Description
These Crispy Cheesy Beef Chimichangas are the ultimate Tex-Mex comfort food — filled with seasoned ground beef, gooey melted cheese, and wrapped in a golden, crunchy tortilla. Perfect for dinner, meal prep, or freezer meals. This chimichanga recipe is easy, customizable, and freezer-friendly. Keywords: crispy chimichangas, beef chimichangas, Tex-Mex dinner.
Ingredients
1 lb ground beef
1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
1 packet taco seasoning
1/2 cup salsa
6 large flour tortillas
1/4 cup vegetable oil (for frying)
1/2 cup sour cream
1/2 cup diced tomatoes
2 tbsp chopped fresh cilantro
Instructions
1. In a skillet over medium-high heat, cook ground beef until browned, breaking it up with a spoon. Drain excess fat.
2. Add taco seasoning and salsa to the skillet. Stir well and simmer for 3–5 minutes until the mixture thickens.
3. Remove from heat and mix in shredded cheddar cheese until fully melted.
4. Spoon beef-cheese mixture onto each tortilla, fold sides, and roll up tightly. Place seam-side down.
5. Heat vegetable oil in a large skillet. Fry chimichangas seam-side down until golden and crispy on all sides (about 2–3 minutes per side).
6. Transfer to paper towels to drain.
7. Top with sour cream, diced tomatoes, and cilantro if desired. Serve hot.
Notes
For an even healthier version, bake the chimichangas at 400°F for 20–25 minutes instead of frying.
Warm the tortillas slightly before rolling to avoid tearing and make folding easier.
Use an air fryer for a lighter but still crispy alternative.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Skillet
- Cuisine: Tex-Mex
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 chimichanga
- Calories: 460
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 690mg
- Fat: 29g
- Saturated Fat: 11g
- Unsaturated Fat: 15g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 27g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 21g
- Cholesterol: 65mg