Oh my goodness, let me tell you about *savory beef and cheese chimichangas*! These little beauties are like a warm hug on a plate, with their crispy exterior giving way to a deliciously seasoned beef filling and gooey, melted cheese. I still remember the first time I tried them at a friend’s family gathering; the flavors just exploded in my mouth! The combination of spices creates a comforting warmth that dances on your palate, while the crunch of the fried tortilla adds such an amazing texture. Trust me, once you’ve made these, they’ll become a staple in your home too!
Ingredients List
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 cup shredded cheese (your favorite kind)
- 4 large flour tortillas
- 1 teaspoon chili powder
- 1 teaspoon cumin
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Oil for frying (enough to cover the bottom of your pan)
How to Prepare Savory Beef and Cheese Chimichangas
Making these savory beef and cheese chimichangas is an absolute breeze, and I promise they’re worth every delicious bite! Let’s dive into the steps to create these crispy delights.
Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions
- Start by heating a skillet over medium heat. Once it’s nice and warm, add the 1 lb of ground beef and cook it until it’s browned, which usually takes about 5–7 minutes. Make sure to crumble the beef as it cooks for even browning.
- Once the beef is cooked, drain any excess fat. This is an important step; we want the filling to be juicy, not greasy! Now, stir in 1 teaspoon of chili powder, 1 teaspoon of cumin, 1/2 teaspoon of garlic powder, and season with salt and pepper to taste. Cook for another minute to let those spices meld together beautifully.
- Now, remove the skillet from heat and fold in the 1 cup of shredded cheese. I like to use a mix of cheddar and Monterey Jack for that melty goodness!
- Next up, grab your 4 large flour tortillas. Place a generous portion of the beef and cheese mixture in the center of each tortilla. You want enough filling to be satisfying but not so much that you can’t wrap them up!
- Fold the sides of the tortilla over the filling, then roll it up tightly from the bottom to the top. It should look like a little burrito! Make sure to tuck in the sides to keep everything inside.
- Now, heat about an inch of oil in a frying pan over medium heat. You’ll know it’s ready when a little drop of water sizzles in the oil. Carefully place the chimichangas seam-side down into the hot oil.
- Fry them for about 3–4 minutes on each side until they’re golden brown and crispy. Don’t rush this step; the crispy texture is what makes them so delightful!
- Once they’re perfectly golden, remove them from the oil and let them drain on a plate lined with paper towels. This will help absorb any excess oil, keeping them crispy!
And there you have it! Your savory beef and cheese chimichangas are ready to be devoured. Serve them hot with your favorite salsa or guacamole, and enjoy every cheesy, beefy bite!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Oh, you’re going to absolutely adore making savory beef and cheese chimichangas! Here’s why this recipe is a keeper in my kitchen:
- Quick and easy preparation—perfect for busy weeknights!
- Deliciously satisfying flavors that will have everyone asking for seconds.
- Customizable fillings—swap out beef for chicken, beans, or even veggies!
- Crispy, golden tortillas that add a delightful crunch to each bite.
- Great for meal prep or feeding a crowd; just double the recipe!
- Perfectly paired with your favorite salsa, guacamole, or sour cream for dipping.
Tips for Success
To make sure your savory beef and cheese chimichangas turn out perfectly every time, here are some of my favorite tips! First, keep your frying oil at medium heat—if it’s too hot, the tortillas may burn before the filling heats through. Also, don’t overcrowd the pan; fry them in batches so they can crisp up beautifully all around. For that extra crunch, consider double-frying them for a minute after the initial fry. As for fillings, feel free to get creative! Chicken, beans, or even roasted veggies can make delicious alternatives. Enjoy the experimenting!
Nutritional Information
Here’s the estimated nutritional breakdown for each savory beef and cheese chimichanga, based on standard ingredients. Keep in mind that these values can vary slightly depending on the specific brands and types of ingredients you use:
- Calories: 350
- Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Cholesterol: 50mg
- Sodium: 600mg
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 2g
- Sugar: 1g
- Protein: 15g
This hearty dish provides a satisfying mix of protein and flavor, making it a great choice for a filling meal. Enjoy your chimichangas knowing exactly what’s in them!
FAQ Section
Got questions about making savory beef and cheese chimichangas? Don’t worry, I’ve got you covered! Here are some of the most common queries I get, along with my best answers. Let’s dive in!
How long do I need to cook the chimichangas?
Frying each chimichanga should take about 3–4 minutes on each side until they’re golden brown and crispy. Just keep an eye on them to avoid burning!
What can I use instead of ground beef?
You can absolutely switch it up! Ground chicken or turkey works well, and for a vegetarian option, consider using black beans, refried beans, or even a mix of sautéed veggies. The possibilities are endless!
Can I make these in the oven instead of frying?
Yes! If you prefer a lighter option, you can bake them. Just preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C), place the chimichangas seam-side down on a baking sheet, and bake for about 20-25 minutes until they’re crispy and golden. Brush them with a little oil for that extra crunch!
What should I serve with chimichangas?
I love serving them with a side of fresh salsa, guacamole, or sour cream for dipping. You can also add a simple salad or some Mexican rice to round out the meal. Yum!
How can I store leftovers?
If you have any leftovers (which is rare because they’re so good!), store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, you can either bake them in the oven or pop them in the air fryer for that crispy texture all over again. Enjoy!
Storage & Reheating Instructions
If you’re lucky enough to have leftovers of these savory beef and cheese chimichangas, you’ll want to store them properly to keep that deliciousness intact! Allow them to cool completely, then place them in an airtight container and pop them in the fridge. They’ll last for about 3 days, but I doubt they’ll last that long!
When it comes to reheating, I recommend using an air fryer or oven to maintain that crispy exterior. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and bake for about 10–15 minutes until heated through. Alternatively, the air fryer will work wonders too—just a few minutes at 350°F (175°C) will do the trick! Enjoy every bite again!
Z nadrukami
Savory Beef and Cheese Chimichanga: 7 Tasty Secrets Revealed
- Całkowity Czas: 35 minutes
- Ustępować: 4 servings 1x
- Dieta: Bez Glutenu
Opis
A delicious savory beef and cheese chimichanga filled with seasoned beef and melted cheese, wrapped in a crispy tortilla.
Składniki
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 cup shredded cheese
- 4 large flour tortillas
- 1 teaspoon chili powder
- 1 teaspoon cumin
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Oil for frying
Instrukcje
- In a skillet, cook the ground beef over medium heat until browned.
- Drain excess fat and stir in chili powder, cumin, garlic powder, salt, and pepper.
- Remove from heat and mix in shredded cheese.
- Place a portion of the beef mixture in the center of each tortilla.
- Fold the sides of the tortilla over the filling and roll it up tightly.
- Heat oil in a frying pan over medium heat.
- Fry each chimichanga until golden brown on all sides.
- Drain on paper towels before serving.
Uwagi
- Serve with salsa or guacamole.
- You can use chicken or beans as a filling option.
- Adjust spices to your taste.
- Czas Przygotowania: 15 minutes
- Czas gotowania: 20 minutes
- Kategoria: Main Dish
- Sposób: Frying
- Kuchnia: Mexican
Zasilanie
- Wielkość porcji: 1 chimichanga
- Kalorie: 350
- Cukier: 1g
- Sód: 600mg
- Kwasy: 20g
- Nasycony tłuszcz: 8g
- Tłuszcze Nienasycone: 12g
- Tłuszcze trans: 0g
- Węglowodany: 30g
- Włókno: 2g
- Białko: 15g
- Cholesterol: 50mg
Słowa kluczowe: savory beef and cheese chimichanga
