Chimichangas

Ingredients

• 1 lbground beef$3.23
• 1 canrefried beans$0.87
• 4 eachlarge flour tortillas$0.87
• 2 cupMonterey Jack cheese, shredded$3.56
• 4 cupvegetable oil for frying$2.97
• 2 tbsptaco seasoning$0.07
• 2 cupshredded lettuce$0.71
• 0.5 cupsour cream$0.52
• 1 cupsalsa$1.19
• 0.5 tspkosher salt$0.01
• Total for 4 servings$14.00

Most of the cost is monterey jack cheese, shredded ($3.56) and ground beef ($3.23). With oil, spices and staples already at home, the shop drops to about $10.08. Prices are estimated for the amount used, at average US grocery prices (November 2026).

Steps

1. Line a large baking sheet or plate with paper towels for draining the chimichangas after frying. Set out toothpicks for securing the rolled tortillas.
2. Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef, taco seasoning, and kosher salt, cooking and breaking up the meat with a wooden spoon for 5 to 7 minutes until fully browned, no pink remains, and the beef reaches an internal temperature of 160°F (71°C). Drain off excess fat.
3. In a dry skillet over medium-low heat, warm each flour tortilla for 15 to 20 seconds per side until soft and pliable. Spread 1/4 of the refried beans down the center of each tortilla, layer 1/4 of the cooked beef over the beans, and sprinkle with 1/4 of the shredded Monterey Jack cheese.
4. Fold the sides of each tortilla tightly over the filling, then roll from the bottom up into a snug burrito; secure the seam with a toothpick if necessary.
5. Add the vegetable oil for frying to a heavy, deep pot or Dutch oven and heat over medium-high heat until it reaches 375°F (190°C). Carefully lower two chimichangas seam-side down into the hot oil and fry for 2 to 3 minutes per side until crisp and golden brown all over.
6. Using tongs or a slotted spoon, transfer the fried chimichangas to the paper-towel-lined plate to drain for 2 minutes. Repeat the frying step with the remaining two chimichangas.
7. Remove the toothpicks from the chimichangas. Place them onto serving plates and serve hot alongside the shredded lettuce, salsa, and sour cream.