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Crispy Chimichanga recipe with juicy chili braised beef made in the air fryer or oven (AKA “Skinny Chimichangas!”) are restaurant delicious without all of the calories!
This chimichanga recipe is the beef version of my wildly popular Smothered Baked Chicken Burritos! They’re stuffed with optional cilantro lime rice and black beans, sharp cheddar cheese, juicy, spoon tender shredded beef that’s been braised with a caravan of rich, earthy, fiesta seasonings, then baked or air fried to golden, crispy perfection. Finally, the piece de resistance, is the smothering of green chili sour cream sauce that will have everyone swooning! These beef chimichangas are versatile (can be made with any of your favorite proteins such asbeef barbacoa,carnitas,birria, etc.),and 100% make ahead and freezer friendly for an easy walk-in-the-door dinner! Serve this recipe with chips, salsaandguacamoleand a side of pina colada fruit salad and Mexican rice (pictured) for the ultimate feast!
If you love everything Mexican food, don’t miss our beef, bean and cheese burritos, taquitos, chicken flautas or crispy baked beef or chicken tacos.
HOW TO MAKE chimichangas VIDEO
Why you’ll love this chimichanga recipe
Flavor texture heaven! These chimichangas are a symphony of YUM from the juicy beef, to the layers of spices, to the oozing cheese, to the golden, crispy tortillas, all smothered in contrasting tangy, silky, chili sour cream sauce.
The chimichangas are baked or air fried instead of deep fried!You will love the golden, crispy shell without the hassle, mess or calories of deep frying!
It’s all about the beef. Chimichangas are only as good as the meat they are stuffed with! This Mexican shredded beef is rich and meltingly tender braised, in a mélange of seasonings, chilies, salsa and liquid smoke to create an enticing complexity of flavor.
Once the beef is cooked, the chimichangas can be assembled in minutes. All you have to do is layer the tortillas with beef, cheese and optional beans and cheese, roll up, brush with oil and and cook. While they’re crisping, whip up the sauce.
The chimichangas can be stuffed with any protein, Or, skip the protein all together and go vegetarian with beans, cheese and veggies – the possibilities are endless!
This recipe is make-ahead and freezer friendly.The beef filling can be made days ahead of time or you can proceed to roll the chimichangas, refrigerate then cook when ready. You will also love that this recipe is freezer friendly so all you have to do is heat and eat!
Chimichangas are a fabulous make ahead crowd pleaser. Make them ahead of time and keep warm in the oven until time to serve – they will deliver all the flavor and craveable crunch without all the stress! Serve them up a at game night, family night, movie night, potlucks, parties, and upcomingCinco de Mayo!.
WHAT IS A Chimichanga?
The chimichanga is a Mexican-American dish that originated in Arizona in the mid-1900s. Chimichangas are essentially a cross between a fried flauta and a smothered burrito — sounds pretty irresistible, doesn’t it?
They consist of a flour tortilla filled with shredded beef or chicken, and often beans and rice, rolled up burrito-style, then deep fried until golden and crispy. Homemade chimichangas can also be baked or air fried, like in this recipe, with shockingly crispy results!
Chimichangas are often served with a creamy sauce to compliment the crispy tortilla and toppings like guacamole, salsa, and sour cream.
Chimichanga vs Burrito
While chimichangas and burritos share some similarities, there are several key differences between these two popular Mexican dishes. Chimichangas are typically smaller, deep-fried, and have a more limited set of filling ingredients, whereas, burritos are larger, not deep-fried, and can contain a wider variety of fillings. Here’s the deets:
1. Firstly, chimichangas are deep-fried, or at the very least, baked or air fried, while burritos are not. This means a chimichanga is cocooned in a crispy tortilla, and a burrito is wrapped in a soft tortilla for two very different texture dining experiences.
2. Secondly, chimichangas are often smaller than burritos and are usually filled with a more limited set of ingredients, such as shredded beef or chicken, beans, cheese, and possibly rice. On the other hand, burritos can be much larger and may contain a wider variety of fillings, such as rice, beans, lettuce, pico de gallo, guacamole, sour cream, French fries and even pineapple.
3. Chimichangas are often served on a plate topped with a sauce and a variety of toppings, while burritos are typically served plain, with sides of salsa and hot sauce, or wrapped in foil and eaten on-the-go.
