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Homemade beef and cheese chimichanga cut open showing melted cheese and seasoned meat filling.

Beef and Cheese Chimichangas

Crispy beef and cheese chimichangas with seasoned ground beef and melted cheese wrapped in golden tortillas. This authentic Mexican recipe delivers restaurant-quality results that beat takeout every time.
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Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 15 minutes
Total Time 35 minutes
Servings: 6 chimichangas
Course: Dinner, Main Dish
Cuisine: Mexican, Tex-Mex Inspired
Calories: 485
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

Filling
  • 1 pound ground beef 80/20 blend preferred
  • 1 medium onion Finely diced
  • 3 cloves garlic Minced
  • 2 teaspoons chili powder For seasoning
  • 1 teaspoon ground cumin Essential spice
  • ½ teaspoon paprika For color and flavor
  • ½ teaspoon salt To taste
  • ¼ teaspoon black pepper Freshly ground
Assembly
  • 6 large flour tortillas Burrito size
  • 2 cups Mexican cheese blend Shredded
  • ¼ cup refried beans Optional
Frying
  • vegetable oil For deep frying

Equipment

  • 1 Large skillet For cooking beef filling
  • 1 Heavy pot or deep fryer For frying chimichangas
  • 1 Candy thermometer To monitor oil temperature
  • 1 Tongs For safe turning while frying
  • 6 Toothpicks To secure chimichanga seams

Method
 

  1. Gather and prepare all ingredients for chimichanga assembly
  2. Cook ground beef in large skillet, breaking into small pieces until fully browned
  3. Add onion, garlic, and all spices to beef, cooking until fragrant and moisture evaporates
  4. Heat tortillas in microwave or dry skillet until soft and pliable for easy wrapping
  5. Place beef mixture and cheese in center of each tortilla, leaving edges clear
  6. Fold bottom up, sides in, then roll tightly and secure with toothpicks
  7. Bring oil to 350°F in heavy pot using candy thermometer for accurate temperature
  8. Cook chimichangas seam-side down first until golden brown and crispy on all sides

Notes

Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.