Beef and Cheese Chimichangas

Looking for the perfect dish to satisfy your Tex-Mex cravings? Look no further! These Beef and Cheese Chimichangas are the ultimate comfort food that will have your taste buds dancing with joy.

Ingredients:

• 1 lb ground beef
• 1 onion, diced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tsp cumin
• 1 tsp chili powder
• 1/2 tsp paprika
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
• 10 small flour tortillas
• Vegetable oil, for frying
• Optional toppings: salsa, sour cream, guacamole

Instructions:

• In a large skillet, cook the ground beef over medium heat until browned. Add the onion, garlic, cumin, chili powder, paprika, salt, and pepper. Cook until the onions are soft.
• Remove from heat and stir in the shredded cheddar cheese.
• Spoon the beef and cheese mixture onto each flour tortilla. Fold in the sides and roll up tightly to form a chimichanga.
• In a large skillet, heat vegetable oil over medium heat. Fry the chimichangas until golden brown and crispy on all sides.
• Remove from the oil and place on a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess oil.
• Serve hot with your favorite toppings like salsa, sour cream, and guacamole.

Nutrition Information:

• Calories: 400
• Fat: 22g
• Carbohydrates: 27g
• Protein: 23g

Popular questions:

• Q: Can I use ground turkey instead of ground beef?

A: Yes, ground turkey can be a leaner alternative to ground beef in this recipe.

• Q: Can I add beans to the filling?

A: Absolutely! Black beans or refried beans can be a delicious addition to the beef and cheese mixture.

• Q: How can I make this dish vegetarian?

A: You can replace the ground beef with plant-based meat crumbles or chopped mushrooms for a vegetarian version.

• Q: Can I bake the chimichangas instead of frying them?

A: Yes, you can lightly brush the chimichangas with oil and bake them in a preheated oven at 400°F until crispy.

• Q: How can I make this dish gluten-free?

A: Use gluten-free tortillas and ensure that all other ingredients are gluten-free certified.

Helpful tips:

• Try adding diced green chilies or jalapenos for an extra kick of spice.
• For added freshness, top the chimichangas with chopped tomatoes and cilantro before serving.
• Experiment with different types of cheese like pepper jack or Monterey Jack for a flavor variation.
• Make a batch of homemade salsa or guacamole to serve alongside the chimichangas.

Expert Secrets:

• Cook the ground beef with a splash of beef broth for added richness and flavor.
• Let the beef and cheese mixture cool slightly before spooning onto the tortillas to prevent soggy chimichangas.
• Add a sprinkle of crumbled cotija cheese on top of the chimichangas before serving for an authentic touch.
• If you prefer a crispy exterior, brush the tortillas with melted butter before frying.