Tacos & Tex-Mex

Beef And Cheese Chimichangas

Name: Beef And Cheese Chimichangas
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 35 min
Yield: 8 servings
Ingredients: 1 lb (450g) ground beef; 1/2 cup (115g) chopped onion; 2 cloves garlic, minced; 1 packet (1.25 oz or 35g) taco seasoning; 8-10 corn tortillas; 2 cups (220g) shredded cheese; 1/4 cup (60g) chopped fresh cilantro; 1/2 teaspoon salt; 1/4 teaspoon black pepper; 2 tablespoons vegetable oil

By Liana Ironside · June 19, 2026 · Tacos & Tex-Mex

Prep20 min

Cook15 min

Total35 min

Serves8

I still remember the first time I made Beef And Cheese Chimichangas for my family. It was a busy weeknight, and I needed something quick, easy, and satisfying. This recipe has since become a staple in our household, and I'm excited to share it with you.

The beauty of this dish lies in its simplicity. With just a few ingredients, you can create a flavorful and filling meal that's perfect for any night of the week. The key is to use high-quality ingredients, like freshly ground beef and real cheese, and to cook them with care.

In this recipe, we'll walk through the steps to make Beef And Cheese Chimichangas from scratch. From browning the beef to wrapping the chimichangas, we'll cover it all. So let's get started and make a delicious meal that your whole family will love.

One of the things I love about this recipe is how versatile it is. You can customize it to your taste by adding your favorite toppings or fillings. And the best part? It's ready in just 30 minutes, making it the perfect solution for a busy weeknight dinner.

So if you're looking for a new recipe to add to your rotation, I highly recommend giving Beef And Cheese Chimichangas a try. With its combination of crispy tortillas, savory beef, and melted cheese, it's sure to become a family favorite.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This recipe is easy to make and requires minimal ingredients.
It's a great way to use up leftover beef and cheese.
The chimichangas are crispy on the outside and tender on the inside.
You can customize the recipe by adding your favorite toppings or fillings.
It's a crowd-pleasing dish that's perfect for a weeknight dinner or a special occasion.
The recipe is budget-friendly and can be made for under $10.
It's a great way to get your family to eat more vegetables, as you can add diced veggies to the beef filling.

Why This Recipe Works

The key to making great Beef And Cheese Chimichangas is to cook the beef and cheese filling separately before assembling the chimichangas. This allows you to get a nice brown on the beef, which adds depth of flavor to the dish.

Another important aspect of this recipe is the use of high-quality cheese. I like to use a combination of cheddar and Monterey Jack, which melts well and adds a rich, creamy flavor to the chimichangas.

Finally, the cooking technique is crucial. By cooking the chimichangas in a skillet with a small amount of oil, you can get a crispy exterior and a tender interior. This is achieved by cooking the chimichangas over medium-high heat, which helps to brown the tortillas and melt the cheese.

Ingredients You’ll Need

To make Beef And Cheese Chimichangas, you'll need a few simple ingredients. The most important thing is to use high-quality beef and cheese, as these will be the main flavors in the dish. You'll also need some basic pantry staples, like tortillas, oil, and spices.

When shopping for ingredients, be sure to choose fresh and flavorful options. For the beef, I like to use 80/20 ground beef, which has a good balance of fat and lean meat. For the cheese, I recommend using a combination of cheddar and Monterey Jack, which melt well and add a rich, creamy flavor to the dish.

