Beef and cheese chimichangas are large tortillas filled with savory beef, beans, and cheese, then fried to a golden perfection. The perfect quick and easy dinner solution, and even great to make ahead and freeze.
While you are here, you gotta check out these Cheesy Bacon Loaded Breakfast Burritos. Also, be sure to drizzle them with some of this Creamy Jalapeno Salsa, or this amazing Chipotle Salsa.
WHAT IS A CHIMICHANGA?
A chimichanga is a large tortillas, stuffed with various proteins and starches, and deep fried until they are golden brown. You will usually find them in the “Tex-mex” style dishes versus traditional Mexican food dishes.
WHAT IS THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN A BURRITO AND A CHIMICHANGA?
In essence, both of these are made the same. Use a large tortilla, and roll different fillings inside of it. The biggest difference however, is that the chimichanga is fried! Even more, often times a burrito will be served wrapped in foil or parchment paper, and eaten by hand.
YIELD: 6 CHIMICHANGAS
Beef and cheese chimichangas are made with large tortillas, and filled with savory beef, beans, and cheese, then fried to a golden perfection. The perfect quick and easy dinner solution, and even great to make ahead and freeze.
PREP TIME: 10 minutes
COOK TIME: 20 minutes
TOTAL TIME: 30 minutes
INGREDIENTS:
- 6 large Flour tortillas
- 1 pound Ground beef
- 1 cup Water (to add to cooked and seasoned beef)
- 2 cups Cheese, shredded
- 1 can Refried pinto beans
- 2 cups Vegetable oil (to fry chimichangas)
- Seasoning for ground beef
- 1 tablespoon Chili powder
- 1/2 tablespoon Seasoned salt
- 1/2 tablespoon Ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon Black pepper
- 1 teaspoon Garlic salt (or garlic powder)
- 1/2 teaspoon dried Oregano
- 1/2-1 cup Water
Topping Ideas
- Sour cream
- Shredded lettuce
- Salsa
- Chopped tomatoes
INSTRUCTIONS:
- Brown the ground beef in a skillet over medium heat. The meat is fully cooked when there is no longer any pink visible. Use a strainer to drain any excess grease from the skillet.
- Put the meat back into the skillet over medium heat. Add all of the seasonings, and water and mix it together thoroughly. Continue to simmer until the water is absorbed.
- Heat the vegetable oil in a separate skillet over medium heat. While the oil is heating up, begin assembling the burritos.
- Place about one tablespoon of beans on one side of the tortilla and smear it across, somewhat close to the edge. Next place one to two tablespoons of the meat mixture, then a sprinkle of cheese (a generous sprinkle)!
- Begin to roll the tortilla up over the mixture, once half way rolled, fold in the sides towards the middle, then continue rolling all the way until it is closed. Roll as tight as possible so that the mixture does not ooze out.
- Continue rolling until all of the burritos are made or you run out of mixture.
- Place the burritos into the hot oil SEAM SIDE DOWN. Fry on each side for one to two minutes, or until they turn golden brown. Be sure to flip, and fry the sides of the burritos as well,
- Remove from the oil and drain on a baking sheet or a bed of paper towels. Top with your favorite garnishes and salsas. Enjoy!
NUTRITION INFO:
YIELD: 6 SERVING SIZE: 1
Amount Per Serving: CALORIES: 419TOTAL FAT: 53gSATURATED FAT: 9gTRANS FAT: 3gUNSATURATED FAT: 37gCHOLESTEROL: 86mgSODIUM: 379mgCARBOHYDRATES: 29gFIBER: 5gSUGAR: 1gPROTEIN: 37g