Cheeseburger Chimichangas are the perfect fusion of American comfort food and Mexican cuisine. This creative dish transforms the classic cheeseburger into a crispy, deep-fried delight that combines savory ground beef, melted cheese, and zesty spices all wrapped in a golden tortilla. It’s a crowd-pleasing meal that brings together the best of both culinary worlds for an unforgettable dining experience.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Perfect fusion food that combines the flavors of a classic cheeseburger with the crispy texture of a chimichanga
• Easy to customize with your favorite burger toppings and condiments
• Great for feeding a crowd or meal prepping for busy weeknights
• Kid-friendly while still being sophisticated enough for adults
• Can be prepared ahead of time and fried just before serving

Ingredients

• Ground Beef: Use 80/20 lean-to-fat ratio for the best flavor, or substitute ground turkey for a lighter option.
• Onion: Yellow onions work best as they become sweet when cooked, but white or red onions can be used as alternatives.
• Olive Oil: Used for sautéing the onions and beef, but vegetable or avocado oil works well too.
• Chili Powder: Adds a mild heat and depth of flavor, adjust according to your spice preference.
• Cumin: Provides an earthy, warm flavor that’s essential to the Southwest-inspired taste profile.
• Salt and Black Pepper: Basic seasonings that enhance all the other flavors in the dish.
• Cheddar Cheese: Sharp cheddar provides the classic cheeseburger flavor, but feel free to experiment with pepper jack for heat or a Mexican blend.
• Salsa: Choose your preferred heat level, from mild to hot, or use fresh pico de gallo for a brighter flavor.
• Fresh Cilantro: Adds a fresh, herbaceous note, but can be omitted if you’re not a fan.
• Flour Tortillas: Larger burrito-sized tortillas work best for easy wrapping and sealing.
• Vegetable Oil: For frying the chimichangas to crispy perfection; canola or peanut oil are good alternatives.

Variations

Bacon Cheeseburger Chimichanga

Add crispy, crumbled bacon to the beef mixture for that classic bacon cheeseburger experience. The smokiness of the bacon adds another layer of flavor that pairs perfectly with the other ingredients.

Tex-Mex Chimichanga

Incorporate diced jalapeños, black beans, and corn into the filling for a more Tex-Mex inspired version. Top with avocado slices and Mexican crema after frying for an extra special touch.

Breakfast Cheeseburger Chimichanga

Add scrambled eggs to the filling and serve with a side of breakfast potatoes for a hearty brunch option. This variation works wonderfully with the addition of breakfast sausage instead of ground beef.

Veggie Chimichanga

Substitute the ground beef with a plant-based alternative or well-seasoned black beans and mushrooms for a vegetarian version that doesn’t sacrifice flavor.

How to Make the Recipe

Step 1: Prepare the Filling

Begin by heating olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the chopped onions and sauté until they become translucent and slightly caramelized, about 5 minutes. This creates a sweet foundation for your filling. Next, add the ground beef to the skillet, breaking it up with a wooden spoon as it cooks until it’s completely browned, approximately 8 minutes. Be sure to drain any excess fat to prevent soggy chimichangas.

Step 2: Season and Enhance

Add the chili powder, cumin, salt, and black pepper to the beef mixture, stirring well to ensure even distribution of the spices. Let this cook for an additional minute to bloom the spices and release their flavors. Then fold in the shredded cheddar cheese, salsa, and fresh cilantro, stirring until the cheese melts completely and creates a cohesive filling. Remove from heat and allow the mixture to cool slightly before assembling the chimichangas.

Step 3: Assemble the Chimichangas

Lay out your flour tortillas on a clean, flat surface. Spoon a generous portion of the beef and cheese mixture onto the center of each tortilla, leaving about an inch of space around the edges. To fold, first bring the bottom edge of the tortilla up and over the filling, then fold in both sides, and finally roll from the bottom to the top, creating a secure package. If needed, secure with toothpicks to prevent them from unwrapping during frying.

Step 4: Fry to Crispy Perfection

Heat about an inch of vegetable oil in a large, deep skillet over medium-high heat until it reaches approximately 350°F (175°C). Carefully place the chimichangas seam-side down in the hot oil, being careful not to overcrowd the pan. Fry until golden brown and crispy on all sides, turning occasionally with tongs, about 2-3 minutes per side. Once beautifully golden, transfer to a paper towel-lined plate to absorb excess oil.

Tips for Making the Recipe

• For extra crispy chimichangas, make sure your oil is hot enough before frying (350°F is ideal)
• Don’t overstuff the tortillas or they may burst during frying
• Secure the chimichangas with toothpicks if you’re having trouble keeping them closed
• Let the filling cool slightly before assembling to make handling easier
• If the tortillas are breaking when you roll them, warm them briefly in the microwave to make them more pliable
• For a healthier version, these can be baked at 400°F for 15-20 minutes instead of fried

How to Serve

Serve these crispy cheeseburger chimichangas hot with classic burger condiments on the side such as ketchup, mustard, and dill pickle slices. For a more Mexican-inspired presentation, offer guacamole, extra salsa, and sour cream as dipping options. A fresh side salad with a tangy vinaigrette creates a nice contrast to the rich, fried chimichangas, or serve with a side of seasoned fries for the ultimate cheeseburger experience. For a special touch, drizzle a bit of queso sauce over the top and garnish with extra cilantro and diced tomatoes.

Make Ahead

These cheeseburger chimichangas are perfect for meal prep. You can prepare the filling up to two days in advance and store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator. You can even assemble the unfried chimichangas ahead of time and keep them covered with plastic wrap in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours before frying. For longer storage, place the assembled but unfried chimichangas on a baking sheet, freeze until solid, then transfer to freezer bags for up to 3 months. When ready to serve, you can fry them directly from frozen, adding a few extra minutes to the cooking time.

FAQs

Can I bake these chimichangas instead of frying them?

Yes! For a healthier version, brush the assembled chimichangas with a little oil and bake them in a preheated 400°F oven for about 15-20 minutes or until golden brown and crispy. Flip them halfway through the baking time to ensure even browning.

What can I use instead of flour tortillas?

While flour tortillas are traditional for chimichangas because they hold up well during frying, you can experiment with whole wheat tortillas for added nutrition. Corn tortillas are not recommended as they tend to crack during folding and frying.

How do I know when the oil is hot enough for frying?

If you don’t have a thermometer, you can test the oil by dipping the handle of a wooden spoon or a wooden chopstick into the oil. If bubbles form around the wood and rise up, your oil is ready for frying. Alternatively, you can drop a small piece of tortilla into the oil – it should sizzle and begin to brown immediately, but not burn quickly.

What sides go well with cheeseburger chimichangas?

Classic sides include Mexican rice, refried beans, or a simple green salad. For a more cheeseburger-themed meal, serve with french fries, onion rings, or sweet potato fries. A fresh corn and avocado salad also pairs beautifully with the rich flavors of the chimichangas.

Conclusion

Cheeseburger Chimichangas represent the best of culinary fusion – combining the beloved flavors of an American classic with the technique and presentation of traditional Mexican cuisine. This recipe offers endless possibilities for customization while maintaining the core elements that make it so irresistible: savory beef, melted cheese, and a perfectly crispy exterior. Whether you’re looking for a crowd-pleasing party food, a fun family dinner, or just want to experiment with something new, these cheeseburger chimichangas are sure to become a favorite in your recipe collection. Give them a try tonight and discover a delicious new twist on two beloved comfort foods!

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