Beef Chimichangas with Queso Sauce are a flavorful and indulgent Tex-Mex classic that deliver the perfect combination of crispy tortillas, seasoned beef, melty cheese, and a rich, velvety queso poured generously over the top.

This dish brings restaurant-style comfort straight to your home kitchen. Each chimichanga is filled with savory goodness and fried to golden perfection, making it an irresistible meal for both busy weeknights and special gatherings. Whether you’re craving a crispy, cheesy entrée or looking to impress family and guests, these chimichangas never disappoint.

Why I Love This Recipe

I love this recipe because it transforms simple ingredients into a showstopping dish packed with bold Tex-Mex flavors. The beef filling is hearty and perfectly seasoned, the tortillas fry up beautifully crisp, and the queso sauce adds irresistible creaminess.

It’s a meal that feels fun, satisfying, and comforting all at once. The versatility is another reason I enjoy making it—you can customize the filling, adjust the spice level, and enjoy leftovers just as much as the first serving. It’s a true crowd-pleaser that always brings excitement to the table.

Why It’s a Must-Try Dish

Beef Chimichangas with Queso Sauce are a must-try because they combine texture, flavor, and comfort in a way few dishes can. The crispy tortilla exterior paired with the rich, cheesy topping creates a restaurant-quality dish right at home.

It’s also incredibly customizable—perfect for anyone who loves Mexican-inspired food but wants something more indulgent than tacos or burritos. This dish is excellent for feeding a crowd, meal prepping, and celebrating special occasions. If you enjoy bold flavors and satisfying meals, this recipe deserves a spot in your kitchen rotation.

Preparation Time, Cooking Time, Servings, Calories, Course & Cuisine

Preparation Time: 15 minutes
Cooking Time: 25 minutes
Total Time: 40 minutes
Servings: 6 chimichangas
Calories: Approximately 520 calories per serving
Course: Main Course
Cuisine: Tex-Mex

Ingredients

For the Beef Filling

• 1 lb ground beef
• 1 small onion, diced
• 3 garlic cloves, minced
• 1 teaspoon chili powder
• 1 teaspoon ground cumin
• 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
• 1/2 teaspoon oregano
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
• 1 cup refried beans (optional but recommended)
• 1/2 cup tomato sauce
• 1 cup shredded cheddar or Mexican blend cheese

For the Chimichangas

• 6 large flour tortillas
• Toothpicks
• Vegetable oil for frying

For the Queso Sauce

• 2 tablespoons butter
• 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
• 1 1/2 cups milk
• 1 cup shredded white American or Monterey Jack cheese
• 1/4 teaspoon chili powder
• Salt to taste

Cooking Directions

1. Prepare the beef filling by browning the beef with onions and garlic.
2. Add seasonings, tomato sauce, and beans; simmer until thick.
3. Spoon filling into tortillas, add cheese, and roll tightly.
4. Secure with toothpicks.
5. Fry chimichangas until golden and crispy.
6. Prepare queso sauce by making a roux, adding milk, then cheese.
7. Serve chimichangas topped with warm queso.

Step-by-Step Preparation Method

1. Heat a skillet over medium heat and add the ground beef.
2. Break apart the meat as it cooks, then add diced onion and garlic.
3. Once beef is browned, drain excess grease.
4. Add chili powder, cumin, smoked paprika, oregano, salt, and pepper.
5. Stir in tomato sauce and refried beans.
6. Simmer for 5–7 minutes until thickened.
7. Lay flour tortillas flat and spoon 1/2 cup filling onto each.
8. Sprinkle cheese over the filling.
9. Fold in the sides, then roll tightly into a burrito shape.
10. Secure the seam with toothpicks.
11. Heat vegetable oil in a deep skillet.
12. Fry each chimichanga until golden brown on all sides.
13. Place on paper towels to drain excess oil.
14. For queso, melt butter in a saucepan and whisk in flour.
15. Slowly add milk, whisking until smooth.
16. Add cheese and chili powder; stir until melted and creamy.
17. Serve hot chimichangas topped with queso sauce.

How to Serve This Recipe

• Pour warm queso sauce generously over each chimichanga.
• Serve with Mexican rice and refried or black beans.
• Add toppings like pico de gallo, avocado slices, shredded lettuce, or sour cream.
• Pair with chips and salsa for a complete Tex-Mex meal.

Recipe Tips

• Do not overfill tortillas—this helps them stay sealed while frying.
• Fry at medium heat to avoid burning the tortilla before the inside heats through.
• For a lighter version, bake chimichangas at 400°F (200°C) for 18–20 minutes.
• Warm tortillas slightly before rolling to prevent cracking.
• Use high-quality cheese for a smoother queso.

Variations

• Spicy Chimichangas: Add jalapeños, chipotle peppers, or hot sauce to the filling.
• Chicken Chimichangas: Replace beef with shredded or cooked chicken.
• Vegetarian Chimichangas: Use beans, corn, peppers, and sautéed vegetables instead of meat.
• Green Queso: Add roasted green chilies to the queso sauce for more flavor.
• Air Fryer Version: Lightly oil chimichangas and air fry at 375°F (190°C) for 10–12 minutes.

Freezing and Storage

Refrigerator: Store cooked chimichangas without queso for 3–4 days.
Freezer: Freeze rolled but uncooked chimichangas for up to 3 months.
Reheating:

• Oven: 375°F for 12–15 minutes
• Air Fryer: 350°F for 7–9 minutes
• Stovetop: Re-fry lightly to re-crisp

Queso sauce should be refrigerated for up to 3 days and reheated slowly.

Special Equipment Needed

• Large skillet
• Deep frying pan or Dutch oven
• Saucepan
• Tongs
• Toothpicks
• Paper towels

FAQ

Can I bake these instead of frying?
Yes, they can be baked at 400°F until golden and crisp.

What cheese is best for queso?
White American or Monterey Jack melt smoothly for a creamy texture.

Can I prepare the filling ahead of time?
Yes, the filling can be refrigerated for up to 2 days.

Are corn tortillas suitable?
No, flour tortillas are required for proper rolling and frying.

Conclusion

Beef Chimichangas with Queso Sauce are a delicious, indulgent Tex-Mex dish that combines crispy, flavorful, and creamy elements into a single irresistible meal. With its hearty beef filling, golden tortilla shell, and rich queso topping, this recipe brings a restaurant-worthy experience right to your kitchen. Whether for family dinners, gatherings, or comfort-food cravings, these chimichangas are sure to become a cherished favorite in your recipe collection.