Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 1 pound lean ground beef
- 1 can refried beans (16 ounces)
- 1 onion, diced
- 1 bell pepper, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 tablespoon chili powder
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 can tomato sauce (8 ounces)
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 8 large flour tortillas (10 inches)
- Oil for frying (about 1 inch deep)
Instructions
- Sauté Vegetables: In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the diced onion, bell pepper, and minced garlic, sautéing until the vegetables are soft and fragrant, about 5 minutes.
- Cook Ground Beef: Add the ground beef to the skillet and cook until browned and crumbly, breaking it up with a spatula as it cooks.
- Add Spices: Stir in the chili powder, ground cumin, dried oregano, salt, and pepper. Cook for another 1-2 minutes to toast the spices and bring out their flavors.
- Combine Beans and Sauce: Reduce heat to low, then add the refried beans and tomato sauce to the beef mixture. Mix well and cook until heated through, about 3-5 minutes. Remove from heat and allow to cool slightly.
- Prepare Tortillas: Warm the flour tortillas in the microwave for 20-30 seconds to make them pliable and easier to roll.
- Assemble Chimichangas: Evenly divide the beef and bean filling among the tortillas, placing it in the center. Sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese on top of the mixture.
- Roll Chimichangas: Fold the sides of each tortilla over the filling, then roll tightly to form burrito-like shapes. Secure each with a toothpick to prevent unrolling during frying.
- Heat Oil: In a large skillet or deep fryer, heat oil about 1-inch deep to 350°F (175°C).
- Fry Chimichangas: Carefully place chimichangas seam-side down in the hot oil. Fry in batches if needed to avoid overcrowding. Cook for 2-3 minutes per side or until golden brown and crispy.
- Drain and Serve: Remove chimichangas with tongs or a slotted spoon and place on paper towel-lined plates to drain excess oil. Remove toothpicks before serving.
Notes
- Use lean ground beef to reduce excess grease and ensure a crispy texture.
- Adjust the chili powder and cumin to your spice preference.
- Be careful when frying to maintain oil temperature for even cooking.
- To make this dish gluten-free, substitute flour tortillas with gluten-free tortillas.
- Serve with salsa, guacamole, or sour cream for added flavor.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: Mexican
