Beef and Cheese Chimichanga

—

### **Instructions for Making Beef and Cheese Chimichangas**

#### **Step 1: Prepare the Beef Filling**
1. In a large skillet, heat a small amount of oil over medium heat. Add the finely chopped onion and cook for 2-3 minutes until softened.
2. Add the ground beef to the skillet and cook until browned, breaking it up into small pieces with a spatula as it cooks. Drain any excess fat if necessary.
3. Stir in the taco seasoning and water, then simmer the mixture for 3-4 minutes until the beef is well-coated and the flavors meld together. Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper if needed. Set the beef mixture aside to cool slightly.

#### **Step 2: Assemble the Chimichangas**
4. Lay out the flour tortillas on a flat surface. Evenly divide the beef mixture among the tortillas, placing it in the center of each tortilla.
5. Sprinkle a generous amount of shredded cheese over the beef mixture on each tortilla.
6. Fold the sides of the tortillas inwards, then roll them tightly from the bottom up, ensuring the filling is securely enclosed. The rolled chimichangas should resemble burritos.

#### **Step 3: Fry the Chimichangas**
7. Heat the vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. You’ll want enough oil to cover the bottom of the skillet by at least 1/2 inch.
8. Once the oil is hot, carefully place the chimichangas seam-side down in the skillet. Fry them in batches if necessary to avoid overcrowding.
9. Cook each chimichanga for 2-3 minutes on each side, or until golden brown and crispy. Use tongs to turn them, ensuring they are evenly fried and crispy all around.
10. Once the chimichangas are done, transfer them to a paper towel-lined plate to drain any excess oil.

#### **Step 4: Serve and Enjoy**
11. Serve your Beef and Cheese Chimichangas with your favorite toppings, such as sour cream, guacamole, salsa, shredded lettuce, or diced tomatoes. These toppings add freshness and contrast to the rich and savory filling.
12. Enjoy while hot and crispy!

—

### **Serving Suggestions**

– **Mexican Rice:** Pair your chimichangas with a side of flavorful Mexican rice to make the meal even more hearty and satisfying.
– **Refried Beans:** Creamy refried beans complement the crispy chimichangas and add an extra layer of flavor.
– **Guacamole and Salsa:** Fresh guacamole and salsa are the perfect sides or dips to serve with chimichangas. They bring a creamy and tangy contrast to the richness of the fried filling.
– **Shredded Lettuce and Sour Cream:** For a lighter touch, top your chimichangas with shredded lettuce and a dollop of sour cream for added crunch and creaminess.

—

### **Tips for Perfect Beef and Cheese Chimichangas**

– **Don’t Overstuff:** While it’s tempting to load up the tortillas with extra filling, be careful not to overstuff them, as this can make them difficult to roll and may cause the filling to spill out during frying.
– **Use a Deep Fryer (Optional):** If you have a deep fryer, you can use it for frying the chimichangas. This method helps them cook evenly and become crispy all over.
– **Avoid Soggy Chimichangas:** To ensure a crispy result, make sure the beef filling isn’t too wet. Drain any excess liquid from the beef mixture after cooking.
– **Air Fryer Option:** If you prefer to avoid deep-frying, you can make these chimichangas in an air fryer. Lightly brush or spray the chimichangas with oil and cook at 375°F for 8-10 minutes, flipping halfway through, until crispy.

—

### **Storing and Leftovers**

– **Refrigeration:** Leftover chimichangas can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place them in the oven or air fryer to retain their crispy texture.
– **Freezing:** You can freeze the assembled but uncooked chimichangas. To freeze, place them on a baking sheet in a single layer and freeze until solid. Then transfer them to a freezer bag. To cook from frozen, fry them in oil or air fry them until golden and crispy, adding a few extra minutes to the cooking time.

—

### **Final Thoughts**

**Beef and Cheese Chimichangas** are a delicious and satisfying meal that brings the flavors of Mexican cuisine straight to your table. With their crispy exterior and savory beef-and-cheese filling, they make for a fun and indulgent dinner. Whether you’re making them for a family meal or serving them at a party, these chimichangas are sure to be a hit. Customize them with your favorite toppings and sides to make them your own. Enjoy the perfect balance of crunch, cheese, and beef with this crowd-pleasing recipe!