Cheesy Beef Chimichangas

         I am bringing you another super awesome Mexican dish. Your family is going to love these Chimichangas. They will be begging for more, so maybe you should make a double batch. These are filled with beef, beans and cheese and then fried to the perfect golden brown.

I serve these on a large platter and surrounded with bowls of popular toppings. I make sure to have sour cream, green onions, salsa, cheese, lettuce and tomatoes, and do not forget to have queso and pico de gallo.

            There have been times when I will make the meat and bean mixture ahead of time, then all I need to do is roll them up in tortillas and fry them.

Of course, I need to keep the family out of the kitchen, otherwise they will eat the meal as simple burritos. That is not the point of this meal.

Frequently Asked Questions:

            Can I make it as a burrito?

Yes, you could, but chimichangas are such a delightful treat.

            Can I use different meat?

You can use whichever type of meat you would like. Beef, chicken and turkey always taste great in chimichangas.

            Can I bake these instead of frying them?

That would be healthier. To bake them, just spray them lightly with olive oil and place into a preheated oven. Bake for 20 to 30 minutes, or until the tortilla is browned lightly.

            Can I make this ahead?

I do make it ahead quite often. I keep it stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator until I am ready to put them together.

            Can I freeze these?

Once they are completely cooled off, you can place them into an airtight container or into freezer bags. They will be good for up to 3 months in the freezer.

What do you need to make Cheesy Beef Chimichangas

            1 clove garlic, minced

            ½ tsp or more to taste, of taco seasoning mix

            1 tsp dried oregano

            1 pound ground beef

            1 small onion chopped well

            ¼ cup sour cream

            4 ounces chopped green chilis

            ¼ cup margarine

            1 can pinto beans with juice

            1 cup Sharp Cheddar Cheese, shredded

            6 small tortillas, (I use the 7 inch size)

How to make Cheesy Beef Chimichangas

FIRST STEP:

Preheat the oven to 450*, if you are baking them

If you are frying them, place an inch of oil in a pan to start heating it while you make the dish.

SECOND STEP:

Crumble and brown the ground beef with the onion and taco seasoning, salt, pepper, garlic and oregano.

a)

b)

c)

d)

e)

f)

Cook thoroughly and drain the fat once fully cooked

Stir in sour cream and green chilis, and the beans with juice and mix well

a)

b)

THIRD STEP:

Remove from the heat and stir in the Cheddar cheese

a)

b)

Heat the oil in the skillet

a)

b)

FOURTH STEP:

Lay the tortillas out and place an equal amount of filling in the center of each tortilla

Fold in the sides, and roll the tortilla lengthwise.

a)

b)

FIFTH STEP:

Place seam side down in the heated oil. Be careful the oil will be hot.

Turn to brown all sides

SIXTH STEP:

Remove from oil and drain on paper towels

Serve with assorted toppings and enjoy!

YUM!

Cheesy Beef Chimichangas

Cheesy Beef Chimichangas

Yield: 12
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 30 minutes
Total Time: 45 minutes

Ingredients

  • 1 clove garlic, minced
  • ½ tsp or more to taste, of taco seasoning mix
  • 1 tsp dried oregano
  • 1 pound ground beef
  • 1 small onion chopped well
  • ¼ cup sour cream
  • 4 ounces chopped green chilis
  • ¼ cup margarine
  • 1 can pinto beans with juice
  • 1 cup Sharp Cheddar Cheese, shredded
  • 6 small tortillas, (I use the 7 inch size)

Instructions

FIRST STEP:

Preheat the oven to 450*, if you are baking them

If you are frying them, place an inch of oil in a pan to start heating it while you make the dish.

SECOND STEP:

Crumble and brown the ground beef with the onion and taco seasoning, salt, pepper, garlic and oregano. Cook thoroughly and drain the fat once fully cooked

Stir in sour cream and green chilis, and the beans with juice and mix well

THIRD STEP:

Remove from the heat and stir in the Cheddar cheese

Heat the oil in the skillet

FOURTH STEP:

Lay the tortillas out and place an equal amount of filling in the center of each tortilla

Fold in the sides, and roll the tortilla lengthwise.

FIFTH STEP:

Place seam side down in the heated oil. Be careful the oil will be hot.

Turn to brown all sides

SIXTH STEP:

Remove from oil and drain on paper towels

Serve with assorted toppings and enjoy!

Nutrition Information:
Serving Size: 1
Amount Per Serving: Calories: 80Total Fat: 12gSaturated Fat: 8gTrans Fat: 4gCholesterol: 60mgSodium: 28mgCarbohydrates: 120gSugar: 18gProtein: 12g