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+ servings
Wrapped entrée with a golden crust, topped with chopped herbs and a drizzle of sauce.

Beef and Cheese Chimichangas

Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 35 minutes
Crispy beef and cheese chimichangas filled with seasoned ground beef, refried beans, shredded cheese, and spicy tomato sauce—pan-fried and full of flavor.
10 Servings

Ingredients

  • pounds ground beef
  • 1 15 oz can refried beans
  • ½ medium onion finely chopped
  • 2 teaspoons minced garlic
  • 2 teaspoons chili powder
  • 1 teaspoon ground cumin
  • ½ teaspoon dried oregano
  • Salt and black pepper to taste
  • 10 10-inch flour tortillas
  • 24 ounces tomato sauce
  • 4 ounces canned diced green chiles
  • 4 ounces canned chopped jalapeños
  • cups shredded taco blend cheese
  • Oil for frying

Instructions
 

Prepare the beef filling:

  1. In a large skillet over medium-high heat, brown the ground beef until fully cooked. Drain any excess fat. Add the refried beans, chopped onion, minced garlic, ½ cup of the tomato sauce, chili powder, cumin, oregano, salt, and pepper. Stir the mixture thoroughly and cook for an additional 5 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld and the onion to soften slightly.

Warm the tortillas:

  1. Place the flour tortillas on a microwave-safe plate and warm them in the microwave for 30–40 seconds. This will make them more pliable and easier to roll without tearing.

Assemble the chimichangas:

  1. Divide the beef mixture evenly among the tortillas, placing the filling in the center of each. Fold one end of the tortilla over the filling, tuck in the sides, and continue to roll it tightly to form a sealed packet. Secure the seam side with a toothpick if needed.

Fry the chimichangas:

  1. Pour approximately 1 inch of oil into a deep-sided skillet. Heat the oil over medium-high heat. Carefully place the rolled chimichangas seam-side down into the hot oil. Fry each chimichanga until it is golden brown and crispy on all sides, turning as needed. Once cooked, transfer to a paper towel-lined tray to drain excess oil.

Prepare the sauce:

  1. In a separate saucepan, combine the remaining tomato sauce, diced green chiles, and chopped jalapeños. Heat the mixture over medium heat until warmed through. Season with additional salt and pepper to taste if desired.

Serve:

  1. Place the cooked chimichangas on serving plates. Ladle the warmed sauce over the top of each chimichanga, then sprinkle generously with shredded cheese. Serve immediately while hot.

Notes

To make these chimichangas gluten-free, simply substitute the flour tortillas with certified gluten-free tortillas. Ensure that the refried beans and taco seasoning (if using pre-blended) are also labeled gluten-free, as some brands may contain hidden wheat-based thickeners or additives. Frying technique and flavor will remain the same.
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