Streamlined Chimichangas
Crunchy, flavorful chimichangas filled with seasoned ground meat and topped with sour cream and guacamole, perfect for a satisfying Mexican-inspired meal everyone will enjoy.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Brown the ground beef or pork with chopped onion and minced garlic; drain excess fat.
- Stir in Pace picante sauce, ground cumin, crushed oregano leaves, and salt. Simmer for 5 minutes or until most of the liquid has evaporated.
- Brush one side of each flour tortilla with melted butter.
- Spoon about 1/3 cup of the meat mixture onto the unbuttered side of each tortilla.
- Fold two sides over the filling, then fold the ends down to enclose the filling, seam side down.
- Place the filled tortillas seam side down in a 13 x 9 x 2-inch baking dish.
- Bake in a preheated oven at 475°F (245°C) for about 13 minutes or until golden brown.
- Serve topped with sour cream, guacamole, and additional picante sauce.
Tips & Substitutions
For a lighter version, try using ground turkey or chicken instead of beef or pork. You can also substitute the Pace picante sauce with homemade salsa for a fresher taste. To save time, use pre-shredded cheese or add black beans for extra fiber. Ensure tortillas are warm to prevent cracking while folding. This recipe is a great way to repurpose leftovers, giving them a delicious twist.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the chimichangas with a dollop of sour cream and guacamole for a creamy contrast. They pair well with a side of Mexican rice or a fresh salad for a complete meal. For a fun twist, consider serving them alongside Dee'S Nacho Cheese Dip for dipping. These chimichangas make a great appetizer or main dish for gatherings.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftover chimichangas in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place them on a baking sheet in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10-15 minutes until heated through. Avoid microwaving them, as this can make the tortillas soggy and lose their crispiness.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Streamlined Chimichangas contains roughly 821 calories, with 46g protein, 53g carbohydrates, and 51g fat. It is an excellent source of iron (168% of the Daily Value), protein (92% of the Daily Value), and calcium (63% of the Daily Value), and a good source of vitamin A. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 915mg per serving (40% 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. Just cover them tightly and refrigerate. When ready to bake, you may need to increase the baking time slightly if they are cold from the fridge.
Can I freeze chimichangas?
Absolutely! You can freeze the assembled but unbaked chimichangas. Wrap them individually in plastic wrap, then place them in a freezer bag. When ready to eat, bake from frozen, adding a few extra minutes to the cooking time.
What can I use instead of flour tortillas?
If you're looking for a gluten-free option, corn tortillas work well but may require a bit of extra care when folding. Alternatively, you could use whole wheat tortillas for a healthier twist, though they may alter the flavor slightly.
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).