Beef and Bean Chimichangas are a Tex-Mex classic that combine all the best flavors of a hearty burrito with the crispy crunch of deep-fried perfection. Golden on the outside and bursting with a rich, savory filling, these chimichangas are pure comfort food. Each bite delivers a satisfying mix of tender beef, creamy refried beans, melted cheese, and warm spices, wrapped snugly in a flour tortilla and fried until crisp.
The secret to a great chimichanga lies in its filling. Ground beef is browned and seasoned with chili powder, cumin, garlic, and paprika, creating a flavorful base that pairs beautifully with smooth refried beans. Some versions also include diced onions, bell peppers, or jalapeños for added texture and depth. The combination is rich yet balanced, offering both comfort and a little kick of spice. Once wrapped in a tortilla, the chimichanga is fried or air-fried until golden and crisp, sealing in all the savory goodness.
Chimichangas are incredibly versatile and easy to customize. You can mix in black beans or corn for extra heartiness, add rice for a more filling meal, or top the finished dish with salsa, guacamole, or sour cream for extra freshness. Many people love to smother them in enchilada sauce or queso dip, turning a handheld snack into a full, indulgent dinner.
What makes Beef and Bean Chimichangas truly special is the contrast of textures and flavors. The crunchy tortilla shell gives way to a warm, flavorful interior that’s both creamy and meaty. They can be enjoyed as a casual weeknight dinner, a fun weekend indulgence, or a party favorite that everyone loves.
Beyond their taste, chimichangas celebrate the playful side of Tex-Mex cuisine, taking familiar ingredients like beef, beans, and tortillas and transforming them into something crispy, golden, and irresistible. Whether paired with a side of rice, fresh pico de gallo, or a simple salad, Beef and Bean Chimichangas deliver bold flavor and pure satisfaction. They’re a reminder that sometimes, the best meals are the ones you can eat with your hands and enjoy down to the last crunchy bite.

Ingredients
- 1 pound ground beef lean
- 1 can refried beans 15 ounces
- 1 packet taco seasoning 1 ounce
- 8 pieces tortillas large, flour
- 1 cup cheddar cheese shredded
- 2 cups oil for frying
- 1/2 cup sour cream for serving
- 1/2 cup salsa for serving
Instructions
- In a large skillet, cook the ground beef over medium heat until browned, about 6-8 minutes. Drain any excess fat.
- Add the refried beans and taco seasoning to the beef, stirring to combine. Cook for an additional 3-5 minutes.
- Place a spoonful of the beef and bean mixture onto each tortilla, sprinkle with cheddar cheese, and roll them up tightly.
- In a large skillet, heat the oil over medium heat. Carefully place the rolled tortillas in the oil and fry until golden brown on all sides, about 2-3 minutes per side.
- Remove chimichangas from the oil and drain on paper towels. Serve with sour cream and salsa.
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Followed the recipe but I burnt my first batch. Patience is key, I guess. Still, they tasted great!
Quick and easy! Perfect for busy week nights. Thumbs up!
Uhh, be careful with that much oil, it ain’t healthy. I prefer baking them.
Totally agree! These are a lifesaver for busy nights. Just made them last week!
Too much oil! I didn’t like how greasy they turned out.
Why do you fry it? Can’t you just bake them? Seems unhealthy.
Are you sure this is authentic? My grandma would never approve of these!
Authentic? Who cares! This recipe sounds delicious anyway. 😋
I tried making these but I think I put too much seasoning. They were a bit salty. Anyone else had this issue?
Not bad, but kinda bland. Needs more spice for my taste.
I made these with chicken instead and they were just as good! So you can switch it up!
Absolutely delicious! My family loved it, will definitely make again.
Chimichangas are the best! Yum!
I tried this recipe and the beef was way too greasy! How can you cook it without making it swim in oil?
Chimichangas? Never heard of those before. Sounds fancy but I just wanna eat.
Chimichangas are delicious! You should definitely give them a try. They’re basically deep-fried burritos! Yum!
Yum! I didn’t have all the ingredients but still made it with what I had. Definitely a keeper!
That sounds awesome! It’s great to hear you were able to improvise. Cooking’s all about being creative! 😀
These chimichangas are easy and super tasty! My whole family loved them.
Yum! Can I use chicken instead of beef? I don’t eat beef much.
