Baked Chimichangas
Baked chimichangas featuring savory ground beef, almonds, raisins, and spices wrapped in tortillas, offering a flavorful combination perfect for a hearty, Mexican-inspired meal.
Ingredients
- 1 lb. ground beef ⓘ
- 1 small onion, finely chopped ⓘ
- 1 clove garlic, finely chopped ⓘ
- 1/2 c. slivered almonds ⓘ
- 1/4 c. raisins ⓘ
- 1 Tbsp. red wine vinegar ⓘ
- 1 tsp. ground red chilies ⓘ
- 1/4 tsp. ground cinnamon ⓘ
- 1/8 tsp. ground cloves ⓘ
- 1 (4 oz.) can chopped green chilies ⓘ
- 1 c. chopped tomato ⓘ
- 8 flour tortillas (10-inch), warmed ⓘ
- 1 egg, beaten ⓘ
- 2 Tbsp. margarine, softened ⓘ
Instructions
- Cook and stir ground beef, onion, and garlic in a 10-inch skillet over medium heat until beef is brown; drain.
- Stir in remaining ingredients, except tortillas, egg, and margarine.
- Simmer, uncovered, 20 minutes, stirring occasionally.
Tips & Substitutions
For added flavor, consider substituting ground beef with ground turkey or chicken. If you're looking for a vegetarian option, swap in black beans or lentils. To enhance the heat, use fresh jalapeños instead of canned green chilies. Ensure the tortillas are warm and pliable to prevent tearing when rolling. To save time, prepare the filling ahead of time and refrigerate it until ready to use.
Serving Suggestions
Serve these baked chimichangas with a side of sour cream, guacamole, or salsa for dipping. They pair beautifully with a fresh salad or Mexican rice. Consider making a batch of Dee'S Nacho Cheese Dip for a cheesy accompaniment. For a complete meal, add a simple corn or bean salad to balance the flavors.
Storage & Reheating
Leftover chimichangas can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place them in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 15-20 minutes until heated through and crispy. You can also microwave them, but they may lose some crispiness.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Baked Chimichangas contains roughly 1162 calories, with 41g protein, 43g carbohydrates, and 94g fat. It is an excellent source of protein (82% of the Daily Value), iron (38% of the Daily Value), and dietary fiber (32% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1072mg per serving (47% of the Daily Value).
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I freeze baked chimichangas?
Yes, you can freeze baked chimichangas. Allow them to cool completely, then wrap individually in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer-safe bag. They can be stored for up to 3 months. When ready to eat, thaw in the refrigerator overnight and reheat in the oven.
What can I use instead of slivered almonds?
If you don't have slivered almonds, you can substitute them with chopped walnuts or pecans for a different nut flavor. Alternatively, sunflower seeds can offer a crunchy texture without the nut flavor, making them suitable for those with nut allergies.
How can I make these chimichangas spicier?
To up the spice level, add diced jalapeños or a few dashes of hot sauce to the filling mixture. You could also use a spicier variety of ground chilies or add crushed red pepper flakes. Experiment with these adjustments to find your perfect heat balance.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).