Beef and Cheese Chimichangas

Instructions

1. Preheat the Oven

  • Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) if you’re baking the chimichangas. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or lightly grease it.

2. Cook the Ground Beef

  • In a large skillet, cook the ground beef over medium heat until browned, breaking it up as it cooks.
  • Add the onion and garlic and sauté until the onion is soft, about 3-4 minutes.
  • Stir in the taco seasoning and salsa, and cook for another 2-3 minutes until everything is well combined and heated through. Remove from heat and let cool slightly.

3. Assemble the Chimichangas

  • Place a flour tortilla on a flat surface. Spoon about ⅓ cup of the beef mixture into the center of the tortilla.
  • Sprinkle about 2 tablespoons of shredded cheese over the beef mixture.
  • Fold the sides of the tortilla in, then roll it up tightly from the bottom like a burrito, tucking in the ends as you go.
  • Repeat with the remaining tortillas and filling.

4. Bake or Fry

To Bake:

  • Place the rolled chimichangas seam-side down on the prepared baking sheet.
  • Brush the tops lightly with the melted butter.
  • Bake in the preheated oven for 15-20 minutes, or until the tortillas are golden and crispy.

To Fry:

  • Heat about ½ inch of vegetable oil in a skillet over medium heat.
  • Once the oil is hot, carefully add the chimichangas seam-side down.
  • Fry for 2-3 minutes per side or until golden and crispy. Drain on a paper towel-lined plate.

5. Serve

  • Serve the chimichangas with your favorite toppings such as sour cream, guacamole, salsa, shredded lettuce, or chopped tomatoes.