These hearty beef and cheese chimichangas feature a crunchy golden shell enveloping a rich, savory filling of seasoned ground meat, melted cheese, and creamy beans. Whether baked or pan-fried, this Tex-Mex classic delivers satisfying flavor and texture with every bite.
1½cupsshredded cheddar or a Mexican-style cheese blend
½cuptomato-based salsa
1ounce1 packet taco seasoning mix, store-bought or homemade
Instructions
In a wide skillet set over medium heat, brown the ground beef together with the finely chopped onion. Cook until the meat is no longer pink and the onion has softened.
Drain any rendered fat from the pan. Stir in the minced garlic, taco seasoning, and salsa. Let the mixture simmer for 3 to 4 minutes, stirring occasionally, until fully incorporated and thickened.
To assemble, spoon a layer of refried beans along the center of each tortilla. Add a generous portion of the beef mixture on top, followed by a handful of shredded cheese.
Fold the sides inward and roll each tortilla tightly to form a secure burrito shape.
For a Baked Version:
Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Arrange the chimichangas seam-side down on a baking tray. Lightly coat them with oil using a brush. Bake for 18 to 20 minutes, flipping halfway through, until golden and crisp.
For a Skillet Version:
Warm 2 to 3 tablespoons of oil in a skillet over medium heat. Place the chimichangas seam-side down and fry each side for 2 to 3 minutes until evenly browned and crispy.
Allow the chimichangas to rest for about 2 minutes after cooking.
Serve warm, optionally garnished with toppings like sour cream, chopped lettuce, guacamole, or additional salsa.
Feel free to substitute the cheddar with pepper jack or Monterey Jack for added spice. Both baking and frying yield excellent results depending on your texture preference.