Beef and Cheese Chimichanga: A Flavorful Tex-Mex Delight
Indulge in the savory goodness of Beef and Cheese Chimichangas, a Tex-Mex favorite that brings together seasoned ground beef, melted cheese, and crispy tortillas for a mouthwatering culinary experience. This recipe combines simple ingredients with bold flavors to create a satisfying meal that the whole family will love. Follow along and bring the taste of the Southwest to your dinner table!
Ingredients:
For the Meat Filling:
- 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 packet taco seasoning (or 2 tablespoons homemade taco seasoning)
- 1/2 cup beef broth
- 1 can (4 ounces) green chiles, drained (optional)
For Assembly:
- 8 large flour tortillas
- 1.5 cups shredded cheddar cheese, or a mix of cheddar and Monterey Jack
- Vegetable oil, for frying
Instructions:
1. Prepare the Meat Filling:
- In a large skillet, heat vegetable oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and minced garlic, and sauté until softened and fragrant, about 2-3 minutes.
- Add the ground beef to the skillet and cook until browned, breaking it up with a spoon as it cooks.
- Once the beef is cooked through, drain any excess grease from the skillet.
- Stir in the taco seasoning and beef broth, and simmer for 5-7 minutes, until the mixture has thickened slightly.
- If using, stir in the drained green chiles, and cook for an additional 2-3 minutes. Remove from heat and set aside.
2. Assemble the Chimichangas:
- Lay out the flour tortillas on a flat surface. Spoon a generous amount of the beef filling onto the center of each tortilla.
- Sprinkle shredded cheese over the beef filling.
- Fold the sides of the tortilla over the filling, then fold the bottom edge up and roll tightly to form a burrito-shaped chimichanga.
- Heat vegetable oil in a large skillet or deep fryer to 350°F (175°C).
- Carefully place the assembled chimichangas seam-side down into the hot oil, in batches if necessary, and fry until golden brown and crispy, about 2-3 minutes per side.
- Remove the chimichangas from the oil and drain on paper towels to remove excess oil.
3. Serve and Enjoy:
- Serve the hot and crispy Beef and Cheese Chimichangas with your favorite toppings such as salsa, sour cream, guacamole, or chopped cilantro.
- Enjoy the delicious flavors of the Southwest with each bite of these homemade chimichangas!
Cook’s Tips and Variations:
- Bake Instead of Fry: For a lighter option, you can bake the assembled chimichangas in a preheated 400°F (200°C) oven for 15-20 minutes until golden brown and crispy.
- Customize the Filling: Feel free to customize the meat filling with your favorite ingredients such as diced tomatoes, bell peppers, or black beans for added texture and flavor.
- Make Ahead: You can prepare the meat filling ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator for up to 2 days, making assembly quick and easy on busy weeknights.
- Vegetarian Option: Substitute the ground beef with cooked and seasoned black beans or lentils for a delicious vegetarian version of chimichangas.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs):
1. Can I use corn tortillas instead of flour tortillas? Absolutely! Corn tortillas can be used for a more traditional approach to chimichangas. Just make sure to warm them slightly before assembling to prevent cracking.
2. Can I freeze the assembled chimichangas? Yes, you can freeze the assembled chimichangas before frying. Place them in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze until firm, then transfer to a freezer-safe bag or container. Fry or bake from frozen, adding a few extra minutes of cooking time.
3. Can I use ground turkey or chicken instead of beef? Certainly! Ground turkey or chicken can be used as a leaner alternative to beef. Simply cook and season the poultry as you would the ground beef.
4. How do I reheat leftover chimichangas? To reheat leftover chimichangas, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and bake them for 10-15 minutes until heated through. Alternatively, you can reheat them in the microwave for 1-2 minutes until warmed.
Treat your taste buds to the bold and delicious flavors of Beef and Cheese Chimichangas, a Tex-Mex classic that’s perfect for any occasion. With its savory meat filling, gooey melted cheese, and crispy exterior, each bite is a fiesta of flavor that will have you coming back for more. So gather your ingredients, roll up your sleeves, and get ready to enjoy a taste of the Southwest with these homemade chimichangas!