4. Finally, the origin of the two dishes differs. While the exact history of the chimichanga is uncertain, it is believed to have originated in the southwestern United States. Burritos, on the other hand, have a clear origin in Mexico and have been a popular dish there for centuries.
Chimichanga FAQS
What is traditionally in a chimichanga?
Traditionally, a chimichanga is a Mexican dish made with a flour tortilla that is filled with a variety of ingredients such as shredded beef, chicken, or pork, beans, rice, cheese, and spices. The tortilla is then tightly folded around the filling and deep-fried until it is crispy and golden brown.
Other popular ingredients that can be added to a chimichanga include onions, peppers, tomatoes, and jalapenos. Once the chimichanga is cooked, it is typically served with a sauce and a variety of toppings such as guacamole, salsa, sour cream, and shredded lettuce.
Are chimichangas even Mexican?
The origin of chimichangas is somewhat uncertain, but they are generally believed to have originated in the southwestern United States, particularly in Arizona. Some stories suggest that the dish was accidentally created when a burrito was dropped into a deep fryer, while others believe that it was created intentionally as a way to preserve and transport food.
While chimichangas may not have a clear Mexican origin, they have become a popular dish in Mexican-American cuisine and are often served in Mexican restaurants in the United States. The dish combines elements of both Mexican and American cuisine, with a flour tortilla, meat, beans, and spices that are commonly used in Mexican cooking, and the deep-fried preparation method that is more commonly associated with American cuisine.
In summary, while the origin of chimichangas may not be strictly Mexican, they have become a beloved and popular dish in Mexican-American cuisine, and are often associated with Mexican cuisine in the United States.
What is a Texas chimichanga?
A Texas chimichanga is a variation of the traditional chimichanga that is popular in the state of Texas in the United States. While there is no one definitive recipe for a Texas chimichanga, it is generally believed to be a heartier and more substantial version of the traditional dish.
It typically features a larger flour tortilla that is filled with a combination of spiced beef, chicken, or pork, beans, rice and cheese. In some variations, the filling may also include diced onions, peppers, and jalapenos for additional flavor and heat. The chimichanga is then deep-fried until it is crispy and golden brown, and is often served with a side of guacamole, salsa, and sour cream.
Do people in Mexico eat chimichangas?
Chimichangas are not a traditional or common dish in Mexico, and are not typically found on menus in Mexican restaurants in the country. While it’s possible that some restaurants in tourist areas or in areas with a high concentration of Mexican-American residents may serve chimichangas, they are not a part of mainstream Mexican cuisine.
In fact, some Mexicans may not even be familiar with the dish, as it is believed to have originated in the southwestern United States, particularly in Arizona. However, like many popular dishes in Mexican-American cuisine, chimichangas have become a beloved and popular dish in the United States, and are often associated with Mexican cuisine in the US.
Did El Charro invent the chimichanga?
There are several stories about the invention of the chimichanga, and while El Charro Café in Tucson, Arizona is often credited with creating the dish, the origins of the dish are somewhat uncertain.
According to one popular story, the chimichanga was invented at El Charro Cafe in the 1920s or 1930s, when a cook accidentally dropped a burrito into the deep fryer. When the cook exclaimed “chimichanga,” which is a Mexican slang term that can be roughly translated to mean “thingamajig,” the name stuck and the dish became a popular menu item at the restaurant.
However, there are also other claims to the invention of the chimichanga, including stories of similar dishes being served in other parts of the southwestern United States and in Mexico.
Ultimately, the true origins of the chimichanga are likely lost to history, and while El Charro Cafe is often credited with popularizing the dish, it is possible that variations of the dish were being served in other locations around the same time.
What is a flauta vs chimichanga?
Flautas and chimichangas are both popular Mexican-inspired dishes. Flautas are like a smaller/thinner version of a chimichanga, served without the typical chimichanga sauce and may be served as an appetizer or snack rather than a main course. Here is the breakdown:
Flautas are made by filling smaller flour tortillas (not burrito size) with a mixture of ingredients such as shredded chicken, beef, or cheese, and rolling them tightly into a cylinder shape. The filled tortillas are then deep-fried until they are crispy and golden brown. Once cooked, flautas are often served with a variety of toppings such as guacamole, salsa, sour cream, and shredded lettuce, they are not served with a a sauce over top.
Chimichangas, on the other hand, are made by filling a large burrito-size flour tortilla with a variety of ingredients such as shredded beef, chicken, or pork, beans, rice and cheese. The tortilla is then tightly folded around the filling and deep-fried until it is crispy and golden brown. Once cooked, chimichangas are often smothered with a sauce. They are much fatter than flautas due to the larger tortilla.
