My husband couldn’t stop raving about these Beef and Cheese Chimichangas at our family dinner last night! The crunchy exterior paired with the gooey cheese and savory beef filling had everyone’s taste buds singing with delight. It was such a hit that I’ll definitely be making it again for our next special occasion!
Ingredients:
– 1 lb ground beef
– 1 onion, chopped
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
– 1 can refried beans
– 1 tsp cumin
– 1 tsp chili powder
– Salt and pepper to taste
– 8 large flour tortillas
– Vegetable oil for frying
Instructions:
1. In a large skillet, cook the ground beef, onion, and garlic until the beef is browned and the onion is translucent.
2. Stir in the cumin, chili powder, salt, and pepper.
3. Remove from heat and stir in the refried beans and cheddar cheese.
4. Spoon the beef mixture onto the center of each tortilla and fold in the sides, then roll up tightly.
5. Heat the vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
6. Fry the chimichangas until golden brown and crispy on all sides.
7. Remove from the skillet and place on a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess oil.
8. Serve hot with your favorite toppings like salsa, sour cream, and guacamole.
Nutrition Information:
Calories: 450
Fat: 22g
Carbohydrates: 35g
Protein: 28g
Helpful tips:
1. For extra flavor, try adding diced jalapenos or green chilies to the beef mixture.
2. You can also use ground turkey or chicken as a leaner alternative to ground beef.
3. Serve the chimichangas with a side of Mexican rice or a fresh salad.
4. Experiment with different types of cheese like pepper jack or Monterey Jack for a spicy kick.
5. To make a vegetarian version, substitute the ground beef with sautéed veggies like bell peppers and zucchini.
6. Double the recipe and freeze the extra chimichangas for a quick and easy meal later on.
7. Brush the tortillas with a little melted butter before frying for an extra crispy finish.
8. Garnish with fresh cilantro, sliced avocado, or a squeeze of lime juice for a burst of freshness.
9. If you prefer a healthier option, bake the chimichangas in the oven instead of frying them.
10. Customize the filling by adding rice, black beans, or corn for extra texture and flavor.
Expert Secrets:
1. Ensure the oil is hot enough before frying the chimichangas to prevent them from becoming soggy.
2. Use a slotted spoon to flip the chimichangas in the oil for even cooking on all sides.
3. Let the beef mixture cool slightly before filling the tortillas to prevent them from tearing.
4. Seal the edges of the tortillas with water or egg wash to keep the filling secure while frying.
5. Use a deep, heavy-bottomed skillet for frying to prevent splattering and ensure even heat distribution.
6. Keep an eye on the chimichangas while frying to avoid burning them – they cook quickly!
7. Adjust the seasoning to your taste preferences by adding more or less chili powder and cumin.
8. Don’t overload the tortillas with filling to prevent them from bursting open during frying.
9. Allow the chimichangas to rest on a wire rack before serving to maintain their crispiness.
10. Get creative with your toppings and serve with a variety of salsas, hot sauces, or pickled vegetables for a flavor-packed meal.