Res Beef Chimichanga: Tex Mex Recipe

Welcome once again to this beautiful space for recipes and recommendations, where we learn to cook new dishes every day and also discover a lot about its history and tradition. This chimichangas recipe is priceless and I leave you all the information that you cannot miss to do them at home for the first time.

About the chimichanga

What is it?

A chimichanga is a very popular appetizer in Tex Mex cuisine, It is found mainly in northern Mexico and the southern United States. It basically consists of a large burrito, made with a flour tortilla, which is filled with a variety of ingredients, such as beef, chicken, beans, rice, cheese and vegetablesand then deep-fried until golden and crispy.

They are usually served accompanied by typical sauces such as guacamole and sour cream.

Origin of the chimichanga: myth or reality?

Its exact origin is uncertain, but it is believed to have been invented during the 1920s at a Mexican or Tex Mex restaurant in Tucson, Arizona.

A popular myth about its origin says that a cook was preparing a burrito and accidentally dropped it in a hot fryer. At that moment it is believed that whoever made the mistake gave a shout and was about to say an insult, but instead he exclaimed “Sand!”. Despite the mistake, the fried burrito was delicious.

Apparently, from that moment it became popular in many states in the southern United States and northern Mexico.

Fun fact: The chimichanga is famous for being the favorite food of the Marvel character, Deadpool. The popularity of the character led to the chimichanga beginning to be known in other countries, even in some restaurants the “Chimichanga de Deadpool” as a themed dish for fans of the character.

What is the difference between chimichanga and burrito?

The chimichanga and the burrito are very similarIn fact, outside of Mexico, surely many people do not know what their difference is, but there are.

• The main difference is the way they are prepared.the chimichanga is a burrito that is fried in oil or lard before eating it until it has a very crunchy texture.
• Instead, the burrito is rolled up and eaten directly, without taking it to the oven or pan. The ingredients, however, are very similar: vegetables, beef or chicken, rice or beans, and cheese.
• Another difference has to do with the origin of both snacks. While the burrito is a dish typical of Mexican cuisine, the chimichanga belongs more to Tex Mex gastronomy (Mexican people living in Texas).
• Lastly, traditional burritos can be simpler and have fewer ingredients, unlike the chimichanga that usually has a greater variety of flavorswhich makes it a more substantial and complex dish, due to its frying process.

Classic pollo chimichangas

Chicken chimichangas are not the most typical but they can be a great option if you want to try other options. The ingredients you need to make them this way are:

• 8 flour tortillas.
• 2 cooked and shredded chicken breasts.
• 1 chopped onion.
• 2 diced tomatoes.
• 1 tablespoon chili powder.
• 1 cup of cooked rice.
• 1 cup of cooked black beans.
• 1 cup of grated cheese mixture.
• Salt and pepper.
• Oil to fry.

How do I make chicken chimichangas?

1. In a frying pan, sauté the onion until it is transparent. Add the chopped tomatoes and cook for a few minutes. Sprinkle the chili on top and reserve.
2. On the other hand, we mix the shredded chicken with the cooked rice and the black beans. Add the previous mixture and the grated cheese. Season to taste and integrate well.
3. Now we heat the tortillas in the microwave for 30 seconds so that they soften or in a skillet or griddle without oil.
4. Fill by placing a large spoonful of the chicken mixture in the center of each tortilla. Fold the edges of the tortilla inwards to give it the typical burrito shape.
5. Finally, fry the chimichangas in a pan with oil until golden and crisp.

¿Chimichanga o chivichanga?

In some places in Mexico they are told “chivichangas”, but specifically it is the same dish. There may be differences in the ingredients according to the state in which it is consumed. The states where this burrito is eaten the most are Sonora, Sinaloa and Chihuahua in Mexico, while in the United States it is most popular in Texas, Arizona and on the west coast.

Now without further ado, I leave you with the easiest recipe you will find anywhere on the web. I say goodbye until next time!

We read each other ❤️

Mexican Beef Chimichanga Recipe

• Yield: 4 portions.
• Cooking time: 30 minutes.

Ingredients

• 8 flour tortillas.
• 500 g of ground beef.
• 1 large chopped onion.
• 2 minced garlic cloves.
• 1 chopped green pepper.
• 1/2 cup of tomato sauce.
• 1 tablespoon chili powder.
• Salt and pepper to taste.
• 1 cup of grated emmental cheese.
• Oil to fry.

How to make chimichanga step by step

1. In a large skillet, sauté the onion, garlic cloves, and green pepper, when the transparent onion and pepper is tender, add the meat and cook about 10 minutes until the meat is browned, stirring occasionally.
2. Add the tomato sauce, the chili powder, season to taste and cook for another 5 minutes.
3. Meanwhile, heat the flour tortillas in the microwave or in a hot skillet for 30 seconds to soften.
4. Place the filling in the center of each tortilla, without overloading, and put the grated cheese on top.
5. Fold the edges of the tortilla in and roll up like a burrito.
6. Heat oil in a skillet and fry the chimichangas on both sides until golden and crisp.
7. Serve accompanied by a spoonful of guacamole and sour cream on top.