Introduction
Crispy Beef Cheese Chimichangas are the ultimate comfort food when you are craving something bold, crunchy, and deeply satisfying. These golden-fried burritos are filled with seasoned beef and melted cheese, then cooked until perfectly crisp on the outside and irresistibly gooey on the inside. I love making chimichangas when I want a fun dinner that feels restaurant-worthy but is still easy to prepare at home. The contrast between the crunchy tortilla and the warm, savory filling is what makes this dish so appealing. Every bite delivers rich beef flavor, creamy cheese, and just the right amount of seasoning. Whether served for family dinner, game day, or casual entertaining, Crispy Beef Cheese Chimichangas are always a hit. They are filling, customizable, and incredibly satisfying, making them a go-to recipe whenever comfort food cravings strike.
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Crispy Beef Cheese Chimichangas – Golden, Cheesy, and Full of Flavor
- Total Time: 25 mins
- Yield: 6 chimichangas
- Diet: Halal
Description
Crispy Beef Cheese Chimichangas are golden-fried (or air-fried) tortillas stuffed with seasoned ground beef, melty cheese, and Tex-Mex flavors—perfectly crunchy on the outside and gooey on the inside.
Ingredients
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 small onion, diced
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 packet taco seasoning
- 1/2 cup water
- 1 cup shredded cheddar or Mexican blend cheese
- 6 large flour tortillas
- Oil for frying (or cooking spray for air fryer)
- Optional toppings: sour cream, salsa, guacamole
Instructions
- Cook ground beef and onion in a skillet over medium heat until browned; drain excess fat.
- Add garlic, taco seasoning, and water; simmer until thickened, about 3 minutes.
- Stir in shredded cheese until melted and combined; remove from heat.
- Spoon beef mixture into the center of each tortilla and fold tightly into a burrito shape.
- To fry: Heat oil in a skillet and fry chimichangas seam-side down until golden, turning to crisp all sides.
- To air fry: Spray chimichangas with oil, air fry at 380°F (193°C) for 8–10 minutes, flipping halfway.
- Serve warm with your favorite toppings.
Notes
- Add refried beans for a heartier filling.
- Use ground turkey for a lighter version.
- Top with queso for an extra cheesy chimichanga.
- Prep Time: 10 mins
- Cook Time: 15 mins
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Fried / Air Fried
- Cuisine: Mexican-American
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This recipe delivers bold flavor, crispy texture, and cheesy goodness in every bite. It is easy to customize, perfect for frying or baking, and ideal for weeknight dinners or special occasions.
Ingredients
(Tip: You can find the complete list of ingredients and their measurements in the recipe card below.)
Ground beef
Ground beef creates a rich, hearty filling and absorbs seasoning beautifully.
Onion
Onion adds savory depth and slight sweetness to the beef mixture.
Garlic
Garlic enhances the filling with bold aroma and flavor.
Taco seasoning
Taco seasoning provides classic Mexican-inspired spices.
Salt
Salt enhances the overall flavor of the filling.
Black pepper
Black pepper adds gentle heat and balance.
Cheddar or Monterey Jack cheese
Cheese melts smoothly and creates a gooey, satisfying center.
Flour tortillas
Tortillas wrap the filling and crisp beautifully when fried.
Vegetable oil
Oil is used for frying and creates a golden, crunchy exterior.
Sour cream
Sour cream adds creaminess when serving.
Fresh cilantro
Cilantro adds freshness and color.
Directions
Begin by cooking the ground beef in a skillet over medium heat, breaking it up as it browns. Add chopped onion and cook until softened. Stir in garlic, taco seasoning, salt, and black pepper, and cook until well combined. Remove from heat and allow the mixture to cool slightly.
Lay tortillas flat and spoon the beef mixture into the center of each tortilla. Sprinkle generously with shredded cheese. Fold in the sides of the tortilla, then roll tightly into a burrito shape, making sure the filling is fully enclosed.
Heat vegetable oil in a deep skillet over medium heat. Carefully place the chimichangas seam-side down into the hot oil and fry until golden and crispy on all sides. Remove and drain on paper towels.
Serve hot with sour cream, fresh cilantro, or your favorite toppings.
Equipment needed :
Must-Have Tools to Get Rolling
Here’s what you’ll want to have on hand:
Silicone Spatula – Durable, heat-resistant silicone spatula perfect for mixing, scraping, and spreading. Gentle on non-stick cookware and easy to clean.
Large pot – You’ll need this to boil the whole cabbage head and soften the leaves.
large bowl –Spacious, durable large bowl ideal for mixing, serving, or food preparation. Made from sturdy material and easy to clean.
Sharp knife – For coring the cabbage and slicing out the thick stem in each leaf. A paring knife works best.
Mixing bowl – A big bowl makes it easier to combine your meat and rice filling evenly.
Cutting board – For prepping cabbage leaves and rolling them like a pro.
Full-Size Blender – is a powerful kitchen appliance for making smoothies, soups, and sauces in large batches.
3-in-1 Air Fryer – This versatile 3-in-1 air fryer offers Air Fry for healthier meals with less oil, Bake for bakery-quality desserts and treats, and Reheat to bring leftovers back to life with crispy, flavorful results.
Servings and timing
This recipe serves approximately 4 people, making 6 to 8 chimichangas. Preparation time is about 20 minutes, with a cooking time of 15 minutes.
Storage/reheating
Store leftover chimichangas in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven or air fryer to restore crispness. Avoid microwaving if possible, as it softens the tortilla.
Variations and Customizations
Crispy Beef Cheese Chimichangas are easy to customize. You can add beans, rice, or corn to the filling for extra heartiness. Swap ground beef for shredded chicken or ground turkey for a lighter option. For a spicy version, add diced jalapeños or hot sauce to the beef mixture. Chimichangas can also be baked or air-fried for a lighter preparation, brushing lightly with oil before cooking.
Nutrition and Dietary Info
This dish is high in protein and contains dairy and gluten. It can be adapted using gluten-free tortillas and dairy-free cheese alternatives. Nutritional values vary depending on ingredients and portion size.
Expert Tips & Customizations
Seal the Tortillas Well
Tight rolling prevents leaks while frying.
Do Not Overfill
Too much filling makes rolling difficult.
Serve Immediately
They are best enjoyed hot and crispy.
FAQs
What is a chimichanga?
It is a fried burrito filled with savory ingredients.
Can I bake chimichangas instead of frying?
Yes, bake until golden and crisp.
Can I freeze chimichangas?
Yes, freeze un-fried or cooked chimichangas.
What cheese works best?
Cheddar, Monterey Jack, or a blend.
Are these very spicy?
No, spice level is adjustable.
Can I make them ahead?
Yes, assemble ahead and fry later.
What sauces pair well?
Salsa, queso, or sour cream.
Can I air fry them?
Yes, air fry until crispy.
Are these kid-friendly?
Yes, they are very popular with kids.
What sides go well?
Rice, beans, or a fresh salad.
Conclusion
Crispy Beef Cheese Chimichangas are a bold, comforting recipe that delivers crunchy texture, savory beef, and melted cheese in every bite. Easy to prepare and endlessly customizable, this dish is perfect for satisfying cravings, feeding a crowd, or bringing restaurant-style comfort food straight to your home kitchen.
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