A meat and cheese chimichanga is a delicious Mexican dish that typically consists of a flour tortilla filled with a combination of seasoned meat, cheese, and sometimes other ingredients. The tortilla is then folded and deep-fried until golden and crispy. Here’s a simple recipe for making meat and cheese chimichangas:
Ingredients:
- 1 pound ground beef or shredded cooked chicken (seasoned with your favorite Mexican spices)
- 1 cup shredded cheese (cheddar, Monterey Jack, or a Mexican blend)
- 1/2 cup diced onions
- 1/2 cup diced bell peppers
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon chili powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 4 large flour tortillas
- Vegetable oil for frying
- Optional toppings: sour cream, salsa, guacamole, shredded lettuce
Instructions:
- In a skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef or shredded chicken until fully cooked. If using ground beef, drain any excess grease.
- Add diced onions and bell peppers to the skillet and sauté until softened.
- Season the meat mixture with ground cumin, chili powder, salt, and pepper. Stir well to combine.
- Preheat the oven to 200°F (to keep chimichangas warm while frying).
- Place a portion of the meat mixture and shredded cheese in the center of each tortilla. Add chopped cilantro.
- Fold the sides of the tortilla inwards and then fold the top and bottom to form a rectangular package.
- Heat vegetable oil in a large, deep skillet or Dutch oven to about 350°F (175°C).
- Carefully place the chimichangas seam side down into the hot oil using tongs. Fry until golden brown and crispy on all sides.
- Remove the chimichangas and place them on a plate lined with paper towels to absorb any excess oil.
- Keep the chimichangas warm in the preheated oven while frying the remaining ones.
- Serve the meat and cheese chimichangas with your favorite toppings such as sour cream, salsa, guacamole, and shredded lettuce.
Enjoy your homemade meat and cheese chimichangas!
