Sometimes you just need something crispy, cheesy, and totally satisfying—that’s where Cheesy Beef Chimichangas come in! These golden-brown tortilla parcels are stuffed with seasoned beef, melted cheese, and just the right kick of spice, then pan-fried (or baked!) until irresistibly crispy on the outside and gooey on the inside.
They’re basically the perfect comfort food: crunchy, cheesy, meaty, and completely crave-worthy. Serve them with salsa, guacamole, or sour cream for a meal that’s guaranteed to get rave reviews.
What Are Cheesy Beef Chimichangas?
A chimichanga is essentially a deep-fried (or oven-fried) burrito. It’s filled with delicious ingredients like seasoned beef, cheese, and peppers, then rolled up tightly in a tortilla and cooked until golden and crispy.
In this recipe, we’re focusing on Cheesy Beef Chimichangas—stuffed with taco-seasoned ground beef, gooey cheddar cheese, and bits of green pepper for extra flavor and texture. They’re finished off with a quick skillet fry, but you can bake or air fry them too!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Crispy outside, melty inside—the texture combo is unbeatable
- Simple, pantry-friendly ingredients
- Easier than you think—ready in under 30 minutes
- Customizable—add rice, beans, or veggies if you like
- Family favorite—kids and adults both love these!
What Do They Taste Like?
These Cheesy Beef Chimichangas are like the best taco and quesadilla rolled into one. The beef is savory, spiced just right, and perfectly juicy. The cheese melts into every bite, while the tortilla gets golden and crispy in the pan. The fresh toppings—like pico de gallo or chopped cilantro—add brightness to balance the richness.
Benefits of Making Chimichangas at Home
- Healthier than takeout—you control the ingredients and method
- Skip the fryer—use a skillet or oven for a lighter option
- Freezer-friendly—make a batch and save some for later
- Perfect for meal prep—reheat beautifully
- Fun to customize—add your favorite toppings or fillings
Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need for Cheesy Beef Chimichangas:
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 packet taco seasoning (or homemade)
- ½ cup water
- 1 green bell pepper, diced
- 1 ½ cups shredded cheddar cheese (or Mexican blend)
- 4 large flour tortillas (burrito size)
- 2 tbsp vegetable oil (for frying)
- Optional toppings: chopped cilantro, pico de gallo, salsa, sour cream, guacamole
Tools You’ll Need
- Large skillet
- Mixing spoon or spatula
- Tongs (for flipping chimichangas)
- Paper towels (for draining oil if frying)
Ingredient Swaps & Additions
- Use ground turkey or chicken for a lighter version
- Swap cheese: try pepper jack or mozzarella for different flavor
- Add rice or black beans for extra filling
- Use whole wheat tortillas for a healthier twist
- Try air frying for a crisp finish with less oil
How to Make Cheesy Beef Chimichangas
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Cook the beef: In a large skillet over medium heat, cook ground beef until browned. Drain excess grease.
- Season: Add taco seasoning, water, and diced green pepper. Stir and simmer for 2–3 minutes until thickened.
- Assemble: Lay out a tortilla. Spoon beef mixture into the center, top with shredded cheese, and fold into a burrito (fold sides in first, then roll tightly).
- Pan-fry: Heat oil in a skillet over medium heat. Place chimichangas seam-side down and cook for 2–3 minutes per side, until golden brown.
- Serve: Top with chopped cilantro, pico de gallo, sour cream, or any of your favorite toppings.
What to Serve with Chimichangas
- Mexican rice or cilantro lime rice
- Refried beans or black beans
- Guacamole and salsa
- Sour cream or chipotle mayo
- Fresh salad or slaw for a lighter side
Tips for the Best Chimichangas
- Don’t overfill the tortillas—they’ll tear or leak
- Fold tightly to keep fillings secure during frying
- Use medium heat for frying—too high and they’ll burn before the cheese melts
- Drain on paper towels to keep them crispy
- Bake at 400°F for 12–15 minutes if you want a healthier option
Storage & Reheating
- Fridge: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days
- Freezer: Wrap un-fried chimichangas tightly and freeze for up to 2 months
- Reheat: Bake at 350°F for 10–12 minutes, or air fry at 375°F for 6–8 minutes
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make these in the oven?
Yes! Brush with a little oil and bake at 400°F for 12–15 minutes until crispy.
Can I use store-bought shredded beef?
Absolutely—rotisserie chicken or leftover taco meat also works great.
How do I keep them from getting soggy?
Fry or bake just before serving and don’t overfill with wet ingredients like salsa inside.
Conclusion
These Cheesy Beef Chimichangas are the kind of meal that makes everyone at the table happy—crispy, cheesy, and packed with flavor. Whether you’re making them for a weeknight dinner or game day snack, they’re quick, customizable, and guaranteed to disappear fast!
Nutritional Information (Per Chimichanga – Approximate)
- Calories: 520
- Fat: 32g
- Carbs: 26g
- Protein: 28g
- Fiber: 2g
- Sugar: 2g
Cheesy Beef Chimichangas
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 4 chimichangas
Description
These Cheesy Beef Chimichangas are loaded with taco-seasoned ground beef, gooey cheddar cheese, and diced green peppers—then pan-fried or baked until golden and crispy. They’re the perfect crunchy, cheesy, savory meal for busy weeknights or casual dinners!
Ingredients
– 1 lb ground beef
– 1 packet taco seasoning (or 2 tbsp homemade seasoning)
– ½ cup water
– 1 green bell pepper, diced
– 1 ½ cups shredded cheddar cheese (or Mexican blend)
– 4 large flour tortillas (burrito size)
– 2 tbsp vegetable oil (for frying)
Optional Toppings:
– Chopped cilantro
– Pico de gallo
– Salsa
– Sour cream
– Guacamole
Instructions
1. In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef until browned. Drain excess fat.
2. Stir in taco seasoning, water, and diced green pepper. Simmer for 2–3 minutes until thickened.
3. Lay out a tortilla and add beef mixture to the center. Sprinkle generously with shredded cheese.
4. Fold in the sides of the tortilla, then roll tightly to form a burrito.
5. Heat oil in a skillet over medium heat. Place chimichangas seam-side down and cook 2–3 minutes per side until golden brown.
6. Serve topped with cilantro, pico de gallo, sour cream, or your favorite toppings.
Notes
– Bake instead of frying: Brush with oil and bake at 400°F for 12–15 minutes.
– Use ground turkey or chicken for a lighter option.
– Add rice or beans for extra filling.
– Chimichangas can be made ahead and frozen before frying.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Pan-Fried or Baked
- Cuisine: Mexican-Inspired
Keywords: cheesy beef chimichangas, beef and cheese chimichangas, easy chimichanga recipe, Tex-Mex dinner, crispy burritos, ground beef chimichangas
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