Go Back

Beef and Cheese Chimichangas

These Beef and Cheese Chimichangas are crispy on the outside and packed with seasoned ground beef and melted cheese on the inside. Inspired by classic mexican recipes and Tex-Mex flavors, this easy dinner idea with ground beef is perfect for lazy dinners, family meals, or when you're craving comfort food recipes. Fry them for extra crunch or bake for a lighter version — either way, they’re golden, cheesy, and absolutely delicious.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 35 minutes
Servings: 6 Chimichangas
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

  • 1 lb 450g ground beef
  • 1 small onion finely chopped
  • 2 cloves garlic minced
  • 1 packet taco seasoning or 2 tbsp homemade seasoning
  • ½ cup tomato sauce
  • 1 cup shredded cheddar or Mexican blend cheese
  • 6 large flour tortillas
  • Oil for frying or cooking spray for baking
  • Salt and black pepper to taste
  • Optional Toppings
  • Sour cream
  • Guacamole
  • Salsa
  • Fresh cilantro
  • Shredded lettuce
  • Diced tomatoes

Method
 

  1. Cook the Beef
  2. In a large skillet over medium heat, cook ground beef and chopped onion until browned. Drain excess grease.
  3. Add garlic and cook for 30 seconds. Stir in taco seasoning, tomato sauce, salt, and pepper. Simmer for 5 minutes until slightly thickened.
  4. Add Cheese
  5. Remove from heat and allow mixture to cool slightly. Stir in half of the shredded cheese.
  6. Assemble
  7. Place a tortilla flat on a surface. Add about ½ cup of beef mixture in the center. Sprinkle additional cheese on top.
  8. Fold in the sides, then roll tightly like a burrito. Secure with toothpicks if needed.
  9. Cook
  10. To Fry:
  11. Heat 1–2 inches of oil in a deep skillet over medium heat. Fry chimichangas seam-side down first, about 2–3 minutes per side until golden brown.
  12. To Bake:
  13. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Place seam-side down on a baking sheet. Spray lightly with cooking spray and bake for 20–25 minutes until crispy and golden.
  14. Serve
  15. Remove toothpicks. Serve hot with your favorite toppings.

Notes

Do not overfill tortillas to prevent tearing.
Place seam-side down first when frying to keep them sealed.
Add cooked rice for a twist inspired by ground beef and rice recipes.
Freeze assembled (uncooked) chimichangas for up to 2 months.
Reheat in oven for best crispiness.