What is a fajita vs chimichanga vs enchilada?
Fajitas, chimichangas, and enchiladas are all popular Mexican-inspired dishes, but they have distinct differences in terms of ingredients and preparation.
Fajitas typically consist of grilled or sautéed strips of beef, chicken, or shrimp that are seasoned with a blend of spices and served with grilled onions and peppers in a hot skillet. The meat and vegetables are usually wrapped in a warm flour tortilla and served with additional toppings such as guacamole, sour cream, and salsa.
Chimichangas are made by filling a large flour tortilla with a variety of ingredients such as shredded beef, chicken, or pork, beans and cheese. The tortilla is then tightly folded around the filling and deep-fried until it is crispy and golden brown. Once cooked, chimichangas are often served with a variety of toppings such as guacamole, salsa, sour cream, and shredded lettuce.
Enchiladas are made by filling corn tortillas with a mixture of ingredients such as shredded chicken, beef, or cheese, and rolling them up into a tube shape. The rolled-up tortillas are then covered with a red enchilada sauce, verde sauce or creamy white green chili sauce, and baked until the cheese is melted and bubbly. Enchiladas are often served with a side of Mexican rice and refried beans.
What are chimichangas called in Mexico?
Chimichangas are not a traditional or common dish in Mexico, so there is no specific name for them in Mexican cuisine. The dish is believed to have originated in the southwestern United States, particularly in Arizona, and is more commonly associated with Mexican-American cuisine in the United States.
That being said, some Mexican restaurants in the United States may serve a variation of the dish or have their own name for it. However, it’s important to note that these variations are often adapted to suit the tastes of a specific region or customer base, and may not necessarily reflect traditional Mexican cuisine.
Are chimichangas made with flour or corn tortillas?
Chimichangas are made with flour tortillas. Flour tortillas are larger and more pliable than corn tortillas, which makes them better suited for wrapping around the filling and folding into a burrito-like shape before frying. Additionally, the flour tortilla’s texture becomes crispy and golden-brown when fried, adding an enjoyable crunch to the dish.
chimichanga recipe INGREDIENTS
This chimichanga recipe is easy to make with everyday ingredients and spices instead of whole chilies. Let’s take a closer look at what you’ll need to make this recipe (full recipe measurements in the recipe card at the bottom of the post):
FOR THE CHIMICHANGAS
- Mexican shredded beef: Chuck roast is seasoned with a homemade spice rub, then braised low and slow in a pantry friendly concoction of beef broth, salsa, chopped green chilies, liquid smoke, tomato paste and spices. You can make the Mexican shredded beef in advance to use in this chimichanga recipe, as well as other Mexican favorites like tacos, nachos, taquitos, flautas, and more!
- Tortillas: Use burrito-size flour tortillas (10-inch) for this recipe. Flour tortillas are larger and more pliable than corn tortillas, which makes them better suited for wrapping around the filling and folding into a burrito-like shape before cooking.
- Shredded cheddar cheese: Please buy a block of sharp cheddar and shred it yourself! Pre-shredded, bagged cheeses contain anti-caking agents that make them resistant to melting.
- Rice: Rice is optional but adds delightful textural interest. Use plain rice seasoned with a bit of lime and salt or Cilantro Lime Rice or Restaurant Style Mexican Rice.
- Beans: Black beans, pinto beans or refried beans are optional, but again, add pleasing varying flavor and texture.
FOR THE CHIMICHANGA SAUCE
- Olive oil + butter: A combination of oil and butter is used to make the roux for buttery flavor without all the calories of all-butter.
- Flour: All-purpose flour is perfect here, but I imagine a gluten-free 1:1 alternative would also work.
- Chicken broth: Use reduced sodium chicken broth so we can control the amount of salt in the sauce.
- Canned mild green chiles: These come in a 4-ounce can and are delightfully tangy to cut through the richness of the beef. Use mild diced green chiles so it’s easy to control the heat. Start with 2 tablespoons, then add more to taste depending on how tangy/chili forward you would like the sauce.
- Shredded cheddar cheese: Please buy a block of sharp cheddar and shred it yourself for superior melting ability and flavor.
- Sour cream: Full-fat sour cream is best because it doesn’t easily curdle like less fat or nonfat can.
