Beef and Cheese Chimichangas

Ingredients:

• 1 pound ground beef
• 1 can (16 ounces) refried beans
• 1/2 cup finely chopped onion
• 3 cans (8 ounces each) tomato sauce, divided
• 2 teaspoons chili powder
• 1 teaspoon minced garlic
• 1/2 teaspoon ground cumin
• 12 flour tortillas (10 inches), warmed
• 1 can (4 ounces) chopped green chilies
• 1 can (4 ounces) chopped jalapeno peppers
• Oil for deep-fat frying
• 1 1/2 cups shredded cheddar cheese

Directions:

1. In a large skillet, cook the ground beef over medium heat until it’s no longer pink. Drain any excess fat.
2. Stir in the refried beans, chopped onion, 1/2 cup of tomato sauce, chili powder, minced garlic, and ground cumin. Mix well and let it simmer for a few minutes until the flavors meld together.
3. Spoon about 1/3 cup of the beef mixture off-center on each warmed tortilla. Fold the edge nearest to the filling up and over to cover it. Then, fold in both sides and roll up the tortilla. Secure each chimichanga with toothpicks to hold its shape.
4. In a large saucepan, combine the chopped green chilies, chopped jalapeno peppers, and the remaining tomato sauce. Heat the sauce mixture through.
5. In an electric skillet or deep-fat fryer, heat about 1 inch of oil to 375°F.
6. Fry the chimichangas in the hot oil for 1 1/2 to 2 minutes on each side or until they are golden brown and crispy.
7. Drain the fried chimichangas on paper towels to remove excess oil.
8. Sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese over the top of the chimichangas.
9. Serve the chimichangas hot with the prepared sauce on the side for dipping.

Enjoy these delicious beef and cheese chimichangas as a satisfying meal that’s packed with flavor!