Make Ahead Burritos or Chimichangas

Transform your weeknight dinners with these versatile Make Ahead Burritos or Chimichangas! Perfect for busy schedules, these handheld delights are filled with a savory mix of seasoned ground beef, fluffy rice, creamy refried beans, gooey cheddar cheese, and a hint of optional green chilies for a flavorful kick. Whether you prefer them soft and warm as burritos or crispy and golden as chimichangas, this recipe is easy to prepare and freezer-friendly for ultimate convenience. Simply heat them up for a quick meal or fry them to perfection for a restaurant-quality twist. Pair with enchilada sauce, guacamole, or salsa for a deliciously customizable experience the whole family will love.

Nutriscore Rating: 63/100

Prep Time:20 mins

Cook Time:25 mins

Total Time:45 mins

Servings: 8

Ingredients

• 1 pound Ground beef
• 2 cups Cooked rice
• 1 cup Refried beans
• 2 cups Shredded cheddar cheese
• 8 pieces Large flour tortillas
• 2 tablespoons Taco seasoning
• 4 ounces Diced green chilies (optional)
• 1 cup Canned enchilada sauce (optional for serving)
• 0.25 cup Vegetable oil (for frying if making chimichangas)

Directions

Step 1

In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef until browned and fully cooked, breaking it up into crumbles as it cooks. Drain any excess fat.

Step 2

Add the taco seasoning and 1/4 cup of water to the cooked beef. Stir well to coat the meat in the seasoning. Cook for another 2-3 minutes until the mixture thickens.

Step 3

In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked beef, cooked rice, refried beans, shredded cheese, and diced green chilies (if using). Mix thoroughly to create the burrito filling.

Step 4

Lay a flour tortilla flat on a clean surface. Spoon about 3/4 cup of the filling onto the bottom third of the tortilla, leaving space around the edges for folding.

Step 5

Fold the sides of the tortilla inward, then roll it tightly from the bottom up to enclose the filling completely. Repeat with the remaining tortillas and filling.

Step 6

For make-ahead storage, wrap each burrito tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil. Place them in a freezer-safe container or bag and freeze for up to 3 months.

Step 7

To reheat burritos, unwrap them and microwave on high for 2-3 minutes or until heated through. Alternatively, thaw them in the refrigerator overnight and warm in the oven at 375°F (190°C) for 15-20 minutes.

Step 8

To make chimichangas, heat 2-3 tablespoons of vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Place a rolled burrito seam-side down in the skillet. Fry for 2-3 minutes on each side until golden brown and crispy. Repeat for all burritos, adding more oil as necessary.

Step 9

Serve the burritos or chimichangas with optional enchilada sauce, sour cream, guacamole, or salsa for added flavor.

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	(2159.2g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	4491.6

Total Fat 252.7g	0%
Saturated Fat 98.8g	0%
Polyunsaturated Fat 1.4g
Cholesterol 543.2mg	0%
Sodium 9002.1mg	0%
Total Carbohydrate 385.5g	0%
Dietary Fiber 27.6g	0%
Total Sugars 18.5g
Protein 191.7g	0%

Vitamin D 0IU	0%
Calcium 2312.0mg	0%
Iron 29.6mg	0%
Potassium 2875.8mg	0%

*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.

Source of Calories

Fat: 49.6%

Protein: 16.7%

Carbs: 33.6%