Beef Chimichanga
A Tex-Mex classic featuring a savory ground beef and bean filling wrapped in a flour tortilla and fried to golden, crispy perfection. Serve it smothered in your favorite toppings for a truly satisfying meal.
For 4 servings
4 steps. 25 minutes total.
- 1
Step 1
- a.Prepare the Beef Filling
- b.Heat 1 tbsp of vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
- c.Add the chopped onion and sauté for 3-4 minutes until softened and translucent.
- d.Stir in the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.
- e.Add the ground beef to the skillet. Use a spatula to break it apart and cook for 5-7 minutes until fully browned. Drain off any excess grease.
- f.Stir in the chili powder, cumin, oregano, salt, and pepper. Cook for 1 minute, stirring constantly, to toast the spices.
- g.Mix in the undrained green chiles and refried beans. Stir until everything is well combined and heated through. Remove from the heat and let the filling cool for at least 10 minutes.
- 2
Step 2
- a.Assemble the Chimichangas
- b.Warm the tortillas in a microwave for 20-30 seconds or in a dry skillet to make them soft and pliable.
- c.Lay a tortilla flat. Spoon about 1 cup of the beef mixture in a line across the lower third of the tortilla, leaving a 2-inch border on the sides.
- d.Sprinkle about 1/4 cup of shredded cheese over the filling.
- e.Fold the left and right sides of the tortilla in over the filling. Then, take the bottom edge (closest to you) and fold it up and over the filling, tucking it in tightly. Roll it forward to form a secure, compact burrito. Secure the seam with a toothpick if needed.
- 3
Step 3
- a.Fry to Golden Perfection
- b.In a large, deep pot or Dutch oven, pour in vegetable oil to a depth of about 1.5 inches. Heat the oil over medium-high heat until it reaches 365°F (185°C). Use a kitchen thermometer for accuracy.
- c.Carefully place 1 or 2 chimichangas, seam-side down, into the hot oil. Do not overcrowd the pot, as this will lower the oil temperature.
- d.Fry for 2-3 minutes per side, turning gently with tongs, until deep golden brown and crispy all over.
- e.Using tongs, carefully remove the chimichangas from the oil and transfer them to a wire rack to drain. This keeps them crispy on all sides.
- 4
Step 4
- a.Serve and Garnish
- b.Remove any toothpicks before serving.
- c.Serve the chimichangas immediately while they are hot and crispy.
- d.Garnish generously with sour cream, guacamole, salsa, and any extra cheese.
What to keep in mind.
6 tips from the recipe — small details that make a real difference to the final dish.
- 1For the crispiest results, ensure your oil is at the correct temperature (365°F / 185°C). A thermometer is highly recommended.
- 2Let the beef filling cool before rolling. A hot filling can create steam and make the tortillas soggy or prone to tearing.
- 3Do not overfill the tortillas. This makes them difficult to roll and more likely to burst open during frying.
- 4Fry in batches to maintain the oil temperature and ensure even cooking.
- 5Place fried chimichangas on a wire rack instead of paper towels. This allows air to circulate and prevents the bottom from becoming soggy.
- 6Use fresh, pliable flour tortillas. Older, drier tortillas are more likely to crack when rolled.
Adapt it for your goals.
Lighter Version
For a less indulgent option, bake the chimichangas at 400°F (200°C) for 20-25 minutes, flipping halfway through, until golden and crisp. You can also use an air fryer at 375°F (190°C) for 10-12 minutes.
Different ProteinDifferent Protein
Swap the ground beef for shredded chicken, pulled pork (carnitas), or seasoned ground turkey.
Vegetarian OptionVegetarian Option
Make a vegetarian filling with black beans, pinto beans, corn, and sautéed bell peppers and onions.
Add Some HeatAdd Some Heat
Incorporate finely diced jalapeños or a pinch of cayenne pepper into the beef mixture for an extra spicy kick.
Why this is on our healthy list.
Excellent Source of Protein
The ground beef provides high-quality protein, which is essential for building and repairing tissues, supporting muscle mass, and maintaining overall body function.
Provides Sustained Energy
Carbohydrates from the flour tortilla and fiber from the refried beans offer a source of sustained energy to fuel your day.
Rich in Iron
Beef is a significant source of heme iron, a type of iron that is easily absorbed by the body. Iron is crucial for forming red blood cells and preventing anemia.
Frequently asked questions
A single homemade beef chimichanga, before toppings, contains approximately 600-750 calories, depending on the size of the tortilla and the fat content of the beef. The frying process adds a significant number of calories from the absorbed oil.