1 lb (450g) ground beefI like to use 80/20 ground beef, which has a good balance of fat and lean meat. This will help to keep the beef flavorful and moist.
1/2 cup (115g) chopped onionYou can use any type of onion you like, but I prefer to use yellow or white onions for this recipe. They have a sweeter flavor and a softer texture than red onions.
2 cloves garlic, mincedGarlic is a key flavor component in this recipe, so be sure to use fresh and flavorful cloves. You can also use garlic powder if you prefer, but fresh garlic will give you a more vibrant flavor.
1 packet (1.25 oz or 35g) taco seasoningI like to use a store-bought taco seasoning to make things easy, but you can also make your own using chili powder, cumin, and other spices. Just be sure to adjust the amount of seasoning to your taste.
8-10 corn tortillasCorn tortillas are the best choice for this recipe, as they have a softer texture and a more delicate flavor than flour tortillas. You can also use whole wheat tortillas if you prefer, but corn tortillas will give you a more authentic flavor.
2 cups (220g) shredded cheeseI like to use a combination of cheddar and Monterey Jack cheese, which melt well and add a rich, creamy flavor to the dish. You can also use other types of cheese, like Pepper Jack or Colby, if you prefer.
1/4 cup (60g) chopped fresh cilantroCilantro is a key flavor component in this recipe, so be sure to use fresh and flavorful leaves. You can also use dried cilantro if you prefer, but fresh cilantro will give you a more vibrant flavor.
1/2 teaspoon saltSalt is an important seasoning in this recipe, as it helps to bring out the flavors of the beef and cheese. Use a high-quality salt, like kosher or sea salt, for the best flavor.
1/4 teaspoon black pepperBlack pepper is another important seasoning in this recipe, as it adds a subtle kick of flavor to the dish. Use a high-quality pepper, like freshly ground black pepper, for the best flavor.
2 tablespoons vegetable oilVegetable oil is a good choice for this recipe, as it has a neutral flavor and a high smoke point. This means it can handle high temperatures without burning or smoking, which is important for frying the chimichangas.

Ingredients for Beef And Cheese Chimichangas

Equipment You’ll Need

Large skillet or sauté panInstant-read thermometerCutting boardChef's knifeMeasuring cups and spoonsTortilla warmer or dry skillet

How to Make Beef And Cheese Chimichangas

1
Start by browning the ground beef in a large skillet over medium-high heat, breaking it up with a spoon as it cooks. This should take about 5-7 minutes, or until the beef is fully browned and cooked through.
2
Once the beef is browned, add the chopped onion and minced garlic to the skillet and cook until the onion is translucent, about 3-4 minutes.
3
Add the taco seasoning to the skillet and stir to combine, cooking for 1-2 minutes or until the flavors are fragrant.
4
Stir in the chopped cilantro and cook for an additional 1-2 minutes, or until the flavors are well combined.
5
In a large bowl, combine the cooked beef mixture and shredded cheese, stirring to combine.
6
Heat a large skillet or sauté pan over medium heat, adding 1-2 tablespoons of vegetable oil to the pan.
7
Once the oil is hot, add 2-3 tortillas to the pan and cook for 30-60 seconds on each side, or until they are lightly browned and pliable.
8
To assemble the chimichangas, lay a tortilla flat on a cutting board and spoon about 1/2 cup of the beef and cheese mixture onto the center of the tortilla.
9
Fold the bottom edge of the tortilla up over the filling, then fold in the sides and roll the chimichanga up tightly. Repeat with the remaining tortillas and filling.
10
Once the chimichangas are assembled, add them to the skillet and cook for 2-3 minutes on each side, or until they are crispy and golden brown.
11
Use an instant-read thermometer to check the internal temperature of the chimichangas, which should be at least 165°F.
12
Once the chimichangas are cooked through, remove them from the skillet and place them on a paper towel-lined plate to drain any excess oil.
13
Serve the chimichangas hot, garnished with additional chopped cilantro and salsa or sour cream if desired.

Expert Tips

To get the best flavor out of your beef, be sure to brown it well before adding the onion and garlic.
Use a high-quality cheese that melts well, like cheddar or Monterey Jack.
Don't overfill the chimichangas, as this can make them difficult to roll and cook evenly.
If you want to add some extra flavor to your chimichangas, try adding diced veggies like bell peppers or onions to the beef mixture.
To freeze the chimichangas, simply assemble them and place them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Once frozen, transfer the chimichangas to a freezer-safe bag or container and store for up to 3 months.
To reheat frozen chimichangas, simply bake them in a preheated oven at 400°F for 10-15 minutes, or until crispy and hot.
To add some extra crunch to your chimichangas, try topping them with toasted chopped nuts or seeds before serving.
If you want to make the chimichangas ahead of time, you can assemble them and refrigerate for up to 24 hours before cooking.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Not browning the beef well enough, which can result in a lack of flavor.
Overfilling the chimichangas, which can make them difficult to roll and cook evenly.
Not cooking the chimichangas to the correct internal temperature, which can result in foodborne illness.
Not using high-quality cheese, which can result in a lack of flavor and texture.
Not freezing the chimichangas correctly, which can result in a loss of texture and flavor.
Not reheating the frozen chimichangas correctly, which can result in a lack of crispiness and flavor.

