This delightful dish, a cherished personal favorite, demands a bit of your time and effort, but rest assured, the reward is well worth it. If you’re a fan of Mexican cuisine, this recipe is a must-try. With the option to prepare it as a freezer meal, you can even save precious time during your busy workweek and still enjoy a fantastic meal. So, let’s dive into creating this delectable Chimichanga recipe!
Savory Homemade Chimichangas
Creating a mouthwatering Mexican-inspired dish at home is a culinary adventure that’s both rewarding and flavorful. These homemade chimichangas are sure to satisfy your craving for authentic Mexican flavors, and with a little preparation, you can even turn them into a convenient freezer meal. Let’s embark on this culinary journey together!
Ingredients:
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 can (16 ounces) of refried beans
- 1/2 cup finely chopped onion
- 3 cans (8 ounces each) of tomato sauce, divided
- 2 teaspoons of chili powder
- 1 teaspoon minced garlic
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cumin
- 12 large flour tortillas (10 inches), warmed
- 1 can (4 ounces) of chopped green chilies
- 1 can (4 ounces) of chopped jalapeno peppers
- Oil for deep-fat frying
- 1-1/2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
Directions:
- Prepare the Filling: In a spacious skillet, cook the ground beef over medium heat until it is no longer pink. Once cooked, drain any excess fat. Add the refried beans, finely chopped onion, 1/2 cup of tomato sauce, chili powder, minced garlic, and ground cumin to the cooked beef. Stir these ingredients together until they are well combined, creating a delicious and flavorful filling.
- Assemble the Chimichangas: Lay out the warmed flour tortillas and spoon approximately 1/3 cup of the prepared beef mixture just off-center on each tortilla. To assemble the chimichangas, fold the edge closest to the filling up and over to cover it, then fold in both sides, and roll up the tortilla, securing it with toothpicks. This step creates the perfect chimichanga package.
- Prepare the Sauce: In a large saucepan, combine the chopped green chilies, chopped jalapeno peppers, and the remaining tomato sauce. Heat this sauce through, allowing the flavors to meld into a delicious accompaniment for your chimichangas.
- Fry to Perfection: In an electric skillet or deep-fat fryer, heat about 1 inch of oil to a temperature of 375°F (190°C). Carefully place the chimichangas into the hot oil and fry them for approximately 1-1/2 to 2 minutes on each side or until they achieve a delightful golden brown color. Once fried to perfection, drain the chimichangas on paper towels to remove any excess oil.
Serve and Enjoy: To finish, sprinkle the chimichangas with a generous helping of shredded cheddar cheese. Serve them alongside the flavorful sauce you’ve prepared. The combination of crispy, golden chimichangas with a cheesy topping and the zesty sauce is sure to delight your taste buds.
Conclusion:
Homemade chimichangas are a true delight, offering a burst of authentic Mexican flavors in every bite. Whether you’re preparing them fresh for a delicious dinner or making them ahead as a freezer meal, the effort is undoubtedly worth the savory reward. So why not embark on this culinary journey and indulge in the wonderful world of homemade chimichangas today? Your taste buds will thank you!