-find ingredients.

3) Ingredients for Beef and Cheese Chimichangas

Ground Beef: A pound of lean ground beef serves as the hearty base of this chimichanga recipe. It’s rich in protein and cooks quickly, making it ideal for weeknight dinners.

Chopped Onion: One small onion, finely chopped, adds a savory depth to the beef mixture. It softens as it cooks and blends beautifully with the spices.

Garlic Powder: A half teaspoon of garlic powder boosts the overall flavor profile without overpowering the other ingredients. It’s a pantry staple that brings subtle heat and aroma.

Ground Cumin: This warm, earthy spice adds a distinctly Mexican flair to the beef. A full teaspoon balances the richness of the meat and cheese.

Paprika: One teaspoon of paprika adds mild smokiness and color to the mixture, enriching both the flavor and visual appeal.

Salt and Black Pepper: Half a teaspoon of each is all you need to bring out the flavors in the beef. Seasoning is key to making any easy ground beef recipe taste exceptional.

Shredded Cheddar Cheese: A cup of cheddar cheese melts perfectly into the beef, creating a creamy, cheesy center in every bite.

Sour Cream: A half-cup of sour cream makes the filling ultra creamy and adds a slight tang that contrasts nicely with the bold beef seasoning.

Salsa: A quarter cup of your favorite salsa introduces a tomato base and a hint of spice to round out the flavors.

Flour Tortillas: Use six large tortillas to wrap the filling. The tortillas crisp up beautifully during frying, turning golden and flaky.

Vegetable Oil: Enough for frying, this ensures the chimichangas come out crisp and golden brown every time.

4) How to Make Beef and Cheese Chimichangas

Step 1: In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef and chopped onion until the beef is browned and the onion is soft. Stir frequently to ensure even cooking and break up the beef with a spoon to avoid clumps.

Step 2: Drain off any excess fat from the skillet to prevent the filling from becoming greasy. Add garlic powder, cumin, paprika, salt, and black pepper to the skillet. Stir until the beef is evenly coated with the spices, letting the mixture cook for another 2-3 minutes to develop flavor.

Step 3: Remove the skillet from heat and stir in the shredded cheese, sour cream, and salsa. These ingredients will melt and combine with the beef, creating a creamy, savory filling packed with flavor.

Step 4: Spoon an equal amount of the beef mixture into the center of each tortilla. Fold in the sides, then roll up tightly from the bottom to create a sealed chimichanga that won’t leak during frying.

Step 5: In a deep skillet, heat about 1 inch of vegetable oil over medium-high heat. Once hot, carefully place each chimichanga seam-side down into the skillet and fry until golden brown, turning as needed for even crisping. This takes about 3-4 minutes per side.

Step 6: Transfer the fried chimichangas to a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess oil. Serve immediately with your choice of toppings like guacamole, more salsa, or a dollop of sour cream.

5) Tips for Making Beef and Cheese Chimichangas

Choose lean ground beef to reduce grease and keep the filling well-balanced in flavor and texture. You can also experiment with turkey or plant-based ground beef alternatives for a healthier or vegetarian option. When choosing cheese, feel free to switch it up with Monterey Jack or pepper jack for added flavor and spice. Use fresh, soft tortillas to ensure easy rolling without tearing. Be sure to seal the chimichangas tightly to prevent the filling from spilling during frying. A toothpick can help secure the seam if needed. For those wanting to reduce oil, bake the chimichangas at 400°F for about 20 minutes until crisp, flipping halfway through. This retains that crispy bite with fewer calories. These tips are especially helpful if you’re following ninja creami keto recipes easy or looking to keep things light yet tasty.

6) Making Beef and Cheese Chimichangas Ahead of Time

Planning meals ahead of time doesn’t have to mean sacrificing flavor. With this recipe, you can prep the beef and cheese filling a day or two in advance. Simply store it in an airtight container in the fridge. When ready to eat, warm the filling slightly before assembling the chimichangas to help them roll more easily. You can also pre-roll the chimichangas and refrigerate them for up to 24 hours before frying or baking. This makes it ideal for easy recipes with ground beef that fit into busy schedules. It’s also a great way to use up ingredients from your meal prep or leftover dishes. For a longer shelf life, wrap the prepped chimichangas individually in foil and freeze for up to 2 months. When you’re ready, just thaw and cook as usual. This way, delicious home-cooked meals are just a few minutes away—even on your busiest nights.

7) Storing Leftover Beef and Cheese Chimichangas

If you have leftovers (and that’s a big *if*), storing your beef and cheese chimichangas is a breeze. Allow them to cool to room temperature first. Then place them in an airtight container or wrap them tightly in foil. Store in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. To reheat, use the oven or air fryer to restore the crispy texture—avoid microwaving if possible, as it can make the tortillas soggy. For longer storage, chimichangas can be frozen in a zip-top bag with parchment paper between each one. Reheat directly from frozen by baking at 375°F for 25-30 minutes until heated through and crispy. These storage tips align well with other household favorites like easy ground beef recipes with potatoes and even Jello pudding recipes when you’re planning for make-ahead meals or prepping for a crowd.

8) Try these Main Course recipes next!

9) Beef and Cheese Chimichangas