Beef and Cheese Chimichangas

Craving a delicious and hearty meal tonight? Look no further than these Beef and Cheese Chimichangas! Packed with savory beef, gooey cheese, and perfectly seasoned, these crispy chimichangas are sure to become a family favorite.

Ingredients:

• 1 lb ground beef
• 1 small onion, diced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tsp chili powder
• 1 tsp cumin
• 1/2 tsp paprika
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
• 6 large flour tortillas
• Oil for frying

Instructions:

• In a large skillet, cook the ground beef, onion, and garlic until the beef is browned and the onion is translucent.
• Add the chili powder, cumin, paprika, salt, and pepper. Stir until the beef is well coated with the spices.
• Remove from heat and stir in the shredded cheddar cheese.
• Place a spoonful of the beef mixture onto each tortilla, fold in the sides, and roll up to create a chimichanga.
• In a separate skillet, heat oil over medium-high heat. Fry each chimichanga until golden brown and crispy.
• Serve hot with your favorite toppings like sour cream, guacamole, and salsa.

Nutrition Information:

Calories: 425
Fat: 22g
Carbs: 30g
Protein: 24g

Popular questions:

• Q: Can I use ground turkey instead of beef?
  A: Yes, you can definitely substitute ground turkey for beef in this recipe for a leaner option.
• Q: Can I make these chimichangas ahead of time?
  A: Yes, you can assemble the chimichangas ahead of time and fry them just before serving to keep them crispy.
• Q: How can I make these chimichangas vegetarian?
  A: You can use crumbled tofu or black beans as a substitute for the ground beef to make these chimichangas vegetarian.
• Q: Can I bake these chimichangas instead of frying?
  A: Yes, you can brush the chimichangas with oil and bake them in the oven at 400°F until crispy.
• Q: Can I freeze these chimichangas?
  A: Yes, you can freeze the assembled chimichangas before frying, then fry them directly from frozen when ready to eat.

Helpful tips:

• Try adding some diced green chilies or jalapeños to the beef mixture for an extra kick of heat.
• For a boost of freshness, top your chimichangas with chopped tomatoes, cilantro, and a squeeze of lime juice before serving.
• Experiment with different types of cheese like Monterey Jack or pepper jack for varied flavor profiles.
• If you prefer a milder flavor, reduce the amount of chili powder and cumin in the beef mixture.

Expert Secrets:

• To prevent your chimichangas from getting soggy, make sure to drain any excess grease from the beef mixture before filling the tortillas.
• To ensure a perfectly crispy exterior, make sure the oil is hot enough before frying the chimichangas.
• If you’re short on time, you can use a store-bought rotisserie chicken and shred it for a quicker version of these chimichangas.