- Spices: The green chili sauce is flavored with a simple combination of chili powder, ground cumin, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper.
HOW Do You MAKE chimichangas?
Making homemade chimichangas can be divided into three steps:
1. Make shredded beef or chicken filling
2. Stuff and roll the chimichangas
3. Bake or air fry the chimichangas
Below is a breakdown of the steps with process photos or you can watch the “How to Make Chimichangas” video in the recipe card at the bottom of the post.
HOW TO MAKE chimichangas
- Step 1: Prepare the Mexican shredded beef. Follow the recipe instructions as written for the juiciest, most flavorful Mexican beef! In summary, you’ll spice rub the beef, sear, then add to the crockpot or InstantPot with the braising liquid ingredients. Pressure cook or slow cook on low for 8-10 hours until fall apart tender. You can prepare the beef up to 5 days in advance and it tastes even better!
- Step 2: Assemble the chimichangas. If using, layer each tortilla with ¼ cup rice and ¼ cup black beans down the center. Add a heaping ½ cup shredded beef, top with desired amount of cheese and roll up burrito style as illustrated below by first folding in the ends, then rolling the tortilla tightly over the filling.
- Step 3: Brush with oil. Brush the chimichangas lightly all over with olive oil or spray with nonstick cooking spray (olive oil works better).
HOW TO COOK chimichangas
To bake: Bake for 18-20 minutes at 400 degrees F or until golden. Broil to desired crispiness, flip over and broil the other side until golden. Meanwhile, make the sauce.
To air fry: Working in batches, line chimichangas in the air fryer seam side down without touching. Air fry at 375 degrees F for approximately 5-6 minutes, or until golden and crispy on the top, flip over, and air fry an additional 2-3 minutes or until golden and crispy.
- Step 4: Make the chimichanga sauce. Melt butter in olive oil in a medium saucepan, then, whisk in the flour and cook for a couple minutes. Slowly whisk in the chicken broth, followed by the spices. Bring to a simmer until thickened, then stir in the canned green chiles, shredded cheddar, and sour cream.
Step 5: Top and serve. Top each cooked chimichanga with the green chili sour cream sauce and any additional toppings you’d like, such as pico de gallo.
Topping ideas for chimichangas
The toppings you choose for your baked beef chimichangas will depend on your personal tastes and preferences, so have fun making your own ideal explosion of fresh, tangy, crunchy, and creamy! Go as simple as just the green chili sauce or some of the most traditional toppings for chimichangas include:
- Guacamole: Lusciously creamy, tangy, salty and fresh guacamole adds vibrancy to the chimichangas. You have three options: 1) go simple by picking up store-bought in the deli section; 2) mash avocados with lime juice, garlic powder, onion powder, salt and pepper or 3) go all out with my favoriteguacamole recipemade with avocados, lime juice, cilantro, jalapenos, red onions, and juicy tomatoes.
- Pico de gallo:This is fresh tomato salsa that adds a bright, punchy freshness. You can use my homemadepico de gallorecipe or store bought.You can make thesalsaahead of time and store it in an airtight container in the fridge. Bring to room temperature before serving.
- Cilantro: If you skip thepico de gallo, load on some minced cilantro and tomatoes for a fresh, zesty flair.
- Salsa:Go with traditionalrestaurant style salsa,or salsa verde or chunky salsas with varying textures and flavors like myblack bean corn salsa,avocado corn salsa,charred corn salsa,pineapple salsa,ormango salsa– all SO good!
- Sour cream or Greek yogurt: The refreshing, bright, silky creaminess of the sour cream or Greek yogurt compliments and cut through the crunchy, cheesy, earthy richness.
- Lettuce: Use shredded iceberg lettuce to add a refreshing crunch to the chimichanga and helps balance the richness of the other ingredients.
- Cheese: Sharp cheddar adds a savory and melty layer to the chimichanga. You can also add a showering of cotija for a salty finish. It is traditionally found with the specialty cheeses and should be readily available.
- Jalapenos: Fresh jalapenos or pickled jalapenos for their fabulous pickled tang are both great options.I particularly love thesesweet and spicy pickled jalapeños from Trader Joes. They are similar to candied jalapenos but a little less sweet AKA perfection.
- Hot Sauce: Pass around the hot sauce for an easy, delicious way to customize heat.
