Say goodbye to the traditional frying method with this delicious twist on the classic Mexican dish – Easy Baked Beef Chimichanga. Filled with savory beef, melted cheese, and flavorful spices, this dish is perfect for a cozy night in or a family gathering. By baking instead of frying, you’ll cut down on the mess and the unhealthy fats, without sacrificing any of the flavor. Let’s dive into this easy-to-follow recipe and enjoy the mouthwatering results!
### Easy Baked Beef Chimichanga
#### Ingredients:
– 1 pound ground beef
– 1 small onion, finely chopped
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 teaspoon ground cumin
– 1 teaspoon chili powder
– 1/2 teaspoon paprika
– Salt and pepper to taste
– 1 can (4 oz) diced green chilies, drained
– 1 can (15 oz) refried beans
– 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
– 6 (10-inch) flour tortillas
– Cooking spray
– Optional toppings: sour cream, salsa, guacamole, chopped cilantro
#### Instructions:
1. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef, breaking it up with a spoon, until browned and no longer pink, about 5-7 minutes.
3. Add the chopped onion and garlic to the skillet and cook for an additional 2-3 minutes until the onion is soft and fragrant.
4. Sprinkle the cumin, chili powder, paprika, salt, and pepper over the beef mixture. Stir well to combine and cook for another minute to allow the spices to bloom.
5. Stir in the drained green chilies and refried beans until everything is well mixed and heated through. Remove the skillet from the heat.
6. Place a flour tortilla on a flat surface and spoon a generous portion of the beef mixture onto the center of the tortilla. Sprinkle some shredded cheddar cheese on top.
7. Fold the sides of the tortilla over the filling, then fold the bottom flap over the filling and roll it up tightly to form a chimichanga. Place it seam-side down on the prepared baking sheet.
8. Repeat the filling and rolling process with the remaining tortillas.
9. Lightly spray the tops of the chimichangas with cooking spray to help them brown and crisp in the oven.
10. Bake in the preheated oven for 15-20 minutes or until the chimichangas are golden and crispy.
11. Remove from the oven and let them cool slightly before serving.
12. Serve your Easy Baked Beef Chimichangas with your favorite toppings such as sour cream, salsa, guacamole, and a sprinkle of fresh chopped cilantro.
Enjoy the fantastic flavors of this Easy Baked Beef Chimichanga that will have your family and friends coming back for more! This recipe is a great way to enjoy a Mexican-inspired meal without the hassle of frying, making it a perfect addition to your weeknight dinner rotation. Feel free to customize the filling with your favorite ingredients like black beans, corn, or jalapeños to suit your taste preferences. Sit back, relax, and savor every bite of this delicious, easy-to-make dish!
