Skip to Content

Cheesy Beef Chimichangas Family Favorite

By: Author Jenna Margot

Posted on

Cheesy Beef Chimichangas Family Favorite

Hey y'all! If you're looking for a comforting, crave-worthy dinner that brings everyone to the table, these Cheesy Beef Chimichangas Family Favorite are your answer. With their crispy golden shells, gooey cheese, and flavorful beef filling, they make a perfect meal for busy weeknights, special gatherings, or simply spicing up taco night. Trust me, your family will be asking for seconds! Let's get cooking!

Why You'll Love This Cheesy Beef Chimichangas Family Favorite Recipe

  • Super easy to make and bake in under 45 minutes!
  • Loaded with cheesy, savory goodness in every bite.
  • Perfect for meal prepping, freezing, or quick weeknight dinners.
  • Customizable with your favorite toppings or fillings.
  • Kid-friendly and always a family crowd-pleaser!

Ingredients for Cheesy Beef Chimichangas Family Favorite

  • 1 lb (450g) ground beef (85/15 lean is ideal)
  • 1 small yellow onion, finely diced
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 (4 oz) can diced green chilies, drained
  • 1 teaspoon chili powder
  • ½ teaspoon cumin
  • ½ teaspoon smoked paprika
  • 1 teaspoon kosher salt
  • ½ teaspoon black pepper
  • ⅓ cup tomato sauce
  • 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
  • 1 cup shredded Monterey Jack cheese
  • 6 large (10-inch) flour tortillas
  • Oil for frying (about 2 cups canola or vegetable oil, or use spray for baking)
  • Optional toppings: sour cream, salsa, guacamole, shredded lettuce, diced tomatoes

How to Make Cheesy Beef Chimichangas Family Favorite

Step 1: Prepare the Beef Filling

  1. In a large skillet over medium-high heat, add ground beef and onions. Cook, stirring and breaking up the beef, until browned—about 5 minutes.
  2. Add minced garlic, green chilies, chili powder, cumin, paprika, salt, and pepper. Stir and cook for another 2 minutes until fragrant.
  3. Mix in tomato sauce and simmer for 3 minutes. Remove from heat and let cool slightly, then stir in half of both cheeses (reserve remaining for topping).

Step 2: Assemble the Chimichangas

  1. Lay out tortillas and fill each with an equal amount of beef mixture (about ½ cup).
  2. Sprinkle a little extra cheese on top of the filling.
  3. Fold in the sides of each tortilla, then roll up tightly to enclose the filling.

Step 3: Cooking Cheesy Beef Chimichangas Family Favorite – Frying or Baking

  • To Fry: Heat 2 inches of oil in a heavy skillet to 350°F (175°C). Fry 2-3 chimichangas at a time, seam-side down, for 2-3 minutes per side until golden brown. Drain on paper towels.
  • To Bake: Preheat oven to 425°F (220°C). Place seam-side down on a greased baking sheet, lightly spray with oil, and bake for 18-20 minutes or until crispy and golden.

Step 4: Finish and Serve

  1. Sprinkle reserved cheese over hot chimichangas and let melt.
  2. Serve immediately with your favorite toppings and sides!

Notes for Cheesy Beef Chimichangas Family Favorite

  • For extra flavor, try adding a tablespoon of taco seasoning to the beef mixture (learn more about homemade taco seasoning).
  • If baking, flip the chimichangas halfway through for even crispiness.
  • You can use ground turkey or shredded chicken for a lighter option.
Cheesy Beef Chimichangas Family Favorite

Cheesy Beef Chimichangas Family Favorite Variations

  • Spicy Southwest: Add ½ cup black beans and 1 chopped jalapeño to the beef mixture.
  • Vegetarian: Swap the beef for sautéed peppers, onions, and black beans, and use extra cheese.
  • Chicken & Cheese: Substitute shredded rotisserie chicken for the beef and add a pinch of smoked paprika.