Chimichanga Toppings
TIPS TO MAKE THE BEST chimichanga recipe
Set yourself up for success with the right cut of beef.Choose a chuck roast that is fresh, bright in color and contains lots of marbling because marbling = flavor and tenderness. If you use a different cut of beef, I cannot guarantee it will be melt-in-your-mouth tender or as rich in flavor.
Cook the beef until very tender.If your beef isn’t crazy tender, then cook on! It just means the proteins needs more time to break down and tenderize. Even 30 more minutes can make the world of difference between “okay” and melt-in-your-mouthbeef.
Use burrito size flour tortillas. Flour tortillas are larger and more pliable than corn tortillas, which makes them better suited for wrapping around the filling and folding into a burrito-like shape before frying. Anything smaller and the proportions will be off and the tortillas will be very difficult to roll without the filling spilling out and the tortillas tearing.
Don’t overstuff the chimichangas. It’s tempting to really pack in the filling but this overwhelms the ratio of crispiness to filling and the chimichangas are more likely to tear when rolling or cooking.
Roll the tortillas tightly. You don’t want any gaps in the chimichangas, otherwise the filling will leak out and make the tortillas more likely to tear and more difficult to become crispy.
Brush lightly with olive oil. I recommend using a basting brush to apply the olive oil over the rolled chimichangas, or if you don’t have one, pick them up and use your hands! You want every inch of that tortilla to have a light coating of oil to help it crisp up perfectly in the oven. That said, use a light hand, otherwise, the olive oil can have the opposite effect and the tortillas will have difficulty crisping up.
BEEF
- Beef Barbacoa (Crockpot):Crazy juicy beef slow cooked until melt-in-your-mouth tender infused with a tangy, chipotle sauce. Barbacoa Beef is known for its intense flavor and perfect balance of chipotle peppers, cumin, oregano and lime juice.
- Beef Birria:This viral beef boasts an explosion of complex earthy, smoky, savory, slightly spicy, juicy, addictiveness in each and every saucy bite. The beef is stewed until fall apart juicy tender in a from scratch adobo sauce made from chilies, onions, garlic, tomatoes and toasted spices including peppercorns, cumin seeds, coriander seeds, cloves, bay leaves and cinnamon.
- Taco meat: It’s packed with flavor from browning the meat with sautéed onions, garlic and homemade taco seasoning, then combined with refried beans and salsa – the filling becomes hearty yet creamy all at the same time – pure savory comfort food at its most addicting.
CHICKEN
- Shredded Mexican Chicken (Crockpot):This is one of my most popular recipes! Chicken simmered with Mexican spices, salsa and green chilies for amazingly flavorful chicken that’s dripping with flavor and SO tender.
- Honey Lime Salsa Verde Chicken (Crockpot): This is another all-time reader’s favorite. It’s bright, tangy, zesty with just the right amount of kick all balanced by a hint of honey.
- Chicken Adobado: Use the chicken portion of my Chicken Birria Tacos. The chicken is braised with homemade adobo sauce made with dried chilies, onions, garlic, tomatoes and toasted spices for complex, rich flavor that is out of this world.
- Quick Mexican Chicken: This shortcut Mexican chicken is done in 10 minutes! It seasons rotisserie chicken with robust spices, fire roasted tomatoes, tomato paste and green chilies.
- Chicken Tinga:This option is also super quick and easy made with shredded rotisserie chicken tossed in a saucy, smoky, spicy tomato chipotle sauce.
- Quick Ground Turkey(from my tacos):It’s quick, easy, healthy and packed with flavor – you won’t even miss the beef with my secret ingredient!
PORK
- Carnitas (Crockpot):Juicy pork smothered in a dynamic fiesta spice rub then slow cooked with orange juice and lime juice all finished in the oven to create glorious caramelized crispy burnt ends.
- Chipotle Sweet Pulled Pork:A Café Rio Copycat that’s juicy, tender, melt-in-your-mouth with the perfect balance of saucy sweet heat.
- Salsa Verde Pork (Crockpot):This recipe is inspired by the aforementioned chicken but in a juicier pork version. It is tangy, flavorful with just the right amount of kick all balanced by a hint of honey.
VEGETARIAN ALTERNATIVES:
- Tofu:Use extra firm tofu that is well drained; you will need 3 cups. To drain tofu, place it in a pie plate, top with a heavy plate and weigh down with 2 heavy cans (to release water). Set aside for 10 minutes then sauté with the taco seasonings while crumbling. You can add a little enchilada sauce or salsa for moisture.