Yeah, chicken should work just fine! Just make sure to cook it all the way through. Enjoy!
This recipe was a pain to follow. Too much frying and the oil splattered everywhere. Not making this again.
Come on, it ain’t that bad. Just gotta be careful with the oil. Delicious recipe, worth the mess!
I totally agree! Frying just makes such a mess. I prefer baking them, way easier!
Followed the recipe but ended up with a mess in the kitchen. Not impressed.
A mess? That’s weird. This recipe is usually quite easy. Did you follow the steps really? 🤔
Sorry to hear that! Maybe the oil was too hot or something? These can be tricky if you’re new to frying.
Do they freeze well? I want to make a bunch for meal prep.
Chimichanga?? Never heard of it. Why not just make a burrito? 🤷♂️
These chimichangas are the bomb! Just like the ones I had in Mexico. So good!
So easy to make! My kids loved them! I used black beans instead of refried beans, still yum!
That’s awesome to hear! I love how versatile recipes can be. Black beans are a healthier choice too! 💚
I don’t know if I did something wrong but mine turned out soggy..
I thought chimichangas were supposed to be crispy! Mine were more like burritos. 🙁
Sounds like you might not have fried them long enough. They should be crispy if done right! Give it another try! 😊
Honestly, it was too salty with the seasoning. I suggest using half a packet.
I think you might’ve just used too much seasoning. I usually use a little less and it comes out great!
OMG, these are the best! My husband said they taste just like the ones from that fancy restaurant!
Too greasy for my liking, I think I should’ve baked them instead of frying. Only giving 3 stars.
5 stars all the way! I can’t believe how easy this was to make. Thanks for sharing!
I’m so glad you enjoyed it! The frying part really makes them crispy. Did you use any toppings?
Easy? Really? Mine fell apart and tasted bland. Frugally speaking, lots of cans were used. Disappointed! 😒
These chimichangas are delicious! My family loved them. Will definitely make again.
So easy to make! I was surprised they turn out this good! 😍
I’m glad to hear that! They really are so delicious and simple to make. Perfect for a weeknight dinner! 👍
I don’t know, my kids didn’t touch these. They prefer pizza. 1 star.
Good recipe but I added black beans instead of refried. Was still okay I guess.
Took a bit longer than expected, but I think I might’ve used the wrong tortillas. They still tasted good! 4/5 for sure.
Too much oil for me, I felt sick after eating. Not making again. 🤢
I think the oil is necessary for frying! But you could always try baking them instead. 🤷♂️
Ugh, mine fell apart while frying. What did I do wrong? 😩
I dunno. Seems kinda greasy to me. Shouldn’t they be baked instead of fried?
My kids devoured them! I added some jalapeños for a kick.
Yummm! So good, I added jalapeños to spice them up a bit. Best idea ever! 5 stars.
Just made these for the Super Bowl, big hit! But I used turkey instead of beef. Still yummy!
Turkey? Really? I dunno, isn’t beef kinda the whole point of chimichangas? 🤔
Using turkey sounds like a smart twist! I’ll definitely try that next time. Glad it was a big hit!
Can you really call these chimichangas if there’s no green sauce? Not convinced. I’ll stick to my traditional recipe. 2 stars.
These chimichangas were delish! My family loved them. Will make again!
I don’t get why you have to fry them. Can’t I just bake? Seems healthier.
These chimichangas are AMAZING! I served them at a family gathering and they were gone in minutes! Definitely a 5-star dish!
I don’t eat beef, can you use chicken instead? Not sure if it will taste the same…hmmm.
Beef and beans? What a combo! Can’t believe how easy this was. A hit at my dinner party!
Yum! Can’t wait to try. Is there a vegetarian option?
You could use a meat substitute like lentils or tempeh with the same beans! That’s what I do. 😊
These chimichangas are the best! I made them for my family, and they loved it! Will definitely make again!
Chimichangas? What’s that? I thought it was kinda like a burrito. 🤷♂️
Chimichangas are like crispy burritos! They’re filled and then fried. You gotta try them, they’re delish! 😋
5 stars! Perfect for game night. Made them with extra cheese.
Too many steps for me, I like easy meals. I’ll stick to microwaving stuff.
Simple and tasty! I added some jalapenos for a kick. Yum!
Sounds delicious! I love adding a little spice too. Jalapenos are a great idea!