Homemade Traditional Mexican Chimichangas Recipe

Ingredients

1 lb ground beef
1 medium onion, chopped
2 cloves of garlic, minced
1 cup of refried beans
1 jalapeño, seeds removed and finely chopped (optional)
2 cups shredded Mexican cheese blend
1 teaspoon cumin
½ teaspoon chili powder
Salt and pepper to taste
8 flour tortillas (8 inch)
2 cups vegetable or canola oil for frying
Sour cream, salsa, and guacamole for serving (optional)

Steps and instructions

In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef, breaking it up with a spatula, until it's no longer pink. Drain the excess fat.
Add the chopped onion and minced garlic to the skillet and cook until the onions become translucent.
Stir in the refried beans, jalapeño (if you're using it), cumin, chili powder, salt, and pepper. Cook the mixture for about 5 minutes, or until it's heated through.
Preheat the oil in a deep-fryer or large deep skillet to 375 degrees F (190 degrees C).
Spread a spoonful of the beef and bean mixture down the center of a tortilla. Sprinkle some shredded cheese on top of the mixture.
Fold the right and left edges of the tortilla toward the center, then roll it up from the bottom, tucking the bottom edge around the filling as you roll. Secure it with a toothpick if necessary.
Fry the chimichangas one at a time in the hot oil, turning them, until they're golden brown on all sides. This should take about 3 minutes per chimichanga.
Drain the chimichangas on paper towels and remove any toothpicks you used.
Serve the chimichangas hot, with sour cream, salsa, and guacamole on the side if desired.

Tools for making

Skillet - A large frying pan used for cooking the ground beef and onions.
Spatula - A kitchen utensil with a broad, flat blade used for stirring and breaking up the ground beef.
Deep-fryer or Large Deep Skillet - A cooking appliance or large pan used for deep-frying the chimichangas.
Toothpicks - Small, pointed sticks used to secure the chimichangas while frying.
Paper towels - Absorbent sheets used for draining excess oil from the fried chimichangas.

Recipe variations

Use ground chicken or turkey instead of ground beef for a leaner option.
Replace the flour tortillas with corn tortillas for a gluten-free version.
Add diced bell peppers or corn kernels to the filling for added flavor and texture.
Experiment with different types of cheese such as Monterey Jack, cheddar, or pepper jack.
Add sliced black olives or diced tomatoes to the filling for extra toppings.
Try baking the chimichangas instead of frying them for a healthier alternative.
Make a vegetarian version by using a combination of black beans, pinto beans, and vegetables as the filling.
For a spicy kick, add a few dashes of hot sauce or red pepper flakes to the filling mixture.
Serve the chimichangas with a side of Mexican rice or a fresh salad.
Top the chimichangas with a homemade enchilada sauce or queso sauce for added flavor.

Recipe overview

Enjoy a taste of Mexican-inspired cuisine at home with this Chimichanga recipe! A chimichanga is a deep-fried burrito that's popular in Tex-Mex, Southwestern U.S., and Mexican cooking. This recipe is filled with a savory blend of ground beef, onion, garlic, and refried beans, then topped with a generous sprinkle of cheese. Once rolled up in a soft flour tortilla, the chimichangas are fried until they're crispy and golden. They're then ready to be served hot, with traditional accompaniments like sour cream, salsa, and guacamole if you desire. This recipe uses simple ingredients, and the steps are straightforward. Before you know it, you'll be sinking your teeth into a delicious chimichanga. Enjoy this crispy, cheesy, and utterly satisfying dish!

Common questions

Can I use chicken instead of ground beef? Yes, you can substitute ground beef with cooked and shredded chicken in this recipe.
Can I make the chimichangas ahead of time? How do I store them? Yes, you can make the chimichangas ahead of time. Allow them to cool completely, then store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat them in the oven or microwave before serving.
Can I bake the chimichangas instead of frying them? Yes, you can bake the chimichangas instead of frying them. Preheat your oven to 400 degrees F (200 degrees C), place the chimichangas on a baking sheet, and brush them with oil. Bake for about 20-25 minutes, or until they are golden and crispy.
What other toppings can I add to the chimichangas? You can add toppings such as diced tomatoes, shredded lettuce, chopped cilantro, or sliced black olives to the chimichangas before serving.
Can I freeze the chimichangas? Yes, you can freeze the chimichangas. After frying (or baking) them, allow them to cool completely. Then, wrap each chimichanga tightly in plastic wrap or foil and place them in a freezer-safe bag or container. They can be stored in the freezer for up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator before reheating.

Serving dishes and utensils

Skillet - A large skillet is needed to cook the ground beef, onions, and garlic.
Spatula - A spatula is used to break up the ground beef while cooking it.
Deep-fryer or large deep skillet - Either a deep-fryer or a large deep skillet is needed to fry the chimichangas.
Toothpicks - Toothpicks can be used to secure the chimichangas while frying, although it is optional.
Paper towels - Paper towels are used to drain the fried chimichangas and remove excess oil.

Origin stories

Beloved by many for its crispy exterior and savory filling, the chimichanga has become a staple in many Mexican and Tex-Mex cuisines. However, its origin story is a subject of debate, and one popular tale attributes its creation to a culinary mishap. The story goes that Monica Flin, the founder of a Tucson restaurant named El Charro, accidentally dropped a burrito into a deep fryer in the 1920s. In her frustration, she supposedly began to utter a Spanish curse-word, but quickly changed it to "chimichanga," a similar sounding word which translates in Mexico to 'thingamajig', when she remembered that her young nieces and nephews were present. Whether or not it's true, this story adds a whimsical touch to the history of this delightful dish.

Disclaimer: This recipe was not created by humans and we cannot ensure that it will turn out as expected. We do not guarantee or take any liability for the accuracy of this recipe (including steps, ingredients, nutritional information, and all sections on this page). You should check to make sure you are not allergic to any ingredients and take safety precautions while making this. The images on this page are generated by AI and may not accurately represent the result of making this recipe.