- Veggies:Use any combo of your favorite veggies such as cooked sweet potatoes, black beans, zucchini and/or corn. Sauté them with taco seasonings. You can add a little enchilada sauce or salsa for moisture.
- Beans: Mix black beans or chickpeas with any of your favorite cooked veggies to equal 3 ½ cups.
CHEESE
I wouldn’t swap out the sharp cheddar as its robust flavor compliments the richness of the beef, but you can combine it with:
- Pepper Jack: a derivative of MontereyJack, flavored with sweetpeppers, rosemary, garlic, habanero chilies and jalapeños – yum! Like Monterey Jack, it also melts well.
- Colby Jack: produced almost identically to Monterrey Jack but is seasoned withannatto (derived from seeds of the achiote tree)so its mild, slightly sweet and nutty.
- Oaxaca cheese:has a mellow, buttery flavor similar to Monterey but melts more easily with a mozzarella-like texture.
- Asadero:is Oaxaca’s cousin that isn’t quite as moist. It’s a mild,excellent melting cheese with a creamy-smooth, velvety texture.
WHAT Sides to SERVE WITH chimichangas?
These beef chimichangas make a tasty dinner with the help of a few sides. Here are some of our favorites:
Rice:This is a great pairing if you don’t add rice to the chimichanga filling. We lovecilantro lime rice,Mexican rice,oravocado rice. You can also serve with quinoa, or low carb cauliflower rice.
Salads: A light, refreshing salad is always a win and a great way to stretch your recipe if needed. This recipe pairs well with a big green salad,Mexican salad,southwest salad, corn salad oresquites (Mexican street corn salad),corn salad. You also have my favorite Mexican pasta salad to choose from.
Veggies: I HIGHLY encourage you to go with authenticelote(Mexican Grilled Street Corn) – you will not regret it! Other alternatives includegrilled corn on the cob,baked asparagus,roasted broccoli,roasted potatoes,roasted cauliflower.
Fruit: Keep it simple and serve this chimichanga recipe with any of your favorite fruits such as cantaloupe, pineapple, or grapes or my favoritepina colada fruit salad orfruit salad with honey lime vinaigrette.
meal prep chimichangas
This chimichanga recipe is great to meal prep for a quick snack or dinner! You’ll want to begin layering the tortilla with cheese (instead of beef) so it can shield the tortilla from any moisture to help prevent it from becoming soggy before cooking. Also, take care the beef is well drained/not wet before adding, otherwise it can make the tortillas soggy. Tightly wrap the chimichangas individually in foil or plastic wrap and refrigerate for up to 3 days or freeze for up to 3 months. Cook as directed, adding an extra minute or two.
what can I prep Ahead of time?
If you don’t have time to assemble the chimichangas at once, you can get a jump start on the prep:
Season beef:The beef can be seasoned, seared and stored in the slow cooker insert with the braising ingredients in the refrigerator for up to 2 days before cooking.
Cook beef: Alternatively, go one step further and cook the beef. Shred, then store in the juices for up to 5 days. When ready to use, reheat in the crockpot or stove.
Filling ingredients: The rice can be cooked and the cheese shredded and stored in the refrigerator until ready to use.
Green chili sauce: The sauce can be made and stored in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat the sauce in a saucepan over medium-low heat. You may need to a splash of milk if the sauce has thickened up too much after it’s warmed.
Toppings.The toppings such pico de gallo and guacamole can be prepped and refrigerated up to a couple days in advance. The guacamole will keep for up to a day without changing color very much – just make sure to press a piece of plastic wrap directly against the surface to prevent oxidation/browning. I also find stirring a little sour cream into the guacamole when making works wonders at keeping it vibrant green.
HOW TO STORE chimichangas
Let the beef chimichangas cool completely before packaging to prevent them from becoming as soft. Line them in a single layer in an airtight container or wrap them individually in foil. Store in the refrigerator for up to 5 days or place foil-wrapped chimichangas in a freezer bag and freeze for up to 3 months (instructions to follow).
HOW TO reheat chimichangas
You can reheat chimichangas in the microwave, oven, or air fryer. The air fryer is my #1 preferred method for reheating anything crispy – or formerly crispy and restoring it to it’s as-good-as-new glory!
Air fryer: Place your chimichangas in the air fryer basket and air fry at 375 degrees F for 4-6 minutes, flipping halfway through.
