Beef And Cheese Chimichanga

How to make Beef And Cheese Chimichanga

Ingredients:

1 pound ground beef

1 can (16 ounces) refried beans

1/2 cup finely chopped onion

3 cans (8 ounces each) tomato sauce, divided

2 teaspoons chili powder

1 teaspoon minced garlic

1/2 teaspoon ground cumin

12 flour tortillas (10 inches), warmed

1 can (4 ounces) chopped green chilies

1 can (4 ounces) chopped jalapeno peppers

Oil for deep-fat frying

1-1/2 cups shredded cheddar cheese

Instructions:

Step 1:

In a large skillet, cook beef over medium heat until no longer pink; drain. Stir in the beans, onion, 1/2 cup tomato sauce, chili powder, garlic, and cumin.

Step 2:

Spoon about 1/3 cup of beef mixture off-center on each tortilla. Fold edge nearest filling up and over to cover. Fold in both sides and roll-up. Fasten with toothpicks. In a large saucepan, combine the chilies, peppers, and remaining tomato sauce; heat through.

Step 3:

In an electric skillet or deep-fat fryer, heat 1 in. of oil to 375°. Fry the chimichangas for 1-1/2 to 2 minutes on each side or until browned. Drain on paper towels. Sprinkle with cheese. Serve with sauce.

Nutrition Information:

SERVING SIZE: 1 chimichanga with sauce and cheese

Frequently Asked Questions:

What is a chimichanga?

A chimichanga is a popular Tex-Mex dish that typically consists of a flour tortilla filled with various ingredients such as meat, beans, and cheese, then folded and fried until crispy. It’s often served with toppings and sauces.

Can I use a different type of meat?

Yes, you can substitute ground beef with ground chicken, turkey, pork, or even a plant-based meat substitute if you prefer.

The choice of meat can affect the flavor and nutritional content of the chimichanga.

Can I make this recipe healthier?

Yes, you can make some healthier substitutions, such as using lean ground meat, whole wheat tortillas, reducing the amount of cheese, and using cooking methods like baking instead of deep-frying.

Additionally, you can use low-sodium or homemade tomato sauce and refried beans to control the salt content.

What’s the purpose of using toothpicks?

Toothpicks are used to hold the chimichangas together while frying. They prevent the tortilla from unfolding and the filling from spilling out during the frying process.

Remember to remove the toothpicks before serving.

Can I customize the toppings and fillings?

Absolutely! The toppings and fillings can be customized to your preferences.

You can add ingredients like guacamole, salsa, sour cream, lettuce, or diced tomatoes as toppings.

For fillings, you can experiment with different types of beans, vegetables, and cheeses to create variations of the recipe.

Can I use a different type of meat in this recipe?

Yes, you can use ground chicken, turkey, or pork instead of ground beef if you prefer. The choice of meat will affect the flavor of the chimichangas.

Are there alternatives to deep-frying the chimichangas?

Yes, if you’d like to make a healthier version, you can bake the chimichangas in the oven. Brush them with a little oil and bake at around 375°F (190°C) until they are crispy and golden brown.

Can I freeze the chimichangas before frying?

Yes, you can assemble the chimichangas and freeze them before frying.

Place them on a baking sheet, freeze until solid, then transfer to a zip-top bag.

When you’re ready to eat, you can fry them directly from frozen, adding a little extra frying time.

Can I adjust the spiciness of the recipe?

Absolutely. The level of spiciness can be adjusted by modifying the amount of chili powder, minced garlic, chopped jalapeno peppers, and ground cayenne pepper used in the recipe.

If you prefer milder flavors, you can reduce these ingredients.

What can I serve with these chimichangas?

Chimichangas can be served with a variety of sides, such as Mexican rice, black beans, guacamole, sour cream, and salsa.

You can also serve them with a side salad for a balanced meal.