Introduction
Crispy Beef Cheese Chimichangas are the ultimate comfort food when you are craving something crunchy on the outside and irresistibly cheesy on the inside. I love making these chimichangas when I want a meal that feels indulgent and satisfying without being complicated. Seasoned ground beef paired with melted cheese, all wrapped in a tortilla and cooked until perfectly golden, creates a dish that is hard to resist. What makes chimichangas special is their texture. The crispy shell contrasts beautifully with the savory, cheesy filling, making every bite exciting. Whether you serve them for a family dinner, game night, or casual gathering, they always disappear fast. You can fry them for classic crispiness or bake them for a lighter option, and they are just as delicious either way. If you enjoy bold flavors and crunchy comfort food, these crispy beef cheese chimichangas are a must-try.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This recipe is simple, hearty, and packed with flavor. It uses familiar ingredients, comes together quickly, and can be fried or baked to suit your preference. The beef and cheese filling is rich and satisfying, making these chimichangas a true crowd-pleaser.
Print
Crispy Beef Cheese Chimichangas – Golden, Crunchy, and Loaded with Flavor
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 6 chimichangas
- Diet: Halal
Description
Crispy beef cheese chimichangas are golden-fried tortillas stuffed with seasoned ground beef and melted cheese, delivering a crunchy exterior and savory, cheesy filling.
Ingredients
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 packet taco seasoning
- 1/4 cup water
- 1 1/2 cups shredded cheddar or Mexican-blend cheese
- 6 large flour tortillas
- Vegetable oil for frying
- Sour cream, salsa, or guacamole for serving (optional)
Instructions
- Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat.
- Add onion and cook until softened.
- Add garlic and ground beef; cook until beef is browned.
- Stir in taco seasoning and water; simmer for 3–4 minutes until thickened.
- Remove from heat and allow mixture to cool slightly.
- Spoon beef mixture onto the center of each tortilla and top with shredded cheese.
- Fold in sides and roll tortillas tightly into chimichangas.
- Heat vegetable oil in a deep skillet to 175°C (350°F).
- Fry chimichangas seam-side down until golden and crispy on all sides.
- Drain on paper towels and serve warm with desired toppings.
Notes
- Ensure tortillas are tightly rolled to prevent filling from leaking.
- Chimichangas can also be baked or air-fried for a lighter option.
- Let fried chimichangas rest briefly before serving.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: Mexican-Inspired
Ingredients
(Tip: You can find the complete list of ingredients and their measurements in the recipe card below.)
Ground Beef
Ground beef forms the savory base of the filling and delivers rich, hearty flavor.
Cheese
Cheese melts into the beef, creating a creamy, gooey center. Cheddar or a Mexican-style blend works well.
Onion
Onion adds sweetness and depth to the beef filling.
Garlic
Garlic enhances the savory flavor and adds aroma.
Taco Seasoning
Taco seasoning brings bold spices and classic Tex-Mex flavor.
Flour Tortillas
Flour tortillas wrap the filling and crisp up beautifully when cooked.
Oil
Oil is used for frying or brushing tortillas for baking.
Salt
Salt enhances the overall flavor.
Black Pepper
Black pepper adds gentle heat and balance.
Directions
Begin by cooking the ground beef in a skillet over medium heat. Add chopped onion and cook until softened and the beef is fully browned. Drain excess fat, then stir in garlic and taco seasoning. Cook briefly until fragrant, then remove from heat and allow the mixture to cool slightly.
Lay a tortilla flat and spoon a portion of the beef mixture into the center. Sprinkle generously with cheese. Fold in the sides of the tortilla and roll tightly to form a secure wrap.
For frying, heat oil in a deep skillet and cook the chimichangas seam-side down until golden and crispy, turning as needed. For baking, brush the chimichangas lightly with oil, place on a baking sheet, and bake until crisp and golden.
Remove from heat and allow to cool slightly before serving.
Equipment needed
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 makes about six chimichangas. Preparation takes approximately 20 minutes, and cooking time is around 15 minutes.
Storage/reheating
Store leftover chimichangas in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three 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 texture. Swap ground beef for shredded chicken or ground turkey for variety. For a spicier version, add jalapeños or chili flakes. Different cheeses such as pepper jack or mozzarella can be used depending on your preference. Serve with salsa, sour cream, guacamole, or queso for dipping.
Nutrition and Dietary Info
These chimichangas provide protein from the beef and calcium from the cheese. They are a hearty, indulgent meal best enjoyed in moderation.
Expert Tips & Customizations
Tight Rolling
Roll chimichangas tightly to prevent leaks.
Filling Temperature
Let the filling cool slightly before wrapping.
Oil Control
Do not overcrowd the pan when frying.
Crisp Finish
Baking on a rack helps achieve even crispness.
FAQs
Can I bake chimichangas instead of frying?
Yes, baking produces a lighter but still crispy result.
Can I make these ahead of time?
Yes, assemble ahead and cook when ready.
Are chimichangas freezer-friendly?
Yes, freeze unbaked chimichangas and cook from frozen.
What tortillas work best?
Large flour tortillas are ideal.
Can I use shredded beef instead?
Yes, shredded beef works very well.
How do I keep them from opening?
Roll tightly and place seam-side down when cooking.
Can I air fry chimichangas?
Yes, air frying is a great option for crispiness.
Are these kid-friendly?
Yes, adjust seasoning to taste.
What sides pair well with chimichangas?
Rice, beans, or a simple salad work well.
What sauces go best with this dish?
Salsa, guacamole, sour cream, or queso are great choices.
Conclusion
Crispy Beef Cheese Chimichangas are a crunchy, satisfying dish that delivers bold flavor and comforting texture in every bite. Easy to customize and always a hit, this recipe is perfect for casual dinners, gatherings, or anytime you want a hearty, golden, cheese-filled meal that truly satisfies.
Hungry for more? Visit our website for full recipes and follow us on Pinterest for daily foodie inspo you’ll love to pin!