Description
Crispy Beef and Cheese Chimichangas are delicious burritos filled with seasoned ground beef and melted cheese, fried to golden perfection.
Ingredients
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon chili powder
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese
- 1 cup shredded pepper jack cheese
- 4 large flour tortillas
- Vegetable oil for frying
- Guacamole and pico de gallo for serving (optional)
Instructions
- In a large frying pan over medium heat, cook the ground beef along with the chopped onion until the meat is browned and the onion is soft, about 5-7 minutes. Drain any excess grease.
- Stir in the minced garlic, cumin, chili powder, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. Cook for another 2 minutes until the spices are aromatic.
- Remove from heat and mix in the sharp cheddar and pepper jack cheeses until they melt and blend into the beef mixture.
- Take a flour tortilla and lay it flat on a clean surface. Place about a quarter of the beef and cheese filling in the center. Fold the sides over the filling and roll it up tightly to create a burrito. Repeat this process with the remaining tortillas and filling.
- In a deep skillet or pot, heat about 2 inches of vegetable oil over medium-high heat until it reaches around 350°F.
- Gently place the burritos seam-side down into the hot oil, frying them in batches to prevent overcrowding. Fry for 3-4 minutes on each side until they are golden brown and crispy.
- Once cooked, transfer the burritos to a plate lined with paper towels to absorb any excess oil.
- Serve immediately with guacamole and pico de gallo on the side, if desired.
Notes
- For a lighter version, consider baking the burritos instead of frying. Preheat your oven to 400°F, arrange the filled burritos seam-side down on a baking sheet, brush them lightly with oil, and bake for 20-25 minutes until they turn golden brown.
- For an extra kick, incorporate some diced green chilies or corn into the beef mixture before wrapping the tortillas.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: Mexican
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 chimichanga
- Calories: 550
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 800mg
- Fat: 36g
- Saturated Fat: 15g
- Unsaturated Fat: 20g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 32g
- Cholesterol: 100mg