Chimichangas are a staple of Tex-Mex cuisine, and these Baked Beef Chimichangas bring all the delicious flavors without the mess of deep frying. Stuffed with seasoned ground beef, refried beans, gooey cheese, and fresh spinach, they’re wrapped in a soft tortilla and baked until crispy and golden brown. The best part? They’re just as satisfying as the fried version but lighter and easier to make at home! Pair these crispy, cheesy, and flavor-packed chimichangas with salsa, sour cream, or guacamole for the ultimate Mexican-inspired meal. Whether you’re cooking for a family dinner or meal prepping for the week, this easy dish is a must-try. With just a few simple ingredients and minimal effort, you’ll have a meal that everyone will love!
Full Recipe:
Ingredients:
- 1 lb ground beef (preferably grass-fed)
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 teaspoons taco seasoning
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 16 oz. refried beans
- 4 oz. green chile peppers, diced
- 6-8 large flour tortillas
- 1 cup spinach, chopped
- 2 cups Cheddar Jack cheese, grated
- 1 tablespoon butter, melted (for brushing)
- 2 roma tomatoes, diced
- Salsa for serving
- Sour cream for serving
- Chives, chopped (for garnish)
Directions:
- Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Heat a skillet over medium-high heat. Add ground beef and chopped onion. Cook, breaking apart the meat with a spoon, until the beef is browned (about 7-10 minutes). Drain any excess grease.
- Stir in garlic, taco seasoning, salt, and pepper. Add diced green chiles and refried beans. Mix well and remove from heat, covering with a lid to keep warm.
- Warm tortillas slightly to make them pliable.
- Place a tortilla on a flat surface. Spoon about ½ cup of the beef mixture onto the center. Top with cheese and chopped spinach.
- Fold two opposite sides inwards, then fold the top and bottom over the filling, forming a tight rectangle. Place seam-side down on the prepared baking sheet. Repeat with the remaining tortillas.
- Brush the tops of the chimichangas with melted butter.
- Bake for 15-20 minutes or until golden brown and crispy.
- Serve with salsa, sour cream, diced tomatoes, and chopped chives. Enjoy!
Prep Time: 10 minutes | Cooking Time: 30 minutes | Total Time: 40 minutes
Kcal: 349 kcal per serving | Servings: 6 servings
What is a Chimichanga?
A chimichanga is essentially a deep-fried burrito. The dish is believed to have originated in Arizona, where Tex-Mex flavors blend seamlessly with Mexican traditions. Unlike burritos, which are typically soft and wrapped in foil, chimichangas are golden and crispy due to their deep-fried exterior.
However, in recent years, baked versions of chimichangas have become increasingly popular. Baking allows for a crunchy texture while reducing the oil content, making them a more balanced meal option. These Baked Beef Chimichangas keep all the traditional flavors but are much easier and healthier to prepare.
Why Bake Instead of Fry?
Many people love chimichangas but hesitate to make them at home due to the mess and extra calories from deep frying. Baking offers several benefits:
- Healthier Alternative – Traditional deep-frying soaks up oil, adding unnecessary fat and calories. Baking keeps them crispy but significantly reduces the oil content.
- Less Mess – No need to deal with splattering oil or a heavy fryer. Baking on a sheet pan makes for easy cleanup.
- Easier Cooking Process – With baked chimichangas, you don’t need to worry about hot oil or flipping them in a pan. Just brush them with a little butter, pop them in the oven, and let the heat do the work.
- Perfect for Meal Prep – Baked chimichangas store and reheat well, making them a fantastic choice for meal prepping.
What Makes These Baked Beef Chimichangas So Delicious?
The key to an unforgettable chimichanga is the filling. In this recipe, seasoned ground beef is sautéed with onions, garlic, and taco seasoning for a bold, slightly spicy flavor. Refried beans add a creamy texture and help hold everything together, while diced green chiles bring a subtle heat that enhances the overall taste.
For added nutrition, chopped spinach is mixed into the filling. This not only boosts the vitamins and minerals but also adds a fresh element that balances out the richness of the meat and cheese. Speaking of cheese, a generous amount of Cheddar Jack cheese melts beautifully inside the chimichanga, making every bite gooey and satisfying.
The tortillas are brushed with melted butter before baking, which gives them a crispy, golden-brown finish without the need for frying. Once baked, they turn out perfectly crunchy on the outside while staying warm and flavorful on the inside.
How to Serve Baked Beef Chimichangas
One of the best things about chimichangas is how versatile they are when it comes to serving. Whether you prefer a mild or spicy meal, there are plenty of ways to enhance their flavor with toppings and sides.
Toppings to Try:
- Salsa – A fresh tomato salsa or pico de gallo adds a zesty contrast to the richness of the filling.
- Sour Cream – A cool dollop of sour cream helps balance out the spices.
- Guacamole – Creamy avocado complements the crispy tortilla perfectly.
- Mexican White Sauce – A tangy, restaurant-style white sauce elevates the dish.
- Extra Cheese – Because you can never have too much melted cheese!
Side Dish Pairings:
- Mexican Rice – A classic Tex-Mex side dish that pairs beautifully with chimichangas.
- Black Beans or Refried Beans – Add protein and fiber to your meal.
- Grilled Vegetables – For a lighter, healthier balance to your plate.
- Corn Salad – A refreshing, slightly sweet side to contrast the savory filling.
By mixing and matching toppings and sides, you can customize this meal to suit your taste preferences.
Tips for the Best Baked Chimichangas
To ensure that your chimichangas turn out crispy and flavorful every time, follow these simple tips:
1. Warm the Tortillas Before Rolling
Cold tortillas can be stiff and prone to cracking. Warm them in a dry skillet or microwave for a few seconds to make them more flexible and easier to fold.
2. Don’t Overfill the Tortillas
It can be tempting to stuff as much filling as possible, but too much will make it hard to seal the chimichangas properly. Stick to about ½ cup of filling per tortilla to ensure a tight wrap.
3. Brush with Butter or Oil for Extra Crispiness
A light coating of melted butter or oil helps create that signature golden-brown crunch. If you want an even crispier texture, place them under the broiler for the last 2-3 minutes of baking.
4. Seal the Edges Well
Folding the tortilla properly is essential to keeping the filling from spilling out. First, fold in the sides, then roll the bottom tightly over the filling before tucking it under. Place the seam-side down on the baking sheet to keep everything secure.
5. Use an Air Fryer for Extra Crispiness
If you want a crunchier result, you can make these in an air fryer instead of an oven. Cook at 375°F for about 12-15 minutes, flipping halfway through.
Storing and Reheating Leftovers
Baked chimichangas store well, making them a great option for meal prep. Here’s how to keep them fresh:
- Refrigeration: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven at 375°F for 10-12 minutes or in an air fryer for a few minutes to maintain crispiness.
- Freezing: Wrap cooled chimichangas individually in plastic wrap or foil, then place them in a freezer-safe container. They can be frozen for up to 3 months.
- Reheating from Frozen: Let them thaw in the fridge overnight, then bake at 400°F for 20-25 minutes until heated through.
Conclusion:
Baked Beef Chimichangas are the perfect combination of crispy, cheesy, and savory without the excess oil of deep frying. They bring all the bold flavors of traditional chimichangas while being healthier and easier to prepare. With their crunchy tortillas, gooey melted cheese, and flavorful beef filling, they make an excellent choice for weeknight dinners, meal prepping, or even special occasions.
By using fresh, high-quality ingredients and following simple baking techniques, you can create a dish that’s just as satisfying as the restaurant version. Plus, the endless topping and side dish options allow for full customization to suit any taste.