ElMonterey Chimichangas (Budget Meal)

cheddar cheese

🥗Healthier: low-fat cheese

💰Cheaper: monterey jack

Low-fat cheese reduces calories while maintaining flavor.

sour cream

🥗Healthier: Greek yogurt

💰Cheaper: plain yogurt

Greek yogurt offers similar creaminess with fewer calories.

ground beef

🥗Healthier: ground turkey

💰Cheaper: ground chicken

Ground turkey is leaner while ground chicken is often less expensive.

flour tortillas

🥗Healthier: whole wheat tortillas

💰Cheaper: corn tortillas

Whole wheat adds fiber, while corn tortillas are often cheaper.

Heat oil in a skillet and add frozen El Monterey chimichangas to sear them until browned on each side.

Preheat the oven to 375°F.

Cook taco rice in the microwave according to package instructions for 12 to 15 minutes, adding a little oil to it.

In a separate skillet, brown about 1 cup of ground beef and season with onion and garlic.

Add two cans of chili to the browned ground beef and mix well.

Prepare a baking dish with a little oil for easy cleanup.

Place the seared chimichangas in the baking dish, arranging them in the same direction as the pan.

Pour the meat sauce (ground beef and chili mixture) over the chimichangas.

Bake in the oven for about 30 minutes until heated through.

Cooking Techniques

Equipment Needed

Spice Level:

Dietary

Allergens