My mom makes the best chimichangas I’ve ever had--baked, not fried, filled with shredded beef and green chilies, served with chunky guacamole and sour cream on the side. These are not hers. But they’re a quick approximation on a Friday night, and they’re pretty darn tasty fresh from the oven or eaten cold for lunch the next day. They can even be frozen and then reheated--and they’re miles better, healthier, and cheaper than the frozen variety you’ll find at the grocery store.
Beef, Bean, and Cheese Chimichangas
Ingredients
1 lb extra lean ground beef
1 onion, diced
1 can diced green chilies
1 tsp cumin (plus more, to taste)
1/2 tsp salt
1/2 tsp minced garlic
1 can refried beans, heated
10 flour tortillas
1/2 cup grated colby jack cheese
butter-flavored cooking spray
Instructions
Saute onion over medium heat. Add beef, chilies, cumin, salt, and garlic; cook, stirring frequently, until beef is completely cooked. Remove from heat. Spray tortilla on both sides with cooking spray; place a dollop of refried beans in the center, then a few spoonfuls of the beef mixture. Fold into a neat packet and place seam-side down on cookie sheet. Bake at 500°F for 8-10 minutes or until golden-brown and crispy, turning halfway through. Enjoy with fresh guacamole smeared on top.
Cost
0.78 1 can refried beans
1.38 1 package tortillas
2.98 1 lb 90% lean ground beef
0.78 1 can green chilis
Total: 5.92
The onion, cheese, cooking spray, minced garlic, and seasonings all came from fridge and pantry, so I'm not sure what the added cost is--less than a dollar, I'd guess. Let's say $7 total. Since we used ginormous burrito tortillas, that made 6 chimichangas (with enough filling left over for 2 burritos). Use smaller tortillas, and you can easily get 10-14 chimichangas. It works out to about a dollar a serving...so I guess it's not actually that much cheaper than the frozen version. But it's definitely better!
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4 comments:
You've inspired me to make chimichangas! These look sooo tasty and I do love them baked instead of fried.
I loved it when Mom used to make hers; wasn't this what you always requested for your birthday?
It was! And it's still one of my favorite dishes. I need to try Mom's recipe someday, because it is sooooooo good. But this one is easier and much quicker! Maybe we should make chimichangas for an upcoming Sunday dinner.
Oh my word those look good. I bet I could make chili-free versions. Do you garnish with cilantro and onion?
We did not, but I think that sounds like an excellent option! If you've got the ingredients on hand, you should go for it.
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