Oven: Place chimichangas on a baking rack placed over a baking pan. Bake in a preheated oven at 400 degrees F for 10-12 minutes or until warmed through.
Microwave: This is my least favorite method because the exterior doesn’t crisp up, but it’s convenient for hands-off reheating. Transfer chimichangas to a microwave safe plate and microwave on high or 45 seconds then at 15-second intervals as needed. To crisp up afterwards, transfer to a nonstick pan and pan fry each side until crispy (don’t use any oil).
HOW TO freeze chimichangas
Chimichangas are a great make-ahead, have-on-hand snack or meal. To freeze, let them cool completely in a single layer. Wrap them individually in foil, then transfer to a large freezer bag and squeeze out any excess air. Freeze for up to 3 months.
HOW TO Reheat Frozen chimichangas
You’ll want to reheat frozen chimichangas FROM FROZEN. If you thaw them first in the fridge, the tortillas will become incredibly soft and soggy.
Air fryer:Spray the air fryer basket with cooking spray. Place desired number of frozen chimichangas in the air fryer basket in a single layer so they aren’t touching. Air fry at 400 degrees F for approximately 10-12 minutes, flipping halfway through.
Oven: Place chimichangas on a baking rack placed over a baking pan. Bake in a preheated oven at 425 degrees F for 15-20 minutes or until warmed through.
Microwave:Transfer desired number of frozen chimichangas to a microwave safe plate and microwave on high or 2 minutes then at 15-second intervals as needed. Microwaved chimichangas will be extra soft. You can crisp them up in a nonstick skillet after microwaving.
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Beef Chimichangas (Baked or Air Fried)
This chimichanga recipe is the beef version of my wildly popular Smothered Baked Chicken Burritos! They're stuffed with optional cilantro lime rice and black beans, sharp cheddar cheese, juicy, spoon tender shredded beef that's been braised with a caravan of rich, earthy, fiesta seasonings, then baked or air fried to golden, crispy perfection. Finally, the piece de resistance, is the smothering of green chili sour cream sauce that will have everyone swooning! These beef chimichangas are versatile (can be made with any of your favorite proteins such asbeef barbacoa,carnitas,birria, etc.),and 100% make ahead and freezer friendly for an easy walk-in-the-door dinner! Serve this recipe with chips, salsaandguacamoleand a side of pina colada fruit salad and Mexican rice (pictured) for the ultimate feast!
Servings: 6 chimichangas
Total Time: 7 hours hrs 30 minutes mins
Prep Time: 30 minutes mins
Cook Time: 7 hours hrs
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Ingredients
Beef Chimichangas
- 1 recipe Mexican Shredded Beef <–click for recipe
- 6 burrito size tortillas (10-inch)
- 1 cup freshly shredded sharp cheddar cheese
- Optional: cilantro lime rice or regular
- Optional: black beans or pinto beans
GREEN CHILI SOUR CREAM SAUCE
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 tablespoon unsalted butter (or regular and reduce salt)
- 3 tablespoons flour
- 2 cups low sodium chicken broth
- 1/2 tsp EACH cumin, chili powder
- 1/4-1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 tsp EACH pepper, garlic powder, onion powder
- ½ 4 oz. can mild chopped green chilies, or more to taste
- 1/2 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese
- 1/2 cup sour cream
- 1 tablespoon lime juice
- Hot sauce or cayenne pepper to taste
OPTIONAL TOPPINGS
- Pico de gallo or tomatoes/cilantro
- Guacamole
- Salsa
- Sour cream
- Hot Sauce
Instructions
Beef
Prepare Mexican Shredded Beef according to recipe directions (click HERE for recipe). The beef can be made ahead of time and refrigerated in the juices, then reheated before using (tastes even better this way!). Drain any excess liquid from beef before using.
Chimichangas
If baking: Preheat oven to 400 degrees F. Line a baking sheet with foil and add a baking rack on top.
Assemble: If using, layer each tortilla with ¼ cup rice and ¼ cup black beans down the center. Add a heaping ½ cup shredded beef, top with desired amount of cheese and roll up burrito style (fold in the ends then roll over filling). If baking, place burritos seam side down on the prepared baking sheet. If air frying, place seam side down on parchment paper (or any flat surface will work).
Add oil: Brush the chimichangas lightly all over with olive oil or spray with nonstick cooking spray (olive oil works better).
COOK
To bake: Bake for 18-20 minutes at 400 degrees F or until golden. Broil to desired crispiness, flip over and broil the other side until golden. Meanwhile, make the sauce.
