Name: Crispy Cheesy Beef Chimichangas
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 30 min
Cuisine: Tex-Mex
Ingredients: 1 lb ground beef; 1 packet taco seasoning; 1/4 cup water; 1 cup refried beans; 1 1/2 cups shredded Mexican blend cheese; 6 large flour tortillas; 2 cups vegetable oil for frying; 1/2 cup sour cream (optional topping); 1/2 cup guacamole (optional topping); 1/2 cup salsa (optional topping)

Golden, crunchy on the outside and rich, cheesy, and savory on the inside, these Crispy Cheesy Beef Chimichangas are the ultimate comfort food with a satisfying Tex-Mex twist. Whether you’re planning a fun family dinner or prepping for a casual gathering with friends, this dish checks every box for flavor and ease.

Imagine biting into a warm flour tortilla, crisped to perfection, stuffed with seasoned ground beef, melty cheese, and a hint of spice. Chimichangas are essentially deep-fried burritos, and in this version, we keep things simple but irresistibly good. Pair it with salsa, sour cream, or guacamole for the ultimate weeknight treat.

Why You’ll Love This Crispy Cheesy Beef Chimichanga Recipe

This dish brings restaurant-style satisfaction to your kitchen without complicated steps. The crispy exterior and gooey interior offer a fantastic contrast, and it’s endlessly customizable. It’s budget-friendly, kid-approved, and makes amazing leftovers if you can resist eating them all in one go.

What Kind of Tortilla Should I Use for Chimichangas?

Large flour tortillas work best for chimichangas. They’re pliable and strong enough to hold a generous filling without tearing. Be sure to warm them up slightly before rolling so they fold without cracking. Corn tortillas don’t hold up well for this particular dish, especially when frying.

Ingredients for the Crispy Cheesy Beef Chimichangas

Making these chimichangas starts with just a handful of pantry staples that come together with big flavor. Each ingredient plays a role in achieving that crispy, melty, meaty magic.

Ground beef: The star of the show. Opt for lean ground beef for less grease but full flavor.
Taco seasoning: Adds the essential Tex-Mex spice profile with zero effort.
Refried beans: Helps bind the filling and adds creamy richness.
Shredded cheese: Use a Mexican blend or cheddar for a gooey, melty center.
Flour tortillas: Burrito-size works best to hold all that goodness inside.
Oil for frying: Vegetable or canola oil creates that signature golden crisp.
Optional toppings: Think sour cream, guacamole, chopped cilantro, or salsa.

How To Make the Crispy Cheesy Beef Chimichangas

Step 1: Cook the Beef Filling

Brown the ground beef in a skillet over medium heat until no longer pink. Drain excess fat. Stir in taco seasoning and a splash of water; let it simmer for 2-3 minutes until thickened.

Step 2: Mix in Beans and Cheese

Remove from heat and stir in the refried beans until well combined. Once slightly cooled, fold in shredded cheese. The filling should be hearty and cohesive.

Step 3: Assemble the Chimichangas

Warm the flour tortillas to make them more pliable. Spoon the beef mixture into the center, fold in the sides, and roll tightly into a burrito shape.

Step 4: Fry to Crispy Perfection

Heat about 1 inch of oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Carefully place chimichangas seam-side down and fry until golden and crispy on all sides, turning as needed. Drain on paper towels.

Step 5: Serve and Top

Serve hot with your choice of toppings like sour cream, guacamole, or salsa. Enjoy that satisfying crunch!

Serving and Storing Crispy Cheesy Beef Chimichangas

These chimichangas are best enjoyed hot and fresh, but they also reheat beautifully. This recipe makes 6 large chimichangas, perfect for feeding a family or saving for later. Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat and keep them crispy, use an oven or air fryer instead of the microwave.

What to Serve With Crispy Cheesy Beef Chimichangas?

Mexican Rice

A flavorful and easy side that complements the richness of the chimichangas.

Cilantro Lime Slaw

Adds a refreshing crunch and brightens up the plate.

Guacamole and Chips

Classic pairing that never fails. Creamy, salty, and satisfying.

Street Corn (Elote)

Sweet corn coated in mayo, cheese, and chili powder brings the fiesta.

Salsa Roja or Verde

Adds zing and helps cut through the richness.

Black Beans

Nutritious and hearty, a great protein boost.

Jalapeno Poppers

Spicy and cheesy, these are fun to serve alongside.

Simple Green Salad

Balances out the meal with fresh greens and a light vinaigrette.

Want More Beef Dinner Ideas?

If you’re into these crispy cheesy bites, you might also love:

Ultimate Cheesy Ground Beef Melt for a creamy skillet dinner.
French Onion Ground Beef and Rice Casserole with savory depth and baked goodness.
Creamed Cabbage and Ground Beef Casserole if you’re after a comforting twist.
No Peek Chicken Casserole for a low-effort, high-reward meal.

Save This Recipe For Later

📌 Save this recipe to your Pinterest dinner board so you can revisit it whenever a craving hits.

Let me know in the comments how you served yours. Did you fry or bake? Did you go classic or get creative with toppings?

Explore beautifully curated beefy, crispy dinners and more at Janet Dishes on Pinterest and discover your new weeknight favorite.

Conclusion

Crispy Cheesy Beef Chimichangas bring the fun of Tex-Mex home in the tastiest way possible. Easy to make, packed with flavor, and endlessly versatile, they’ll earn a regular spot in your dinner rotation. Serve them with your favorite sides, get creative with toppings, and enjoy the crunch.