A Mexican Delight: Golden Beef and Cheese Chimichangas
Craving a taste of Mexico? Look no further than these irresistible Beef and Cheese Chimichangas! They're a fusion of savory ground beef, creamy refried beans, and melty cheese, all wrapped in a warm flour tortilla and fried to golden perfection. Served with a tangy tomato sauce, chimichangas are a guaranteed crowd-pleaser, perfect for a fun weeknight meal or a festive party appetizer.
Ingredients:
- The Savory Beef Filling:
- 1 pound ground beef - Lean ground beef forms the base of the flavorful filling.
- The Creamy Bean Addition:
- 1 can (16 ounces) refried beans - Refried beans add a creamy texture and a delightful taste of pinto beans to the filling.
- The Aromatic Trio:
- ½ cup finely chopped onion - Finely chopped onion adds a base layer of savory flavor to the filling.
- 1 teaspoon minced garlic - Minced garlic adds a fragrant and essential garlicky note.
- The Spice Symphony:
- 3 cans (8 ounces each) tomato sauce, divided - Tomato sauce forms the base of the flavorful sauce and adds a touch of tanginess to the filling.
- 2 teaspoons chili powder - Chili powder adds a warm and smoky chili flavor, quintessential to Mexican cuisine.
- ½ teaspoon ground cumin - Ground cumin adds a warm, earthy depth of flavor that complements the chili powder beautifully.
- The Wrapping Comfort:
- 12 flour tortillas (10 inches), warmed - Warm flour tortillas provide a soft and pliable vessel for the filling.
- The Kick (Optional):
- 1 can (4 ounces) chopped green chilies - Chopped green chilies add a spicy kick to the filling (can be omitted for a milder version).
- 1 can (4 ounces) chopped jalapeno peppers - Chopped jalapeno peppers add another level of heat to the filling (can be omitted for a milder version).
- The Golden Touch:
- Oil for deep-fat frying - Oil is used to fry the chimichangas to a beautiful golden brown color.
- The Melty Goodness:
- 1-1/2 cups shredded cheddar cheese - Shredded cheddar cheese adds a creamy and delicious cheesy element, both inside the chimichangas and as a topping.
- The Finishing Touch:
- Sauce (mentioned in original recipe but not specified) - A simple tomato sauce for dipping the chimichangas. You can use your favorite store-bought salsa, enchilada sauce, or even a quick homemade tomato sauce.
Instructions:
- Browning the Beef: In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef until it's no longer pink. Drain any excess grease to ensure a lighter filling.
- Creating the Flavorful Mixture: Stir in the refried beans, chopped onion, chili powder, minced garlic, and ground cumin to the cooked ground beef. This flavorful mixture will form the base of your chimichanga filling.
- Preparing the Assembly Line: Warm the flour tortillas according to package instructions. This will make them pliable and easier to roll without tearing.
- Assembling the Chimichangas: For each chimichanga, spoon about 1/3 cup of the beef mixture off-center on a warmed tortilla. Fold the edge nearest the filling over the mixture to enclose it. Then, fold in both sides of the tortilla towards the center. Finally, roll up the tortilla tightly to create a burrito-like shape. You can secure the chimichanga with a toothpick if desired.
- Heating the Sauce (Optional): In a separate saucepan, combine the chopped green chilies (if using), chopped jalapeno peppers (if using), and the remaining tomato sauce. Heat this mixture through to create a simple and flavorful dipping sauce for your chimichangas.
- Frying to Golden Perfection: In a large saucepan or deep fryer, heat oil to 375°F (190°C). Carefully fry the assembled chimichangas for 1-1/2 to 2 minutes per side, or until they are golden brown and crispy.
- Draining and Cheering: Use tongs to remove the fried chimichangas from the oil and drain them on paper towels to absorb any excess grease.
- A Shower of Cheese: Sprinkle the golden chimichangas with shredded cheddar cheese while they are still hot. The cheese will melt beautifully, adding an extra layer of flavor and texture.
- Dipping and Devouring: Serve your hot and cheesy Beef
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