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Beef and Cheese Chimichangas

These beef and cheese chimichangas are a perfect comfort food treat that marry a crispy exterior with a flavorful, seasoned beef filling, melty cheese, and creamy refried beans. Whether you choose to bake them for a healthier twist or fry them for extra crunch, they’re versatile enough for a quick weeknight dinner or a make-ahead meal.
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Total Time 45 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Main Course
Cuisine: Mexican
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

Ingredients
  • 1 pound ground beef
  • 1 small onion, finely diced
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 packet (1 oz) taco seasoning (or homemade)
  • ½ cup salsa
  • 1 cup refried beans
  • 1 ½ cups shredded cheddar cheese or Mexican blend
  • 6 large flour tortillas (burrito-size) room temperature for easier folding
  • 2 tablespoons vegetable oil for brushing or frying

Equipment

  • Large skillet
  • Baking sheet
  • Knife
  • Cutting board

Method
 

  1. Heat a large skillet over medium heat and add the ground beef and finely diced onion. Cook until the beef is browned and the onion becomes soft and translucent. Drain off any excess grease.
  2. Add the minced garlic, taco seasoning, and salsa to the skillet. Allow the mixture to simmer for 3-4 minutes so that all the flavors meld together.
  3. Lay out the 6 large flour tortillas on a flat surface. Spread a spoonful of refried beans (dividing about 1 cup equally) down the center of each tortilla.
  4. Top the beans with a generous amount of the beef mixture you prepared and sprinkle a handful of shredded cheese over each.
  5. Fold the tortillas by bringing up the bottom edge, folding in both sides, and then rolling tightly to form a neat package.
  6. For oven-baked chimichangas, preheat your oven to 400°F. Place the rolled chimichangas seam-side down on a baking sheet, brush lightly with vegetable oil, and bake for 18-20 minutes, flipping them halfway through until they are golden and crispy.
  7. If you prefer frying, heat a bit more oil in a skillet and fry each chimichanga until crisp on all sides.
  8. Serve your chimichangas hot with optional toppings like sour cream, guacamole, or extra salsa for a complete meal.

Notes

These chimichangas are a great way to enjoy a hearty, customizable meal that can easily be switched up with alternative proteins or extra veggies to suit your taste. Preparing a double batch and freezing extras is a fantastic make-ahead strategy for busy nights. For the best results, allow your tortillas to come to room temperature before assembling, which helps in achieving a snug fold and a perfectly crisp finish.