Beef and Cheese Chimichangas
Ingredients:
1 pound ground beef
1 can (16 ounces) refried beans
1/2 cup finely chopped onion
1 teaspoon minced garlic
3 cans (8 ounces each) tomato sauce, divided
1 teaspoon ground cumin
1 teaspoon chili powder
8 flour tortillas (10-inch size)
2 cups shredded cheddar cheese (or your favorite cheese)
1/4 cup melted butter (for brushing tortillas)
Toppings (optional): sour cream, guacamole, salsa, lettuce, diced tomatoes
—
Instructions:
1. Preheat the oven: to 350°F (175°C).
2. Cook the beef: In a large skillet, brown the ground beef over medium heat until fully cooked, breaking it up into crumbles. Drain any excess fat.
3. Add the flavor: Stir in the chopped onions, garlic, 1 can of tomato sauce, cumin, and chili powder. Let the mixture simmer for about 5 minutes until well combined and the flavors meld together. Then, stir in the refried beans and cook for another 2 minutes. Remove from heat.
4. Assemble the chimichangas:
Warm the tortillas slightly in the microwave or oven to make them pliable.
Spread about 1/2 cup of the beef mixture down the center of each tortilla.
Sprinkle shredded cheese on top of the beef mixture.
Fold in the sides of the tortilla and roll it up tightly like a burrito.
5. Bake the chimichangas:
Place the chimichangas seam side down on a baking sheet.
Brush each chimichanga with melted butter to help them crisp up.
Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until golden brown and crispy.
6. Make the sauce: While the chimichangas bake, heat the remaining 2 cans of tomato sauce in a small saucepan. If desired, add extra seasoning like cumin, garlic powder, or salt to taste.
7. Serve: Once the chimichangas are golden and crispy, serve them topped with the warm tomato sauce and any additional toppings like sour cream, guacamole, or salsa.
Enjoy your delicious Beef and Cheese Chimichangas!
