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Crispy Baked Beef and Cheese Chimichangas

Two halves of a baked chimichanga showing melted cheese and seasoned ground beef filling.
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Make satisfying, crispy beef and cheese chimichangas using your oven instead of deep frying. This recipe offers a lighter, quick Tex Mex dinner that is freezer friendly.

Ingredients

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  • 8 large flour tortillas
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1 pound ground beef
  • 1 small onion, chopped
  • 1 packet (1 ounce) taco seasoning mix
  • 1 cup water
  • 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
  • 1 cup shredded Monterey Jack cheese
  • 1/2 cup refried beans (optional)

Instructions

  1. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Lightly grease a baking sheet.
  2. In a skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef and chopped onion until the beef is browned. Drain any excess fat.
  3. Stir in the taco seasoning and water. Bring to a simmer and cook for 5 minutes, allowing the liquid to mostly absorb. Remove from heat.
  4. Warm the tortillas briefly in the microwave to make them pliable.
  5. Lay a tortilla flat. Spread a thin layer of refried beans (if using) down the center. Top with about 1/4 cup of the seasoned beef mixture. Sprinkle with a mix of cheddar and Monterey Jack cheese.
  6. Fold the sides of the tortilla inward over the filling. Then, tightly roll the tortilla up from the bottom to create a sealed burrito shape. Place seam-side down on the prepared baking sheet. Repeat with the remaining tortillas and filling.
  7. Brush the tops of the rolled chimichangas lightly with olive oil for crisping.
  8. Bake for 15 to 20 minutes, flipping halfway through, until the tortillas are golden brown and crispy.
  9. Serve immediately with your favorite toppings like sour cream, salsa, or guacamole.

Notes

  • To make these freezer friendly, assemble the chimichangas completely, wrap them individually in plastic wrap, and freeze. When ready to cook, bake from frozen at 400°F (200°C) for about 25-30 minutes, brushing with oil halfway through.
  • For an air fryer method, spray the assembled chimichangas with cooking spray and cook at 375°F (190°C) for 8-10 minutes, flipping halfway, until golden and crispy.
  • You can substitute ground turkey or shredded cooked chicken for the ground beef to make a different variation of this quick Tex Mex dinner.

Nutrition

Find it online: https://cookingbycarla.com/baked-crispy-beef-cheese-chimichangas/