A chimichanga is a deep-fried burrito that’s primarily found in the American Southwest and some parts of Mexico. It’s typically filled with meat (in this case, beef) and cheese, but fillings can vary widely. Here’s a basic recipe to create beef and cheese chimichangas.
Ingredients:
1 lb ground beef
1 medium onion, finely chopped
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 cup shredded cheddar cheese or a mix of cheddar and Monterey Jack
1 teaspoon ground cumin
1 teaspoon chili powder
Salt and pepper to taste
4 large flour tortillas
1-2 cups refried beans (optional)
Cooking oil, for frying
Sour cream, salsa, and guacamole, for serving
Instructions:
Prepare the filling:
In a large skillet over medium heat, brown the ground beef. Drain excess fat.
Add the chopped onion and minced garlic to the skillet and cook until the onion is translucent.
-Season with ground cumin, chili powder, salt, and pepper. Stir well to combine.
-Remove from heat and let it cool a bit. Once cooled, mix in the shredded cheese.
-Assemble the chimichangas:
1.Lay out a tortilla on a flat surface.
2.If using refried beans, spread a layer of beans in the center of the tortilla.
3.Spoon some of the beef and cheese mixture onto the center of the tortilla.
4.Fold in the sides of the tortilla and then roll it up from the bottom, enclosing the filling. Make sure it’s wrapped tightly. Repeat with the remaining tortillas and filling.
-Fry the chimichangas:
1.In a large skillet or deep fryer, heat about an inch of cooking oil to 350°F (175°C).
2.Carefully place the chimichangas seam-side down in the hot oil. Fry until golden brown on all sides, about 2-3 minutes per side.
3.Remove from the oil and place on a plate lined with paper towels to drain excess oil.
-Serve: Serve your chimichangas hot with sour cream, salsa, and guacamole on the side.
Note: You can also add other fillings like rice, bell peppers, or any other preferred ingredient to your chimichanga. Additionally, for a healthier version, you can bake the chimichangas instead of frying them. Just brush them with a little oil and bake in a preheated oven at 400°F (200°C) until golden brown, about 20 minutes.
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