Shredded Beef Chimichangas

Okay, first off….a chimichanga is fried, a burrito normally has nothing done to it but stuffed with ingredients, an enchilada is baked, and it can be wet or dry….geeze, Mexican food is confusing. 🙂

DH requested a “beef mexican dish” for dinner, and this recipe from Pennies on a Platter fit the bill perfectly. Nikki has some great recipes, so check out her site!

Little did I know that I was about to encounter the best Mexican shredded beef I’ve ever had.

You heard me.

This beef is phenomenal. Even if you don’t make this into chimichangas, make the beef. Put it in tacos, burritos, enchiladas, on top of nachos, whatever. It’s amazing.

This was also my first time cooking with chipotle peppers in adobo. I know…I was a little late getting on that ship.

Delicious, flavorful, and quick thanks to the crockpot beef and mere seconds in the frying pan, this is a great meal! Enjoy!

Shredded Beef Chimichangas

(Pennies on a Platter)

6 chimichangas

4 – 6 Tbs olive oil, divided
2 lb boneless chuck roast
1 tsp chili powder
1/2 tsp cumin
1/2 tsp smoked paprika
1 cup beef stock (or broth)
1 Tbs tomato paste
2 chipotle peppers in adobo sauce, minced
1/2 large sweet onion, diced
3-5 cloves garlic, minced (depending on how much you love garlic)
flour tortillas
choice of toppings – lettuce, salsa, guacamole, sour cream, etc.

To make the shredded beef:

Combine the spices in a small bowl.  Rub into the beef, covering all the nooks and crannies and each side evenly.

In a large skillet, heat 1-2 tablespoons olive oil until shimmering.  Sear the meat on each side, using tongs to flip it.  Remove and place in the bottom of a large slow cooker.

With the skillet remaining over the heat, deglaze with the beef stock and scrape up any brown bits.  Whisk in the tomato paste and chipotle peppers.  Once sauce comes to a boil, reduce the heat and simmer for a few minutes until slightly thickened and reduced.

Meanwhile, add the onion and garlic to the top of the beef in the slow cooker.  Carefully pour the sauce over top.  Cover and cook on low for 6 to 8 hours.

Once the meat is fork tender, remove and shred with two forks.   Pour a portion of the sauce, including the onions, over top of the meat and let soak to enhance flavor.

To make the Chimichangas:

Heat 3-4 tablespoons olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat, until shimmering.

While waiting for the oil to heat up, warm the tortillas in the microwave for 10 – 20 seconds.  Fill with a few tablespoons of shredded beef and about 1/4 cup of shredded cheese.  Roll the tortilla into a burrito shape.

Once the oil is heated, place the burritos (2-3 at a time) into the skillet and brown on each side until golden.  Start with the seam side down first.

Place on paper towel lined plate to drain any excess oil.  Serve with desired toppings.

 

Shepherd’s Pie

This was delicious! Why haven’t I ever made this simple, hearty, and satifying dish?!

This recipe will definitely be in our regular rotation — and I find it amusing and fitting that it was Amy’s first shepherd’s pie — and I chose her recipe to follow! LOL

Very tasty, and super-fast to pull together. And versatile. You could do mini ramekins, you could do one big casserole, you can freeze it (just thaw it in the fridge before you bake) or you can make it up to 2 days in advance of baking (I made the meat mixture, cooled it, then added the potatoes and put it in the fridge, assembled. Then on the day we were eating, popped it in the oven until warm. Perfect!)

Shepherd’s Pie

(Sing for Your Supper)

Mashed Potato Topping:
5-6 large potatoes, peeled and cut into thirds
1/4 cup of milk
3 tbsp sour cream
2-3 tbsp Irish garlic and herb butter (or regular butter)
1/2 cup Irish extra sharp cheddar cheese, grated (I used standard sharp cheddar)
Sea salt and fresh cracked pepper

Boil a large pot of water. Peel the potatoes and cut into thirds. Boil the potatoes for 10-12 minutes or until fork tender. Drain potatoes and place back into the pan. Add the milk, sour cream, butter, cheddar cheese, sea salt and freshly cracked black pepper then mash with a masher or blend with a mixer until creamy and smooth. Cover with a lid and set aside.

Meat Filling and Sauce:
1 tsp olive oil
1/2 sweet yellow onion, diced
2 large carrots, diced
2 stalks of celery, diced
2 cloves of garlic, minced
1 1/2 lbs of lean ground beef
1-2 tsp Worcestershire sauce
1 cup frozen peas, thawed
Sea salt and freshly cracked black pepper, to taste
2 tbsp Irish garlic and herb butter (or regular butter)
2 tbsp flour
1 1/4 cup beef broth

While the potatoes are cooking, preheat the oven to 400 degrees. Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the onion, carrots and celery then cook until tender, about 4-5 minutes. Add the lean ground beef and cook thoroughly. Add the salt, pepper and Worcestershire sauce.
Once the beef is done cooking, mix the peas into the mixture until well combined. Pour the beef filling into a large baking dish and set aside. In the same skillet over medium heat, add the 2 tablespoons of butter and 2 tablespoons of flour. Mix thoroughly then slowly add the beef broth. Season with sea salt and pepper. Pour the sauce over the beef mixture and mix thoroughly. Top the beef and vegetable mixture with the mashed potatoes. Bake for 30 minutes. Let cool for a few minutes before serving. Enjoy.