Beef And Bean Chimichangas
Savory beef and bean-filled chimichangas are crispy, flavorful, and perfect for a hearty meal, combining spices, tender meat, and melted cheese in a convenient fried package.
Ingredients
- 1 lb. ground beef ⓘ
- 2 Tbsp. oil ⓘ
- 1 medium onion, chopped ⓘ
- 2 cloves garlic, minced ⓘ
- 16 oz. can whole tomatoes, drained and cubed ⓘ
- 1/3 c. salsa ⓘ
- 1 1/2 tsp. chili powder ⓘ
- 3/4 tsp. ground coriander ⓘ
- 1/2 tsp. ground thyme ⓘ
- 1/2 tsp. salt ⓘ
- 1/8 tsp. cayenne ⓘ
- 1/8 tsp. ground cumin ⓘ
- 1 c. refried beans ⓘ
- oil (for frying) ⓘ
- 6 (8-inch) flour tortillas ⓘ
Instructions
- Brown ground beef in a skillet; drain excess fat.
- Remove cooked beef and set aside.
- In the same skillet, add 2 tablespoons of oil and sauté chopped onion and minced garlic until tender.
- Stir in cooked beef, drained and cubed tomatoes, salsa, chili powder, ground coriander, ground thyme, salt, cayenne, and ground cumin.
- Cook over medium-low heat for 10 to 15 minutes to allow flavors to meld.
- Remove from heat and stir in refried beans.
- Place 1/2 cup of the beef and bean mixture in the center of each flour tortilla.
- Fold the edges of the tortilla around the filling to enclose it, securing with a toothpick if necessary.
- Fry the chimichangas in hot oil at 375°F (190°C) for 1 1/2 to 2 minutes or until golden brown.
- Fry only 1 or 2 chimichangas at a time to avoid overcrowding.
- Remove from oil and drain on paper towels.
- Sprinkle with shredded cheese while hot.
- Serve immediately with additional salsa.
Tips & Substitutions
For extra flavor, consider adding some chopped jalapeños or bell peppers while sautéing the onions and garlic. If you're short on time, canned refried beans work well, but homemade beans can elevate the dish. For a healthier option, you can use whole wheat tortillas or opt for a low carb alternative. This dish pairs beautifully with Lawry'S Mexican Lasagna.
Serving Suggestions
Serve your chimichangas hot, garnished with shredded cheese and a dollop of sour cream. Pair them with a fresh salad or guacamole for a complete meal. They also go well with a side of your favorite Mexican recipes. Consider serving with additional salsa for dipping, enhancing the overall flavor.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftover chimichangas in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place them in an oven preheated to 350°F (175°C) for about 10-15 minutes, or until heated through. For a quick option, you can microwave them, but the oven will keep them crispy.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Beef And Bean Chimichangas contains roughly 1170 calories, with 15g protein, 75g carbohydrates, and 94g fat. It is an excellent source of iron (100% of the Daily Value), dietary fiber (38% of the Daily Value), and protein (30% of the Daily Value), and a good source of potassium. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 2076mg per serving (90% 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 make chimichangas ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the filling ahead of time and store it in the fridge for up to 2 days. Assemble the chimichangas just before frying to maintain their crispiness. This makes for a convenient weeknight dinner option.
What can I use instead of ground beef?
You can substitute ground turkey or chicken for a leaner option. Alternatively, for a vegetarian version, try using black beans or lentils, which will provide a hearty texture and flavor. Adjust the spices accordingly to suit your chosen protein.
How do I ensure my chimichangas are crispy?
Make sure the oil is hot enough before frying; a temperature of 375°F (190°C) is ideal. Frying in small batches prevents overcrowding, which can lower the oil temperature and result in soggy chimichangas. Let them drain on paper towels to remove excess oil.
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).