Crispy Oven-Baked Beef Chimichangas
Indulge in these delicious Crispy Oven-Baked Beef Chimichangas that offer all the flavors of traditional deep-frying without the guilt! This recipe combines seasoned ground beef, aromatic onions, and hearty refried beans, all wrapped in soft flour tortillas and baked to golden perfection. Perfect for weeknight dinners or gatherings, these chimichangas are served with a flavorful sauce and melted cheese, making them a crowd-pleaser. Plus, they can be made ahead of time and frozen for convenience. Simplify your cooking while enjoying a satisfying meal that’s sure to impress!
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
14
Ingredients
Ingredients
Lean ground beef
1 lb (browned)
Onion
1/2 cup (chopped)
Garlic
2 cloves (minced)
Salt
1/2 teaspoon (to taste)
Fat-free refried beans
1 (16 oz) can (canned)
Tomato sauce
1/2 cup (for filling)
Chili powder
2 teaspoons (for filling)
Cumin
1/2 teaspoon (for filling)
Flour tortillas
10 (10 inch) (softened)
Butter
1/4 cup (melted)
Tomato sauce
1 cup (for serving)
Salsa
1 cup (for serving)
Chili powder
2 teaspoons (for sauce)
Mexican blend cheese
1/2 cup (optional, for topping)
Instructions
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What are Crispy Oven-Baked Beef Chimichangas?
They are a healthier, oven-baked version of the traditional deep-fried Mexican dish, featuring seasoned ground beef and refried beans wrapped in a flour tortilla.
What kind of beef is recommended for this recipe?
The recipe calls for one pound of lean ground beef, which is browned before being added to the filling.
How many tortillas do I need?
You will need 10 soft 10-inch flour tortillas for this recipe.
How do the chimichangas become crispy without frying?
The tortillas are brushed with 1/4 cup of melted butter and baked in the oven until they reach a golden, crispy perfection.
Can I freeze these beef chimichangas?
Yes, these chimichangas are freezer-friendly and can be made ahead of time for convenient meal prep.
What type of beans are used in the filling?
One 16-ounce can of fat-free refried beans is used to make the filling hearty and flavorful.
Is there a specific sauce served with these chimichangas?
Yes, a serving sauce is made using one cup of tomato sauce, one cup of salsa, and two teaspoons of chili powder.
What seasonings are used for the beef filling?
The beef is seasoned with garlic, salt, chili powder, and cumin for an authentic Mexican flavor profile.
What kind of cheese should I use for the topping?
A Mexican blend cheese is recommended as an optional topping to add extra flavor and meltiness.
How do I prepare the onion for the recipe?
The recipe requires 1/2 cup of chopped onion to be cooked with the beef and garlic.
Is this recipe considered healthy?
Yes, it is a healthy alternative to traditional chimichangas because it uses lean beef, fat-free beans, and is baked instead of deep-fried.
How much garlic is included in the filling?
The filling includes two cloves of minced garlic for aromatic depth.
Can I serve these as a snack or a main meal?
These are versatile enough to be served as either a satisfying dinner or a hearty snack.
How much chili powder is used in total?
A total of four teaspoons of chili powder is used: two for the beef filling and two for the serving sauce.
What size tortillas should I buy?
The recipe specifically recommends 10-inch flour tortillas, which are large enough to hold the filling securely.
Are the tortillas supposed to be hard or soft?
The recipe calls for softened flour tortillas, which makes them easier to roll without tearing.
Can I use this recipe for meal prep?
Absolutely, these are excellent for meal prep as they can be prepared in batches and stored.
What is the primary protein source?
The primary protein sources are lean ground beef and fat-free refried beans.
Is salsa used inside the chimichanga or on top?
The salsa is mixed with tomato sauce and chili powder to create a sauce for serving on top.
How much cumin is needed for the recipe?
The recipe uses 1/2 teaspoon of cumin to season the beef filling.
Why are these called 'guilt-free'?
They are considered guilt-free because they offer traditional fried flavors through baking, reducing the overall fat content.
What type of cuisine does this recipe belong to?
This recipe is classified under Mexican cuisine.
Is the tomato sauce used in two different ways?
Yes, 1/2 cup is used to moisten the internal filling, and an additional 1 cup is used for the external serving sauce.
Can I substitute the beef with another meat?
While the recipe specifies beef, you could likely substitute with ground turkey or chicken while following the same seasoning steps.
How much butter is required for the coating?
You will need 1/4 cup of melted butter to brush over the tortillas before baking.
Is the cheese topping mandatory?
No, the Mexican blend cheese topping is listed as optional.
Is this an easy recipe for beginners?
Yes, it is tagged as an 'easy recipe' and is designed to simplify traditional cooking methods.
How do I ensure the filling is well-seasoned?
Follow the measurements for chili powder, cumin, garlic, and salt, and adjust the salt to taste.
Can I serve this to a crowd?
Yes, the recipe description notes that these are a crowd-pleaser and ideal for gatherings.
What makes the beef filling aromatic?
The combination of sautéed onions and minced garlic provides the aromatic base for the seasoned beef.