To air fry: Working in batches, line chimichangas in the air fryer basket seam side down without touching. Air fry at 375 degrees F for approximately 5-6 minutes, or until golden and crispy on the top, flip over, and air fry an additional 2-3 minutes or until golden and crispy. Meanwhile, make the sauce.
SAUCE
Melt butter in olive oil in a medium saucepan over medium heat. Whisk in flour and cook, stirring constantly for 2 minutes. Reduce heat to low, then gradually whisk in the chicken broth and spices. Bring to a simmer until thickened, about 2-3 minutes.
Remove from heat and stir in the green chilies, followed by the cheese a handful at a time, followed by the sour cream and lime juice. Add hot sauce to taste (optional).
TO SERVE
Top chimichangas with Green Chili Sour Cream Sauce and desired toppings. Dig in!
Video
Notes
- To meal prep: You’ll want to start layering the tortilla with cheese (instead of beef) so it can shield the tortilla from any moisture to help prevent it from becoming soggy before cooking. Also, take care the beef is well drained/not wet before adding, otherwise it can make the tortillas soggy. Tightly wrap the chimichangas individually in foil or plastic wrap and refrigerate for up to 3 days or freeze for up to 3 months. Cook as directed, adding an extra minute or two.
- To store: Let the beef chimichangas cool completely before packaging to prevent them from becoming as soft. Line them in a single layer in an airtight container or wrap them individually in foil. Store in the refrigerator for up to 5 days or place foil-wrapped chimichangas in a freezer bag and freeze for up to 3 months (instructions to follow).
- To freeze: Freeze uncooked chimichangas for meal prep, or freeze cooked leftover chimichangas. Let the cooked chimichangas cool completely in a single layer. Wrap them individually in foil, then transfer to a large freezer bag and squeeze out any excess air. Freeze for up to 3 months. Reheat per instructions, FROM FROZEN, adding an additional few minutes as needed.
To reheat
- Air fryer: Place your chimichangas in the air fryer basket and air fry at 375 degrees F for 4-6 minutes, flipping halfway through.
- Oven: Place chimichangas on a baking rack placed over a baking pan. Bake in a preheated oven at 400 degrees F for 10-12 minutes or until warmed through.
- Microwave: This is my least favorite method because the exterior doesn’t crisp up, but it’s convenient for hands-off reheating. Transfer chimichangas to a microwave safe plate and microwave on high or 45 seconds then at 15-second intervals as needed. To crisp up afterwards, transfer to a nonstick pan and pan fry each side until crispy (don’t use any oil).
Ingredient Prep Ahead
If you don’t have time to assemble the chimichangas at once, you can get a jump start on the prep:
- Season beef:The beef can be seasoned, seared and stored in the slow cooker insert with the braising ingredients in the refrigerator for up to 2 days before cooking.
- Cook beef: Alternatively, go one step further and cook the beef. Shred, then store in the juices for up to 5 days. When ready to use, reheat in the crockpot or stove.
- Filling ingredients: The rice can be cooked and the cheese shredded and stored in the refrigerator until ready to use.
- Green chili sauce: The sauce can be made and stored in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat the sauce in a saucepan over medium-low heat. You may need to a splash of milk if the sauce has thickened up too much after it’s warmed.
- The toppings such pico de gallo and guacamole can be prepped and refrigerated up to a couple days in advance. The guacamole will keep for up to a day without changing color very much – just make sure to press a piece of plastic wrap directly against the surface to prevent oxidation/browning. I also find stirring a little sour cream into the guacamole when making works wonders at keeping it vibrant green.
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4 Comments
Maggie Aldrich says
Hi! If I was to choose one of the many protein options you listed (including this recipe), which is your favorite/most flavorful?! 🙂
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Jen says
That’s a tough one! If you don’t go with this beef, then I would say: Chipotle Pork, Beef Barbacoa or Mexican Shredded Chicken. All so good!
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Michele Brennan says
I used your Barbacoa beef recipe with these Chimichangas and it was delicious!!! I had to make an under 2 lb English roast stretch for 4 people, so I added black beans and rice to the filling, but it is the beef that is killer!!!
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Jen says
Thank you so much, Michele, I am so happy you enjoy the Chimichangas! That is a great idea to use beans and rice to stretch the roast for 4 people! Thanks for taking the time to leave a comment!
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