Introduction
Delight in the flavors of a classic Mexican dish with this delectable chimichanga recipe. Crispy on the outside and filled with a savory beef and bean mixture, these chimichangas are perfect for a family dinner or a weekend gathering. Serve them with your favorite toppings for an unforgettable meal.
Ingredients
½ tablespoon olive oil
½ onion, chopped
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 pound ground beef
2 teaspoons chili powder
1 teaspoon cumin
½ teaspoon oregano
½ teaspoon onion powder
½ teaspoon salt
1 (15-ounce) can refried beans
1 (10-ounce) can diced tomatoes with green chilies
8 burrito-size flour tortillas
1½ cups shredded cheddar cheese
2 cups vegetable oil, for frying
Prep Time
20 minutes
Cook Time, Total Time, Yield
Cook Time: 30 minutes
Total Time: 50 minutes
Yield: 8 chimichangas
Directions
1. Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Once heated, add the chopped onion and cook until softened.
2. Add the minced garlic and cook for an additional minute.
3. Add the ground beef to the skillet and cook until browned.
4. Stir in the chili powder, cumin, oregano, onion powder, and salt. Mix well to combine.
5. Add the refried beans and diced tomatoes with green chilies to the beef mixture. Stir until everything is well combined and heated through.
6. Remove the skillet from heat.
7. Lay out a flour tortilla and spoon about ½ cup of the beef mixture onto the center.
8. Sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese over the beef mixture.
9. Fold in the sides of the tortilla and then roll it up tightly to form a burrito shape.
10. Repeat the process with the remaining tortillas and filling.
11. In a deep skillet, heat the vegetable oil over medium-high heat until it reaches 350°F (175°C).
12. Carefully place one or two chimichangas seam-side down into the hot oil.
13. Fry until golden brown and crispy, about 2-3 minutes per side.
14. Remove the chimichangas from the oil and place them on a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess oil.
15. Repeat the frying process with the remaining chimichangas.
16. Serve the chimichangas hot, topped with salsa, additional shredded cheese, shredded lettuce, and sour cream as desired.
Detailed Directions and Instructions
Step 1: Heat Olive Oil
Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
Step 2: Cook Onion
Once heated, add the chopped onion and cook until softened.
Step 3: Add Garlic
Add the minced garlic and cook for an additional minute.
Step 4: Brown Ground Beef
Add the ground beef to the skillet and cook until browned.
Step 5: Add Seasonings
Stir in the chili powder, cumin, oregano, onion powder, and salt. Mix well to combine.
Step 6: Incorporate Refried Beans and Tomatoes
Add the refried beans and diced tomatoes with green chilies to the beef mixture. Stir until everything is well combined and heated through.
Step 7: Remove from Heat
Remove the skillet from heat.
Step 8: Prepare Tortillas
Lay out a flour tortilla and spoon about ½ cup of the beef mixture onto the center.
Step 9: Add Cheese
Sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese over the beef mixture.
Step 10: Roll Tortilla
Fold in the sides of the tortilla and then roll it up tightly to form a burrito shape.
Step 11: Repeat Process
Repeat the process with the remaining tortillas and filling.
Step 12: Heat Vegetable Oil
In a deep skillet, heat the vegetable oil over medium-high heat until it reaches 350°F (175°C).
Step 13: Fry Chimichangas
Carefully place one or two chimichangas seam-side down into the hot oil.
Step 14: Cook Until Golden Brown
Fry until golden brown and crispy, about 2-3 minutes per side.
Step 15: Drain Excess Oil
Remove the chimichangas from the oil and place them on a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess oil.
Step 16: Serve
Serve the chimichangas hot, topped with salsa, additional shredded cheese, shredded lettuce, and sour cream as desired.
Notes
Tip for Frying
Make sure the oil is hot enough before adding the chimichangas to ensure they become crispy.
Storage
Any leftover chimichangas can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days.
Freezing Option
You can freeze uncooked chimichangas. Wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and store in a freezer bag for up to three months. When ready to cook, fry from frozen, adding a couple of extra minutes to the cooking time.
Serving Suggestions
Feel free to customize toppings based on your preferences or dietary needs. Enjoy with guacamole, jalapeños, or different types of salsa.
Cook techniques
Sautéing
Sautéing involves cooking food quickly in a small amount of oil or fat over medium-high heat. In this recipe, the onions and garlic are sautéed to enhance their flavor and soften their texture before adding the ground beef.
Browning
Browning is the process of cooking meat at a high temperature to develop flavor and color. Brown the ground beef in the skillet until fully cooked, which adds depth to the overall dish.
Spicing
Spicing involves adding herbs and spices to enhance the flavor of the dish. In this recipe, chili powder, cumin, oregano, onion powder, and salt are added to the beef mixture to create a flavorful filling.
Mashing
Mashing is the technique used for refried beans to ensure they blend smoothly with other ingredients. The refried beans are mixed into the beef mixture to create a cohesive filling.
Rolling
Rolling is the technique used to form the burritos. The tortilla is filled with the beef mixture and cheese, then folded and rolled tightly to ensure the filling stays inside while frying.
Frying
Frying is cooking food in hot oil to achieve a crispy texture. The chimichangas are fried until golden brown and crispy, creating a delicious outer layer.
FAQ
Can I use ground turkey or chicken instead of ground beef?
Yes, you can substitute ground turkey or chicken for ground beef if you prefer a leaner option.
How can I make this recipe vegetarian?
To make this dish vegetarian, you can use a meat substitute such as lentils, tofu, or crumbled tempeh instead of ground beef, along with the same spices and beans.
What can I substitute for flour tortillas?
You can use corn tortillas or lettuce leaves as a low-carb alternative to flour tortillas.
Can I bake the chimichangas instead of frying them?
Yes, you can bake the chimichangas. Brush them with oil and place them in a preheated oven at 375°F (190°C) for about 20-25 minutes or until golden brown.
How should I store leftovers?
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Reheat in the oven or microwave before serving.
Can I freeze chimichangas?
Yes, you can freeze chimichangas. Wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and store them in a freezer-safe bag for up to 3 months. Reheat from frozen in the oven for best results.
Conclusion
The chimichangas crafted from these ingredients offer a delightful blend of flavors and textures, perfect for any occasion. The crispy exterior and savory filling, topped with fresh salsa and sour cream, create a satisfying dish that is sure to please everyone at the table. Enjoy the satisfaction of making these delicious burrito-style treats that are both fun to eat and full of flavor.
More recipes suggestions and combination
Taco Salad
Combine the beef mixture with a variety of fresh toppings like shredded lettuce, diced tomatoes, olives, and jalapeños for a crunchy salad rendition.
Nachos Supreme
Layer tortilla chips with the beef mixture, refried beans, and plenty of shredded cheese, then bake until bubbly and top with salsa and sour cream.
Stuffed Bell Peppers
Fill halved bell peppers with the beef filling and cheese, then bake until the peppers are tender and the cheese is melted for a hearty meal.
Beef Enchiladas
Use the same filling to roll up in corn tortillas, cover with enchilada sauce and cheese, then bake until everything is warmed through and the cheese is golden.
Quesadillas
Spread the beef mixture between flour tortillas, top with extra cheese, and cook in a skillet until crispy and gooey for a quick and easy meal.
