Chimichangas(Leftover Meal)
Crave a flavorful, crispy meal perfect for using leftovers? These cheesy, beefy chimichangas are golden brown, filled with savory ingredients, and served with fresh toppings.
Ingredients
- 1 1/2 cups leftover meat (pork, chicken, steak, or hamburger) ⓘ
- 1 medium onion, chopped ⓘ
- 1 (8 oz.) can enchilada sauce or tomato sauce ⓘ
- 4 large flour tortillas ⓘ
- 1/2-inch hot oil in skillet ⓘ
- 1/4 cup black olives, chopped
- shredded lettuce ⓘ
- chopped tomatoes
- 1 cup shredded Cheddar cheese ⓘ
- hot peppers to taste ⓘ
Instructions
- In a skillet, heat 1 tablespoon of oil.
- Add chopped onions and cook until they are clear.
- Add leftover meat, chopped olives, enchilada sauce, and hot peppers to taste; cook until heated through.
- Divide the mixture among the flour tortillas.
- Fold the ends of each tortilla in and roll into a packet, fastening with toothpicks if necessary.
- Heat hot oil in a skillet.
- Brown each chimichanga for 1 minute on each side until golden.
- Serve on a bed of shredded lettuce, topped with shredded Cheddar cheese and chopped tomatoes.
Tips & Substitutions
For a spicier kick, consider adding diced jalapeños or using a spicier enchilada sauce. If you're out of flour tortillas, corn tortillas can work, but they may require a bit more care in rolling. You can substitute the meat with beans for a vegetarian version, or easily add black beans in addition to the meat for extra texture. Pairing these chimichangas with a side of Mexican Cheese can enhance the meal.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the chimichangas on a bed of shredded lettuce, garnished with chopped tomatoes and shredded Cheddar cheese. A side of chili con queso dip can elevate the dish, providing a creamy contrast. For a complete meal, consider pairing with rice and beans or a fresh salad. These also make an excellent appetizer for gatherings, perfect for sharing.
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 15-20 minutes, or until heated through. Avoid microwaving them if you want to keep the crispy texture, as this will make them soggy.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Chimichangas(Leftover Meal) contains roughly 728 calories, with 34g protein, 58g carbohydrates, and 43g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin A (141% of the Daily Value), protein (68% of the Daily Value), and calcium (61% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 908mg per serving (39% 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 use other meats for this recipe?
Absolutely! This recipe is very versatile. You can use any leftover meat such as pork, chicken, steak, or hamburger. Each type will bring a different flavor, so feel free to experiment based on what you have on hand.
Can I freeze the chimichangas?
Yes, you can freeze chimichangas before frying them. Wrap each in plastic wrap and then place them in a freezer bag. When ready to eat, thaw in the refrigerator overnight and then fry as directed. This makes for a great quick meal option later.
What can I serve with chimichangas?
Chimichangas are delicious on their own but pair well with sides like rice, beans, or a fresh salad. Consider serving them with a side of Chili Conqueso Dip for a creamy touch. They also work great as appetizers, making them a hit at parties.
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).