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.

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Cook thoroughly and drain the fat once fully cooked

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

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b)

THIRD STEP:

Remove from the heat and stir in the Cheddar cheese

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Heat the oil in the skillet

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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.

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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!