Golden, crunchy, and loaded with a cheesy beef filling — these chimichangas are the ultimate comfort food you’ll want to make again and again!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Crispy & Cheesy — the perfect combination of crunchy tortilla and melty cheese

• Flavor-Packed — spiced beef filling with a touch of heat and smoky paprika

• Versatile — fry, bake, or air fry depending on preference

• Quick & Easy — ready in just 35 minutes

Ingredients

For the Beef Filling:

• 500g ground beef

• 1 medium onion, finely chopped

• 3 cloves garlic, minced

• 1 small green bell pepper, finely diced (optional)

• 1 small red bell pepper, finely diced (optional)

• 2 tbsp tomato paste

• 100ml beef broth or water

• 1 tsp ground cumin

• 1 tsp chili powder

• ½ tsp smoked paprika

• ½ tsp ground coriander

• ½ tsp oregano

• ¼ tsp cayenne pepper (optional)

• Salt & black pepper, to taste

• 1 tbsp olive oil or vegetable oil

For the Cheese Blend:

• 1½ cups shredded cheddar cheese

• 1 cup shredded Monterey Jack or mozzarella

• ½ cup queso fresco or feta (optional)

For Assembly:

• 6 large flour tortillas

• 2–3 tbsp sour cream or cream cheese

• 1–2 tbsp chopped cilantro (optional)

For Frying:

• Vegetable oil for shallow frying or use an air fryer

Optional Garnishes:

• Sour cream, guacamole, salsa, lettuce, jalapeños

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Total Time: 35 minutes
Yield: 6 servings

Directions

Step 1: Cook the Beef Filling

Heat oil in a skillet over medium heat. Sauté onion for 3 minutes, add garlic and bell peppers, cook 2 more minutes.

Add ground beef, cook 5–6 minutes until browned, then drain excess fat.

Stir in tomato paste and spices, add broth, and simmer 5 minutes. Remove from heat.

Step 2: Prepare the Cheese

In a bowl, mix cheddar, Monterey Jack, and queso fresco until combined.

Step 3: Assemble Chimichangas

Spread sour cream on a tortilla. Add ½ cup beef filling, sprinkle cheese, then fold and roll tightly.

Step 4: Cook the Chimichangas

• Shallow Fry: Heat vegetable oil, fry seam-side down 2–3 minutes per side until golden.

• Air Fry: 400°F (200°C) for 8–10 minutes.

• Bake: 400°F (200°C) for 20–25 minutes.

Step 5: Serve

Serve hot with optional garnishes like sour cream, guacamole, salsa, lettuce, or jalapeños.

Tips & Variations

• Cheese Choices: Use a mix of your favorite melty cheeses.

• Spice Level: Adjust chili powder and cayenne for desired heat.

• Make Ahead: Assemble and refrigerate before frying or baking for busy nights.

• Add Veggies: Corn, black beans, or chopped spinach can be added to the beef filling.

Storage

• Refrigerator: Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days; reheat in oven or air fryer.

• Freezer: Freeze cooked chimichangas for up to 1 month; reheat directly from frozen.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make them vegetarian?

Yes! Substitute beef with sautéed mushrooms, beans, or a plant-based meat alternative.

Can I bake instead of frying?

Absolutely — baking at 400°F for 20–25 minutes gives a crispy, golden exterior.

How do I prevent soggy chimichangas?

Make sure to drain excess liquid from the beef filling and don’t overfill the tortillas.

Final Thoughts

These Crispy Beef Cheese Chimichangas are quick, flavorful, and endlessly satisfying. Perfect for weeknight dinners, game-day snacks, or a fun family meal — everyone will love the crunchy exterior and cheesy, spiced filling!