Beef 'N Bean Chimichangas
Crispy beef and bean chimichangas bursting with savory flavors, melted cheese, and spicy salsa, perfect for a hearty Mexican-inspired meal or crowd-pleasing appetizer.
Ingredients
- 1 lb. ground beef ⓘ
- 1 (7 1/2 oz.) can tomatoes and jalapeno peppers ⓘ
- 1 (1 1/4 oz.) envelope taco seasoning mix ⓘ
- 8 flour tortillas (10-inch in diameter) ⓘ
- vegetable oil ⓘ
- 3/4 cup refried beans
- 2 cups shredded Cheddar cheese, divided ⓘ
- 1 (8 oz.) jar mild taco sauce, divided ⓘ
- 1/4 cup sliced scallion ⓘ
Instructions
- In a skillet, brown ground beef; drain off excess fat.
- Stir in tomatoes and jalapeno peppers and taco seasoning mix.
- Simmer for 5 minutes.
- Preheat oven to 350°F.
- Using a pastry brush, lightly coat both sides of each tortilla with oil.
- Stack tortillas; wrap in aluminum foil.
- Place wrapped tortillas in oven; heat for 10 minutes.
- Remove tortillas from oven and unwrap.
Tips & Substitutions
For a healthier option, you can substitute ground turkey or chicken for the beef. If you prefer a spicier kick, consider adding diced green chilies or extra jalapenos to the filling. Make sure to drain the tomatoes well to prevent soggy tortillas. You can also use corn tortillas for a gluten-free version, but they may require more care while rolling.
Serving Suggestions
Serve your Beef 'N Bean Chimichangas with a side of fresh guacamole and sour cream for dipping. They pair beautifully with Austin Spanish Rice for a complete meal. You can also add a colorful salad or some sautéed vegetables to balance the richness of the chimichangas. Garnish with sliced scallions for added freshness.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftover chimichangas in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place them in a preheated oven at 350°F for about 15-20 minutes until heated through. For a crispier texture, consider reheating them in an air fryer for 5-7 minutes.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Beef 'N Bean Chimichangas contains roughly 666 calories, with 35g protein, 32g carbohydrates, and 45g fat. It is an excellent source of protein (69% of the Daily Value), calcium (58% of the Daily Value), and vitamin A (49% of the Daily Value), and a good source of vitamin C and iron. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1025mg per serving (45% 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 these chimichangas ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the filling and assemble the chimichangas ahead of time. Store them in the refrigerator before baking. Just remember to adjust the baking time slightly if they are chilled. This makes them a great option for meal prep or entertaining.
What can I use instead of taco seasoning?
If you don't have taco seasoning, you can create your own blend using chili powder, cumin, garlic powder, onion powder, and paprika. This allows you to adjust the flavors to your liking and control the spice level.
Can I freeze the chimichangas?
Absolutely! You can freeze assembled, uncooked chimichangas. Wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and then aluminum foil before placing them in a freezer-safe bag. They can be baked directly from frozen; just add a few extra minutes to the cooking time.
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).