Variations and Substitutions

Adding diced veggies like bell peppers or onions to the beef mixture for extra flavor.
Using different types of cheese, like Pepper Jack or Colby, for a unique flavor.
Adding some heat to the chimichangas by using spicy taco seasoning or adding diced jalapenos.
Using whole wheat tortillas instead of corn tortillas for a nuttier flavor.
Adding some extra flavor to the chimichangas by using chopped fresh herbs like cilantro or parsley.
Using ground turkey or chicken instead of beef for a leaner option.
Adding some crunch to the chimichangas by topping them with toasted chopped nuts or seeds.

What to Serve With Beef And Cheese Chimichangas

Beef And Cheese Chimichangas are a delicious and satisfying meal that can be served on their own or with a variety of sides. Some ideas for sides include Mexican rice, refried beans, and roasted vegetables.

You can also top the chimichangas with a variety of toppings, such as diced tomatoes, shredded lettuce, and sour cream. And if you want to add some extra flavor, you can serve the chimichangas with a side of salsa or guacamole.

Mexican riceRefried beansRoasted vegetablesDiced tomatoesShredded lettuceSour cream

Make-Ahead, Storage, Freezing and Reheating

To store Beef And Cheese Chimichangas, you can refrigerate them for up to 3 days or freeze them for up to 3 months. If you choose to freeze the chimichangas, be sure to assemble them and place them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Once frozen, transfer the chimichangas to a freezer-safe bag or container and store in the freezer.

To reheat frozen chimichangas, simply bake them in a preheated oven at 400°F for 10-15 minutes, or until crispy and hot. You can also reheat the chimichangas in a skillet on the stovetop, cooking for 2-3 minutes on each side or until crispy and hot.

If you want to make the chimichangas ahead of time, you can assemble them and refrigerate for up to 24 hours before cooking. Simply cook the chimichangas according to the recipe instructions and serve hot.

Frequently Asked Questions

What type of beef is best for Beef And Cheese Chimichangas?

I like to use 80/20 ground beef, which has a good balance of fat and lean meat. This will help to keep the beef flavorful and moist.

Can I use flour tortillas instead of corn tortillas?

While you can use flour tortillas, I prefer to use corn tortillas for this recipe. They have a softer texture and a more delicate flavor than flour tortillas, which makes them perfect for chimichangas.

How do I freeze the chimichangas?

To freeze the chimichangas, simply assemble them and place them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Once frozen, transfer the chimichangas to a freezer-safe bag or container and store in the freezer for up to 3 months.

How do I reheat frozen chimichangas?

Can I make the chimichangas ahead of time?

Yes, you can assemble the chimichangas and refrigerate for up to 24 hours before cooking. Simply cook the chimichangas according to the recipe instructions and serve hot.

What type of cheese is best for Beef And Cheese Chimichangas?

I like to use a combination of cheddar and Monterey Jack cheese, which melt well and add a rich, creamy flavor to the dish. You can also use other types of cheese, like Pepper Jack or Colby, if you prefer.

Can I add diced veggies to the beef mixture?

Yes, you can add diced veggies like bell peppers or onions to the beef mixture for extra flavor. Just be sure to cook the veggies until they are tender before adding them to the beef.

How do I get the chimichangas to be crispy on the outside and tender on the inside?

To get the chimichangas to be crispy on the outside and tender on the inside, be sure to cook them in a skillet with a small amount of oil over medium-high heat. This will help to brown the tortillas and melt the cheese, resulting in a crispy exterior and a tender interior.

The Full Recipe

Recipe Card