Oh yes—Crispy Beef & Cheese Chimichangas are golden, crunchy, and loaded with melty cheese and savory beef. 🌯🧀 Perfect for a weekend treat or a fiesta-style meal! Here’s a tried-and-true recipe:
Crispy Beef & Cheese Chimichangas
Ingredients (4 servings / 4 chimichangas)
Filling
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1 lb (450 g) ground beef
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1 small onion, finely chopped
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2 cloves garlic, minced
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1 tsp ground cumin
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1 tsp chili powder
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Salt & pepper, to taste
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1/2 cup salsa or tomato sauce
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1 cup shredded cheddar or Mexican blend cheese
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Optional: 1/2 cup black beans or corn
For Assembly
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4–6 large flour tortillas (burrito size)
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1–2 tbsp oil for frying (or cooking spray if baking)
Toppings (Optional)
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Sour cream
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Guacamole
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Salsa
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Shredded lettuce
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Diced tomatoes
Instructions
1️⃣ Prepare the Filling
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In a skillet over medium heat, sauté onion and garlic until soft.
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Add ground beef, breaking it up with a spoon. Cook until browned.
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Stir in cumin, chili powder, salt, and pepper.
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Add salsa (and beans/corn if using) and simmer 5 minutes. Remove from heat.
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Stir in shredded cheese until melty.
2️⃣ Assemble the Chimichangas
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Place a tortilla flat. Spoon 1/4 of the beef and cheese mixture in the center.
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Fold sides over the filling, then roll tightly from bottom to top. Secure with toothpicks if needed.
3️⃣ Cook (Two Options)
Frying (Traditional Crispy)
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Heat 1–2 tbsp oil in a skillet over medium heat.
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Fry chimichangas seam side down first, turning carefully until golden brown on all sides (3–4 min per side).
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Drain on paper towels.
Baking (Healthier Option)
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Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
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Place chimichangas seam side down on a parchment-lined baking sheet.
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Brush lightly with oil or spray.
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Bake 15–20 minutes until golden, flipping halfway.
4️⃣ Serve
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Remove toothpicks.
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Top with sour cream, guacamole, salsa, or fresh veggies.
Tips
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Cheese choice: A mix of cheddar + Monterey Jack or a Mexican blend gives best meltiness.
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Tortilla flexibility: Large, pliable tortillas roll better without tearing.
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Advance prep: Fillings can be made a day ahead; assemble and cook when ready.
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Extra crunch: Frying gives the iconic crispy shell, but baking is easier and lighter.
If you want, I can also give a quick 20-minute skillet version that doesn’t require frying and is just as cheesy and delicious.