Beef and Cheese Chimichangas | Crispy, Cheesy Tex-Mex Favorite

If you love Tex-Mex comfort food, you’ll fall head over heels for these Beef and Cheese Chimichangas. With seasoned ground beef, melty cheese, and a crispy golden tortilla shell, this dish brings restaurant-style flavor right to your kitchen. Baked or fried, chimichangas are hearty, cheesy, and absolutely irresistible.

Perfect for weeknight dinners, game day spreads, or when you’re craving a little indulgence, these chimichangas are guaranteed to satisfy every Tex-Mex craving.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Crispy & cheesy – the perfect balance of crunch and gooey cheese.
Tex-Mex favorite – packed with classic taco-style flavor.
Versatile – bake for a lighter version or fry for authentic crispiness.
Family-friendly – everyone will want seconds.

Ingredients You’ll Need

1 lb ground beef
1 tbsp olive oil
1 small onion, diced
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 (1 oz) packet taco seasoning (or homemade mix)
1/2 cup salsa (or tomato sauce)
1 (4 oz) can diced green chilies (optional for heat)
1 1/2 cups shredded cheddar or Mexican blend cheese
6–8 large flour tortillas (10-inch)
Oil, for frying (or cooking spray for baking)

Optional toppings:

Sour cream
Guacamole
Pico de gallo
Shredded lettuce

Step-by-Step Instructions

Cook the beef filling – Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add ground beef and cook until browned, breaking apart with a spoon. Stir in onion and garlic, cooking until softened. Add taco seasoning, salsa, and green chilies. Simmer 2–3 minutes until thickened. Remove from heat and stir in 1 cup shredded cheese.
Assemble chimichangas – Warm tortillas slightly to make them pliable. Spoon beef mixture into the center of each tortilla, top with extra cheese, then fold tightly like a burrito (fold sides in, then roll up).
Cook the chimichangas:
- Fried version: Heat 1–2 inches of oil in a deep skillet to 350°F (175°C). Fry chimichangas seam-side down until golden and crispy, turning as needed (about 2–3 minutes). Drain on paper towels.
- Baked version: Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Place chimichangas seam-side down on a baking sheet. Spray with cooking spray or brush with oil. Bake 18–20 minutes until golden brown and crisp.
Serve & enjoy – Plate chimichangas and top with sour cream, guacamole, or pico de gallo.

Tips & Variations

Cheese lovers: Add cream cheese or queso for an extra creamy filling.
Spicy kick: Use pepper jack cheese or add jalapeños.
Lighter version: Use ground turkey or chicken instead of beef.
Freezer-friendly: Assemble, wrap in foil, and freeze before cooking. Fry or bake straight from frozen.
Air fryer option: Spray with oil and air fry at 375°F (190°C) for 8–10 minutes until crispy.

Final Thoughts

These Beef and Cheese Chimichangas are everything you love about Tex-Mex cooking—crispy tortillas, flavorful beef, and gooey cheese all in one bite. Whether you bake, fry, or air fry them, they’re guaranteed to be a hit at dinner or parties. Serve with your favorite toppings and sides for a restaurant-style meal at home.