Chimichanga
Golden, crispy, and stuffed with savory beef and beans, these chimichangas are the ultimate comfort food.
Total: 45 minPrep: 20 minCook: 25 min4 servingsDifficulty: Medium⭐ 4.7 (120+ ratings)$
Ingredients
Servings:
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 teaspoon cumin
- 1 teaspoon chili powder
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika
- 1/2 medium onion, diced
- 1 cup canned kidney beans, drained and rinsed
- 1/2 cup frozen corn
- 8-inch flour tortillas
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 cup shredded lettuce
- 1/2 cup diced tomatoes
- Oil for frying
Steps
- 1 In a skillet, cook ground beef with onions until browned. Drain excess fat.
- 2 Add cumin, chili powder, garlic powder, and paprika to the beef; cook for 1 minute.
- 3 Stir in kidney beans and corn; heat through.
- 4 Warm tortillas. Spoon beef mixture down the center of each tortilla.
- 5 Top with cheese, lettuce, and tomatoes.
- 6 Fold sides of the tortilla over the filling, then roll up tightly.
- 7 Heat oil in a deep skillet. Fry chimichangas until golden brown, about 3-4 minutes per side.
- 8 Drain on paper towels.
Equipment
- Large skillet
- Spatula
- Tongs
- Paper towels
Variations
- Substitute ground beef with chicken or pork for a different flavor profile.
- Add black beans or diced green chiles to the filling for extra texture and spice.
Substitutions
- Use ground turkey for a leaner option.
- Substitute flour tortillas with corn tortillas for a gluten-free version.
Pairings
- Mexican rice
- Refried beans
- Margaritas
Nutrition
Calories:
520 kcal
Fat:
26g fat
Carbs:
45g carbohydrates
Protein:
24g protein
Fiber:
6g fiber
Sugar:
5g sugar
Sodium:
800mg sodium
Tips
- For a crispier chimichanga, freeze them for 30 minutes before frying.
- Serve with salsa, sour cream, or guacamole for extra flavor.
Storage
Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven at 350°F for 10-15 minutes.
Freezing: Freeze uncooked chimichangas on a baking sheet, then store in a freezer bag for up to 3 months. Fry directly from frozen, adding 1-2 minutes to cook time.
Serving Suggestions
- Serve with a side of fresh guacamole and pico de gallo.
- Pair with Mexican rice for a complete meal.
FAQ
Can I make these ahead?
Yes, you can assemble and freeze chimichangas before cooking for later use.