Beef and Cheese Chimichangas Recipe
Ingredients:
1 pound ground beef
1 small onion, chopped
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 teaspoon chili powder
1 teaspoon cumin
1/2 teaspoon paprika
Salt and pepper, to taste
1 cup shredded cheddar cheese (or Mexican blend cheese)
4 large flour tortillas
Oil (for frying)
Optional toppings: Salsa, guacamole, sour cream, or chopped cilantro
Instructions:
Step 1: Prepare the Beef Filling
Cook the Beef: In a large skillet over medium heat, add a bit of oil. Sauté the chopped onion until soft, about 3-4 minutes. Add the minced garlic and cook for another minute.
Brown the Ground Beef: Add the ground beef to the skillet. Cook until browned and no longer pink, breaking it apart with a spatula.
Season: Stir in chili powder, cumin, paprika, salt, and pepper. Cook for another minute until the spices are fragrant.
Add Cheese: Remove the skillet from heat and stir in the shredded cheese until melted and combined.
Step 2: Assemble the Chimichangas
Prepare the Tortillas: Lay out a tortilla on a flat surface. Place about 1/4 cup of the beef and cheese filling in the center of the tortilla.
Fold the Tortilla: Fold in the sides of the tortilla over the filling, then roll it up tightly from the bottom to the top to enclose the filling. Repeat with the remaining tortillas and filling.
Step 3: Fry the Chimichangas
Heat Oil: In a large skillet or deep fryer, heat about 1-2 inches of oil to 350°F (175°C).
Fry the Chimichangas: Carefully place the chimichangas in the hot oil, seam side down. Fry for about 2-3 minutes on each side or until golden brown and crispy. You may need to fry them in batches.
Drain: Remove the chimichangas from the oil and place them on a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess oil.
Step 4: Serve
Serve Warm: Serve the chimichangas warm, topped with your choice of salsa, guacamole, sour cream, or chopped cilantro.