Equipment Needed for Cheesy Beef Chimichangas Family Favorite

  • Large skillet
  • Mixing spoon or spatula
  • Baking sheet or deep skillet (for frying)
  • Paper towels (for draining, if frying)
  • Tongs

Storage Instructions for Cheesy Beef Chimichangas Family Favorite

  • Store cooled leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
  • To freeze, wrap individually and freeze for up to 3 months. Reheat in the oven at 375°F (190°C) for 20 minutes.

Suggested Pairings/Serving Recommendations

  • Serve with Mexican rice, refried beans, or a crisp green salad.
  • Top with fresh salsa, guacamole, or a drizzle of creamy chipotle sauce.
  • Pair with a cold glass of horchata or a citrusy limeade for a refreshing touch.

Pro Tips for Best Cheesy Beef Chimichangas Family Favorite Results

  • Don't overfill the tortillas—this prevents bursting during cooking (see wrapping tips here).
  • Let the filling cool slightly before rolling to avoid soggy tortillas.
  • For ultimate crispiness when baking, lightly brush each chimichanga with melted butter.

Cheesy Beef Chimichangas Family Favorite FAQ

Can I make chimichangas ahead of time?
Yes! Assemble and refrigerate them (uncooked) for up to 2 days or freeze for up to 3 months before baking or frying.
Can I use corn tortillas instead of flour?
Flour tortillas are best for rolling and holding the filling, but you can use extra-large corn tortillas if you soften them first; they may be more prone to breaking.
How do I make these chimichangas healthier?
Bake instead of fry, use lean ground beef or ground turkey, and add more veggies to the filling. Learn more about healthy swaps at EatRight.org.

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 25 minutes
Total Time: 40 minutes
Yield: 6 servings

★★★★★ 4.70 from 115 ratings

Cheesy Beef Chimichangas Family Favorite

yield: 4 servings
prep: 20 mins
cook: 25 mins
total: 45 mins
A family favorite, these Cheesy Beef Chimichangas are crispy, golden, and packed with seasoned ground beef, melty cheese, and classic Mexican flavors. Perfect for a hearty dinner everyone will love.
Cheesy Beef Chimichangas Family Favorite

Ingredients

  • 1 lb ground beef
  • 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
  • 1 cup shredded Monterey Jack cheese
  • 1 small onion, finely chopped
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 teaspoon ground cumin
  • 1 teaspoon chili powder
  • ½ teaspoon salt
  • ¼ teaspoon black pepper
  • ½ cup salsa
  • 4 large flour tortillas
  • Vegetable oil, for frying

Instructions

  1. 1
    In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef until browned. Drain excess fat.
  2. 2
    Add chopped onion and minced garlic to the skillet. Cook for 2-3 minutes until softened.
  3. 3
    Stir in cumin, chili powder, salt, black pepper, and salsa. Simmer for 3-4 minutes until well combined.
  4. 4
    Remove from heat and mix in shredded cheddar and Monterey Jack cheese until melted.
  5. 5
    Spoon the beef and cheese mixture evenly onto the center of each tortilla. Fold in the sides and roll up tightly.
  6. 6
    Heat about 1 inch of vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Fry chimichangas seam-side down until golden and crispy, about 2-3 minutes per side. Drain on paper towels and serve hot.
CLICK FOR NUTRITION INFO ↑

Approximate Information for One Serving

Serving Size: 1 serving
Calories: 620 caloriescal
Protein: 34gg
Fat: 36gg
Saturated Fat: 0g
Trans Fat: 0g
Cholesterol: 0mg
Sodium: 0mg
Potassium: 0mg
Total Carbs: 41gg
Fiber: 0g
Sugar: 0g
Net Carbs: 0g
Vitamin A: 0
Vitamin C: 0mg
Calcium: 0mg
Iron: 0mg

Nutrition Disclaimers

Number of total servings shown is approximate. Actual number of servings will depend on your preferred portion sizes.

Nutritional values shown are general guidelines and reflect information for 1 serving using the ingredients listed, not including any optional ingredients. Actual macros may vary slightly depending on specific brands and types of ingredients used.

To determine the weight of one serving, prepare the recipe as instructed. Weigh the finished recipe, then divide the weight of the finished recipe (not including the weight of the container the food is in) by the desired number of servings. Result will be the weight of one serving.

Did you make this recipe?

Please consider Pinning it!!