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.
Nutrition
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!
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! 💚