Best 2 Make Ahead Chimichangas Recipes

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Craving savory, crispy, and delectable chimichangas but want to save time and effort? Look no further! Whether you are planning a party, preparing packed lunches, or simply seeking a hassle-free meal solution, make-ahead chimichangas are the answer. With careful preparation and the right techniques, you can create these scrumptious treats in advance, ensuring a convenient and satisfying gastronomic experience. Discover the secrets to making irresistible make-ahead chimichangas that will tantalize your taste buds, leaving you and your loved ones craving more. Get ready to embark on a culinary journey that blends convenience and flavor effortlessly.

Here are our top 2 tried and tested recipes!

MAKE-AHEAD BURRITOS OR CHIMICHANGAS



Make-Ahead Burritos or Chimichangas image

These are great to have on hand for busy weeknights. I make a big batch and freeze them so that we can have them on nights when there is no time for ANYTHING! Throw them in a preheated 350 degree oven still frozen and still in the foil and in an hour, you have a yummy hot dinner. Great for using up leftovers and OAMC. Originally from BHG monthly cooking contest - many years ago!

Provided by Messy44

Categories     One Dish Meal

Time 20m

Yield 16 serving(s)

Number Of Ingredients 8

1 lb pork (about 3 cups) or 1 lb chicken, cooked and shredded (about 3 cups)
1 (16 ounce) jar salsa
1 (16 ounce) can refried beans
1 (4 ounce) can diced green chilies
1 (1 1/2 ounce) envelope taco seasoning mix
16 flour tortillas, 8 inch
16 ounces monterey jack cheese or 16 ounces cheddar cheese, cut into sixteen sticks of the same size
cooking oil or cooking spray

Steps:

  • Preheat oven to 350 degrees.
  • In large skillet, combined meat, salsa, beans, undrained chilies, and seasoning mix. Cook and stir over medium heat until heated through.
  • In second skillet, heat tortillas, one at a time, about 30 seconds per side. For each burrito/chimichanga, place 1/3 cup meat mixture atop a tortilla, near one edge. Top with a cheese stick. Fold sides in, roll up starting with cheese side. Wrap individually in foil.
  • To store for later: At this point, place wrapped burritos/chimichangas in plastic zip bags, label and freeze for up to 6 months.
  • To prepare from frozen: Bake desired number in preheated 350 oven for 50 minutes or until heated through. For burritos: Bake additional 10 minutes in foil. Serve with toppings. For chimichangas: Unwrap and place on baking sheet, bake additional 10 minutes until tortillas are crisp - OR - fry in 1/4" oil in large fry pan, turning and cooking until golden and crisp.
  • To prepare from thawed, reduce initial baking time to 30 minutes.
  • Serve with toppings of your choice: sour cream, guacamole, diced green onions, salsa or shredded cheese.
  • Makes 16.

MAKE AHEAD CHIMICHANGAS



Make Ahead Chimichangas image

Make and share this Make Ahead Chimichangas recipe from Food.com.

Provided by Bev I Am

Categories     Chicken

Time 1h25m

Yield 8 serving(s)

Number Of Ingredients 11

1 lb pork or 1 lb chicken
1 (16 ounce) jar salsa
1 (16 ounce) can refried beans
1 (4 ounce) can diced green chili peppers
1 (1 1/2 ounce) envelope burrito seasoning mix or 1 (1 1/2 ounce) envelope taco seasoning mix
16 flour tortillas, 7 or 8 inch
16 ounces monterey jack cheese or 16 ounces cheddar cheese, cut into sixteen 5 x 1/2 inch sticks
salsa (optional)
sour cream (optional)
cooked rice (optional)
cooking oil (optional)

Steps:

  • Using two forks, shred cooked meat or chicken (should have about 3 cups).
  • In a large skillet combine meat or chicken, salsa, beans, undrained chili peppers, and seasoning mix.
  • Cook and stir over medium heat until heated through.
  • In another skillet heat tortillas, one at a time, over medium-low heat about 30 seconds per side.
  • For each chimichanga, place 1/3 cup meat mixture atop a tortilla, near one edge.
  • Top with a cheese stick.
  • Fold in sides; roll up, starting with cheese side.
  • Bake, covered, in 350 degree F.
  • oven for 30 minutes.
  • Uncover and bake 10 minutes more or until heated through.
  • Serve with salsa, dairy sour cream, and hot cooked rice, if desired.
  • Make-Ahead Tip: To freeze, place chimichangas in freezer containers.
  • Seal, label, and freeze for up to 6 months.
  • To prepare, wrap frozen chimichangas individually in foil.
  • Bake in a 350 degree F.
  • oven about 50 minutes or until heated through.
  • (Or, thaw chimichangas in refrigerator overnight. Bake about 30 minutes.) Unwrap.
  • Bake 10 minutes more or until tortilla is crisp and brown.
  • Or, heat about 1/4-inch depth of oil in a skillet.
  • Cook desired number of frozen chimichangas, uncovered, in hot oil about 25 minutes (about 18 minutes if thawed) over medium-low heat or until golden, turning often.

Tips:

  • Prep Ahead: To save time, prep your chimichangas in advance and store them in the refrigerator for up to 3 days or freeze them for up to 3 months.
  • Use a Variety of Fillings: Get creative with your fillings! Try different combinations of proteins, vegetables, and cheeses to create unique and flavorful chimichangas.
  • Master the Folding Technique: The key to a perfect chimichanga is in the folding. Make sure to tuck in the sides and ends tightly to prevent the filling from spilling out during frying.
  • Fry in Small Batches: Don't overcrowd the pan when frying your chimichangas. Fry them in small batches to ensure they cook evenly and get that golden-brown crust.
  • Serve with Dipping Sauces: Chimichangas pair perfectly with a variety of dipping sauces. Try serving them with salsa, guacamole, sour cream, or your favorite Mexican-inspired sauce.

Conclusion:

Make-ahead chimichangas are a convenient and delicious meal option that can be enjoyed for breakfast, lunch, or dinner. With a little planning and preparation, you can have a freezer full of ready-to-cook chimichangas that can be easily reheated in the oven or air fryer. So next time you're looking for a quick and easy meal, give these make-ahead chimichangas a try. You won't be disappointed!

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