Oven-Fried Beef Chimichangas
Oven-fried beef chimichangas offer crispy, flavorful wraps filled with tender seasoned steak, perfect for a satisfying Mexican-inspired meal with fresh lettuce and spicy sauce.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Place steak in an ovenproof Dutch oven coated with vegetable cooking spray.
- Cover and bake at 325°F for 1 1/2 to 2 hours or until tender.
- Remove steak from Dutch oven and let cool to touch.
- Shred the cooled steak.
- In a skillet, sauté chopped onion and minced garlic until fragrant.
- Add chopped green chiles, ground cumin, dried oregano, salt, and crushed red pepper to the skillet and cook for a few minutes.
- Warm the flour tortillas.
- Divide the steak mixture among the tortillas, roll them up to form chimichangas.
- Preheat oven to 400°F, place chimichangas on a baking sheet, and bake for 15-20 minutes until crispy.
- Serve with shredded lettuce and picante sauce.
Tips & Substitutions
For added flavor, consider marinating the steak overnight with cumin and garlic. If you prefer a healthier option, you can substitute ground turkey for the beef. You can also use whole wheat tortillas for a fiber boost. Make sure to let the chimichangas cool slightly before serving to avoid burns from the hot filling inside.
Serving Suggestions
Serve these delicious chimichangas with a side of shredded lettuce and picante sauce for a refreshing crunch. They also pair beautifully with M Y F Cheese Nachos or a light Mexican Dip Salad. For a complete meal, consider adding a side of black beans or Mexican rice to round out 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 for about 10-15 minutes until heated through. For an even crispier texture, consider reheating them in an air fryer for about 5 minutes.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Oven-Fried Beef Chimichangas contains roughly 1172 calories, with 27g protein, 141g carbohydrates, and 57g fat. It is an excellent source of iron (102% of the Daily Value), protein (54% of the Daily Value), and dietary fiber (36% of the Daily Value), and a good source of calcium and potassium. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 2573mg per serving (112% 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 and bake them just before serving. This makes them convenient for meal prep or entertaining guests.
What can I use instead of green chiles?
If you don't have green chiles, you can substitute with diced jalapeños for heat or even roasted red peppers for a milder flavor. Adjust the quantity based on your heat preference.
How can I make this recipe vegetarian?
To make vegetarian chimichangas, replace the beef with sautéed vegetables like zucchini, bell peppers, and mushrooms. You can also use black beans or lentils as a hearty filling, which will still provide great texture and flavor.
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).