There’s something undeniably comforting about biting into a crispy, golden chimichanga filled with seasoned beef and gooey, melted cheese. Perfect for cozy family dinners, festive gatherings, or a weekend indulgence, Beef and Cheese Chimichangas offer a taste of Tex-Mex comfort that’s hard to beat. Whether you’re new to chimichangas or a seasoned home cook looking to elevate your dinner game, this recipe is easy, customizable, and absolutely delicious.

Inspired by classic Southwestern flavors and a deep love for crispy textures, this dish combines bold spices, hearty meat, and stretchy cheese all wrapped in a soft flour tortilla, baked to golden perfection. It’s a dish that brings everyone to the table—and keeps them coming back for more.

What Are Chimichangas?

Chimichangas are essentially deep-fried burritos that originated in the Southwestern United States, particularly popular in Arizona and Texas. While their exact origin is debated—some claim it was an accidental drop into a fryer—what’s not disputed is how incredibly tasty they are. Our version opts for a healthier baked approach while maintaining that signature crispy texture.

Chimichangas are often filled with beef, chicken, or beans, paired with cheese, and sometimes rice or vegetables. They’re then rolled like burritos and baked or fried until the exterior becomes beautifully golden and crunchy.

Why You’ll Love This Chimichanga Recipe

There’s more than one reason to fall in love with these Crispy Beef and Cheese Chimichangas:

✅ Quick and easy prep – Just 15 minutes to get everything ready.
🧀 Cheesy goodness – A perfect blend of cheddar and Monterey Jack.
🌮 Full of flavor – Taco-seasoned beef for that bold, savory kick.
🔥 Crispy without frying – Baked in the oven for less mess and less oil.
🥗 Perfect for toppings – Customize with sour cream, salsa, guacamole, or cilantro.

Whether it’s a busy weeknight or a weekend dinner with friends, this recipe brings big flavor with minimal effort.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Let’s break down what you’ll need to create these delicious chimichangas:

Main Ingredients

1 lb ground beef – Opt for lean ground beef (85/15 or 90/10) for a great balance of flavor and less grease.
1/2 cup onion, finely chopped – Yellow or white onions work best.
2 cloves garlic, minced – Fresh garlic adds a robust depth of flavor.
1 packet taco seasoning – Store-bought or homemade (see tips below).
1/2 cup water – Helps blend the seasoning into the meat.
1 cup shredded cheddar cheese – For sharp, rich flavor.
1 cup shredded Monterey Jack cheese – Smooth and creamy, perfect for melting.

For Assembly and Baking

6 large flour tortillas – Burrito-sized tortillas hold everything together.
1/4 cup melted butter or vegetable oil – Helps achieve that golden, crispy finish in the oven.

Optional Toppings

Sour cream
Fresh salsa or pico de gallo
Chopped cilantro
Guacamole or sliced avocado

Step-by-Step Directions

Step 1: Preheat Your Oven

Set your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or lightly grease it with cooking spray. This ensures your chimichangas won’t stick and makes for easier cleanup.

Step 2: Cook the Beef Mixture

In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef, onions, and garlic until the beef is browned and no longer pink, about 5–7 minutes. Drain any excess grease.

Step 3: Season the Meat

Stir in the taco seasoning and water. Simmer for 2–3 minutes until the mixture thickens slightly. Remove from heat and let it cool for a few minutes. This cooling step helps prevent the cheese from melting too early when mixed in.

Step 4: Add the Cheese

Once the beef mixture has cooled slightly, stir in the cheddar and Monterey Jack cheeses until evenly combined.

Step 5: Assemble the Chimichangas

Warm your tortillas slightly in the microwave for 10–15 seconds to make them more pliable. Spoon about 1/2 cup of the beef and cheese mixture into the center of each tortilla.

Fold in the sides, then roll up tightly like a burrito. Make sure the seam is on the bottom to keep everything secure during baking.

Step 6: Bake to Crispy Perfection

Place the chimichangas seam-side down on your prepared baking sheet. Brush each one generously with melted butter or vegetable oil.

Bake for 20–25 minutes, turning once halfway through, until they’re golden brown and crispy.

Step 7: Serve and Enjoy!

Top your chimichangas with your favorite extras—sour cream, salsa, and a sprinkle of fresh cilantro. Serve hot and watch them disappear!

Tips for Perfect Chimichangas Every Time

Don’t overfill the tortillas. This helps prevent tears and keeps the chimichangas neatly rolled.
Use freshly shredded cheese. Pre-shredded cheese has anti-caking agents that can affect the melt.
Turn halfway through baking. This ensures even browning on both sides.
Want to go traditional? You can deep-fry these instead of baking. Simply heat oil to 350°F and fry until golden.

Customize Your Chimichangas

This recipe is a great base for all kinds of flavor twists. Try these easy customizations:

Spicy Kick: Add chopped jalapeños or a few dashes of hot sauce to the beef mixture.
Veggie Add-In: Sautéed bell peppers, corn, or black beans work well.
Different Meats: Swap beef for shredded chicken, pork carnitas, or even seasoned tofu for a vegetarian twist.
Breakfast Version: Use scrambled eggs, chorizo, and cheese for a delicious breakfast chimichanga!

Make-Ahead and Freezing Tips

One of the best things about these chimichangas is how well they freeze and reheat, making them a go-to meal prep option.

To Freeze:

Assemble the chimichangas but do not bake. Wrap each one tightly in foil or plastic wrap and place in a freezer-safe bag or container. They’ll keep well for up to 3 months.

To Bake from Frozen:

No need to thaw. Just unwrap and place on a baking sheet. Bake at 375°F for 30–35 minutes, or until heated through and crispy.

What to Serve With Chimichangas

Looking to build a complete Tex-Mex feast? Here are some perfect side dish ideas:

🌽 Mexican Street Corn (Elote)
🍚 Cilantro Lime Rice
🫘 Refried Beans or Black Beans
🥗 Simple Avocado Salad
🍹 Homemade Margaritas or Agua Fresca

Nutrition Information (Per Serving)

Calories: 490 kcal
Protein: 24g
Carbohydrates: 35g
Fat: 29g
Fiber: 2g
Sugar: 2g

These numbers are estimates and will vary depending on ingredients used and portion sizes.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Can I make this recipe gluten-free?

Yes! Just use gluten-free tortillas and double-check your taco seasoning ingredients to ensure they don’t contain gluten.

Can I use ground turkey instead of beef?

Absolutely. Ground turkey is a leaner option and pairs wonderfully with the same seasonings and cheese.

Can I air-fry these instead of baking?

Yes, preheat your air fryer to 375°F and cook for 8–10 minutes, flipping halfway through. Brush with oil or butter for a crisp finish.

Final Thoughts: Try These Tonight!

If you’re craving something crispy, cheesy, and downright comforting, these Crispy Beef and Cheese Chimichangas will more than satisfy. They’re a crowd-pleasing, no-fuss dinner you can throw together in under an hour, and they’re endlessly adaptable to your tastes.

Share this recipe with friends and family or save it for your next meal prep session. Better yet—make a double batch and freeze half for later. However you enjoy them, one thing’s for sure: these chimichangas will become a repeat favorite in your kitchen.