Easy Crispy Beef Cheese Chimichangas (Printable Version)

# What You'll Need:

→ Filling

01 - 680 g ground beef
02 - 1 medium yellow onion, diced
03 - 3 cloves garlic, minced
04 - 2 tablespoons taco seasoning
05 - 1 can (454 g) refried beans
06 - 200 g shredded cheddar cheese
07 - 100 g shredded Monterey Jack cheese
08 - 1 small can (113 g) diced green chiles
09 - Salt and black pepper, to taste

→ Assembly

10 - 8 large flour tortillas (20-25 cm diameter)
11 - Vegetable oil or cooking spray
12 - 2 tablespoons melted butter (optional)

→ Serving

13 - Sour cream
14 - Guacamole
15 - Salsa
16 - Pico de gallo
17 - Shredded lettuce
18 - Diced tomatoes
19 - Spanish rice
20 - Fresh cilantro

# Step-by-Step Directions:

01 - In a large skillet over medium-high heat, cook 680 g ground beef with diced onion until beef is browned and crumbled. Drain excess fat.
02 - Add minced garlic and 2 tablespoons taco seasoning to the beef. Cook for 1-2 minutes until fragrant. Season with salt and pepper.
03 - Stir in refried beans, diced green chiles, and 100 g shredded cheddar cheese. Mix thoroughly until cheese melts and ingredients combine evenly. Remove from heat.
04 - Preheat oven to 220°C. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Arrange tortillas, filling, and remaining cheese nearby.
05 - Microwave tortillas for 20-30 seconds to make them pliable and prevent cracking during rolling.
06 - Place approximately 120 ml (½ cup) of filling in the center of each tortilla. Top with a generous handful of remaining cheese.
07 - Fold the sides inward, then roll tightly from the bottom up to enclose the filling completely. Position seam-side down on the baking sheet.
08 - Brush or spray the chimichangas with vegetable oil or melted butter to promote a golden, crispy exterior.
09 - Bake for 20-25 minutes, flipping halfway through baking process, until all sides are golden brown and crispy.
10 - Allow chimichangas to rest for 5 minutes before serving with sour cream, guacamole, salsa, and other desired toppings.

# Helpful Notes:

01 - Do not overfill to avoid bursting during baking. Rolling tightly and placing seam-side down ensures sealing for a crisp shell.